MANILA, Philippines — Executive Secretary Ralph Recto on Wednesday paid tribute to the contributions of former House Speaker Jose de Venecia, who died at the age of 89. In a statement, Recto said the late statesman was “never content with the status quo” and “championed reforms that broke down barriers and overthrew conventions that hindered progress.” READ: 5-time Speaker Jose de Venecia; 89 “In Joe de Venecia, we saw the grit and the grace of a leader driven to make his nation great,” Recto said. “He had the courage to imagine things for the better, and the boldness to pursue them. As […]... Keep on reading: Recto pays tribute to late ex-Speaker De Venecia