The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) formally welcomed law students, legal experts, and academic leaders to the next stage of the 2025 National Moot Court Competition on International Humanitarian Law (IHL) through a welcome dinner held on December 1 at the PRC National Headquarters in Mandaluyong City.
Organized by the PRC in partnership with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), this year’s quarterfinal and semifinal rounds will be hosted by the University of the Philippines (UP), while the final round and awarding ceremonies will take place at the Supreme Court of the Philippines.
Following the General Rounds last November 14, the Top 8 Universities advancing to the face-to-face quarterfinals at UP Diliman are: Ateneo de Zamboanga University, Batangas State University – The National Engineering University, Ateneo de Naga University College of Law, Bukidnon State University, Cor Jesu College Inc., University of the Philippines Diliman, Arellano University School of Law, and Cagayan State University College of Law.
The welcome dinner was attended by distinguished guests including Atty. Rodolfo “Inky” Reyes, PRC Board Member and Chairperson of the PRC IHL Committee; Atty. Gwen Grecia-De Vera, Dean of the UP College of Law; Atty. Rommel Casis, Associate Professor and Director of the Institute of International Studies at UP; Atty. Gabriel Calleja, ICRC Legal Adviser; and Atty. Ma. Golda Gigi Mendoza, Program Director of the International Financial Law and Regulation Program at the Institute of International Legal Studies.
In his keynote address, PRC Chairman and CEO Richard J. Gordon highlighted the origins of the ICRC under founder Jean Henri Dunant and underscored the enduring importance of IHL. “Participation in this competition is more than an academic exercise: it is a defining moment. Do not remain spectators. Engage fully, allow yourselves to be influenced, and understand that your influence must extend far beyond intelligence alone. What you will discuss here has the power to shape minds, guide future decisions, and strengthen the humanitarian foundations of our nation,” Gordon said.
Chairman Gordon, a long-time advocate of IHL, authored Republic Act 9851 or the Philippine Act on Crimes Against International Humanitarian Law, Genocide, and Other Serious International Crimes, signed into law in 2009. This legislation integrated IHL into the country’s domestic legal framework and strengthened accountability for wartime atrocities.
Meanwhile, PRC Secretary General Dr. Gwen Pang emphasized the competition’s role in shaping future leaders of the legal profession. “Since 2005, the National Moot Court Competition has been one of PRC’s flagship academic advocacy initiatives. It aims to deepen respect for IHL and inspire future leaders to engage in politics with legal awareness while safeguarding human dignity, especially in times of conflict,” Pang said.
As part of the competition’s ethical guidelines, participating universities remain anonymous during the rounds and are identified only by team numbers. Coaches and participants expressed appreciation for the initiative, noting its value in broadening perspectives, fostering collaboration, and strengthening commitment to humanitarian law.
As the competition advances to its final stages, the PRC extends its congratulations to all participants and reaffirms its mission: Always First, Always Ready, Always There.
