ABP 2012: First List - 1/3 Indonesian, None From the Philippines

One-third of the 84 teams that got into the first main list of the 2012 Asian British Parliamentary Debating Championship come from the host country Indonesia. This is a record showing after previously the number of Indonesian teams that participate in ABP year after year can be counted with one hand. Eleven countries are represented in the roster but there is no team from the Philippines, an Asian debating powerhouse. Nevertheless, the list still looks competitive as all of the 4 universities that reached the grandfinals of ABP 2011 have won slots, including reigning champion Rashtriya Vidyalaya College of Engineering and the formidable National University of Singapore. On the waiting list, there are 2 Filipino schools. Those on the first main list have until June 16 to pay up or they will lose their spots. ABP 2012, organized by Binus International, will take place in Jakarta from October 22 to 28.