Jose W. Diokno
Jose Wright Diokno GCrL (February 26, 1922 – February 27, 1987), also known as "Ka Pepe", was a Filipino nationalist, lawyer, and statesman. Regarded as the "Father of Human Rights," he served as Senator of the Philippines, Secretary of Justice, founding chair of the Commission on Human Rights, and founder of the Free Legal Assistance Group (FLAG), the premier group of Filipino human rights lawyers. Diokno is the only person to top both the Philippine Bar Examination and the board exam for Certified Public Accountants (CPA). His career was dedicated to the promotion of human rights, the defense of Philippine sovereignty, and the enactment of pro-Filipino economic legislation.
The Honorable Jose W. Diokno GCrL | |
|---|---|
| Senator of the Philippines | |
| In office December 30, 1963 – September 23, 1972 | |
| Secretary of Justice | |
| In office January 2, 1962 – May 19, 1962 | |
| President | Diosdado Macapagal |
| Preceded by | Alejo Mabanag |
| Succeeded by | Juan Liwag |
| Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Human Rights | |
| In office March 18, 1986 – January 23, 1987 | |
| Personal details | |
| Born | February 26, 1922 Manila, Philippine Islands |
| Died | February 27, 1987 (aged 65) New Manila, Quezon City, Metro Manila, Philippines |
| Political party | Independent (1971–1987) |
| Other political affiliations | Nacionalista (1945–1971) |
| Spouse | Carmen Reyes "Nena" Icasiano-Diokno |
| Relations | Ramón Diokno (father) Jose Lorenzo "Pepe" Diokno (grandson) |
| Children | 10 (including Chel and Maris) |
| Alma mater | De La Salle University (BCom) University of Santo Tomas (LL.B) |
| Occupation | Public official, Journalist, Accountant, Activist |
| Profession | Lawyer |
| Website | Diokno Site |
In 2004, Diokno was posthumously conferred the Order of Lakandula with the rank of Supremo—the Philippines' highest honor. February 27, a day after his birthday, is celebrated in the Philippines as Jose W. Diokno Day.