Facade of the Senate building in Pasay City. (Philippine Daily Inquirer file photo)
MANILA, Philippines — The Senate hailed on Wednesday the two Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU) debaters for their “exemplary performance” as the first Philippine team to clinch the title at the World Universities Debating Championship.
During Wednesday’s plenary session, the upper chamber adopted Senate Resolution No. 404, congratulating and commending ADMU students Tobi Leung and David Africa for dominating the tournament held in Madrid, Spain last January.
Leung and Africa were also named second best speaker and eighth best speaker, respectively.
Senate Majority Leader Joel Villanueva sponsored the resolution as he expressed delight over the feat of the two debaters.
Then co-sponsoring the resolution, Sen. Risa Hontiveros noted that the achievement of Africa and Leung was “a shot of hope for the Philippines.”
“May you continue to commit your lives and work to fostering debate and critical thinking, not just within your university but in global competitions. But in spaces where debating and critical thinking are most challenged. Shine the light of your brilliance, not only where it is appreciated but also where it is sought to be suppressed. And in that space that seeks to suppress that light, may it shine even brighter,” she said.
Sen. Jinggoy Estrada, who also co-sponsored the resolution, likewise praised the debate champions for showcasing “the nations’ gift of eloquence, intellectual prowess, and ingenuity.”
The resolution, which was later adopted by the upper chamber with no objections, was co-authored by all members of the Senate.