CJC upsets DLSU, wins Nat’l Debate

Newcomer Cor Jesu College (CJC) Law Debating Team braced itself for the biggest showdown on Philippine debate and made history for the school when it defeated De La Salle University (DLSU)-Manila in the final round of the Square-off: The Carpio, Villaraza, Cruz (CVC) Law Debate aired live via ABS-CBN News Channel (ANC) at the Dolphy Theater, ABS-CBN Compound in Manila, February 22, 2013.
 
The two teams tackled the following proposition: “The ban on the importation of used vehicles covers the importations at the Cagayan Special Economic Zone Authority.” Each debater from CJC argued the necessity, the beneficiality and the practicability of the said proposition while the counterpart debaters from DLSU opposed these arguments.
 
The inexperienced yet feistier CJC team of Ian Gencianeo, Diana Jane Sorongon and Julius Frencie Rizada outwitted three formidable law schools in the country before reaching the championship round. They first defeated former CVC Law Debate champion Ateneo de Davao University in the elimination round where CJC took the affirmative side on the proposition: “Telecommunication companies should refund an estimated P1.42 Billion to subscribers for overcharge rates on cross network texts.” In the quarterfinals, they overthrew former IHL Moot Court champion Silliman University of Dumaguete City. CJC took the affirmative side on the proposition: “Congress should pass a law providing for stricter gun control.” Ian Gencianeo was adjudged Best Speaker in these two rounds.
 
In the semifinals, CJC faced a tougher opponent, the CVC Law Debate defending champion University of San Carlos (USC)-Cebu. This time, CJC took the negative side on the proposition: “COMELEC Resolution No. 9615 limiting media campaign airtime on TV and radio is invalid.” The head of the adjudicators commented that the fight was so close and with a very slight difference. The best speaker went to USC but CJC was declared winner in this round.
 
“We prepared like as if it was our first and last debate. The only difference is the level of excitement knowing that we are almost there. I thought that we have no other way but to win. The pressure to win was high. But I always find comfort knowing that the whole CJC community is behind us all the way,” Mr. Rizada shared his thoughts when asked about his preparations for the final round.
 
“I am very grateful to the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus for journeying with our debaters. It was our first time to participate in such debate. The win must have put our law school into the roster of elite debating schools in the country,” Br. Ellakim P. Sosmeña shared in interview.
 
The team was supported by the whole CJC community headed by the School President Br. Ellakim P. Sosmeña, S.C., Atty. Israelito P. Torreon (Team Manager and Dean of Law School), Atty. Jalika Mae F. Rosello (Team Coach), Atty. Maruli Ali G. Sanchez (Team Chaperone), Noreen D. Descallar (Researcher), Maria Candice Cielo P. Boiser (Researcher) and Dianne Bay H. Grado (Researcher).