Topics for Moot Court

Team 1 vs 3

Summary: On March 2018, Pres. Rodrigo Duterte declared the withdrawal of the Philippines to the
Rome Statute and submitted a communication letter to such upon the United Nations. The Rome
Statute promulgated the creation of the International Criminal Court. Pres. Duterte contended that the
Rome Statute was not legally ratified as a Philippine law as it was not published in a newspaper of
general circulation. Concerned Citizens, alarmed by the exposure caused by such withdrawal argued the
invalidity of the act of the President.

Issue 1: The Withdrawal of the Republic of the Phiippines to the Rome Statute is unconstitutional

Issue 2: The Withdrawal of the Philippines to the ICC deprives the Filipinos of the protection against
those crimes under the jurisdiction of the ICC.

Issue 3: Whether or not the Philippines violates international law for its withdrawal on the ICC

Team 2 vs 4

Summary: A long standing territorial dispute between China and the Philippines with regards to the
Spratly Islands has resulted to an arbitration case filed by the Philippines upon the Permanent Court of
Arbitration. Despite lack of participation by China, the PCA promulgated a decision upholding the rights
of Filipino Fishermen to perform fishing activities within the disputed territory. Despite the existence of
the Arbitration Award, there were reports of Chinese Coastguard harassing Filipino fishermen when they
enter the disputed territory and disallowing them to fish in the said area. China contends that they
cannot be forced to follow the Arbitral Award because they have not consented to such arbitration.

Issue 1: Whether or not China can be held responsible for committing an internationally wrongful act for
the supposed harassment of Filipino Fishermen.

Issue 2: Whether or not China can be held responsible for violating the contents of the Arbitral Award.

Issue 3: Whether or not the Philippines has a better right of sovereignty within the Scarborough Shoal