Ex-senator Joker Arroyo passes away
ABS-CBNnews.com
Posted at 10/07/2015
Former senator and human rights lawyer Joker Arroyo has died in the United States, an Arroyo family member told ABS-CBN News. He was 88 years old.
Born January 5, 1927 in Naga, Camarines Sur, Arroyo finished his primary and secondary education in Naga before getting a scholarship in the University of the Philippines.
A graduate of the UP College of Law and the Ateneo de Manila, Arroyo was thrust into national consciousness when he challenged before the Supreme Court the constitutionality of Proclamation No. 1081 imposing martial law.
According to his Senate profile, Arroyo handled more human rights cases than any other lawyer from 1972-1986. He defended various political detainees including Benigno "Ninoy" Aquino Jr, Eugenio Lopez, Jr., Serge Osmeña III, Jose Ma. Sison, Jovito Salonga, Nene Pimentel, Eva Kalaw, Renato Tañada, Eduardo Olaguer and many others.
He also co-founded the MABINI and FLAG with other human rights lawyers.
During the snap elections in 1986, he served as counsel of Mrs. Corazon Aquino.
After EDSA I, he held various posts in government first as Executive Secretary in the Aquino Cabinet, then as Chairman of the Philippine National Bank and as Executive Director for the Philippines in the Asian Development Bank from 1986 to 1990.
He was elected congressman of Makati 1st District from 1992 to 1998 and was a lead prosecutor during the impeachment trial of President Joseph Estrada in December 2000.
He was elected senator in 2001 and was re-elected in 2007. He retired from public service in 2013.
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Senator
Joker Arroyo, thank you for sharing to the world the talent and
abilities God had given you, especially your untiring dedication and
service to your people and country. People may mourn your departure, but
heavenly hosts are rejoicing your arrival.
Another public servant has just been called to the highest ultimate purpose. Flourishing even more he shall be in the place the Lord had long prepared for him.
Heaven's call is like an intruder in the night. Therefore we all must be like diligent sentinels of our lives so that when heaven calls our name, without fear or reservation, we are eagerly ready to answer any time.
Another public servant has just been called to the highest ultimate purpose. Flourishing even more he shall be in the place the Lord had long prepared for him.
Heaven's call is like an intruder in the night. Therefore we all must be like diligent sentinels of our lives so that when heaven calls our name, without fear or reservation, we are eagerly ready to answer any time.
