TOPICAL PHILIPPINES
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JOSE DIOKNO
26 February 1922 to 27 February 1987
Jose Diokno was Secretary of Justice, a Senator and campaigner for human rights.
In 1961, Diokno was appointed Secretary of Justice however he was asked to resign after pursuing a case which would potentially implicate many members of the Senate and Congress of corruption.
In the 1963 elections, Diokno was elected as Senator. He was noted for his pro-people legislation and strong opposition to legislation of laws which he considered inimical to the interests of Filipinos.
As zealous human rights lawyer, particularly during martial law. His crusade for human rights so irked Marcos that, when Martial Law was finally declared in September 1972, he was the first member of the opposition to be arrested. He was imprisoned without being charged and without legal recourse. Upon his release in 1974, he immediately organized the Free Legal Assistance Group, which gave free legal services to victims of military oppression under martial law. He fearlessly and resolutely fought for the restoration of Philippine democracy.
Upon Diokno’s death, President Corazon Aquino declared 2 to 12 March 1987 as a period of national mourning for Diokno. Today, the Philippines celebrate 27 February as Jose Diokno Day. Although not a public holiday, flags of all government buildings and installations throughout the country are flown at half-mast to honour him
Issued on 73rd Birth Anniversary #2349, 26 Feb 1995
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