Filipino lawyer and Civil Servant
Richard Paat Palpal-latoc is a Filipino lawyer, civil servant, and government official who currently serves as the Chairperson of the Commission on Human Rights. He was appointed to the position by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in September 2022 and will serve until 2029.
Education.
Palpal-latoc completed his Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy in 1995 and Bachelor of Laws in 2001, both from the University of Santo Tomas. He was admitted to the Philippine Bar in 2002.
Career.
Legal Practice.
Palpal-latoc established a notable career in both private and public practice. He is a trial lawyer and partner at the Rodriguez Esquivel Palpal-latoc Law Firm. In 2020, he was appointed as assistant city prosecutor at the Office of the City Prosecutor in Quezon City.
Government service.
Prior to his appointment as CHR chairperson, Palpal-latoc served in various government positions, including deputy executive secretary for legal affairs under the Office of the President, lawyer at the Department of Social Welfare and Development Field Office IV-A, and graft investigation and prosecution officer at the Office of the Ombudsman.
Commission on Human Rights.
On September 27, 2022, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. appointed Palpal-latoc as the chairperson of the Commission on Human Rights, succeeding Leah Tanodra-Armamento. Upon his appointment, Palpal-latoc expressed his particular concern for addressing issues related to abused women and children. His appointment was met with hope from rights groups that he would uphold the commission's mandate and ideals.
References.
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