Chel Diokno Explained

Chel Diokno
Office1:Chairman of the Bantayog ng mga Bayani Foundation
Predecessor1:Wigberto Tañada
Office2:Chairman of the Free Legal Assistance Group
Birth Name:Jose Manuel Tadeo Icasiano Diokno
Birth Date:23 February 1961
Birth Place:Pasay, Rizal, Philippines
Residence:San Juan, Metro Manila
Education:La Salle Green Hills
Alma Mater:University of the Philippines Diliman (BA)
Northern Illinois University (JD)
Occupation:Educator, academic administrator, politician, radio host
Predecessor:Position established
Successor:Virgilio de los Reyes
Party:KANP (2021–present)[1]
Otherparty:Independent (2021)[2]
Liberal (until 2021)[3]
Spouse:Divina Aromin-Diokno
Children:6, including Pepe[4]
Parents:Jose W. Diokno
Carmen R. Icasiano
Website:Chel Diokno Site
Termstart:2009
Termend:2019
Termstart2:2003
Termstart1:August 30, 2022
Office:Dean of the De La Salle University College of Law
Relations:Maris Diokno (sister)
Ramón Diokno (grandfather)
Ananías Diokno (great-grandfather)
Félix Berenguer de Marquina (ancestor)
Francis Garchitorena (distant uncle)
Profession:Lawyer
Signature:Chel Diokno Signature.svg

Jose Manuel Tadeo "Chel" Icasiano Diokno[5] [6] (in Tagalog ˈdʒɔknɔ/, born February 23, 1961)[7] is a Filipino lawyer, educator, human rights advocate, and broadcaster. He serves as chairman of the Free Legal Assistance Group (FLAG), the founding dean of the De La Salle University College of Law (now Tañada-Diokno School of Law), and the chairman of the Bantayog ng mga Bayani Foundation.[8] He has served as a special counsel of the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee.[9] He was a candidate for the Senate in 2019 and 2022. He also co-hosts radio programs such as Oras at Bayan on Veritas 846 and Rekta: Agenda ng Masa on DZRH and DZRH News Television.[10] [11]

Early life and education

Diokno was born on February 23, 1961, in Pasay City as the eighth of the ten children of human rights lawyer Jose W. Diokno, who would later become Senator, and Carmen "Nena" Icasiano. He is the great-grandson of Ananías Diokno, the leader of the Visayans during the Philippine–American War, and the grandson of Ramón Diokno, a nationalist who served as Senator and Supreme Court Associate Justice.

Diokno completed his elementary and secondary education at La Salle Green Hills. He was student council leader and was a member of the varsity basketball team and developed an interest in cycling and aikido, earning a black belt in the martial art.[12] Afterwards, in 1982, he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Philosophy at the University of the Philippines Diliman, studied Bachelor of Laws at the University of the Philippines College of Law for a year until 1983 and then studied law at Northern Illinois University (NIU) in the United States, where he graduated Juris Doctor, magna cum laude, in 1986.[13] He passed the Bar of the State of Illinois in 1987, and after his father's death went back to the Philippines where he took the Bar Examinations of 1988. He passed the examinations and started his law practice the following year.

Legal career

Diokno passed the bar examination in the State of Illinois and then in the Philippines.[14] Upon his return to the Philippines in 1987, he served as a lawyer and a human rights advocate.[15] Diokno is a member and the current chairman of FLAG.[16] [17] Other than handling landmark cases, he has also been a regular amicus curiae in the Supreme Court.

Notable cases

Government service

In the 1990s, Diokno served in the Commission on Human Rights under Presidents Cory Aquino and Fidel V. Ramos. He was also a member of the Committee on Human Rights and Due Process at the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP).[14]

In 2001, Diokno was the private prosecutor in the impeachment proceedings against then-President Joseph Estrada. That same year, he became General Counsel of the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee (the Committee on Accountability of Public Officers and Investigation) under Senator Joker Arroyo. In 2004, he was appointed Special Counsel at the Development Bank of the Philippines.[14]

Until 2019, Diokno served as the Presidential Adviser on Human Rights at the Integrated Bar of the Philippines and was a member of the Panel of Arbitrators at the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes.

Academe

In 2006, Diokno set up the Diokno Law Center providing legal training to agencies such as the Comelec, the Public Attorney's Office, the Philippine National Police, the Office of the Ombudsman, the Bureau of Internal Revenue, the Bureau of Customs, and the IBP.

In 2009, he established the De La Salle University College of Law and became its founding dean. He also taught at Far Eastern University during its collaboration with DLSU and at the Ateneo De Manila University prior to 2009.

Political career

In the Philippine general election of 2019, Diokno launched a campaign for a seat in the Senate under Otso Diretso, a coalition that was against the purported human rights violations of President Rodrigo Duterte; he lost, placing 21st with 6,308,065 votes.[25] [26]

On July 19, 2019, the PNP–Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) filed charges against Diokno and other members of the opposition for "sedition, cyber libel, libel, estafa, harboring a criminal, and obstruction of justice".[27] [28] On February 10, 2020, he was cleared of all charges.[29]

On June 12, 2021, he was named among the six nominees of 1Sambayan, a coalition that will put up one lone candidate against President Duterte's handpicked successor in the 2022 Philippine presidential election, for president and vice president.[30] [31] Fellow Otso Diretso senatorial candidate Samira Gutoc earlier said in 2019 that he can be an opposition standard bearer.[32] However, he said that he was very honored by the nomination, although he never aspired for those positions as he is focused on his Free Legal Helpdesk, and hopes to serve the country, especially the youth and the ordinary Filipino, in justice, accountability, and relief from the pandemic.[33]

On September 15, 2021, he announced that he would be running again for senator in 2022.[34] He filed his candidacy on October 7 as a new member of the Katipunan ng Nagkakaisang Pilipino (KANP) party. He was among those named in the senatorial slate of presidential aspirant and Vice President Leni Robredo,[35] as well as the Labor and Ecology Advocates for Democracy (LEAD) senatorial slate of another presidential aspirant Leody de Guzman[36] as a guest candidate. However, he was defeated once again, placing 19th with 10,020,008 votes.

On May 14, 2024, Diokno announced that he would be running again for a third time as a senator in the 2025 elections.[37]

Political positions

Human rights

He advocated human rights in his law practice with the Free Legal Assistance Group, as counsel to the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee, and in his role as the founding Dean of the De La Salle University Tañada-Diokno School of Law.[38]

Martial law under Ferdinand Marcos

As the descendant of former Senator and Martial Law critic Jose W. Diokno, Chel Diokno has taken a stand against the historical negationism and denialism regarding the Philippines' Martial Law era under Ferdinand Marcos.[39] [40] [41]

Authored books

Diokno has written three books: Diokno On Trial: The Techniques And Ideals Of The Filipino Lawyer (The Complete Guide To Handling A Case In Court), published by the Diokno Law Center in 2007 and considered the main staple in trial courses;[42] Civil And Administrative Suits As Instruments Of Accountability For Human Rights Violations, published by the Asia Foundation in 2010, and "Model Pleadings of Jose W. Diokno Volume 1: Supreme Court" published by the Diokno Law Center in 2020. He has also written news articles on forensic DNA, electronic evidence, anti-terrorism legislation, media law, and judicial reform.[14]

Filmography

Diokno did a voiceover for some scenes of the 2018 film BuyBust.

Personal life

Diokno is the son of Filipino nationalist Senator Jose W. "Ka Pepe" Diokno, the acknowledged father of human rights in the Philippines and intellectual leader against the Marcos regime. His sister, Maris Diokno, is a senior administrator in the University of the Philippines system and is a former chair of the National Historical Commission of the Philippines. Diokno married a writer named Divina Aromin; their eldest son is the filmmaker Pepe, who was named after his grandfather. Their eldest daughter Laya Elena became a lawyer in 2022.[43]

Ancestry

See also

Further reading

External links

Notes and References

  1. News: Buan . Lian . Human rights lawyers Diokno, Colmenares file Senate COCs to redeem 2019 losses . October 7, 2021 . Rappler . October 7, 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20211007032526/https://www.rappler.com/nation/elections/neri-colmenares-chel-diokno-file-candidacy-senate-2022 . October 7, 2021 . Diokno took his oath as member of KANP.
  2. News: Marian Feliz . Calica . Rights lawyer Diokno to run for senator as independent . September 19, 2021 . Philippine Daily Inquirer . September 15, 2021 . https://archive.today/20210919190853/https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1488353/rights-lawyer-diokno-to-run-for-senator-as-independent . September 19, 2021 . live .
  3. News: Adel . Rosette . 'CHELebrate, don't cry,' Chel Diokno tells supporters after defeat . September 19, 2021 . The Philippine Star . May 14, 2019 . https://archive.today/20210919194215/https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2019/05/14/1917936/chelebrate-dont-cry-chel-diokno-tells-supporters-after-defeat . September 19, 2021 . Diokno, a member of the Liberal Party... . live .
  4. News: Domingo . Katrina . Award-winning director Pepe Diokno gives dad Chel's campaign a makeover . September 19, 2021 . ABS-CBN News . February 20, 2019 . https://archive.today/20210919195747/https://news.abs-cbn.com/spotlight/02/20/19/award-winning-director-pepe-diokno-gives-dad-chels-campaign-a-makeover . September 19, 2021 . live .
  5. Web site: Candidate's Profile: Diokno, Chel . gmanetwork.com . GMA News . October 7, 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20211007053041/https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/eleksyon2019/candidate/24/josemanueltadeodiokno/ . October 7, 2021 . 2019 . live.
  6. COMELEC. Commission on Elections (Philippines) . COMELEC . 1445948696810512387 . October 7, 2021 .
    1. COCFiling for the #NLE2022 Day 7: Jose Manuel Tadeo "Chel" Diokno files COC for Senator, Katipunan ng Nagkakaisang Pilipino (KANP)
    . October 7, 2021. no .
  7. Chel Diokno . ChelDiokno . 1364242781082816513 . February 23, 2021 . I didn't think I'd reach this age, but I just celebrated my big 6-0 with my kids by my side and with friends via Zoom. Thank you all for the birthday greetings, and to the "cheldren" for sending me cakes! . en . May 6, 2021 .
  8. Web site: Chel Diokno named chair of Bantayog ng mga Bayani Foundation. August 30, 2022.
  9. News: Diokno: Fight the fear, sing our own song . Pimentel . Boying . 2017-02-26 . . 2019-03-01 . en.
  10. hontiverosrisa . C4CvqBCPqJr . AGONG RADIO PROGRAM Samahan nyo po kami sa bagong-bagong programa kung saan bawat minuto, bawat segundo ay mahalaga sa ORAS NG BAYAN.Sagot namin ang maiinit na balita, usapang legal at politikal, pati ang boses nyo bibida dito. Sa LUNES na po, 3PM to 4PM sa DZRV 846 Radyo Veritas with Atty. Chel Diokno and Norman Dequia. Kinig na mga kapanalig! . March 3, 2024. March 4, 2024.
  11. DZRH NEWS . DZRH . dzrhnews . 1786634032039731317 . May 4, 2024 . Mamaya na! "REKTA: AGENDA NG MASA" . Filipino . May 7, 2024 .
  12. Web site: Diokno. Pepe. Diokno. Laya. Diokno. Abe. Diokno. Inez. Chel Diokno: Our 'chill' dad. 20 June 2020 .
  13. Web site: DLSU College of Law - Faculty List . DLSU College of Law . November 5, 2010 . May 15, 2021 . October 16, 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20211016053638/http://law.dlsu.edu.ph/about/faculty.asp . dead .
  14. Web site: Atty. Diokno's CV (as of November 2010) . We Support Atty. Chel Diokno for Ombudsman . 2011-05-06 . 2011-05-15.
  15. Web site: Ang Kwento ni Chel Diokno — Chel Diokno | Diokno.ph . 2019-03-29 . 2019-03-29 . https://web.archive.org/web/20190329172920/https://diokno.ph/chel-diokno . dead .
  16. Web site: Inquirer. Philippine Daily. 2019-04-05. Unique killings, same language, lawyers say of drug war reports. 2021-06-13. INQUIRER.net. en.
  17. Web site: Meet Lascañas' battle-tested FLAG lawyers. 2021-06-13. Rappler. 20 February 2017 . en.
  18. Web site: PHILIPPINES: THREATS/FEAR FOR SAFETY: JOSE MANUEL DIOKNO . Amnesty Internatiionao . en . https://web.archive.org/web/20190510071144/https://www.amnesty.org/en/documents/asa35/005/1998/en/ . 2019-05-10 . 2019-05-10.
  19. News: Manahan . Ruben . Police arrest Jun Lozada . Manila Times . 2009-04-30 . 2011-05-15 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20110811182649/http://archives.manilatimes.net/national/2009/april/30/yehey/top_stories/20090430top1.html . 2011-08-11.
  20. News: Panaligan . Rey . Supreme Court, QC RTC issue 1st Writs of Amparo . Manila Bulletin . 2007-10-26 . 2011-05-15 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20120825185101/http://www.mb.com.ph/node/41585 . 2012-08-25.
  21. News: Calleja . Niña Catherine . Tagaytay 5 freed; rebellion case 'nonexistent' . Philippine Daily Inquirer . 2008-08-29 . 2011-05-15 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20121010051729/http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080829-157494/Tagaytay-5-freed-rebellion-case-nonexistent . 2012-10-10.
  22. News: Jimenez-David . Rina . Who's publicity-hungry? . Philippine Daily Inquirer . 2008-01-29 . 2011-05-15 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20120326173919/http://opinion.inquirer.net/inquireropinion/columns/view/20080129-115614/Whos-publicity-hungry . 2012-03-26.
  23. Web site: 17 of 50 Journalists rounded up from The Pen released. GMA News . https://web.archive.org/web/20190525054625/https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/news/nation/70787/17-of-50-journalists-rounded-up-from-the-pen-released/story/ . 2007-11-29 . 2019-05-25 .
  24. News: Buan . Lian . Court junks Ressa appeal, says cyber libel valid 12 years post-publication . Rappler . 2019-04-15 . 2011-06-08.
  25. Web site: Election 2019 Result.
  26. Web site: Chel Diokno, everybody's 'Woke Lolo', has confirmed he will seek a seat at the Senate. Coconuts Manila. September 15, 2021.
  27. News: July 19, 2019. Robredo, ilang taga-oposisyon kinasuhan ng PNP-CIDG ukol sa 'Bikoy' videos . ABS-CBN News . Tagalog.
  28. News: Sedition raps: Solons, bishop hit 'stupid' PNP . July 20, 2019 . July 20, 2019. Philippine Daily Inquirer.
  29. Web site: DOJ clears Robredo, charges Trillanes in sedition case . . February 10, 2020 . February 10, 2020. Lian. Buan.
  30. Web site: Torres-Tupas. Tetch. 2021-03-18. Carpio launches coalition to challenge Duterte's 'anointed one' in 2022 polls. March 24, 2021. INQUIRER.net. en.
  31. Web site: FAST FACTS: Opposition 1Sambayan's nominees for president, vice president. June 12, 2021. June 12, 2021. Rappler. en. Jodesz. Gavilan. Michelle. Abad.
  32. Web site: Punzalan. Jemaine. May 22, 2019. Chel Diokno can be opposition standard bearer in 2022 - Gutoc. ABS-CBN News. en-US.
  33. Web site: "I am very honored by the nomination, although I never aspired for those positions. Right now, I am focused on my Free Legal Helpdesk, and I hope to serve our country, especially the youth and the ordinary Filipino, in justice, accountability, and relief from the pandemic.". June 12, 2021. Twitter. en.
  34. Web site: Trusting 'a lot has changed,' Chel Diokno tries again for Senate. September 17, 2021. September 15, 2021. Rappler. en. Lian. Buan.
  35. Web site: Robredo bares Senate slate, turns foes into allies vs Duterte. Cepeda. Mara. Rappler. en. October 15, 2021. October 15, 2021.
  36. Web site: Mendoza . John Eric . Socialist presidential aspirant Leody de Guzman bares senatorial line up . 16 October 2021 . 2022-06-01 . en-US.
  37. News: Valmonte . Kaycee . Bam Aquino to lead KANP party, confirms senatorial bid for 2025 polls . May 14, 2024 . Rappler . May 14, 2024.
  38. Web site: Geronimo . Jee . Ombudsman search: Diokno is no joke . Newsbreak . 2011-05-13 . 2011-05-15 . 2011-05-16 . https://web.archive.org/web/20110516230208/http://www.newsbreak.ph/2011/05/13/ombudsman-search-diokno-is-no-joke/ . dead .
  39. News: Bongbong and Enrile's Martial Law video 'adding insult to injury' —Diokno family . Takumi . Rie . 2018-09-24 . 2018-10-13 . en-US . GMA News Online.
  40. News: 'Distortion of truth': Diokno family slams Bongbong Marcos, Enrile . Gavilan . Jodesz . 2018-09-21 . Rappler . 2018-10-13 . en.
  41. News: Diokno family blasts Enrile's 'false' claims on martial law . Galvez . Daphne . 2018-09-21 . . 2018-10-13 . en.
  42. Web site: Cepeda. Quintin. Chel Diokno: Like Father, Like Son. 27 April 2022 .
  43. Web site: Official Lawyers List (1941-2022). June 10, 2023.

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