UPF Honors Late Philippines Speaker Jose de Venecia
- Feb 18
- 2 min read
Updated: 1 day ago
Manila, Philippines – A UPF delegation traveled to the Philippines to pay solemn tribute to Hon. Jose de Venecia Jr., five-time speaker of the House of Representatives of the Philippines and ambassador for peace, who passed away on February 10, 2026, at the age of 89.
Forty distinguished representatives from UPF, FFWPU, and the Inter-Parliamentary Speakers’ Conference (ISC) – including Dr. Charles Yang, Hon. Ek Nath Dhakal, Rev. Yutaka Yamada, and Ms. Ursula McLackland – participated in the memorial observances convened in honor of the late speaker.
On February 16, 2026, the 20th Congress convened memorial rites at the House of Representatives, presided over by Speaker Faustino Dy III.
Speakers at the ceremony underscored Mr. De Venecia’s lifelong dedication to peace and international cooperation. Several distinguished leaders highlighted his longstanding friendship and collaboration with UPF co-founders Rev. Sun Myung Moon and Dr. Hak Ja Han in advancing dialogue, reconciliation, and harmony among nations. Other speakers noted his cooperation in promoting interfaith dialogue at the United Nations and beyond. These reflections bore witness to the breadth of his international engagement and his unwavering commitment to the cause of peace.
During the memorial rites, Congresswoman Gina de Venecia, wife of the late speaker, graciously welcomed the UPF founders’ representatives. In brief remarks, the representatives conveyed heartfelt condolences and affirmed the deep respect and affection with which Speaker De Venecia was regarded within the Universal Peace Federation. They emphasized that his legacy of principled leadership and bridge-building among nations will long endure. The representatives also presented a condolence letter from UPF International President Dr. Tageldin Hamad.
Floral tributes sent by Dr. Hak Ja Han were prominently displayed at Heritage Memorial Park.
The final memorial service was conducted on February 18, followed by interment at the national heroes’ cemetery reserved for presidents, vice presidents, and distinguished statesmen.
Speaker De Venecia was the founder of the International Conference of Asian Political Parties (ICAPP), which comprises more than 350 parties as members, from over 50 countries. He was also co-chairman of the International Association of Parliamentarians for Peace (IAPP) and chairman emeritus of the Universal Peace Federation (UPF).
