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MARAPAT lang na kilalanin ng Kongreso ang ambag ni former House Speaker Jose de Venecia, ayon sa pamunuan ng Kamara.
Sa kumpas ni Speaker Martin Romualdez, binigyan na angkop na parangal si de Venecia sa aniya’y katangi-tangi pamana – mahusay na paglilingkod bilang lider ng mababang kapulungan sa loob ng 13 taon.
Panawagan ni Romualdez sa mga kapwa kongresista, gawing huwaran sa paglilingkod ang dating lider ng Kamara, kasabay ng paglalarawan kay de Venecia na aniya’y “man of great ideas and profound humanity.”
“As we dedicate the Jose de Venecia Building and Museum, let us also commit ourselves to honoring his legacy by embodying the values he holds dear: unity, compassion, and the relentless pursuit of peace and progress,” wika ni Romualdez sa inagurasyon ng gusaling isinunod sa pangalan ni de Venecia.
“The story of Speaker Jose de Venecia is a narrative of courage, resilience, and an unyielding commitment to a higher purpose. His life reminds us that true greatness lies not in the titles we hold, but in the lives we touch and the future we shape,” dugtong niya.
“To us who have been fortunate enough to walk alongside him in the halls of public service, he is not just a mentor but a towering figure of inspiration. His wisdom, tempered by decades of experience; his humility, borne out of genuine service; and his optimism, unwavering even in the face of challenges, remain etched in our hearts,” dagdag ng House Speaker.
Kasama ni former House Speaker de Venecia sa okasyon ang may-bahay na si dating Pangasinan Rep. Maria Georgina de Venecia, na kilala bilang “Manay Gina,” at anak na si Rep. Christopher de Venecia, ang kasalukuyang kinatawan ng ikaapat na distrito ng Pangasinan.
Nakiisa rin si Tingog Partylist Rep. Yedda Marie K. Romualdez, kasama sina Reps. Ramon Guico (Pangasinan, 5th District), Mark Cojuangco (Pangasinan, 2nd District), Rufus Rodriguez (Cagayan De Oro City, 2nd District), at Ace Barbers (Surigao Del Norte, 2nd District), sa pagbibigay-pugay sa dating pinuno ng Kamara, gayundin ang kanilang mga kaanak at kaibigan ng pamilya de Venecia.
Binanggit ni Romualdez na sa hanay ng mga pinakamahusay na lider ng bansa, kaunti lang ang pangalang kasing taas ng pagpapahalaga at respeto ibinibigay tulad ng kay dating Speaker de Venecia.
“To call him a visionary is an understatement, for he is not merely a leader of his time but an architect of the future, crafting ideas and building institutions that continue to shape our nation and inspire the global community,” sambit ni Romualdez.
“Speaker Joe kung tawagin ng mga malalapit sa kanya, ay isang natatanging lider sa pulitika ng Pilipinas — isang lider na nagtataguyod ng pagkakaisa sa kabila ng mga pagkakaiba, gamit ang kasanayan ng isang diplomat at ang buong pusong pagmamahal sa bayan.
“His concept of the ‘Rainbow Coalition’ remains a masterclass in inclusive governance, a vivid testament to his belief that diversity is not a weakness but a profound strength. It was under his stewardship as Speaker of the House of Representatives that legislative milestones were achieved, creating a foundation for a stronger, more equitable nation,” ayon pa sa pinuno ng Kamara.
Tinukoy din ni Speaker Romualdez ang mga ambag ni Speaker Joe sa larangan ng diplomasya.
“But it is beyond the confines of the legislature where Speaker Joe’s legacy truly soars. A statesman of international renown, he champions the cause of interfaith dialogue, a crusade that has taken him to the farthest corners of the world. In his voice, the Philippines finds a herald for peace and understanding, a statesman unafraid to confront the fractures of ideology and religion with unwavering resolve. His efforts have earned him accolades and recognition, but more importantly, they have brought nations closer to the ideal of coexistence and harmony,” ayon pa kay Speaker Romualdez.
“Yet Speaker Joe is not only a leader of great ideas; he is a man of profound humanity. He understands the struggles of the common Filipino and has worked tirelessly to uplift their lives through bold reforms and visionary programs. His compassion is not confined to the boundaries of our nation, for he sees humanity as one family, united by shared hopes and dreams,” aniya pa.
“Mabuhay ka, Speaker Jose de Venecia. Your legacy is not merely remembered; it is lived, every day, by the people you serve and the nation you love. The Philippines, and indeed the world, will forever be richer for having you.” (ROMEO ALLAN BUTUYAN II)
