28/08/2026
WORLD CHAMPIONS⚖️
Four law students from the University of San Agustin in Iloilo became world champions after winning the international rounds of the Monroe E. Price Media Law Moot Court Competition at the University of Oxford in England.
The competition challenges law students to argue a simulated legal case involving media law and freedom of expression. Teams prepare written arguments and defend their positions before panels of legal experts, testing both their research and oral advocacy skills.
Reaching Oxford was already competitive. Teams first had to advance through regional rounds held across different parts of the world. After 85 teams participated in six regional competitions, 30 qualified for the international rounds in Oxford.
Representing the University of San Agustin College of Law was the Bulahan Price Team composed of team captain and oralist Marco Giorgione Dava, oralist Gie Ann Marie Aloro, and researchers Kenverly Kirch Duran and Zynnie Zaragosa. They were coached by Atty. Anfred Panes.
Their journey began in the Asia-Pacific rounds, where the team earned its place in the international competition. Dava was also recognized as the 5th Best Oralist during that stage.
Months before the world championship, Panes shared that half of the four-person team were still newcomers to moot court and had only recently begun learning its rules and developing their advocacy skills.
At Oxford, the team advanced through the competition until it reached the championship round against Osgoode Hall Law School of Canada.
University of San Agustin emerged as the winner, while Osgoode Hall finished as runner-up. Dava also earned another individual distinction, ranking 10th among 98 oralists in the preliminary rounds.
The international rounds were held from April 13 to 17, 2026 at the Bonavero Institute of Human Rights and other University of Oxford venues.
The victory marked the University of San Agustin’s first world championship on this stage, adding another major achievement for Filipino law students competing internationally.
Congratulations to Marco, Gie, Kenverly, Zynnie, Atty. Panes, and the University of San Agustin College of Law. A proud win for Iloilo and Philippine legal education. 🇵🇭
