Statement on the Passing of Chairperson Jose Luis Martin “Chito” Gascon

On behalf of the men and women of the Department of Foreign Affairs, I wish to express our sincerest condolences on the passing of Chairperson Jose Luis Martin “Chito” C. Gascon of the Commission on Human Rights (CHR).

Chairperson Chito was one of our country’s most prominent champions of human rights, bringing attention to instances of violations or assisting the government in its crucial efforts to realize fundamental human rights for all Filipinos.

During the term of President Corazon C. Aquino, Chairperson Chito served as the youngest member to the Constitutional Commission that drafted the 1987 Constitution. This Constitution created the CHR, an institution he eventually led with unparalleled commitment.

The Department of Foreign Affairs will always deeply value Chairperson Chito’s constructive engagement with the government and other partners in our collective pursuit of human rights and liberties. We will long remember him for his most recent contributions towards the establishment of a Philippines-United Nations Joint Program on Human Rights that will bring about significant and positive human rights outcomes for our country.