MANILA — Supreme Court Association Justice Alfredo Benjamin Caguioa underscored efforts of the Philippines to decongest courts through mediation and arbitration as alternative modes of dispute resolution. 

At the Asian Mediation Association Conference, Caguioa spoke before Asia's mediators, arbitrators, dispute resolution experts, adjudicators, lawyers and academics, who gathered to share the latest developments in the field of mediation.

“For its part, the judiciary has also taken significant steps in affirming the distinct value of alternative modes of dispute resolution, including mediation and arbitration, in the efforts to prevent the unnecessary clogging of court dockets and the consequent bogging down of the administration of justice,” Caguioa said.

Caguioa also noted the cooperation agreement between the Philippine Dispute Resolution Center, Inc. and the Permanent Court of Arbitration which will enable PCA meetings and hearings to be held at the PDRC's facilities in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig, as well as PDRC meetings and hearings at the PCA premises in the Peace Palace, The Hague, Netherlands.

Founded in 1899, the PCA serves as an avenue for the peaceful resolution of international legal disputes through arbitration.

In 2016, the court ruled in favor the Philippines in its arbitration case questioning China's sweeping claims over the South China Sea — including the part that is the West Philippine Sea.

Supreme Court says PCA eyeing to conduct proceedings in PH

“This is a most welcome development that promotes the Philippines as a preferred arbitral forum, aids in savings in terms of resources, as well as helps in the building of capacities of local arbitration institutions and practitioners,” Caguioa said.

Caguioa also noted the 2021 case of Global Medical Center of Laguna v. Ross Systems International wherein the Supreme Court empowered and enabled the Construction Industry Arbitration Commission and affirmed the CIAC's primary, exclusive and authoritative jurisdiction over the settlement of technical construction disputes.”

“For ultimately, while it may appear that mediation is the alternative to court proceedings, the foremost aspiration that inextricably links both is the desire for resolution of disputes and restoration of the parties within the largest framework of the rule of law,” Caguioa said.

Among the plenary topics during the two-day conference are family mediation to resolve disputes between and among family members as well as community disputes which will also explore the promise of mediation in the areas of environmental, cross-cultural, and other forms of international disputes.

Caguioa also stressed the importance of digital technologies, which may either burn or build bridges.

“The invitation is now before us to step up and into digital literacy and a deeper appreciation of these tools' promise and potential, so that they may enhance all of our various mediation efforts,” Caguioa said.