DLSU names College of Law after patriots Tañada and Diokno
De La Salle University renames its College of Law to Tañada-Diokno College of Law, after Lorenzo “Ka Tanny” Tañada, Sr. and Jose “Ka Pepe” Diokno—patriots, nationalists, and lawyers whose lives exemplify the ideals and values of true Lasallians.
The naming was held last February 26 and commemorated by a virtual marker. It was the highlight of the celebration of the 100th birth anniversary of Ka Pepe, aside from the launch of the book Jose W. Diokno / Pamana, written by Prof. Maria Socorro Diokno, one of Ka Pepe’s daughters.
Through its Tañada-Diokno College of Law, De La Salle University seeks to mold future lawyers who will emulate the love of God and country of these two exemplary Lasallians.
Lorenzo Martinez Tañada, Sr. graduated at the top of his high school class in De La Salle College in 1918. He obtained his law degree from the University of the Philippines and later earned advanced degrees in law from Harvard Law School and the University of Santo Tomas. Ka Tanny served as a Solicitor General, Special Prosecutor, judge, and Senator of the Republic.
Jose Wright Diokno graduated from the high school of De La Salle College and later earned his degree in commerce, summa cum laude, also at De La Salle College in 1940. He topped the CPA licensure exams immediately after graduation. After being granted a special dispensation by the Supreme Court to sit for the bar exams without finishing a law degree, he topped the bar exams administered in1944. Ka Pepe distinguished himself as a lawyer, Secretary of Justice, and as a Senator of the Republic.
The patriotism of these two Lasallians was at its pinnacle in the struggle against the dictatorship and repression from the 1970s to the 1980s. Ka Pepe was one of the many individuals thrown in jail by President Marcos in 1972. Ka Tanny was his lawyer. They were both active in the parliament of the streets, asserted national sovereignty, and defended the most vulnerable. They were founding members of the Free Legal Assistance Group, a nationwide organization of human rights lawyers in the Philippines, where Ka Pepe was elected as chair. Ka Tanny and Ka Pepe, two friends who collaborated on many endeavors, causes, cases, advocacies, were joined by their love for the Filipino people.
