FORMER President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo expressed her heartfelt gratitude to five-time Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr. during his 90th birthday celebration on December 28 at Golden Bay Fresh Seafood Restaurant in Pasay City.

In a video message shared with attendees, Arroyo, who experienced a rift with De Venecia in his later years in politics, conveyed that the entire Macapagal-Arroyo family extends their warmest wishes to JdV. She emphasized that reaching 90 is not merely a milestone, but a moment to honor “a life dedicated to our country, public service, and leadership.”

Reflecting on personal memories, Arroyo acknowledged how De Venecia significantly influenced her political journey, particularly during the aftermath of the Mt. Pinatubo eruption that devastated her home province of Pampanga.

“You were the one who proposed a P10 billion fund for aid, relief, resettlement, rehabilitation, livelihood assistance, and infrastructure support to the victims. That certainly helped my fellow provincemates rise from the ashes,” Arroyo stated, expressing her enduring gratitude.

Recalling her early political career, she mentioned how, as a newcomer senator in 1992, she found support from De Venecia, who had just returned to Congress as Speaker. In 1997, when President Fidel Ramos was asked to endorse his successor, he chose De Venecia, who later invited Arroyo to be his running mate under the Lakas party.

Despite their different election outcomes—Arroyo winning the vice-presidency while De Venecia lost to Vice President Joseph Estrada—she appreciated his steadfast support during turbulent times when calls for her resignation grew loud.

Both Ramos and De Venecia reaffirmed their backing for her presidency at Malacañang, which helped quell the opposition.

Arroyo noted that economists later acknowledged their partnership as a stabilizing force during those challenging periods, allowing them to implement reforms that strengthened the nation’s economy. “Joe, thank you for being an ally, a wise leader, and a friend,” she concluded. (Leonardo Micua)