Commission on Human Rights (CHR) chairman Jose Luis Martin "Chito" Gascon has passed away to coronavirus disease, his family confirmed Saturday. He was 57.
“Sa dami mong Laban, sa Covid pa tayo na talo! Love you Kuya! RIP Chito Gascon [Of all the fights you’ve fought, it was Covid that defeated you! Love you Kuya. Rest in Peace Chito Gascon],” his brother Miguel said in a Facebook post.
Gascon was appointed CHR chair in 2015. Prior to leading the CHR, he was a member of the Human Rights Victims Claims Board, the body tasked to receive, evaluate, and investigate reparation claims made by victims of human rights violations during Martial Law.
Gascon also served as the youngest member of both the Constitutional Commission that drafted the 1987 Constitution and the 8th Philippine Congress during the term of President Corazon C. Aquino.
Government officials condole with his passing
In a statement, CHR spokesperson Jacqueline Ann de Guia described Gascon’s leadership as inspirational and nurturing where he impressed upon personnel and fellow human rights workers the impact and value of their work, especially to those who have it least.
“At a time of unprecedented human rights challenges, Chair Chito courageously and steadfastly upheld the constitutional mandate of the Commission,” de Guia said.
“Amidst the unrelenting attacks against the institution and to him personally, he was unwavering and unflinching in fighting for the universal values of freedom, truth, and justice that are essential in the pursuit of human rights. He was undaunting in the fight for human rights, rule of law, and democracy out of deep reverence to the equal rights and dignity of all.”
Vice President Leni Robredo, meanwhile, honored the late CHR chair as someone who "touched many lives" and "was a constant light in these dark times."
“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 said in her message.
In a tweet, former Supreme Court spokesperson, lawyer Theodore Te called Gascon a “giant for human rights.”
“Chair Chito Gascon, rest in power. You fought the good fight. You stood your ground and held fast. You took the fight to the enemy. You were a giant for human rights. The forest is barer because of your fall, but the seeds that you planted will yield fruit,” Te said.
The Department of National Defense (DND) also condoled with the bereaved family of Gascon.
"We at the Department of National Defense extend our sincerest condolences to the family of CHR chairperson Jose Luis Martin 'Chito' Gascon," DND Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said in a statement.
"He will be missed. May he rest in peace," the DND chief added.
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) also extends its sincerest condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of the late CHR chair.
"His tireless work as a human rights champion and the watchful eyes of the CHR further pushed the AFP to advocate and abide by the principles of human rights and International Humanitarian Law," AFP spokesperson Army Col. Ramon Zagala said.
