Last week, news broke out that the Philippines had lost another prominent name in law practice, politics and public service.
Joker Arroyo passed away in his late 80s. I have never known Joker Arroyo; but I grew up hearing his name in the news and in college. I followed his work and contribution in Philippine politics and his fight for freedom. Although we have always been on opposite sides on issues concerning the country, I found his passion to stand up for whatever he believes in to be inspiring.
Joker Arroyo is well-remembered as a human rights lawyer. He was the first lawyer who challenged the constitutionality of Proclamation No. 1081 imposing martial law by then President Ferdinand Marcos before the Supreme Court. He also joined other lawyers in questioning before the high court the ratification of the Marcos-backed 1973 Constitution.
Arroyo was also known to be the defender of some opposition leaders during the Marcos regime. As a freedom fighter, Arroyo was also incarcerated in a military stockade like the others who protested against Marcos.
Arroyo served as counsel of the late-President Corazon Aquino. Arroyo then became the executive secretary of the Aquino Administration from 1986 to 1992 and Chairman of the Philippine National Bank and Executive Director for the Philippines of the Asian Development Bank from 1986 to 1990.
Arroyo served three consecutive terms as representative of the 1st district of Makati City from 1992 to 1998 as an independent. He caught my attention when he became known as the only congressman who had no bodyguards and no secretary at that time.
He was known to have made his own appointments, carried his own leather attaché case and kept his own schedule.
He was later elected senator and served two consecutive terms from 2001 to 2013. During his last term, he chaired the Blue Ribbon Committee. In 2000, he led the 11-member prosecution panel during the impeachment trial of then President Joseph Estrada, who was ousted through Edsa People Power II in January 2001.
I have known Joker Arroyo to have always been an opposition. He has always gone against whoever is in power. He kept the balance in our nations leadership. I have found him to be someone who kept his poise and decorum even in the heat of battle. He stood up for the weak and fought for what he believes to be the truth. Indeed Joker Arroyo was a gentleman; an example and an inspiration for the next generation.