MANILA, Philippines - Members of De La Salle University’s Debate Society bagged the top spot in the recently concluded “Square Off: Frankahan, the Drilon Debates,” winning over Ateneo De Manila University’s debaters during the final round of the season.
Composed of Dino de Leon, Robin Sebolino, and Bianca Lagdameo, DLSU’s team defeated ADMU’s Gica Mangahas, Miko Biscocho, and Steph Co after both teams debated on the motion that the government should scrap its “no ransom, no negotiation” policy towards terrorists.
DLSU, representing the Opposition, argued that removing the policy would only perpetuate a vicious cycle of kidnapping, which poses a greater threat to national security. Moreover, the team asserted that an all-out-war policy would send the proper signals and deter similar terrorist activities.
ADMU, meanwhile, represented the Government side, and the team contended that the government should have the option to negotiate or not on a case-to-case basis, considering that kidnap-for-ransom groups vary in profile and if it means that it will save the lives of the kidnap victims.
Former Senate President Franklin Drilon, who was the chief adjudicator of the final debate and the main sponsor of the entire series, summed up the sentiments of the panel and said that the arguments of both teams on a very timely issue were impressive.
The board of adjudicators for the debate finals is composed of 2002 Bar topnotcher Arlene Maneja, 2005 Bar topnocher Joanne de Venecia, columnist and ANC producer Pat Evangelista, and Baliuag, Bulacan Councilor Ricky dela Cruz.