Dissertation Writing Contest Winners

Academic Year 2024-2025

1st Place
Isabelle Beatriz DLS. Ginez

Ateneo de Manila University

“RISE ABOVE THE TIDE: Examining the Adequacy of International Law to Safeguard Maritime Rights of Coastal States Amidst Rising Sea Levels”

Adviser: Dean Sedfrey M. Candelaria

2nd Place
Laurice Emylle A. Sy

Ateneo de Manila University

“Ingenous (Dis)Information: Analyzing Information Disorder Relating to Geopolitical Conflict as Cognitive Warfare and Assessing its use in Jus Ad Bellum and Jus In Bello Contexts”

Adviser: Atty. Evecar Cruz-Ferrer

3rd Place
Chaira Faye L. Ferran

De La Salle Lipa

“Copyright in the Age of AI: Examining Liabilities of AI Actors in the Unauthorized Uses of Copyrighted Works for Model Training through the Lens of Liberty and Prosperity”

Adviser: Atty. Gerald Bowe Resuello

3rd Place
Jadel Kaye B. Gines

Ateneo de Manila University

“Turning the Tides: An Analysis of the Implications of the Water Code and IDEALS, Inc. vs. Psalm on Foreign Investment in Run-of-River Hydroelectric and Ocean Energy Power Generation vis-à-vis DOE Department Circular No, DC2022-11-0034 Allowing Full Foreign Ownership on the Exploration, Development, and Utilization of Renewable Energy Resources”

Adviser: Atty. Cyril Del Callar

3rd Place
Ma. Kristine Gianne D. Kalalo

Ateneo de Manila University

“A Burning Issue: A Legal Analysis of Co-processing as a Solid Waste Management Strategy”

Adviser: Atty. Gregorio Rafael P. Bueta

Susanna Ruth A. Gruyal
University of the Philippines
“A Law and Political Economy Analysis of an International Carbon Price Floor on AI”

Gay Christine C. Lopez
University of Santo Tomas
“Building a Legal Framework towards a Carbon Tax Law in the Philippines”

Jose Javier G. Vilchez
University of the Philippines
“Breaking the Wheel: How Competition Can Solve the Philippines’ Political Dynasty Problem”

Darren N. Zamudio
Far Eastern University
“Breach Alert: Defining the Threshold for “Real Risk of Serious Harm” in Data Breach Notifications as a Means to Uphold Liberty and Prosperity under the Data Privacy Act of the Philippines”

Academic Year 2023-2024

1st Place
Rachel Lois B. Gella

University of St. La Salle

“Defining the Legal Role and Liability of Artificial Intelligence in Digital Consent Towards Liberty and Prosperity in the Philippines”

Adviser: Dean Ralph A. Sarmiento

2nd Place
Arvin A. Maceda

Far Eastern University

“Writ of Kalusugan: Invoking the Power of the Court to Protect the Right of the People to the Highest Attainable Standard of Health”

Adviser: Atty. Bellatrix O. Legaspi-Francisco

3rd Place
Sabrina Marie E. De Guia

Ateneo de Manila University

“Online Gaming: More Fun in the Philippines? A Comprehensive Study on the Philippine Legal Framework for Child Protection in Online Gaming Vis-à-Vis Parental Authority over Children’s Access to the Cyberspace”

Adviser: Atty. Ma. Araceli B. Habaradas

3rd Place
Ma. Clarisse J. Loro

University of San Carlos

“Decoding the Digital Frontier: Legal Analysis of Microtargeting, Bots, and AI-Powered Election Propaganda in the Philippines”

Adviser: Atty. Renato Galeon

3rd Place
Maria Lovelyn Joyce S. Quebrar

University of the Philippines

“Search and Seizure in the Age of Digital Finance: Understanding the Philippine Legal Framework Regulating the Financial Technology”

Adviser: Prof. Patricia R.P. Salvador-Daway

Celina Eunice Cheyenne DR. Abueg
Ateneo de Manila University
“In Doc We Trust: Extent and Limits of the Power of the State to Regulate Physicians’ Online Health-Related Statements”

Francisco Joaquin D. Arceo
Ateneo de Manila University
“From Algorithm to Art: Examining the Copyright of Works Created with the Aid of AI-Generated Content in Light of Current Intellectual Property Standards”

Rizah L. Bagul
Ateneo de Manila University
“Love, Not Coercion: Establishing a Special Law for the Criminalization of Forced Marriages”

Darlene Mae N. Beraña
De La Salle Lipa
“The Right to Inclusive Quality Education of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in Higher Education Institutions (HEIs)

Erika Therese C. Bollozos
Ateneo de Manila University
“Fair Farewell: Examining the Employment Termination Guidelines and Tax Implications of Separation Pay and Other Benefits in Mental Health Related Exits”

Ma. Nicole T. Cuerpo-Nguyen
Far Eastern University
“Mind Your Business: Safeguarding Liberty and Promoting Prosperity in the Business of Targeted Advertising by Strengthening the Data Privacy Rights of Filipinos Through the Commercial Speech Doctrine”

Theressa Fely D. Enriquez
University of San Carlos
“Ad Aequilibrium: Safeguarding International Cybersecurity and Human Rights Through Ethical Adversarial AI Aligned with the UN Norms of Responsible State Behavior in Cyberspace”

Erin John J. Esdrelon
University of San Carlos
“Viral Genetic Resources as Common Heritage of Mankind: Establishing a Legal Framework for the Transnational Sharing of Viral Samples to Bolster Vaccine Production and to Forestall Public Health Emergencies of International Concern”

Clarissa Marie M. Gozos
Ateneo de Manila University
“From Laughter to Litigation: Examining the Legal Limits of Parodies in Relation to Copyright Law and the Right to Free Speech”

Alex B. Ilagan, Jr.
University of San Carlos
“Transsexuals in QUALMtumania: Paving the Way for a Unified Registration System Accepting Trans-identity in the Philippines”

Deanne Marieli Y. Pangan
Ateneo de Manila University
“Beyond Blackbeard: Establishing the Proper Standard of Violence Required in Maritime Piracy”

Charisse J. Regencia
University of San Carlos
“A Legal Policy Framework for Utilizing Idle and Abandoned Lands Toward Climate Change Initiatives”

Maria Aurora Nicole F. Sabban
Far Eastern University
“Right to Coexist: Reexamining the Jurisprudential Guidelines on Trademark Registration vis-à-vis Zuneca v. Natrapharm

Grace Richel S. Tijam
University of Makati
“Aksyon Agad: The Liability and Accountability of Third Parties in the Context of Emergency Law Responses in Cases of Vehicular Accidents in the Philippines”

Academic Year 2022-2023

1st Place
Clarisse Mae D. Zaplan

Ateneo de Manila University

“NAPAPANAHONG HUSTISYA: Examining the Philippine Climate Change Legal Framework and Establishing the Legal Basis for Climate Change Litigation in the Philippines”

Adviser: Atty. Antonio La Viña

2nd Place
Patrizia Anne R. Garcia

De La Salle Lipa

“Liberty in Creativity and Innovation, Prosperity in Protection Under the Rule of Law”

Adviser: Atty. Marianito Dio, Jr.

3rd Place
Anton Gabriel A. Leron

University of the Philippines

“Death by a Thousand Cuts: Assessing the Need for Anti-Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Transportation (SLAPP) Protections in the Philippines”

Adviser: Dean Salvador T. Carlota

3rd Place
Michelle Anne G. Mendoza

Ateneo de Manila University

“Holding Investors in Investor-States Dispute Settlement Accountable for Human Rights Violations Through the Principle of Contributory Fault”

Adviser: Atty. Maria Luisa Isabel L. Rosales

3rd Place
Erielle Robyn T. Ongchan

Ateneo de Manila University

“Site-blocking Mechanisms to Prevent Copyright Infringement and Digital Piracy: Finding a Balance Between the Right to Freedom of Expression on the Internet and the Right of Internet Service Providers (ISPs) to Execute Copyright Enforcement Mechanisms on Websites”

Adviser: Atty. Ricardo Blancaflor

Steffi Gayle C. Bullecer
Ateneo de Manila University
“Into the New World: An Examination of the Application of Copyright Laws to the Digitization of Archive and Library Collections”

Jude Louis A. Millares
University of San Carlos
“When Realities Collide: Examining the Applicability of Real-World Laws in the Philippines to the Legal Challenges Associated with Virtual and Augmented Reality”

Harold Bryant V. Pasion
Ateneo de Manila University
“Adding Fuel to the Fire: Ambiguities in the Downstream Oil Industry Deregulation Act of 1998”

Christian Gio R. Senarlo
Ateneo de Manila University
“Masters of Their Fate: Establishing Legal Standards for Remedial Secession as a Mode of State Creation”

Julianna J. Soberano
Ateneo de Manila University
“Safeguarding the Traditional Knowledge of Indigenous People against Exploitation and Misappropriation through Sui Generis Protection”

Academic Year 2021-2022

1st Place
Patricia Anne Alarios

Ateneo de Manila University

“Walking on Sunshine: Defining the Legal Parameters of Open Data in the Philippines”

Adviser: Atty. Ma. Araceli Habaradas

2nd Place
Breden F. Arcayos

University of San Carlos

“’Balancing Security and Liberty: A Comparative Study on Domestic Anti-Terrorism Law vis-a-vis Human Rights Obligations of States under International Human Rights Law”

Adviser: Atty. Rashid V. Pandi

3rd Place
Nicole Marie P. Carreon

University of San Carlos

“The Code as Law and the Code of Law: The Legal Challenges in Adopting Stablecoins as Securities Under the Securities Regulation Code and Other Laws”

Adviser: Atty. Noel Felongco

3rd Place
Francis Eldon G. Mabutin

University of the Philippines

“Peace and Prosperity: IHL Compliance and Peacemaking as the Way Forward towards Achieving Lasting Prosperity and Full Realization of Liberty for All”

Adviser: Judge Raul C. Pangalangan

3rd Place
Brian Kelvin V. Pineda

Ateneo de Manila University

“Thy Will Be Done: Addressing the Insufficiency of the Mental Health Act in Relation to the Principle of Universal Legal Capacity under Article 12 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, to Ensure and Protect the Legal Capacity of Persons with Disabilities, in All Stages of Life”

Adviser: Atty. Francis Tom Temprosa

George Mariano A. Soriano
University of the Philippines
“Climate Change and the Law of the Sea: Examining the Effects of Climate Change and Sea-level Rise to the 2016 South China Sea PCA Arbitral Award”

Chrisha Ver R. Romano-Weigel
University of San Carlos
“Towards Liberty and Prosperity for the Boat People: Transforming the Law of the Seas to Resolve the Ambiguities of the Duty to Rescue”

Mikko Al Rashid E. Ringia
Ateneo de Manila University
“Curing Dis-Ease: Testing the Legal Prohibition on Torture and Ill-Treatment in Health Contexts and Establishing that Poor Healthcare Conditions is a Violation Thereof”

Edward Dominic E. Emilio
University of San Carlos
“Gifts of Fire from the Prometheus Unbound: A Path to Liberty and Prosperity through the Human Right Against Information Vacuums”

Monica Elijah C. Carlos
Angeles University Foundation
“The Greatest Health is the President’s Wealth: A Comprehensive Study on the Extent, Determination and Dissemination of Presidential Illness and Disability”

Academic Year 2020-2021

1st Place
Lord Jay-em E. Cuntapay

Ateneo de Manila University

“GLOBAL DISEASE OUTBREAKS: Examining the Legal Basis of Viral Sovereignty and its Implications in International Law”

Adviser: Atty. Evecar Cruz Ferrer

2nd Place
Eunice S. Balisong

University of San Carlos

“LIBERTY AND PROSPERITY IN THE AGE OF PANDEMICS: Establishing a Legal Framework to Harmonize the Trade-Health Provisions of the World Health Organization’s International Health Regulations and the World Trade Organization’s General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade“

Adviser: Atty. Rashid V. Pandi

3rd Place
Christianne Noelle B. De Vera

De La Salle University

“How Legitimate are the Expectations? An Evaluation of Chinese Foreign Direct Investments in the Philippines Under the Lens of the Fair and Equitable Treatment Standard”

Adviser: Dr. Rebecca Khan

3rd Place
Trisha Aliya Dulanas

University of San Carlos

“THOUGHTS ON THOUGHT: Balancing Prosperity with Liberty in response to Brain-Computer Interfaces (BCIs) through a definition of “Freedom of Thought” under the Human Rights Instruments”

Adviser: Atty. Rashid V. Pandi

3rd Place
Catherine Joy T. Lim

Ateneo de Manila University

“On to the 21st Century: A Closer look at the Patentability and Scope of Protection of Biotechnological Inventions and their Essentially Derived Products”

Adviser: Atty. Ferdinand Negre

Sheila Mae T. Cabazares
Rizal Memorial Colleges
“Jurisprudential Norms without Precedence”: Upholding Liberty and Prosperity amid the Obscurity of Laws in the Era of Disinformation Technology”

Jyrus B. Cimatu
University of Santo Tomas
“Ang Batas at ang Balai (The Law and the Home): Establishing the Right to the City as a Path Towards Liberty and Sustainable Prosperity”

William Christian P. Dela Cruz
Father Saturnino Urios University
“Clinical Legal Education on the Margins of Mindanao: Safeguarding Liberty, Nurturing Prosperity, Advancing Social Justice”

Chelsea Ysabel D.P. Go
Far Eastern University
“That’s Why Their Monopoly is so Strong. They’re Full of Secrets! An Analysis on the Use of Patent and Trade Secret Protection By the Pharmaceutical Industry and its Implications on the Right to Health”

Kenneth G. Limosnero
De La Salle University
“Litigation Trafficking: A study on the legality of Litigation Funding that results into Maintenance, Champerty or Assignment of Bare Right to Litigate to third-party litigation funders taking into consideration the Right to Access to Justice as a means of protecting Liberty and nurturing Prosperity under the Rule of Law”

Fidel Rico Y. Nini
University of the Philippines
“Which is Primary in Jurisdiction?: Revisiting the Judicial Philosophy Behind the Doctrines of Primary Jurisdiction and Exhaustion of Administrative Remedies and the Court Interpretations Thereof”

Ericka Therese P. Uyguangco
Ateneo de Manila University
“The Public Works for the Public’s Trust: Establishing a Legal Framework Applying the Public Trust Doctrine in Philippine Environmental Laws”

Academic Year 2019-2020

1st Place
Ma. Angela Teresa G. Sebastian

University of the Philippines

“Protecting Liberty and Nurturing Prosperity in the Propertization of Digital Footprint in the Age of Surveillance Capitalism”

Adviser: Atty. Gerard Chan

2nd Place
Genica Therese B. Endaluz

Ateneo de Manila University

“Home Court Advantage: Establishing a Framework for the Responsibility of a State with Respect to Human Rights Violations Committed by its Corporate Nationals Abroad”

Adviser: Ambassador Manuel Antonio J. Teehankee

3rd Place
Patrick Edward L. Balisong

Ateneo de Manila University

“Bridging the Accountability Gap Between the Universal Rights Regime and the Regime of Multilateral Development Financing Institutions”

Adviser: Atty. Maria Luisa Isabel L. Rosales

3rd Place
Angelette C. Bulacan

Far Eastern University

“LÈSE-MAJESTÉ BY THE SOVEREIGN’S OWN INSTRUMENTALITY: The Government’s Violations of the Supreme Law in the Non-enforcement of the Philippine Entitlements in the West Philippine Sea”

Adviser: Atty. Galahad Pe Benito

3rd Place
Carlota N. Villaroman

San Beda University

“Enforcing Liberty and Prosperity through Tax Reform: Synchronization of Taxation Laws with the Philippine Development Plan as Instrument of Social Justice”

Adviser: Dean Marciano G. Delson

Juan Paolo M. Artiaga
University of the Philippines
“Comments Against “No Comment”: Balancing Constitutional Liberties and the Role of the Judiciary in Comments on Cases Pending Before the Courts”

Archiebald F. Capila
San Sebastian College – Recoletos Manila
“OF TRANSCENDENTAL IMPORTANCE: An Analysis of the Doctrine’s Application vis-a-vis Liberty and Prosperity”

Patrick Angelo M. Gutierrez
Far Eastern University
“Judicial Activism or Judicial Restraint: The Justiciability of Unilateral Acts of States in the Context of Duterte’s Declarations Toward the South China Sea Dispute”

Daphne Dianne D. Mendoza
De La Salle University
“The Green Generation: Establishing an Environmental Defense Fund through the Contribution of Mining Companies and the Extractive Industries”

Ronald Kevin L. Montellano
Far Eastern University
“Nomad is an Island: A Legal Framework for Nomadic Indigenous People for Cultural Integrity and in Cases of Displacement”

Robie P. Quino
San Beda Graduate School (LLM)
“NOT OF LEGAL AGE, BUT OF LEGAL MIND: Enacting a law that shall integrate the principles and provisions of the UNCRC and domestic laws promoting child protection as well as to integrate crime prevention, criminal justice and other rule-of-law aspects into the school curricula at all levels, whether public or private, including in barangay daycare, preschool, basic education and out-of-school youth.”

Maria Luisa J. Sebastian
Ateneo de Manila University
“Establishing a Binding and Obligatory Framework for the Protection of Asylum Seekers and Refugees in accordance with the State’s International Law Obligations”

Vladimir Joy M. Tamargo
Far Eastern University
“Liberty and Prosperity in the Coming of Age of the Commercialization and Industrialization of the Moon and Her Riches: The Common Heritage of Humankind”

Academic Year 2018-2019

1st Place
Josiah David F. Quising

Far Eastern University

“Liberty and Prosperity for Future Generations: Intergenerational Equity as Customary International Law”

Adviser: Atty. Jared Amoroso

2nd Place
Diana Lou L. Boado

Lyceum of the Philippines University

“Balancing Liberty and Prosperity in the Market for Big Data: Towards Enforcing the Right to Personal Data Protection”

Adviser: Atty. Romel Regalado Bagares

3rd Place
Charles O. De Belen

San Beda University

“Elevating the Status of the Right to Information through the Writ of Scientia Omnibus”

3rd Place
Beverly T. Lumbera

LUMSA University – Rome

“The Liberty to Locate and the Threat of Crime: A Critical Discourse and Systematic Review of the Impact of Crime on Property Values”

Adviser: Matteo Rizzolli

3rd Place
Clarissa Mae A. Sawali

Far Eastern University

“A Rights-Based Approach to Environmental Protection: The Balance Between Police Power and Livelihood Rights”

Adviser: Atty. Joan Paula Deveraturda

Gwendolyn Ann I. Bañaria
Far Eastern University
“Rise of the Machines as Creators: The Ownership Conundrum of Computer-Generated Works”

Jose Angelo A. Blay
De La Salle Lipa
“Post-Conflict Amnesty Practice under Contemporary Public International Law and Domestic Law”

Arvin Paolo D. Cortez
Ateneo de Manila University
“A Critique of Lagman v. Executive Secretary: Analyzing the Justiciability of the President’s Power to Declare Martial Law or to Suspend the Privilege of the Writ of Habeas Corpus as Regards its Territorial Scope and to Provide Standards Thereof”

Justin Ian M. Manjares
Ateneo de Manila University
“There’s Death, and there’s Online Death: Exploring Digital Assets as a Legal Concept for the Transmissibility of a Decedent’s (Digital) Assets to his Heirs”

Marlouize E. Villanueva
University of San Carlos
“Beyond the Minimum: Justiciability of the Question of the Right to a Living Wage in the Philippines”

Academic Year 2017-2018

1st Place
Raphael Lorenzo A. Pangalangan

University of Oxford

“Enforcing Liberty and Prosperity through the Courts of Law: A Shift in Legal Thought from Juridification to Judicialization”

2nd Place
Tess Marie P. Tan

University of San Carlos

“Liberty and Prosperity in the Digital Age: Determining the Proper Treatment of Online Intermediaries in Light of the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights”

Rexlyn Ann M. Evora
Polytechnic University of the Philippines
“Delivering to the Poor: An Analysis of the Microfinance Policies in Cooperatives in Rural Areas in the Philippines”

Helen May M. Frias
Far Eastern University
“The Role of Private Justice: Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) in the Promotion and Protection of Liberty and Prosperity under the Rule of Law”

Janine Faye A. Napoles
Centro Escolar University
“Leadership Quality Reconsideration: Professionalizing Philippine Elective Officials at the National Level through the Imposition of Academic Qualifications”

Joben Mariz J. Odulio
Ateneo de Manila University
“Weeding out the Fake Grassroots: Expanding the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012 to include Online Astroturfing as an Offense”