DOJ promulgates ADR Act s Implementing Rules and Regulations The Implementing Rules and Regulations of R.A.

9285 (ADR Act of 2004) were launched last 27 January 2010, by the Department of Justice, headed by Secretary Agnes VST Devanadera, at the Hyatt Hotel, Manila City.

Several ADR Stakeholders participated in the event, including members of the technical working committee that formulated the IRR namely: Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Secretary Annabelle T. Abaya, attys: Victor P. Lazatin, Custodio O. Parlade and Mario E. Valderama.

R.A. 9285, more known as the Alternative Dispute Resolution Act, was passed a few years ago and the Implementing Rules and Regulations have now been promulgated. It was published on December 16, 2009 and took effect last December 31, 2009.

Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) Mediation Committee Chairman, ApolinarAure said the law s implementation will ease up the burden on the Supreme and Regional Trial Courts since many court cases can be resolved through mediation, a form of alternative dispute resolution which allows disputing parties to come to a resolution through mutual agreement. He also said the DOJ will now be given a mechanism to promote the use of ADR to both public and private sector. Such efforts will contribute to an improved climate for the business community.

Under the IRR, ADR will be institutionalized through the establishment of the Office for Alternative Dispute Resolution (OADR), which is attached to the Department of Justice. The OADR will serve as the appointing authority of mediators and arbitrators. Furthermore, its functions include the conduct of seminars, symposia, training programs, and such activities that will promote the use of ADR. It will also develop and expand the use of ADR in the private and public sectors through information, education, and communication.

Since the passing of the ADR law in 2004, PCCI has lead the establishment of the National Center for Mediation, which is envisioned to be the leading provider of professional mediators in resolving business conflicts and disputes. It has trained more than a hundred mediators nationwide, with the support of the Conflict Resolution Group Foundation, Inc. (CoRe Group). With the signing of the IRR, a project proposal is in the pipeline with the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP).

It has been proven that alternative dispute resolution methods are effective in resolving conflicts and is a faster and less costly process than litigation.