MANILA, Philippines — Sen. Loren Legarda joined her colleagues in mourning the passing of former House Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr., extending her sincerest condolences to the whole de Venecia family.  In a statement on Tuesday, Legarda said she would not be a senator today if it weren’t for de Venecia whom she said recruited her in 1997 and believed in her capabilities. READ: Jose de Venecia’s family confirms death of former House speaker “[He] shared his knowledge and wisdom, being the global Filipino that he is. A true statesman who was way ahead of his time, the Senate recognized […]... Keep on reading: Legarda mourns passing of former House Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr.