The De La Salle University (DLSU) renamed on Saturday, Feb. 26, its College of Law after nationalists and lawyers Lorenzo "Ka Tanny" Tañada, Sr. and Jose "Ka Pepe" Diokno.
The naming was the highlight of the celebration of the 100th birth anniversary of Diokno and the book launch of Jose W. Diokno / Pamana, written by his daughter, Maria Socorro Diokno.
Through its Tañada-Diokno College of Law, DLSU said it seeks to mold future lawyers who will "emulate the love of God and country of these two exemplary Lasallians."
Tañada graduated at the top of his high school class in DLS College in 1918. He obtained his law degree from the University of the Philippines and later earned advanced degrees in law from Harvard Law School and the University of Santo Tomas.
Tañada served as Solicitor General, Special Prosecutor, judge, and Senator of the Republic.
Meanwhile, Diokno graduated from the high school of DLS College and later earned his degree in commerce, summa cum laude, also at DLS College in 1940. He topped the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) licensure examination after graduation.
After being granted a special dispensation by the Supreme Court to sit for the bar exams without finishing a law degree, Diokno topped the bar exams in 1944.
Diokno distinguished himself as a lawyer, Secretary of Justice, and Senator of the Republic.
"The patriotism of these two Lasallians was at its pinnacle in the struggle against the dictatorship and repression from the 1970s to the 1980s. Ka Pepe was one of the many individuals thrown in jail by President Marcos in 1972. Ka Tanny was his lawyer. They were both active in the parliament of the streets, asserted national sovereignty, and defended the most vulnerable," DLSU said.
"They were founding members of the Free Legal Assistance Group, a nationwide organization of human rights lawyers in the Philippines, where Ka Pepe was elected as chair. Ka Tanny and Ka Pepe, two friends who collaborated on many endeavors, causes, cases, advocacies, were joined by their love for the Filipino people."