Echoes of 1969

As the nation once again finds itself in a season of political anticipation and renewed debate on leadership and governance, we find it timely to revisit a column we first wrote in June last year, “Titans of the House.” The memories it holds have grown even more vivid now, as we recall that on Nov. 11, 1969 — 56 years ago — we were first elected to public office as a young congressman from the then second district of Pangasinan. We were only 32 years old, full of youthful optimism, conviction, and the boundless belief that politics, at its best, could still be a noble calling.

- JOSE DE VENECIA JR. FORMER SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE

We had just returned home after serving from 1966 to 1969 as presidential assistant, economic minister, and press counselor at the Philippine Embassy in Saigon (now Ho Chi Minh City). The Vietnam War was at its height, and the lessons we learned there about diplomacy, willpower, and compromise became lifelong guides as we entered the turbulent arena of Philippine politics.

When we took our oath as amember of the Seventh Congress (1969—1972), we were surrounded by some of the brightest minds and fiercest patriots of our time. Among our colleagues were Nicanor Yniguez of Southern Leyte and Ramon Mitra of Palawan, who would both later rise to become Speakers of the House; Jose Zulueta of Iloilo and Neptali Gonzales Sr. of Rizal, who would go on to lead the Senate; and notable figures such as Roque Ablan, Floro Crisologo, Rodolfo Albano, Eduardo “Danding” Cojuangco, Raul Daza, Justiniano Montano, John Osmeña, and Salipada Pendatun, many of whom would later serve as senators and national leaders.