MSU triumphs as 1st Runner-up in the first Kastulen 2024: The Regional Law School Debate Tournament
In this year's tournament, the topic for the Championship Round is “Let it be resolved that the ICJ be granted independent jurisdiction to implement penalties against States that do not abide by its rulings.”
Mindanao State University College of Law - General Santos City Extension (MSU) Team A, was hailed 1st Runner-up in the first Kastulen 2024: The Regional Law School Debate Tournament held at the Sangguniang Panglungsod, General Santos City.
The MSU team consisted of debaters from Bantugën Debate and Moot Society, the debate organization of MSU College of Law - GenSan Extension. In Team A, the debaters were Althea Pearl Brynn Sapa, Ruth Noemi Bisnar, and Maria Catherine Gisera. The researchers were Rausela Ruales-Llasos and Kent Harvey Jobo. Team B composed of debaters Edward Lacanilao, Hendrequito Sebios Jr., and Steinhoff Dignadice. April Rose T. Aguila and Mary Celman P. Guaza provided research support to Team B.
In this year's tournament, the topic for the Championship Round is “Let it be resolved that the ICJ be granted independent jurisdiction to implement penalties against States that do not abide by its rulings.” The affirmative position was taken by MSU. Their stance was founded on the Doctrine of Incorporation, the Doctrine of Reciprocity, and the importance of upholding customary international relations. On the other side of the debate, NDMU takes the negative position, raising concerns regarding sovereignty, accountability, and potential implications on the delicate balance of power among nations.
NDMU Team B emerged as the overall champion of the tournament, amassing a score of 305, followed by MSU Team A, closely trailing the champions with a score of 293. NDMU Team A secured the position of 2nd Runner-up with a score of 275.
The said tournament was participated by three (3) other law schools from all over Region 12, namely Notre Dame University (NDU) of Cotabato City, Notre Dame of Marbel University (NDMU),and Sultan Kudarat State University (SKSU). The contestants per school were divided into two (2) groups: Team A and Team B, making a total of eight (8) teams per school. However, a swing team from the MSU was formed to compensate for SKSU, as they could provide only one (1) team.