The Ateneo Human Rights Center (AHRC) joins the nation in mourning the passing of Commission on Human Rights (CHR) Chairperson Jose Luis Martin “Chito” C. Gascon.

Chair Chito is well known in the human rights circles not only in the Philippines but also in the region and internationally for his being a staunch human rights activist. He has advocated for reforms in the areas of access to justice and the rule of law, transparency and accountability, election, peace and conflict transformation, people’s participation and civic education, and nation-building.

Chair Chito is also known to have been the youngest member of the 1986 Constitutional Commission and was a youth representative to the 8th Congress of the Philippines.

We all feel the great loss of this staunch human rights advocate. The AHRC extends its deepest sympathies to Chair Chito’s family and loved ones. And we thank them for sharing Chair Chito with us and the Philippines. He will remain an inspiration to all of us to keep pounding.