The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) honored the memory of Senator Jose “Ka Pepe” Diokno by remaining steadfast to its mandate of advocating for a society where human rights are fully enjoyed by every Filipino.
The CHR joined in the commemoration of Diokno's birth and death anniversary this year on Feb. 26 and 27, respectively. Known as the "Father of Human Rights" in the country, Diokno lived his life fighting for the things he believed in - freedom, democracy, and human rights.
Diokno pioneered the CHR’s predecessor, the Presidential Committee on Human Rights, in 1986. Now, the CHR continues to honor his legacy as it even named its open grounds the Liwasang Diokno.
The said grounds serve as a public freedom park and have been a refuge for human rights organizations. In fact, the CHR even unveiled his monument on Sept. 21, 2017 - the very same day Martial Law was declared back in 1972.
The CHR declared: "The Commission remains committed to the cause that Ka Pepe has long fought for, together with all human rights defenders. May his courage and aspirations for freedom, democracy, and human rights live in our hearts and minds!"