Ian Norman E. Dato is a prominent Filipino lawyer, corporate executive, and government official who serves as an Undersecretary of the Department of Justice (DOJ) in the Philippines. With an extensive background spanning public administration, international law, and corporate governance, he serves as a supervising undersecretary for the National Prosecution Service (NPS).

Education and Academic Background
Atty. Dato possesses a robust academic background specialized in public international law. He was awarded the prestigious British Chevening Scholarship, allowing him to pursue advanced legal studies in the United Kingdom. He attended University College London (UCL), where he obtained his Master of Public International Law degree in 2011. His master’s dissertation focused deeply on global justice systems, titled “The International Criminal Court and the Crime of Aggression”.

Career in Government and Public Service
Dato’s career in the Department of Justice dates back over a decade. He was initially appointed as an Assistant Secretary in February 2010, before quickly moving up to the role of Undersecretary in March 2010. During this era, he was part of the Philippine national delegation that traveled to Kampala, Uganda, to participate in the Review Conference of the Rome Statute. He returned to the role of DOJ Undersecretary, where his responsibilities include overseeing state prosecutors and delivering keynote addresses regarding the implementation of the Code of Professional Responsibility and Accountability (CPRA).

In his official capacity, he advocates for strengthening public trust in the national justice system and reinforcing the integrity of prosecution decisions. He is also a regular commentator on international legal issues, including the relationship between Philippine municipal law and international bodies like the International Criminal Court (ICC).

Corporate Executive Experience
Beyond his public service, Dato has successfully pivoted into the private sector as a corporate executive and legal consultant. He is a partner/team member at Campos Law (Campos, Canobas, Sy & Selva Law Firm), specializing in corporate law, policy, and governance.

His business leadership roles include:
8990 Holdings, Inc.: Serving as a member of the Board of Directors for the major Philippine mass-housing developer.
LMG Chemicals Corporation: Serving as the Chairman of the Board of Directors for the publicly listed chemical trading enterprise during its transition and tender offer periods.

Connections:
Ian Norman Dato is the brother of Northern Samar Vice Governor Clarence Dato and the borther-in-law of actor Matteo Guidicelli.

Affiliation
Member, Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP)

RELATED: Cabinet Members and Other High Officials under President Bongbong Marcos

See also: List of Bar Topnotchers in the Philippines since 1903