Legarda honors legacy of former House Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr. at necrological services

Senator Loren Legarda joined colleagues and dignitaries at the necrological rites for former House Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr. on February 16 at the Plenary Hall of the House of Representatives, remembering him as a visionary leader whose faith in people and commitment to peace left an enduring mark on the nation.

“How do we measure the life of a man who always seemed to stand at the crossroads of our nation’s story? Today, I speak not only as a Senator of the Republic, but as one of the many whose paths were defined by the generosity and faith of former Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr.,” Legarda said.

She recalled how de Venecia’s belief in her capabilities shaped her career, “I probably would not be a Senator today if, in 1997, Manong Joe hadn’t brought me into his Lakas party. I was then a 37 year old journalist, far from imagining a career in the Senate. He believed in my capabilities long before I did.”

Legarda emphasized that beyond his unprecedented five terms as Speaker and his leadership in organizations across Asia and the world, de Venecia’s greatest impact was personal.

“I will remember the quiet conversations, the sincere words of encouragement, the way he made you feel that your work and your voice mattered,” she said.

She also cited de Venecia’s own words, “Public office is both a privilege and a crucible. It tests your resolve, challenges your principles, and demands sacrifices not only from you but also from your loved ones.”

Legarda noted that these reflections remind public servants that “the position we hold is temporary, but the integrity with which we bear its burdens will outlast us.”

Highlighting his legacy, Legarda said, “Manong Joe or JDV lived that truth. He helped steer our country through turbulent post Martial Law years, building the ‘Rainbow Coalition’ that enabled long needed reforms to pass and helping to heal the fractures in our democracy. He championed laws that converted former military bases into engines of development, opened our economy to new partnerships, and gave overseas Filipino workers a dignified way to support their families.”

Legarda closed her tribute with a personal note.

“I mourn today not only the country’s loss of a brilliant leader and statesman, but my own loss of a mentor and a dear friend. Rest in peace, our dear Manong Joe. We will honor you best not by our words today, but by the way we choose to serve the country every day,” she concluded. (30)

Legarda nagbigay-pugay sa alaala ni dating House Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr. sa necrological services

Dumalo si Senadora Loren Legarda kasama ang mga kapwa mambabatas at mga dignitaryo sa necrological rites para kay dating House Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr. noong Pebrero 16 sa Plenary Hall ng House of Representatives, kung saan kanyang inalala si de Venecia bilang isang lider na may malawak na pananaw, may pananalig sa kapwa, at may matibay na paninindigan para sa kapayapaan na nag-iwan ng pangmatagalang marka sa bansa.

“How do we measure the life of a man who always seemed to stand at the crossroads of our nation’s story? Today, I speak not only as a Senator of the Republic, but as one of the many whose paths were defined by the generosity and faith of former Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr.,” ani Legarda.

Ikinuwento niya kung paanong ang tiwala ni de Venecia sa kanyang kakayahan ay nakaimpluwensya sa kanyang karera, “I probably would not be a Senator today if, in 1997, Manong Joe hadn’t brought me into his Lakas party. I was then a 37 year old journalist, far from imagining a career in the Senate. He believed in my capabilities long before I did.”

Binigyang-diin ni Legarda na higit pa sa kanyang limang termino bilang Speaker at pamumuno sa iba’t ibang organisasyon sa Asya at sa buong mundo, ang pinakamalaking ambag ni de Venecia ay personal.

“I will remember the quiet conversations, the sincere words of encouragement, the way he made you feel that your work and your voice mattered,” wika niya.

Binanggit din ni Legarda ang sariling mga salita ni de Venecia, “Public office is both a privilege and a crucible. It tests your resolve, challenges your principles, and demands sacrifices not only from you but also from your loved ones.”

Ayon kay Legarda, ang mga pagninilay na ito ay paalala sa mga lingkod-bayan na ang posisyong hawak nila ay pansamantala, ngunit ang integridad sa pagtupad ng kanilang tungkulin ay mananatili lampas sa kanilang panahon.

Sa pagbibigay-diin sa pamana ni de Venecia, sinabi ni Legarda, “Manong Joe or JDV lived that truth. He helped steer our country through turbulent post Martial Law years, building the ‘Rainbow Coalition’ that enabled long needed reforms to pass and helping to heal the fractures in our democracy. He championed laws that converted former military bases into engines of development, opened our economy to new partnerships, and gave overseas Filipino workers a dignified way to support their families.”

Sa pagwawakas, inilahad ni Legarda ang kanyang pagpupugay sa isang personal na pahayag.

“I mourn today not only the country’s loss of a brilliant leader and statesman, but my own loss of a mentor and a dear friend. Rest in peace, our dear Manong Joe. We will honor you best not by our words today, but by the way we choose to serve the country every day,” pagtatapos niya. (30)