What is "square off"

vb. 1 to get ready for a fight 2 to get in the fighting position

v. settle conclusively; come to terms; "We finally settled the argument" [syn: settle, square up, determine]

Square Off is a television debate program broadcast on the ABS-CBN News Channel (ANC). It broadcasts every Friday at 7:00 pm PST, with replays throughout the week. The show is hosted by Maiki Oreta and is primarily sponsored by the Philippine Graphic.

Most participants in Square Off are college-level and law school debaters from various universities around the Philippines debating on important socio-political issues dominating the Philippine landscape. However, some episodes had politicians, civil servants or other influential figures participate in the debates debating on the same issues.

In 2007, as part of its involvement in the World Universities Debating Championship (WUDC), the program recently rebranded itself as Square Off: The Philippine Debate Championship. The winning university participating in the current season will proceed to Assumption University in Bangkok, Thailand, the location of WUDC 2008, to represent the Philippines.

In 2008, "Square Off: The CVC Law Debates" airs Wednesdays at 8 pm and features law school teams - classic arch rivals Ateneo de Manila University and University of the Philippines Diliman. The new season of "Square Off" was sponsored by Villaraza Cruz Marcelo & Angangco (CVC Law). Host Twink Macaraig (Moved to TV5) explained: "The enhanced opportunity for direct challenges or head-to-head confrontations - not only by the opposing teams but the judges, too - guarantees a more dynamic and stimulating experience for participants and spectators alike." Legal luminaries and incumbent trial court judges will serve as adjudicators to boost the "fear factor" element of the competition.