Politicians, officials, lawmakers mourn CHR chair Gascon's death

Politicians, lawmakers, and top government officials mourned the demise of Commission on Human Rights chairman Atty. Jose Luis Martin "Chito" Gascon, who succumbed to COVID-19.

Gascon’s demise was confirmed by his brother Miguel on Saturday morning. 

“Ngayong umaga, sinalubong ako ng napakalungkot na balita. Pumanaw na si Commission on Human Rights Chair Chito Gascon,” Vice President Leni Robredo said in a statement.

“Nakikiramay ako sa kanyang asawa’t anak, sa buong staff ng CHR, at sa buong hanay ng mga nagtanggol sa karapatang pantao at patas at malayang lipunan.  Sa trabaho niya at aktibismo, Chito touched many lives. He was a student leader, advocate, and mentor that so many looked up to. Noong estudyante ako sa UP, sa mga martsa namin laban sa diktatura, si Chito ang nanguna bilang Chair ng UP student council. Binuksan niya ang pinto para makilahok nang mas malalim ang napakarami sa demokrasya natin,” Robredo said.

Likewise, the Vice President called Gascon a “constant light in these dark times.”

“It is now up to all of us to tend to this light. May we all honor his legacy by following his example of compassion, courage, and integrity. Rest in peace, Chito. Mananatili ka lagi sa puso naming lahat,” she said.

Senator Richard Gordon, likewise, said he is saddened to learn that the CHR chairman succumbed to COVID-19.

I am saddened to hear the news that COVID-19 has claimed another life in Chairman Chito Gascon of the Commission on Human Rights this morning.

— Richard J. Gordon (@DickGordonDG) October 9, 2021

Senator Koko Pimentel also expressed his offer of condolences to the family of the late CHR chairman.

Our condolences to the family of my dear friend, fellow Rotarian, CHR Chairman Chito Gascon. We mourn his passing and will miss interacting with him and getting his ideas. My friend Chito has done a lot for our country. We thank him for all he has done to improve our society.

— Senator Koko Pimentel (@senkokopimentel) October 9, 2021

Senator Risa Hontiveros said, with Gascon’s death, “we have lost a human rights champion.”

“I am devastated to hear the news of Chito's death. He was not just a fellow public servant, he was also my good friend. Chito understood the valuable link between human dignity and democracy,” Hontiveros said.

“My heart goes out to Chito’s family and friends in these tough times, and most especially to his beloved Melissa (they were my inaanak sa kasal) and to Ciara, the apple of her Papa’s eyes. Please accept our sincerest condolences. He will be missed,” she said.

Supreme Court Associate Justice Marvic Leonen also mourned Gascon’s death.

Rest in Peace, Chito Gascon. You have stood your ground and inspired many. You will be missed.

— Help others. Humanity will endure. (@marvicleonen) October 8, 2021

Human rights lawyer and former Supreme Court spokesperson Theodore Te praised Gascon as a “giant for human rights.”

Chair Chito Gascon, rest in power. You fought the good fight. You stood your ground and held fast. You took the fitht to the enemy. You were a giant for human rights. The forest is barer because of your fall, but the seeds that you planted will yield fruit.

— Ted Te (@TedTe) October 8, 2021

ACT-Teachers Party-list Representative France Castro, in her offer of condolences to the bereaved family and friends of the late CHR chairman, said:

“Nagpapasalamat ang mga guro sa iyong pagiging bukas sa dayalogo at pagresolba sa mga isyu ng mga guro at sektor ng edukasyon noong ikaw ay nang Usec ng Deped,” Castro said.

“Mas humanga rin ang mga guro nang naging Chairman ka ng CHR. Hinarap at pinakinggan mo ang mga dinulog nilang paglabag sa karapatang pantao ng nasa poder at kanyang mga security forces. Mabilis ding naaksyunan ang hiniling kong update sa action taken sa mga kasong idinulog ng ACT,” she said.

“Pagpupugay sa iyong di natinag na paninindigan para sa karapatang pantao kahit matindi rin ang atake sa komisyon. You will always be remembered Sir Chito,” the lawmaker said.

Kabataan Party-list Representative Sarah Elego also mourned Gascon’s demise, saying, “Maraming salamat at paalam, Chair Chito Gascon. Pagpupugay sa inyong paninindigan sa kabila ng tumitinding atake sa human rights defenders. The Filipino people, especially the youth, will forever be grateful for your manifold contributions to building a just and humane society.”

“Pakikidalamhati po sa kanyang mga kapamilya, kaibigan, at lahat ng mga naiwang minamahal,” Elago said.

Deputy Speaker and BUHAY Party-list Representative Lito Atienza said, “With the passing away of Chito Gascon, the country has just lost a genuine freedom fighter, rights defender and a true Filipino patriot. We will miss him.”

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, meanwhile, said the Department of National Defense recognized the “great work” done by the CHR under Gascon in the implementation of human rights laws.

“He will be missed. May the good Lord give his family the strength and fortitude during these trying times. May he Rest In Peace,” Lorenzana said.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines extended its condolences to Gascon’s family.

The AFP extends its sincerest condolences to the family of CHR Chair Chito Gascon. His tireless work further pushed the AFP to advocate and abide by the principles of human rights and International Humanitarian Law.We pray for strength for his loved ones in these difficult times.

— Col Demy Zagala (@DemyZagala) October 9, 2021

House Deputy Minority leader and Bayan Muna Representative Carlos Isagani Zarate, likewise, said: “REST IN POWER Kuyang Chito Gascon !!! It is truly saddening to note that another untiring human rights advocate and defender  left us during this challenging times of pushing back tyranny.”

Gascon had been CHR chairman since 2015 after then President Benigno Aquino III appointed him.

He took over the CHR chair post from Loretta Ann Rosales. Gascon's term is until May 2022.

Gascon was a former director general of the Liberal Party from 2008 to 2011.

He was also a member of the Human Rights Victims’ Claims Board, which processed claims for compensation for victims of human rights violations during the Martial Law era.

During former President Gloria Macapal-Arroyo’s administration, Gascon served as education undersecretary and as a member of the peace panel which negotiated with the communist-led National Democratic Front.

He was also the youngest member of the 1986 Constitutional Commission which drafted the 1987 Constitution.

He was 57. —LBG/KG, GMA News