UP COLLEGE OF LAW SECURES HISTORIC WIN AS WORLD CHAMPIONS OF 2024 PHILIP C. JESSUP MOOT COURT COMPETITION

Washington, DC – April 6, 2024 – The University of the Philippines College of Law (“UP Law”) has etched its name in history once again, clinching the prestigious title of World Champions at the 2024 Philip C. Jessup Moot Court Competition held at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Washington, DC. This remarkable victory comes nearly three decades after their last triumph in the same competition, reaffirming UP Law’s unparalleled excellence on the global stage.

The Philip C. Jessup Moot Court Competition stands as the oldest, largest, and most esteemed moot competition worldwide, attracting participation from law schools across the globe. This year marked a significant milestone as the competition witnessed an unprecedented number of registered teams, with 642 teams from more than 100 jurisdictions vying for the coveted title.

This year’s problem “The Case Concerning The Sterren Forty” simulated a fictional dispute between nations before the International Court of Justice, the judicial organ of the United Nations, tackled pressing issues of political expression, statelessness, nationality rights, and the authority of the United Nations Security Council in dispute resolution.

This win is particularly significant against the backdrop of contemporary global challenges in dispute resolution which are prevalent across various jurisdictions worldwide.

In a display of unparalleled skill and determination, the UP Law team emerged as the sole Philippine representative to advance to the quarterfinals and the lone team from the Asia-Pacific region in the prestigious stage. Their remarkable journey culminated in a gripping showdown against the Universidad Torcuato Di Tella in the world championships, where UP Law emerged triumphant over 642 participating teams

This historic win not only solidifies UP Law’s position as a leading institution in moot court competitions globally but also shines a spotlight on the excellence of Philippine law students and the broader Asian legal community. With UP Law’s last and only world championship title dating back to 1995 and THE ONLY OTHER PHILIPPINE VICTORY IN 2004, this triumph, this triumph marks a watershed moment in legal education.

Acknowledging their outstanding performance, Ignacio Villareal also clinched the Schwebel Award for Best Oralist Award in the Championship Round.

The UP Law Jessup Team, composed of Mary Regine Dadole, Pauline De Leon, Pauline Samantha Sagayo, Chinzen Viernes, and Ignacio Lorenzo Villareal, demonstrated unwavering dedication and brilliance under the guidance of Professor Marianne Vitug as coach and Professor Rommel Casis as faculty advisor.

The entire UP community joins in celebrating this historic triumph, which not only underscores UP Law’s legacy of excellence but also inspires future generations of legal scholars and practitioners worldwide.