Gascon a symbol of democracy, human rights – PCOO, IBP

MANILA, Philippines — Commission on Human Rights (CHR) Chairman Jose Luis Martin “Chito” Gascon was a symbol of democracy and human rights, according to the Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) and the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP).

In a statement yesterday, PCOO Secretary Martin Andanar said Gascon’s death is a loss of a “pillar and a symbol of democracy and human rights of our nation.”

“Chairman Gascon’s social and human rights activism had been prolific and evident through and through, especially throughout the period of dictatorship in the country that had dimmed and shunned democracy, human rights and the Filipino people’s freedom,” Andanar said.

“May his legacy and contributions for the continued protection and promotion of our democratic foundations and that of our human rights live within the Filipino people,” he added.

Gascon, who was appointed to the CHR by the late president Benigno Aquino III in 2015, died of COVID-19 on Saturday. He was 57.

He led investigations into alleged human rights abuses during Aquino and Duterte administrations.

In a separate statement, also yesterday, IBP national president Burt Estrada described Gascon as “a well-respected lawyer and activist whose life was an example of courage, integrity and commitment. A stalwart of human rights, he was undaunting in upholding the constitutional mandate of the CHR.”

The IBP expressed its condolences to Gascon’s family.