Opposition figures, foreign dignitaries express condolences to JDV, family

Opposition stalwarts and foreign dignitaries expressed yesterday their deepest condolences to the family of Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr., who lost his youngest daughter in a fire that gutted his home Thursday night.

"The gesture of visiting him, especially at this time, is a meaningful one. Everybody was conciliatory," said House Deputy Secretary General Noel Albano, who is also De Venecia’s spokesman.

Among those from the opposition who extended their condolences were former senator Loren Legarda, Sen. Jinggoy Estrada and former Senate president Ernesto Maceda.

Former First Lady Imelda Marcos also showed up at the Santuario de San Antonio at Forbes Park in Makati City where the wake of De Venecia’s daughter Kristina Casimira — "KC" to her family and close friends — is being held until Dec. 22.

San Juan Rep. Ronaldo Zamora, who served as the executive secretary of ousted President Joseph Estrada, was at the church along with Makati Rep. Agapito Aquino, who had joined the Laban ng Demokratikong Pilipino faction led by Sen. Panfilo Lacson, who was defeated in the presidential elections last May.

Also present was Antipolo City Rep. Ronaldo Puno, who was rumored to have sought De Venecia’s post last June.

Two foreign dignitaries, Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra and Ho Ching Lee, the wife of visiting Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong who visited Manila recently, also paid their respects.

Albano said the visit of these prominent figures from the opposition "to offer simple condolences and sympathies is a good point of reconciliation to limit the level of negative politics."

"It’s not a political gimmick but a sincere moment to reach out to the Speaker. It’s an affirmation of humanity," he stressed, adding that the passage of pending bills in the House of Representatives may be hastened because of these developments.

Among other figures who visited the wake were President Arroyo, former President Fidel Ramos, Vice President Noli de Castro and Senate President Franklin Drilon.

Mrs. Arroyo earlier said she and her family extend their profound condolences to De Venecia.

"We are shocked and upset by this tragedy that has befallen a staunch ally and friend... I consider the death of KC a personal loss of one who faced a vibrant life ahead of her. I pray beside Joe and Gina for her eternal peace," she said.

Sen. Manuel Villar Jr. also extended his deep sympathies.

"As a father myself, I cannot even imagine the grief that Joe is going through right now. My sympathies go out to him and his family. May God comfort them in their time of sorrow," he said, promising that he and family will pray for the eternal repose of KC’s soul.

Other congressmen expressed condolences to De Venecia and his family.

Puno said De Venecia "has been a symbol of indescribable courage and strength. This tragic event is among those ordeals he is certain to overcome, with the support of his family, which has long stood by him in all his battles."

Several congressmen expressed shock and sadness over KC’s death and promised to offer daily prayers and special intentions. They also sought public support for the KC de Venecia Foundation, a charitable institution the family plans to put up in her memory.

Last Thursday, KC was trapped inside her elder brother Christopher’s room, as flames engulfed the main staircase of their Dasmariñas Village home and prevented her escape. The fire was reportedly the result of a short circuit brought about by faulty Christmas decoration lights.

Four hours later, firemen found her partially burned body in the bathroom of Christopher’s room, lying face down in the bathtub and wrapped in a wet blanket. She was 16.

According to Chief Inspector Rachel Avilla, acting head of the Makati City Fire Department, KC died a slow death from suffocation while she waited in vain to be saved.

She said the "heavily secured infrastructure area" was one of the problems the firemen encountered in penetrating the second floor. The window grills and the lone fire escape at the back of the house were padlocked.

De Venecia thrice tried to go up to the second floor, but the flames were too high. He suffered burns on his feet in the process. Gina also made a vain attempt to climb the stairs, sustaining cuts and burns on her arms.

Once firemen recovered KC’s body, her family immediately had her cremated and De Venecia cradled the urn containing her ashes as he brought it to the parish hall Friday afternoon, the first day of the wake.