Diokno statue marks CHR freedom park

MANILA, Philippines — A statue of the late senator and human rights champion Jose “Pepe” Diokno was unveiled yesterday in time for the observance of the 45th anniversary of the declaration of martial law.

The bronze statue, made by Filipina artist Julie Lluch, was unveiled at the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) compound in Quezon City. 

The Pepe Diokno Memorial will serve as a marker for a freedom park at the CHR compound, according to chairman Chito Gascon. 

“To create a space for the human rights community so that they might continue to carry on and push back. So that there will be a place where you will have a freedom to speak organize and freedom to fight for what is right and just. To prevent any vestiges of tyranny from ever returning to the country,” he said.

During her keynote speech, Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno said the Constitution would be the guiding “North Star” of the judiciary, as it continues to deliberate on pending proposals to strengthen rights of Filipinos through additional judicial remedies. 

Diokno’s great-granddaughter, Ines Klarisa, condemned the “ongoing injustices” of the current administration wherein “people are being reduced to mere numbers.”