The Order of International Law at the University of the Cordilleras

𝐒𝐢𝐥𝐚𝐤𝐛𝐨 𝐧𝐠 𝐊𝐚𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐮𝐧𝐠𝐚𝐧: 𝐏𝐚𝐠𝐝𝐢𝐫𝐢𝐰𝐚𝐧𝐠 𝐧𝐠 𝐏𝐚𝐠𝐤𝐚𝐛𝐚𝐛𝐚𝐞

Sa bawat titik ng batas at sa bawat katuwiran sa pampublikong diskurso, nangingibabaw ang tinig at talino ng kababaihan. ⚖️✨

Ngayong International Women’s Day, ang UC Order of International Law (UC OIL) ay buong pusong nakikidalo at nagpupugay sa dedikasyon ng ating mga babaeng miyembro at sa lahat ng kababaihang patuloy na naghuhulma ng ating kasaysayan. Mula sa silid-aralan ng batas hanggang sa mga lantarang pakikibaka para sa katarungan, ang inyong husay ay hindi matatawaran.

Para sa mga nangarap, nagsumikap, at nagtagumpay—ang inyong lakas ay inspirasyon sa aming lahat. Happy International Women’s Day! 💐

Panulat at disenyo ni: Alesandria Yvonne Colos

𝐊𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐇𝐞𝐞 𝐇𝐮𝐚𝐭 𝐓𝐬𝐚𝐢 𝐊𝐚𝐩 𝐒𝐢𝐧 𝐍𝐢 𝐊𝐡𝐮𝐚𝐢 𝐋𝐨𝐤!🏮🧨🐎⚖️

Wishing our UC Law community a Lunar New Year filled with prosperity, happiness, and good fortune!

Just as a horse gallops forward with unwavering purpose, may our momentum never slow, our voices remain strong, and our advocacy continue to drive us forward. May your arguments be as swift and powerful as a galloping steed, and your rebuttals as sharp as firecrackers 💥

Here’s to another year of galloping forward.

𝗕𝗿𝗶𝗱𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗘𝘅𝗰𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲: 𝗢𝗜𝗟 𝗠𝗲𝗲𝘁𝘀 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗗𝗲𝗮𝗻 𝗥𝗲𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗼 𝗥𝗼𝗻𝗱𝗲𝘇

The PLDC delegates recently held a courtesy call with Dean Renato Rondez to formally report the achievements of the Order of International Law (OIL) during the recently concluded Philippine Law Debate Championship (PLDC) 2026.

Beyond celebrating our recent milestones, the meeting served as a strategic session for the future. The delegates and the Dean discussed upcoming plans and initiatives specifically designed to enhance the mooting skills of our members. We are grateful for the Dean’s continued guidance as we strive to elevate the standard of advocacy within our community.

Objection, your honor! It should be illegal to be this smart and this good-looking at the same time. ⚖️🔥

​𝐇𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐲 𝐁𝐢𝐫𝐭𝐡𝐝𝐚𝐲 𝐭𝐨 𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐔𝐂 𝐎𝐈𝐋 𝐀𝐝𝐯𝐢𝐬𝐞𝐫, 𝐀𝐭𝐭𝐲. 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐤 𝐌𝐚𝐝𝐚𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐠, 𝐉𝐫.! After a careful review of the evidence, the verdict is unanimous: you are officially still the hunkiest and handsomest attorney in the jurisdiction.

​May your day be free of 'motions for reconsideration' and full of cake! Cheers, Atty.!

— from your UC OIL babies ❣️

𝗣𝗥𝗜𝗠𝗔 𝗙𝗔𝗖𝗜𝗘 𝗘𝗫𝗖𝗘𝗟𝗟𝗘𝗡𝗖𝗘 𝗜𝗡 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗛𝗘𝗔𝗥𝗧 𝗢𝗙 𝗠𝗘𝗡𝗗𝗜𝗢𝗟𝗔

​The dust has settled at the hallowed halls of San Beda University, but the echoes of the Order of International Law’s advocacy still ring through Mendiola. From January 15-17, our delegates stood at the frontlines of the Philippine Law Debate Championship, showcasing a masterclass in forensic logic and legal grit.

​We proudly recognize the standard-bearers of the Order:
🔹 The Finalists (1st Runner-Up): Julia Soriano, Yra Rapisura, and Alesandria Yvonne Colos.
🔹 The Exemplary Advocates: Crisjo Cadsap, Sofia Angela Torres, Renee Torres, and Silas Paul Cosil.
🔹 The Competing Adjudicators: Denmark Ray Velasquez and Audrey Jean Atluna.

​The strength of the wolf is the pack. This historic performance was forged through the relentless guidance of our mentors. Our deepest gratitude goes to Atty. Phoebe Balubar, Atty. Mary Gurion, Atty. Juralyn Obra, and Mr. Emmanuel Christopher Manialung for their tireless training and for sharpening our arguments into weapons of precision.

​Special thanks to our Adviser, Atty. Mark Madalang, Jr., for his steadfast leadership, and to our OIL Members and Seniors whose unwavering support served as our backbone throughout this journey.

​Mendiola was the stage, but the Order was the message.

𝗦𝗛𝗔𝗥𝗣 𝗪𝗜𝗧, 𝗜𝗥𝗢𝗡 𝗪𝗜𝗟𝗟: 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗢𝗥𝗗𝗘𝗥’𝗦 𝗧𝗛𝗥𝗘𝗘-𝗗𝗔𝗬 𝗖𝗥𝗨𝗦𝗔𝗗𝗘.

From January 15 to 17, 2026, the halls of San Beda University—the cradle of legal giants—became the battleground for the country’s brightest minds at the Philippine Law Debate Championship. We also celebrate the exemplary performance of our formidable trio: Crisjo Cadsap, Sofia Angela Torres, and Silas Paul Cosil. Throughout three days of grueling intellectual combat, they demonstrated surgical precision, profound legal scholarship, and an unshakable command of the floor. They didn't just debate the law; they defined the standard of advocacy.

​Beyond the podium, we give special recognition to our Competing Adjudicators, Denmark Ray Velasquez and Audrey Jean Atluna. Their sharp analytical insight and mastery of legal principles were vital in upholding the integrity of the tournament, proving that the Order’s excellence extends to both sides of the bench.

​To our team and our adjudicators: You entered the lion’s den of Mendiola and emerged with honor. Your performance is a testament to the grit and brilliance that define the Order.

𝗕𝗘𝗬𝗢𝗡𝗗 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗕𝗔𝗥: 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗢𝗥𝗗𝗘𝗥’𝗦 𝗚𝗥𝗔𝗡𝗗 𝗙𝗜𝗡𝗔𝗟𝗦 𝗟𝗘𝗚𝗔𝗖𝗬.

​History was written last January 17, 2026, as the Order of International Law fought its way through a massive field of the country’s most elite law schools to stand in the Grand Finals of the Mendiola Cup! In a grueling championship round hosted by San Beda University—the hallowed cradle of Philippine legal titans—our formidable trio, Julia Deanna Soriano, Yra Gertrude Rapisura, and Alesandria Yvonne Colos, went head-to-head against the University of Santo Tomas in an unforgettable masterclass of legal advocacy, forensic logic, and sharp wit.

​More than just a debate, it was a battle of endurance.

​From the intense opening volleys to the high-stakes final rebuttals, these three women embodied the very spirit of the Order. Facing the "Tigers" of UST in the heart of Mendiola, they navigated complex legal doctrines and grueling cross-examinations with surgical precision and unshakable grace.

After a historic and nail-biting encounter, the team officially concluded their spectacular run as the 1st Runner-Up of the 2026 Mendiola Cup.
​
​The sleepless nights, the mountains of jurisprudence, and the relentless pursuit of the perfect argument have culminated in this moment. Julia, Yra, and Alesandria—you have not only represented the Order; you have elevated it. ​We celebrate your triumph. We celebrate the standard of excellence you have set. We celebrate the Order! 🏛️✨

Pubmat and words by: Alesandria Yvonne Colos

𝗕𝗲𝘆𝗼𝗻𝗱 𝗔𝗿𝗴𝘂𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁: 𝗨𝗖 𝗟𝗮𝘄 𝗦𝘄𝗲𝗲𝗽𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀 𝗮𝘁 𝗖𝗛𝗥 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿-𝗟𝗮𝘄 𝗗𝗲𝗯𝗮𝘁𝗲

​From December 4–10, 2025, the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) in Quezon City served as the arena for the nation’s premier legal minds during the Inter-Law School Human Rights Debate Competition. Amidst a field of elite law schools, the University of the Cordilleras stood as a formidable force, proving that our advocacy is as sharp as our intellect.

​We are immensely proud to recognize the stellar performance of our two competing delegations:
​
​🏆 5th Place Overall: TEAM PEERS TIME
Members: Jhon Carlo Dela Cruz, Yra Gertrude Rapisura, Judah Praise Urbano
​6th Breaking Team in the Elimination Rounds
​4th Highest Cumulative Speaker Scores

​🏅 Pre-Semifinalists: TEAM SAN MIG RIGHTS
Members: Crisjo Cadsap, Silas Paul Cosil, Denmark Ray Velasquez
​4th Breaking Team in the Elimination Rounds
​5th Highest Cumulative Speaker Scores

​The caliber of our training was on full display through two historic UC vs. UC matchups. The bracket forced our teams to face one another first in a high-pressure Round 3 tie-breaker, and ultimately in a decisive battle for 5th place. There is no greater indicator of a program’s dominance than when the toughest hurdle on the road to the podium is your own teammate.

​To Jhon Carlo, Yra Gertrude, Judah Praise, Crisjo, Silas Paul, and Denmark Ray: Your performance at the CHR was more than just a victory in debate; it was a demonstration of the courage and eloquence required of the legal profession. You have represented the University with the highest degree of integrity and brilliance.

​We celebrate your hard-earned success and look forward to the impact you will undoubtedly make as future defenders of human rights and the rule of law.

​Onward, UC Law! ✊🔥

𝐅𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐄𝐱𝐜𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐏𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐞: 𝐀 𝐓𝐫𝐢𝐛𝐮𝐭𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐍𝐞𝐰𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐒𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐥𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐉𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐞

​The journey to the legal profession is rarely a solitary path; it is a grueling marathon of the mind, demanding an iron will and an unwavering spirit. Today, we stand at the finish line to witness a magnificent achievement. A resounding congratulations to the alumni of the UC Order of International Law (OIL) on successfully conquering the 2025 Bar Examinations. This victory is not merely a personal milestone but a crowning moment for our entire academic community.

​Your success is the final, sweet fruit of years spent in the relentless pursuit of excellence. Within the halls of the University of the Cordilleras, you dedicated yourselves to the mastery of the law, navigating complex statutes and demanding doctrines with a grit that has now been vindicated.

​The entire UC OIL Family is bursting with pride to see our seniors reach this monumental height. To the UC OIL family, you are more than just graduates; you are the embodiment of our shared values. Your achievement serves as a powerful testament to the Spirit of the Order—a spirit forged in the fire of discipline, fueled by a deep-seated passion for advocacy, and now triumphantly realized in this historic victory.

​As you step beyond the threshold of the academe and into the noble legal profession, you carry with you a heavy but honorable mantle. We are confident that you will continue to uphold the principles of justice, equity, and integrity that we hold dear. May you serve as beacons of hope and defenders of the rule of law, both in our local courts and on the international stage.

​The community stands with you in collective celebration, honoring the long nights, the sacrifices, and the brilliance that led to this day. You have proven yourselves worthy of the title.

​Hail, our new Attorneys! Padayon!

Pubmat and words by: Alesandria Yvonne Colos

𝗨𝗖-𝗢𝗜𝗟 𝗧𝗲𝗮𝗺𝘀 𝗔𝗱𝘃𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗣𝗿𝗲-𝗦𝗲𝗺𝗶𝗳𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗹𝘀 𝗮𝘁 𝗖𝗛𝗥 𝟰𝘁𝗵 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿-𝗟𝗮𝘄 𝗗𝗲𝗯𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗧𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗻𝗮𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁

The Commission on Human Rights 4th Inter-Law Debate Tournament kicked off today at the CHR Complex, Magsaysay Avenue, Diliman, Quezon City.

The elimination rounds consisted of three matches. Team San Mig Rights, composed of debaters Denmark Velasquez, Crisjo Cadsap, and Silas Paul Cosil, with Irish Barte as their researcher, secured two wins and one loss, earning a total of 684 speaker points and ranking as the 4th breaking team. Meanwhile, Team Peers Time, represented by debaters Judah Praise Urbano, Jhon Carlo Dela Cruz, and Yra Gertrude Rapisura, with Elijah Bersamin as researcher, garnered one win and a cumulative 686 speaker points, placing 6th overall.

Both teams were guided by Head Researcher Audrey Atluna, whose guidance contributed to their strong showing in the preliminary rounds.

Fun fact! Despite being matched against each other in one of the elimination rounds, which statistically reduced the chances of both teams advancing, both San Mig Rights and Peers Time still clinched spots in the pre-semifinals set to take place tomorrow at the same venue.