By Rex D. Drilon Debate Society – CPU
Centralian debaters from various colleges demonstrate sharp argumentation and versatility across Asian Parliamentary and Oxford-Oregon formats during the 2026 Rex D. Drilon Debate Cup at the Iloilo Provincial Capitol Session Hall on March 30, where “The Prosecutors” emerged as champions.
Debate is an art because debaters have different styles in engaging in discourse and proving a point. Aside from the thrill that the podium brings, debate is a platform meant to educate listeners about various social and political issues that are worthy of discussion.
They say that Centralian debaters are a unique breed. They possess a distinct hunger for debate and the ferocious skill of catching their opponents off guard—much like how a golden lion catches its prey. These skills were once again brought to the spotlight when the official debate team of Central Philippine University, the Rex D. Drilon Debate Society (RDDDS), organized the 2026 Rex D. Drilon Debate Cup last March 30, 2026. In honor of the legacy of former President Dr. Drilon, Centralian debaters engaged in a whole-afternoon showcase of logic, public speaking skills, and argumentation at the Iloilo Provincial Capitol Session Hall.
The event was participated in by debaters from different colleges who formed their own groups. To maximize their potential and demonstrate the flexibility of the University’s debaters, RDDS included both Asian Parliamentary and Oxford-Oregon debate formats in the event. For the first match under the Asian Parliamentary format, the team “Tatlong Pogi” composed of John Al Richie Ang, Adrian Carl Esmenos, and Quian Radie Gania, represented the government side, and won against “The Winx Club” represented by Andrea Yulo, Rodrigo Omadio, and Lexiss Lin Lumanog who defended the opposition. They debated on the motion: “This House regrets the rise of cancel culture.” Quian Radie Gania bagged the Best Speaker award.
Furthermore, debaters in the Oxford-Oregon format proved that they cannot be underestimated, as they were equally dauntless in every match. The first match was between “Dubai Chewy” (Affirmative) and “The Prosecutors” (Negative), where the latter emerged victorious on the proposition: “Let it be resolved that the Philippines Travel Tax be abolished.” Chiara Belle Cabiten from the Affirmative team won Best Speaker, while Prince Miles Bartolome from the Negative side won Best Debater. The second Oxford-Oregon match was between “Six Seven” (Affirmative) and “DDS” (Negative). They debated on the proposition: “Let it be resolved that the Philippines shall impose a social media ban on minors.” The DDS team was proclaimed the winner, with Sam Isaac Alog as Best Debater, while Seana Christel Tura from Six Seven was awarded Best Speaker.
By the end of the battle of wits, “The Prosecutors” were hailed as Champions, followed by DDS as the First Runner-Up, Six Seven as the Second Runner-Up, and Dubai Chewy as the Third Runner-Up.
The Prosecutors were composed of the following speakers: Prince Miles Bartolome (1st Speaker), Maria Greziella Simborio (2nd Speaker), and Xerxes Fitzpatrick Esteva (3rd Speaker). They were supported by their researchers, namely Marian Charisse Cabrera, Raine Jeneil Sirilan, and Jerusha Sor Osorio. Quian Radie Gania served as their Alternative Speaker. Meanwhile, the DDS team was composed of Andrea Yulo, Cassandra Orpeza, Sam Isaac Alog, Leiane Bennice E. Zamora, Alexa Cassandra Pereira, Clariss Galaraga, and Sunn Gyann Mae S. Alog. The Six Seven team was composed of Seana Christel Tura, John Al Richie Ang, Joseph Brian Azarraga, Naomi Aoife Aceña, Kryssian Mhar Mondragon, Cedrick Lawrence S. Gervacio, and Fiona Faye Luciño. Finally, the Dubai Chewy team was composed of Babylin Hisugan, Chiara Cabiten, Jesse Jot Auman, Ethan James M. Sumayo, Sam Ryan Cordova, Jabezella Baitan, and Sistine Anne Aguana.