Jose de Venecia, the Philippines’ longest-serving postwar House Speaker and architect of the “Rainbow Coalition,” has died at 89, his family announced Tuesday.
He served seven terms in Congress, five as speaker, championing landmark legislation such as the Dollar Remittance Program, Build-Operate-Transfer Law, and the Philippine Economic Zone Act, while promoting peace agreements with the Moro National Liberation Front and the Reform the Armed Forces Movement.
Born in Dagupan, Pangasinan, de Venecia began his career as a journalist and diplomat before entering politics in 1969, later creating political coalitions that shaped national governance.
He is credited with rebuilding and modernizing Dagupan after the 1990 Luzon earthquake, earning the title “Architect of Modern Dagupan” for his leadership in recovery and infrastructure development.
De Venecia is survived by his wife, Rep. Gina Vera Perez-de Venecia, and five children, leaving behind a legacy of statesmanship, political reform, and devotion to public service.
Source: PhilNews24 | February 11, 2026
