Francisco Chavez facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Frank Chavez
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|---|---|
| Solicitor General of the Philippines | |
| In office March 5, 1987 – February 5, 1992 |
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| President | Corazon Aquino |
| Preceded by | Sedfrey A. Ordoñez |
| Succeeded by | Ramon S. Desuasido |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Francisco Ibrado Chavez
February 6, 1947 Sagay, Negros Occidental, Philippines |
| Died | September 11, 2013 (aged 66) Pasig, Metro Manila, Philippines |
| Political party | Reporma–LM |
| Spouse | Ma. Juanita "Jean" Rivera-Chavez |
| Children | 3 |
| Residences | Sagay City, Negros Occidental Quezon City |
| Alma mater | West Negros College (BA) University of the Philippines Diliman (LL.B) |
| Occupation | Lawyer; Politician |
Francisco "Frank" Chavez (born February 6, 1947 – died September 11, 2013) was a famous Filipino lawyer. He served as the top government lawyer, called the Solicitor General, for the Philippines. This was during the time when Corazon Aquino was president.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Frank Chavez was born as Francisco Ibrado Chavez. His birthday was on February 6, 1947, in a place called Bateria, in Sagay, Negros Occidental.
School Days and Achievements
Frank Chavez finished high school in 1961 at the University of Negros Occidental-Recoletos. He was a very good student, graduating as salutatorian.
He then went to West Negros College in Bacolod for his college studies. In 1967, he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English. He graduated with the highest honors, summa cum laude.
He continued his education at the University of the Philippines. In 1971, he earned his Bachelor of Laws degree. He again graduated with honors, cum laude. He became a lawyer in the Philippines in 1972.
Youngest Bar Examiner
Frank Chavez became the youngest person to grade the exams for new lawyers. He was only 38 years old when he did this in 1985. This shows how much he knew about law.
In 1986, he was named one of the Ten Outstanding Young Men (TOYM) of the Philippines. This award recognized his great work in law and human rights.
Helping Others with Law
He helped start a group called the Brotherhood of Nationalistic, Involved and Free Attorneys to Combat Injustice and Oppression (BONIFACIO). This group gave free legal help to people whose human rights were violated.
He also worked at important law firms. He was a partner at Sycip Salazar Hernandez and Gatmaitan Law Offices. Later, he helped start his own firm, Chavez Laureta & Associates.
Fighting for Justice and Freedom
Frank Chavez was very active in politics even when he was a student. He protested against the government of Ferdinand Marcos.
Student Protests
He joined student protests, like the "First Quarter Storm" in 1970. He was part of the students who stood up for their rights. He was even there when soldiers stormed the University of the Philippines campus.
Defending Human Rights
During the time of martial law, he helped many people for free. He defended over 500 people who were wrongly accused by the Marcos government. These people were charged with things like rebellion.
He also worked on important cases about freedom of the press and religious freedom. He handled cases for famous people like Lino Brocka. He also worked on the Escalante massacre case.
Becoming Solicitor General
His strong fight for freedom and justice earned him the TOYM award in 1987. Because of his courage, President Corazon C. Aquino chose him to be the Solicitor General. He was the youngest person to hold this important position.
He served as Solicitor General from 1987 to 1992. In this role, he won many important cases for the government. President Aquino thanked him for his "unwavering courage and impeccable integrity."
Fighting Corruption
Frank Chavez was well-known for exposing corruption. He helped change the Presidential Committee on Good Government. He also uncovered a big scam in Philippine Air Lines. This led to top executives being fired.
He also revealed secret deals between the government and the Marcos family. He exposed a large amount of money that was hidden in a Swiss bank account. This led to investigations to get the money back.
Family Life
Frank Chavez was married to Ma. Juanita "Jean" Rivera-Chavez. They had three daughters named Katrina, Tippi, and Ingrid Chavez. He also had grandsons named Frank Ethan, Dylan Michael, and Liam Duncan.
Career Highlights
- Founding Partner: Chavez Laureta & Associates (now Chavez Miranada Aseoche Law Offices)
- Partner: Sycip Salazar Hernandez and Gatmaitan Law Offices (1979–1987)
- Bar examiner (Remedial Law): Philippine Bar (1985)
- Member of the board of directors: Central Cement Corporation (1989–1991)
- Member of the board of directors: Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (1988–1991)
- Member of the board of directors: Philippine Air Lines (1988–1991)
- Solicitor General: Office of the Solicitor General (March 1987 – February 1992)
- Member of the board of directors: Petron-Aramco (1994–1997)
Organizations and Groups
- Philippine Bar Association: Member
- Operation Clean Hands: Founder of this campaign to remove corruption from the Judiciary of the Philippines.
- Brotherhood Of Nationalistic, Involved and Free Attorneys To Combat Injustice And Oppression (BONIFACIO): Founder and former chairman.
- The Executive Toastmasters Club of Makati: Former president.
- Rotary Club of Makati: Member.
Later Life and Passing
Frank Chavez passed away on September 11, 2013, at the age of 66. He had a stroke. He had been in the hospital since July because he was battling lymphoma, a type of cancer. His remains were cremated, and his ashes were placed at The Heritage Park in Taguig.
External Links
- Frank Chavez' website
