Five School of Law students led Tarlac State University to rank in two categories of the Philippine National Rounds of the Philip C. Jessup International Law Moot Court Competition held last February 25-27, 2026 at the University of Santo Tomas.
The TSU SOL placed fifth in the Best Respondent Memorials category and 11th in the Overall Best Memorials category in the said competition that is considered the world's largest moot court competition in international law, with this year's moot problem: "The Case Concerning the Gordian Gorge."
"We ranked 5th in the Best Respondent Memorials category and 11th in the Overall Best Memorials category because our written submissions were grounded in solid legal research and presented with clear structure and organization. We also devoted intensive time to drafting and revising the memorials, with consistent guidance and feedback from our coaches," Lloyd Hero B. Abuan, debate team captain, told OPA in an interview.
"In addition, strong team chemistry and discipline contributed significantly to our performance. Ultimately, preparation and teamwork were key," he added.
The competition depicts a fictional dispute before the International Court of Justice (ICJ) where competing teams prepare written memorials and compete in oral rounds.
Apart from Abuan, other representatives from TSU SOL include Angelo F. Cabilbil, Lailanie M. Roxas, Andrea Mae P. Ricafort, and Kyle Manalili, with research support from Alodia Minette G. Ando, Ericka Cao, and Agatha Lisette Lacara Urbano, all members of the school's Moot and Debate Society.
The team members underwent critiquing from their coaches, namely Atty. Vivien Claire Coleen Yalung, Atty. Ronel Buenaventura, Atty. Carisa Balilia, Atty. Hendrix Bongalon, and SOL Dean Dr. Jose I. dela Rama, Jr.
During their preparation, Abuan said most team members had to juggle their time for work, academic load, and refining their memorials.
"We experienced both mental and physical exhaustion during consecutive oral rounds, especially given that we were competing against highly established law schools with long-standing moot traditions," Abuan said.
The TSU SOL aims to join three moot court competitions this year, such as Price, Stetson, and Jessup, with different members and coaches for each team.
"We want the TSU Law legacy in the mooting world to continue until we reach our fullest potential," Abuan said.
The TSU SOL MDS aims to further educate law students in international law and litigation, and to develop their legal research skills. (jlm-OPA)
Photo courtesy: Dr. Jose I. dela Rama Jr., SOL Dean
