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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider SC underscores alternative dispute resolution for speedy, less costly settlement of cases

SC underscores alternative dispute resolution for speedy, less costly settlement of cases

Published May 18, 2025 11:55 am

The Supreme Court (SC) has been encouraging litigants to adopt alternative dispute resolution (ADR) to enhance access to justice and for “a faster, more flexible, and often more cost-effective solutions than traditional court litigation.”

The modes of ADR in the country’s judicial system are mediation, conciliation and arbitration.  While ADR can be used in criminal cases, “it only applies to the civil aspect of the claim.”

Underscoring the importance of ADR, the SC’s Office of the Court Administrator headed by Court Administrator Raul B. Villanueva has been conducting Orientation Conference with Stakeholders (OCS) on court-annexed mediation (CAM).

The CAM is a mandatory pre-trial process where a judge refers parties to a neutral mediator to help them resolve their dispute amicably. This process takes place under the auspices of the court, and its goal is to encourage parties to reach a settlement before proceeding with a full-blown trial.

Just recently, Court Administrator Villanueva conducted the OCS in Binangonan, Rizal to introduce the goals and benefits of CAM to various sectors across the province.

Villanueva lectured on the rules on mediation and ADR as he pointed out the roles of the OCA, judges, and court personnel in promoting peaceful resolution of disputes.

He said that the OCS is aligned with the SC’s Strategic Plan for Judicial Innovations 2022-2027 (SPJI) and supports the OCA’s nationwide efforts to expand CAM programs.

The OCS in Rizal was attended by the judges and clerk of courts, and representatives from local government units, the Integrated Bar of the Philippines, prosecutors, public attorneys, police officers, the academe, media, and other key stakeholders.

Rizal Gov. Rebecca A. Ynares also participated in the event and underscored the support of the local governments in the province.

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