"To do more and do better"*
(A Tribute to Atty. José Luis Martín "Chito" Gascon,
activist and human rights defender)
This note mourns the passing of activist and human rights advocate Chito Gascon. This express deepest and sincere condolences to the family, friends and employees in the Commission on Human Rights where he served as Chairman from 2015 to 2021.
It is quite saddening especially that he passed away fighting a good fight from his illness such as COVID19, but, "Chito", "Ka Chito" by his comrades, or "Chair Chito" by CHR employees, embodies what it is to be a human rights warrior especially in this recent times of extrajudicial killings and state-sponsored atrocities. Despite threats by the current administration, that "to do more and do better" was Chito's message to his colleagues in CHR in his usual flag ceremony speeches, especially in serving clients and fulfilling duties amidst tumultuous times, making his employees, colleagues till the end truly remember that said quote.
True to his convictions he stood his ground and maintained the commission's morale especially after threats of budget constraints by the administration if not seeing the commission was at the center of misinformation and threats by administration apologists. He doesn't mind the threat nor personal attack but instead he lifted the spirits of his employees and inspired them to continue their work as human rights advocates and defenders even at the most crucial times. Yes, "to do more and do better" till the end.
And true to his convictions in envisioning a free, democratic society, would say that he was more than just defending human rights with all his consistency and commitment, but also to assert the need of a society that truly ensures human rights- that even his ideological rivals also pay tribute to his commitment that even his death he continues to fight- just fight, even it requires raging against the dying of the light.
Thus, to cut this note short, Gascon's death should not stop those who assert human rights from their commitment. By "doing more and doing better" in fighting and moving forward would say that he is alive in spirit and guiding the concerned in its pursuit, all amidst threat and slander, towards a just and humane society that truly adheres to human rights.
*inspired from the press release of the CHR Employees Association