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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Robredo mourns death of Gascon: 'A constant light in these dark times'

Robredo mourns death of Gascon: 'A constant light in these dark times'

Published Oct 9, 2021 12:40 pm

Vice President Leni Robredo expressed her deep sorrow Saturday Oct. 9 over the loss of Commission on Human Rights (CHR) Chairman Chito Gascon, whom she said "touched many lives” with his work and activism.

CHR chair Chito Gascon

“Ang dami niyang natulungan. Ang dami niyang na-inspire sa kanyang tapang at paninindigan (He helped a lot of people. He inspired many with his courage and conviction). His was a constant light in these dark times,” Robredo said in a statement.

“It is now up to all of us to tend to this light. May we all honor his legacy by following his example of compassion, courage, and integrity,” she added.

Gascon, who was appointed CHR chair in 2015, died of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19). He was 57.

READ: COVID-infected CHR Chairperson Chito Gascon passes away

Serving his term during the Duterte administration, he fought to uphold the rule of law amid the government's bloody war against illegal drugs.

The Vice President remenbered Gascon as a “student leader, advocate, and mentor that so many looked up to".

“Noong estudyante ako sa UP (University of the Philippines), sa mga martsa namin laban sa diktatura, si Chito ang nanguna bilang chair ng UP student council. Binuksan niya ang pinto para makilahok nang mas malalim ang napakarami sa demokrasya natin (When I was a UP student, in our protest march against dictatorship, Chito led us as chair of the UP student council. He opened the door for many to deeply take part in our democracy),” she said.

Office of the Vice President (OVP) Spokesman Barry Gutierrez described Gascon as a “great friend, a respected colleague, and one of the best men I ever knew".

Robredo expressed her deepest sympathy to the family of Gascon. She also condoled with the CHR staff and fellow human rights advocates.

READ: CHR mourns passing of its Chairperson Chito Gascon

“Rest in peace, Chito. Mananatili ka lagi sa puso naming lahat (You’ll always remain in all our hearts),” she said.

Related Tags

VP Leni Robredo Chito Gascon covid-19 CHR activism Human Rights 100921
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