The Ateneo Law Forensic Association (Forensic), the official law debating organization of Ateneo de Davao University – College of Law, made a remarkable performance in the 2023 Philippine Law Debate Championship (PLDC) held last 28-30 September 2023, at San Beda University, Mendiola, Manila.
The PLDC is one of the most competitive debate competitions in the country in the Oregon-Oxford format. This year, there were 13 participating schools and 21 competing teams. Teams debated motions of national legal relevance, including poverty and taxation, environment, and family laws.
The ADDU Forensic team, composed of debaters Renzo Polinar, Sarip Aila Ampatuan, and Michael Renz Ramos, advanced to the National Quarterfinals. They were coached by faculty moderator Atty. Emiko Antonette Escovilla, and mentored by Atty. Bruneson Alabastro, Atty. Nice Mondragon, Atty. Chen Lee Apura, and Atty. Cavin Cabarlo. Prior to the competition, the team was also assisted by Forensic’s research team.
In addition to the team achievement, the Forensic team also bagged the following individual awards:
- Sarip Aila Ampatuan – 3rd Best Speaker
- Michael Renz Ramos – 9th Best Speaker
- Vanessa Kate Madrazo – Tournament’s Best Adjudicator and Grand Finals Judge
These awards are a testament to the hard work and dedication of the team. Forensic’s success in the 2023 Philippine Law Debate Championship is a collaborative effort. The team’s coaches, mentors, and research team all played a vital role in their preparation and performance. Their support was instrumental in the team’s success.
The Ateneo Law Forensic Association would also like to express their sincere appreciation to Dean Manuel Quibod and the rest of the Ateneo de Davao University College of Law faculty for their unwavering support. Their guidance and encouragement have been instrumental in Forensic’s success.
Article and Photos by Vanessa Kate Madrazo (Ateneo Law Forensic Association)
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