Ateneo clinches first runner-up honors at 2025 ICC Moot Court in the Hague

The Ateneo Society of International Law (ASIL) announced that the Ateneo-ICC Team has secured the Overall First Runner-Up title at the 2025 International Criminal Court Moot Court Competition (ICC Moot), organized by the International Bar Association and held in The Hague, Netherlands.

Competing against a formidable field of 85 universities and more than 500 participants representing 45 countries, the team distinguished itself as one of just three to reach the championship round.

Alongside their remarkable second-place overall finish, the team received several individual and group recognitions:

• Overall First Runner-Up
• Best Speaker in the Final Round – Nikita Alyanna L Cordova

During the preliminary phase of the competition, the team also garnered the following awards:

• First Runner-Up – Best Prosecution Counsel Team
• Second Runner-Up – Best Defense Counsel Team
• First Runner-Up – Best Defense Counsel Speaker – Ma Francesca D De Asis

The 2025 team members included:

Oralists:

• Ma. Francesca D De Asis (2B) – Team Captain, Defense Counsel
• Nikita Alyanna L Cordova (2D) – Victims’ Counsel
• Arvin C Ajesta (1A) – Prosecution Counsel

Team Administrators:

• Marian Cyra S. Miro (2B)
• Erin Dominique C Chua (1C)

The team was mentored by legal experts and alumni coaches: Atty. Kolleen Yvonne B. Ricaro, Atty. Christian Gio R. Senarlo, and Atty Gabriel G. Tabeta.

This outstanding performance marks Ateneo’s first appearance in the final round since joining the ICC Moot in 2022, making it a significant milestone for the university's international law advocacy.

Congratulations, and one big fight!