By Joseph Bernard A. Marzan
Students from the University of San Agustin College of Law (USA Law), who recently won the Philippine rounds of the 2025 Philip C. Jessup International Law Moot Court Competition, are seeking public support as they prepare for the world rounds in Washington, D.C., later this month.
The team secured back-to-back championships after also winning in 2024, besting 27 other law schools from across the country.
Team captain Marco Giorgione Dava and member Ancel De Cunha, both junior Juris Doctor students at USA Law, were named 5th and 7th Best Oralists, respectively.
Other team members include sophomore students Jenny Faith Arceño, Lester John Carnaje, and Andry Pagsuguiron.
The team was also recognized for its written legal arguments, known as memorials, earning 3rd Best Overall Memorial, 2nd Best Memorial for the Respondent, and 4th Best Memorial for the Applicant.
The 2025 White & Case Jessup International Rounds will take place from March 29 to April 5 at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Washington, D.C.
This marks the second time USA Law will compete in the international rounds, where they will face teams from around the world. In the 2024 edition, they placed within the Top 48.
The Philip C. Jessup International Law Moot Court Competition, widely regarded as the “Olympics of Moot Court,” features over 700 law schools from more than 100 countries and territories.
D’Cunha, who also serves as Prime Minister of The Parliament, USA Law’s moot court organization, told Daily Guardianthat they are working hard to follow in the footsteps of last year’s world champions from the University of the Philippines and keep the trophy in the Philippines.
“We aim to claim the world championship and keep the trophy in the Philippines. However, the financial burden of traveling to Washington, D.C., and staying for the competition is heavy. We need all the help we can get from our peers, generous benefactors, and the Ilonggo community. Any amount, big or small, would be a massive help to the team,” D’Cunha said.
USA Law Dean Jose Mari Benjamin Francisco Tirol emphasized that support for the team would not only benefit their school but also bring pride to Iloilo, the Western Visayas region, and other law schools outside Metro Manila.
“Let us help bring our Jessup team back to Washington, D.C. Let us help them proudly fly the flags of our university, our city and province, and our country. And let us show the world what a ‘provincial’ law school is capable of,” Tirol said.
Those interested in supporting the team may send donations to:
- BPI Account: Ancel D’Cunha, 1319441146
- GCash: 09778290020
