The House of Representatives, through House Resolution No. 818, adopted on Wednesday, designated a two-storey structure at the Batasang Pambansa Complex as the Jose C. de Venecia, Jr. People’s Center in recognition of the late Speaker and his significant contributions to global peace and diplomacy, as well as the nation’s development.
Speaker Faustino “Bojie” Dy III, principal author of the resolution, said the building’s renaming is a fitting tribute to De Venecia’s legacy established through his five terms as House Speaker.
“During his years as the presiding officer of this House, Tito Joe showed us what it means to wield the gavel with purpose.”
“Limang ulit siyang nahalal bilang Speaker—isang patunay ng kakayahan at kagalingan na mahirap tumbasan. During his years as the presiding officer of this House, Tito Joe showed us what it means to wield the gavel with purpose,” Dy said during the memorial service for De Venecia held recently.
He noted that under De Venecia’s leadership, the House of Representatives became a channel for many reforms.
“Economic reforms, major infrastructure policies, and many initiatives advanced under his leadership continue to shape the nation’s trajectory. Higit pa rito, pinatatag niya ang kredibilidad ng institusyon. He ensured the House was an anchor in challenging times—steady when the country needed balance,” the Speaker said.
“Para sa akin mataas ang pamantayang kanyang itinakda. He raised our expectations—of dignity in conduct, discipline in stewardship, and fidelity to the nation above all else,” the veteran legislator added.
Dy and De Venecia were members of the House of Representatives in the 12th, 13th, and 14th Congresses.
The seasoned lawmaker also cited De Venecia’s efforts towards peace and diplomacy.
“He engaged (with people) across regions and ideologies, believing that dialogue could open doors when confrontation closed them. He advanced parliamentary diplomacy in Asia, convinced that cooperation expands possibilities for all,” Dy said.
He added that De Venecia left a House strengthened by experience.
“His legacy will guide generations yet to come.”
“He leaves us a standard of statesmanship anchored in civility … a reminder that faith and governance are not enemies — but partners in moral leadership. His service to the Republic lives on. His faith continues to inspire. His legacy will guide generations yet to come,” Dy said.
The building renamed in honor of De Venecia houses a museum dedicated to the late Speaker’s legacy and serves as a venue for public engagement, highlighting his efforts in fostering international relations and peace initiatives.
