Pillars of Nationalism and Human Rights: A Historical Study of the Political Careers of Jose W. Diokno and Lorenzo Tañada

• Main Author: Navarro, Maurice Elleson D.
• Format: text
• Published: Animo Repository 2022
• Subjects: nationalism; human rights; democracy; senate; martial law; History
• Online Access: https://animorepository.dlsu.edu.ph/conf_shsrescon/2022/paper_tph/2
• Institution: De La Salle University

Jose “Ka Pepe” Diokno and Lorenzo “Ka Tanny” Tañada were two of the finest politicians in Philippine history. Their invaluable contributions, especially in the legislative, have proved their importance up until the present day. Through the usage of documents like laws and jurisprudence, as well as books and other sources, this study aims to find how the Diokno and Tañada developed and furthered their nationalism and value for human rights throughout their lives and careers. Because of the prominence of politics in their families, there was no doubt that they would be engaging in the world of politics themselves once they grew up. As lawyers, Diokno and Tañada fought against treason and corruption in the higher echelons of government. In the senate, Diokno and Tañada carried with them a zeal for defending the public’s interest and their general welfare, as they pushed for laws that prioritized local industries as well as laws that safeguarded many of the rights of the people. They were also at the forefront of the opposition movement against the tyranny of the Marcos regime, forming initiatives like FLAG that helped the victims of martial law, as well as heavily involving themselves in several street demonstrations. There is no denying that they dedicated their lives to protecting the people, which is why we must never forget who Ka Pepe and Ka Tanny are.