What Happened To Atty. Chel Diokno When His Father Was Imprisoned | Toni Talks

Summary

Attorney Chel Diokno, a renowned lawyer, educator, and human rights advocate, shares his life journey from a privileged childhood as the son of a senator to a profound transformation after witnessing his father's unjust arrest in 1972. His experiences led him to pursue law, graduating magna cum laude, and dedicating his career to providing legal assistance, particularly to journalists, activists, and human rights victims. Diokno emphasizes the importance of justice, integrity, and the influence of his parents on his life and career, while also discussing the challenges faced by the Philippine justice system and his personal approach to parenting and standing up for principles.

Takeaways

• 🎓 Attorney Chel Diokno earned a degree in philosophy and Bachelor of Laws at the University of the Philippines, and a Juris Doctor magna cum laude from Northern Illinois University.
• 📚 He is the chairman of 'FLAG', a free legal assistance group that has represented journalists and activists across various administrations.
• 👨‍💼 Known as the 'Woke Lolo' on Twitter, Diokno is a lawyer, educator, and human rights advocate.
• 👶 Born in Pasay City in 1961, his life changed drastically at the age of 11 when his father, a senator, was arrested without charge.
• 🏡 The arrest of his father was a traumatic event that led Diokno to question the justice system and influenced his decision to become a lawyer.
• 💼 Diokno's father's dedication to his legal work, integrity, and meticulousness greatly influenced his own approach to law.
• 🏛️ He is passionate about addressing the flaws in the justice system, particularly the delays in case resolution and the shortage of judges and prosecutors.
• 👨‍👧‍👦 As a father, Diokno values the unique connections with his children and believes in accepting and understanding them, allowing them to make their own decisions.
• 🌳 He enjoys storytelling and has a memorable tradition of creating a serialized story for his children, which they loved.
• 💭 Diokno stands for what is appropriate and right, and he wishes to be remembered for standing up for his principles throughout his life and career.

Q & A

Where did Chel Diokno earn his degree in philosophy?

Chel Diokno earned his degree in philosophy at the University of the Philippines.

What was Chel Diokno's academic achievement at Northern Illinois University?

Chel Diokno graduated juris doctor magna cum laude in 1986 from Northern Illinois University.

What is the acronym for the free legal assistance group that Chel Diokno chaired?

The acronym for the free legal assistance group that Chel Diokno chaired is 'FLAG'.

How did Chel Diokno's life change when his father was arrested in 1972?

Chel Diokno's life was turned upside down when his father was arrested in 1972, going from a privileged childhood to a period of uncertainty and trauma.

What was Chel Diokno's father's profession before becoming a senator?

Chel Diokno's father was a lawyer before he became a senator.

What impact did Chel Diokno's father's arrest have on his views about the justice system?

Chel Diokno's father's arrest led him to question the justice system, the government's actions, and the reasons behind his father's arrest.

What was the Kuratong Baleleng case, and why was it memorable for Chel Diokno?

The Kuratong Baleleng case was memorable for Chel Diokno as it was one of his first encounters with the media and the first time he received a death threat.

How did Chel Diokno's father influence his approach to law and life?

Chel Diokno's father instilled in him the importance of dedication, integrity, and meticulous preparation for cases, as well as the value of respecting others' dignity.

What did Chel Diokno's father teach him about handling anger?

Chel Diokno learned from his father that anger is an emotion that needs to be managed, and that one should control their response to situations rather than being controlled by their emotions.

How does Chel Diokno view the current state of the justice system in the Philippines?

Chel Diokno believes that the justice system in the Philippines is flawed, with significant delays in case resolutions and a shortage of judges and prosecutors.

What is Chel Diokno's approach to parenting, as described by his children?

Chel Diokno's approach to parenting involves allowing his children to be who they are, providing them with facts and opinions, and guiding them to make their own decisions.