The University of Cebu School of Law Mooting Team (the Team) represented the Philippines together with the University of the Philippines College of Law Mooting Team for the International Rounds of the 2019 Philip C. Jessup International Law Moot Court Competition (the Jessup) held from March 31 to April 6 in NW Washington, D.C., United States.

The Team previously won the Exhibition Team Award in the Philippine Qualifying Rounds of the Jessup which kicked off last February 21 to 23, 2019 at the University of Santo Tomas. It earned its place after delivering an impressive performance during the National Rounds despite being new to the competition.

The Team’s oralists are Reyna Angeli Pesquira, and Carmelito Clabisellas, Jr. Its researchers include Angelito Ortiz, Paulus Antonius Ruaya, Marieal Inot, Sharmaine Desiree Nillas, Mary Therese Maurin, and Mary Jeanely Bontilao. The Team is coached by Atty. Rose Liza Eisma-Osorio and Atty. Merachelle Borracho.

According to the Team, “The Philippine Jessup Cup was an exhilarating experience and the adrenaline during the rounds pumped us up all throughout the competition. We went toe-to-toe against more experienced teams like the University of the Philippines which brought out the best in us that we never expected. We had the chance to be tested by seasoned judges. All of our sacrifices were rewarded when we won the spot to represent the Philippines in the exhibition rounds. We will give it our best shot in Washington D.C.”

The Jessup is the world’s largest moot court competition, with participants from over 680 law schools in 100 countries and jurisdictions as expounded by the International Law Students Association. It is an advocacy competition for law students wherein the participants compete through the exhibition of oral and written pleadings. It simulates imaginary legal disputes between countries to address developing issues in public international law.