SU law student ranks 9th among top oralists in moot court competition
Christian I. Brodeth, a third-year student at the Silliman University (SU) College of Law, ranked 9th among the top oralists during the Philippine Qualifying Rounds of the Philip C. Jessup International Law Moot Court Competition held at the University of Santo Tomas from February 28 – March 2, 2025.
Colloquially known as Jessup, it is the world’s largest moot court competition, providing law students from around the globe an opportunity to compete by presenting oral and written pleadings on contemporary international law issues in the context of a hypothetical legal dispute between nations.
For law students, moot court competitions serve as a vital training ground, sharpening their advocacy skills and deepening their grasp of international law. According to Brodeth, the competition not only enhances participants’ ability to navigate the complexities of legal gray areas but also refines their written and oral advocacy.
“It helps law students furnish their skills in crafting highly convincing and persuasive written pleadings in court alongside the subsequent oral rounds in which the law student (or “agent”) has to physically appear before several judges and to plead their case as best they can,” Brodeth explained.
Twenty-eight law schools from around the country participated in the Philippine Qualifying Rounds, including the University of the Philippines, Ateneo de Manila University, University of San Agustin, University of San Carlos, among others. From these, around 107 oralists competed.
This year’s Jessup problem focused on the case concerning the Naegea Sea.
The Silliman University team celebrates its performance during the Philippine Qualifying Rounds of the Philip C. Jessup International Law Moot Court Competition.
The Silliman team was composed of nine individuals: Terieze Michove C. Bokingkito, agent for respondent; Patricia C. Bonto, head researcher for respondent; Brodeth, agent for respondent; Francis Lianro H. Bulado, team manager and researcher for applicant; Ivan Gunnar B. Elum, head researcher for applicant and assistant manager; Venz Samuel Melodia, agent for applicant; Nico Miguel C. Noval, vice-team manager; Edan Sam G. Pancho, of counsel and researcher for respondent; and GG Marize M. Siega, agent for applicant.
According to Brodeth, the team prepared through both individual and group practice, simulating real competition conditions by speaking from a podium, addressing mock judges, and maintaining composure under intense questioning. They ensured a strong grasp of fundamental topics, key issues, and courtroom etiquette.
On his own, Brodeth continuously refined arguments through research, strengthening weak points or adjusting submissions as needed.
