The Calleja Law Office hosted the First Calleja Law Inter-Regional Law Debating Championships in Sorsogon City from February 21 to February 22, 2025, aimed to foster academic discourse and enhance the skills of law students from various schools in the Bicol region.
The preliminary rounds of the competition were held at the Aemilianum College School of Law, and the final round, in which the debating teams faced off for the championship, was hosted at the Sorsogon State University Audio-Visual Hall on February 22, 2025.
One of the key highlights of the event was the lecture delivered by Retired Supreme Court Justice Antonio T. Carpio, titled “Philippine Islands in the West Philippine Sea.” In his lecture, Justice Carpio provided a comprehensive analysis of the Philippines’ legal stance on sovereignty over the disputed waters of the West Philippine Sea.
In addition to his lecture, Justice Carpio also chaired the championship round of the debate competition and presented the 1875 Carta General del Archipelago Filipino to SUC President III Dr. Geraldine F. De Jesus, further emphasizing the importance of historical and legal heritage in the country’s maritime disputes.
The event was attended by distinguished lawyers, faculty members, students, fisherfolk, as well as prominent figures from the clergy, media, and academic and legal communities. (SorSU PIO)
