JDV laid to rest at Libingan

MANILA, Philippines —  The country bade farewell yesterday to former speaker of the House of Representatives Jose de Venecia Jr. at the Libingan ng mga Bayani in Taguig.

Buried near presidents and contemporaries such as Juan Ponce Enrile, De Venecia was accorded full military honors, including a funeral escort and a 21-gun salute.

“In these days of mourning, I’ve come to a profound realization: my beloved husband did not belong to us alone. He did not belong only to Pangasinan, not only to the Philippines. He belonged to the world,” De Venecia’s widow, Pangasinan Rep. Gina de Venecia, said in her remarks.

“His voice for peace, dialogue and cooperation reached far beyond our shores, and the love we have witnessed from many nations affirms the breadth and impact of his life’s work,” she added.

Among those who paid last respects to De Venecia were former president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro, Manila Rep. Bienvenido Abante, Commission on Elections Commissioner Ernesto Maceda Jr. and San Miguel Corp. chairman Ramon Ang.

Lingayen-Dagupan Archbishop Socrates Villegas celebrated mass at the Heritage Park in Taguig.

De Venecia served as speaker of the House for five terms.