“The point is not to make a perfect world, just a better one—and that is difficult enough.”

Such were the words uttered by the late Senator Jose “Ka Pepe” W. Diokno, a staunch advocate for human rights in the Philippines. His enduring influence stands as a steadfast symbol of freedom, democracy, and human rights forged through his unwavering fight against the dictatorship.

The Commission on Human Rights honors Ka Pepe’s legacy in advancing the human rights agenda in the Philippines as we commemorate his birth and death anniversary this year, 26 and 27 February 2025. To this day, he continues to inspire many human rights defenders in the country.

He is regarded as one of the pioneers of the human rights advocacy, having led the CHR’s predecessor, the Presidential Committee on Human Rights, in 1986. Today, the Commission’s open grounds, Liwasang Diokno—named in his honor—also serve as a public freedom park and have been a refuge for human rights organizations. His legacy is etched into the CHR grounds, with the unveiling of his monument on 21 September 2017—the same day Martial Law was declared in 1972.

The Commission remains committed to the cause that Ka Pepe has long fought for, together with all human rights defenders. Akin to our mantra, “CHR ng lahat: Naglilingkod maging sino ka man,” the Commission is steadfast in fulfilling its mandate: to persistently advocate for a society where human rights are fully enjoyed by every Filipino and are respected, protected, and fulfilled.

May his courage and aspirations for freedom, democracy, and human rights live in our hearts and minds!###