By Ezra Viola and Ella Abad
Photo by Dessa Garing and Maltha Villarubia
The University of the Philippines College of Law emerged victorious in the 6th Philippine Law Debate Championship (PLDC6) hosted by San Beda Law Debate Circle (LDC), defeating tournament standouts Arellano University School of Law in the Open Grand Finals held on January 17, 2026 at Casa Blanca, Intramuros, Manila.
While the national title went to UP, host school San Beda University reaffirmed its reputation for excellence after ranking 3rd overall in the Open Tournament, with Bedan debaters securing three of the 10 Best Speakers of the Tournament.
SBU-COL’s Allysa Frances Salvino, Julia San Jose, and Denim Lagamia were recognized as the sixth, seventh, and ninth best speakers, respectively, behind their strong individual performances during the country’s premier law debate meet, bringing pride to the Bedan community.
“Ranking 3rd overall and securing three speaker awards in a highly competitive tournament is a testament of how far we have come as Bedans,” shared by Salvino, San Beda LDC President and PLDC’s 6th Best Speaker.
Thirty-five debate teams from 20 law schools nationwide engaged in intense interpellation over a wide range of issues during the three-day competition running from January 15 to 17, tackling topics that include socio-political issues, environment, persons and family relations, free speech, energy, criminal justice, tax, and urban development. Teams for the affirmative and the negative argued their positions with reason and legalities which brought their arguments to life and illuminating the most critical subjects of our time.
“Every round is a reminder that clarity of thought is imperative, that words entail power, and that research can change outcomes. Debate isn’t just a craft; it’s a tool to equip ourselves in becoming the lawyers we aspire to be,” seasoned debate veteran and PLDC’s 9th Best Speaker Lagamia said.
Meanwhile, University of Santo Tomas established its place in history as the first-ever winner of the inaugural Mendiola Cup, held at the Abbot Lopez Hall, San Beda University Mendiola.
The PLDC6 competitors were Arellano University, Ateneo De Manila University, Bulacan State University, Far Eastern University, Mindanao State University General Santos City Extension, Our Lady of Lourdes College Foundation, Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila, Philippine Law School, Polytechnic University of the Philippines, Saint Louis University, San Beda College-Alabang, San Beda University, University of Cordilleras, University of Caloocan City, University of Makati, University of Mindanao, University of Nueva Caceres, University of Santo Tomas, and the University of the Philippines.
UP’s Denzelle Caro was named as the Best Speaker of the Grand Finals while Arellano’s Rance Peralta and Cielo Marie Esmeria bagged the Overall and Second Best Speaker award, respectively.
Luis Mendoza of San Beda College Alabang was named as the Top 3 Best Speaker, Timothy Ang of Saint Louis University as the Top 5 Best Speaker, UP’s Johanna Trisha Cinco as the Top 8 Best Speaker, and UST’s Krislen Gaile Bismonte as the Top 10 Best Speaker.
THE BARRISTER 