Jose Sison, lawyer and TV host, dies at 88

MANILA, Philippines - Lawyer Jose "Ping" Sison, known for hosting the ABS-CBN television show Ipaglaban Mo, died on Thursday, his son, co-host, and fellow lawyer Jopet said.Sison was 88.The veteran lawyer is known for his line, "Kung may katuwiran, ipaglaban mo" (If it's right, you fight for it)."This morning, July 23, 2026, our Papa Ping peacefully joined our Creator," Jopet said in a Facebook post.From 1988 to 2000, Sison hosted the original version of Ipaglaban Mo, which aired on IBC-13 and later ABS-CBN.His son, Jopet, would later join him in the GMA News TV version of the show that ran from 2012 to 2014 before moving back to ABS-CBN. The program also aired on Kapamilya Channel and TeleRadyo, where it continued showing new episodes until 2020.The series consists of cases from the Supreme Court and Court of Appeals.Sison left behind his wife Josie, six children and 16 grandchildren.The wake will be held at the Ascension Chapel, The Immaculate Conception Cathedral of Cubao in Quezon City starting on Friday. Interment will be held at Heavens Gate 1 Memorial Park, Antipolo City.