Lessons from Ipaglaban Mo

Law student Amie Perez was just nine years old when she started watching the legal drama anthology Ipaglaban Mo, which was hosted only by Atty. Jose Sison. The show sparked her curiosity and interest and even inspired her to be a lawyer someday.

Many years after, Amie is now steps away from becoming a lawyer as she pursues the study of law in one of the most prestigious law schools in the country. Still, she finds time watching the legal drama, which is now on its third year on air since its return in 2014.

Amie said that she still watches the show, “Shows such as Ipaglaban Mo are very valuable to Filipino viewers. It reminds us that the law is there to protect our rights, whether we’re victims of a crime or accused of it, or if we get entangled in any legal dispute.”

“Popular legal dramas such as Suits, The Good Wife, Law and Order and How to Get Away with Murder are also educational but these tackle foreign laws, not ours,” she added.

Just like Amie, many Filipino viewers learn more about their legal rights just by watching Ipaglaban Mo, now hosted by Atty. Jose with his son Atty. Jopet, every Saturday afternoon. 

Through its compelling dramatization of timely and relevant cases, the show continues to generate positive feedback, especially from netizens who share their thoughts and learnings.

For instance, the Abuso episode tackled who will be liable when a perverted employer forces his gardener to sexually abuse his househelp while he watches?

“Rape is not a joke. The victim deserves justice. #IMAbuso,” said Twitter user @MissyNicolei after watching an episode that featured a perverted employer forcing his garderner to sexually abuse his househelp.

In another episode, police raided a house and caught a family man in possession of illegal drugs. Intimidated, he signed papers declaring that he owned the illegal drugs. 

“Unethical behavior of some public servers. Let’s not violate human rights for personal interests. #IMBuyBust,” commented @chinitooongaaa on the case of a family man who was framed by the police for possessing illegal drugs.

“Whether we admit it or not, this is what’s happening now #IMBuyBust,” shared @atekztersOJD14 about the same episode.

Meanwhile, the Laro episode that featured a young man who killed his friend out of envy enlightened viewers about the role the parents play towards their children.

“Parents should learn to accept their child’s weaknesses #IMLaro,” said @itsMe_Marves.

“Make your kids motivated and not be competitive by pressure. They’re too young to be damaged. #IMLaro,” shared Twitter user Chubs.

Since Ipaglaban Mo premiered on ABS-CBN in 2014, the show has consistently drawn viewers and won in its timeslot. It has also received awards from the PMPC Star Awards for TV and Alta Media Icon Awards.

When asked why Ipaglaban Mo continues to be a success, Jose said, “Ipaglaban Mo has lasted for three years since it resumed airing. It has been airing before for almost 10 years. I feel that the show will still last and will continue to be appreciated by lots of people because it imparts basic knowledge of the law and important lessons in life.”

For him, the show depicts the facts of the case as already determined by the Supreme Court. He said, “Ipaglaban Mo shows that those who commit them are appropriately penalized by the law. Because of the show, crimes are prevented as people are convinced that crime does not pay.”

He also added that most of the show’s episodes promote and strengthen marriage and family relations and inform people of their rights and obligations in society.  

Ipaglaban Mo airs Saturdays after It’s Showtime! For more updates, follow @IpaglabanMoCh2 on Twitter; @IpaglabanMoABSCBN on Instagram; and like www.Facebook.com/IpaglabanMoABSCBN on Facebook.