Former House Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr., one of the most influential and longest-serving leaders of the House of Representatives, has passed away.

Dagupan Mayor Belen T. Fernandez announced the news in a heartfelt message posted on her Facebook account, honoring him as a statesman and “the foremost son of Dagupan.” In her post, she wrote, “With deep sorrow and profound gratitude, we bid farewell to former Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr.—a five-time Speaker of the House, a statesman of national stature, and above all, the foremost son of Dagupan.”

She also recalled his vital role in the city’s recovery after the devastating 1990 earthquake, saying, “Because of him, Dagupan did not simply rebuild—we rose stronger.”

De Venecia served as Speaker of the House of Representatives for five terms—from 1992 to 1998 and again from 2001 to 2008—making him one of the longest-serving presiding officers of the chamber. Throughout his career, he was known for his pivotal role in shaping legislative policies and fostering political coalitions across administrations.

Tributes from fellow lawmakers, local officials, and citizens continue to pour in as the nation remembers a veteran public servant whose legacy remains deeply rooted in Dagupan and Philippine politics.