Atty. Jose Manuel “Chel” Diokno is a prominent legal advocate and educator, serving as the Founding Dean of De La Salle College of Law and the Chairman of the Free Legal Assistance Group (FLAG). With a Juris Doctor of Laws earned Magna Cum Laude from Northern Illinois University, he has dedicated over 30 years to providing free legal services to those in need. Atty. Chel, hailing from Taal, Batangas, is a passionate advocate for human rights and freedom of expression. His efforts during the pandemic helped over 19,000 individuals through his Free Legal Helpdesk on Facebook.

Beyond his educational and advocacy roles, Atty. Chel has successfully won cases that have made a significant impact, including notable legal victories related to the MV Doña Paz tragedy and various human rights issues. His mantra, “Libreng serbisyong legal sa bawat baryo. Ang dehado, gawing liyamado!” reflects his commitment to empowering the underserved in communities across the Philippines. Follow Atty. Chel on social media for insights into his mission and legal resources.