epublicActNo.

9285April2,2004
ANACTTOINSTITUTIONALIZETHEUSEOFANALTERNATIVEDISPUTERESOLUTION
SYSTEMINTHEPHILIPPINESANDTOESTABLISHTHEOFFICEFORALTERNATIVE
DISPUTERESOLUTION,ANDFOROTHERPURPOSES
BeitenactedbytheSenateandHouseofRepresentativesofthePhilippinesinCongressassembled:
CHAPTER1GENERALPROVISIONS
SECTION1.Title.Thisactshallbeknownasthe"AlternativeDisputeResolutionActof2004."
SEC.2. DeclarationofPolicy. itisherebydeclaredthepolicyoftheStatetoactivelypromoteparty
autonomyintheresolutionofdisputesorthefreedomofthepartytomaketheirownarrangementsto
resolve their disputes. Towards this end, the State shall encourage and actively promote the use of
AlternativeDisputeResolution(ADR)asanimportantmeanstoachievespeedyandimpartialjusticeand
declogcourtdockets.Assuch,theStateshallprovidemeansfortheuseofADRasanefficienttoolandan
alternativeprocedurefortheresolutionofappropriatecases.Likewise,theStateshallenlistactiveprivate
sectorparticipationinthesettlementofdisputesthroughADR.ThisActshallbewithoutprejudicetothe
adoptionbytheSupremeCourtofanyADRsystem,suchasmediation,conciliation,arbitration,orany
combinationthereofasameansofachievingspeedyandefficientmeansofresolvingcasespendingbefore
allcourtsinthePhilippineswhichshallbegovernedbysuchrulesastheSupremeCourtmayapprovefrom
timetotime.
SEC.3.DefinitionofTerms.ForpurposesofthisAct,theterm:
(a)"AlternativeDisputeResolutionSystem"meansanyprocessorprocedureusedtoresolveadisputeor
controversy,otherthanbyadjudicationofapresidingjudgeofacourtoranofficerofagovernment
agency,asdefinedinthisAct,inwhichaneutralthirdpartyparticipatestoassistintheresolutionofissues,
whichincludesarbitration,mediation,conciliation,earlyneutralevaluation,minitrial,oranycombination
thereof;
(b)"ADRProvider"meansinstitutionsorpersonsaccreditedasmediator,conciliator,arbitrator,neutral
evaluator,oranypersonexercisingsimilarfunctionsinanyAlternativeDisputeResolutionsystem.Thisis
without prejudice to the rights of the parties to choose nonaccredited individuals to act as mediator,
conciliator,arbitrator,orneutralevaluatoroftheirdispute.
WheneverrefferedtointhisAct,theterm"ADRpractitioners"shallrefertoindividualsactingasmediator,
conciliator,arbitratororneutralevaluator;
(c)"Authenticate"meanstosign,executeoradoptasymbol,orencryptarecordinwholeorinpart,
intendedtoidentitytheauthenticatingpartyandtoadopt,acceptorestablishtheauthenticityofarecordor
term;
(d)"Arbitration"meansavoluntarydisputeresolutionprocessinwhichoneormorearbitrators,appointed
inaccordancewiththeagreementoftheparties,orrulespromulgatedpursuanttothisAct,resolveadispute
byrenderinganaward;
(e)"Arbitrator"meansthepersonappointedtorenderanaward,aloneorwithothers,inadisputethatisthe
subjectofanarbitrationagreement;

(f)"Award"meansanypartialorfinaldecisionbyanarbitratorinresolvingtheissueinacontroversy;
(g)"CommercialArbitration"Anarbitrationis"commercialifitcoversmatterarisingfromallrelationships
ofacommercialnature,whethercontractualornot;
(h)"Confidentialinformation"meansanyinformation,relativetothesubjectofmediationorarbitration,
expresslyintendedbythesourcenottobedisclosed,orobtainedundercircumstancesthatwouldcreatea
reasonableexpectationonbehalfofthesourcethattheinformationshallnotbedisclosed.Itshallinclude
(1)communication,oralorwritten,madeinadisputeresolutionproceedings,includinganymemoranda,
notesorworkproductoftheneutralpartyornonpartyparticipant,asdefinedinthisAct;(2)anoralor
written statement made orwhich occurs duringmediationorforpurposes ofconsidering, conducting,
participating,initiating,continuingofreconveningmediationorretainingamediator;and(3)pleadings,
motions manifestations, witness statements, reports filed or submitted in an arbitration or for expert
evaluation;
(i)"ConventionAward"meansaforeignarbitralawardmadeinaConventionState;
(j)"ConventionState"meansaStatethatisamemberoftheNewYorkConvention;
(k)"Court"asreferredtoinArticle6oftheModelLawshallmeanaRegionalTrialCourt;
(l)"CourtAnnexedMediation"meansanymediationprocessconductedundertheauspicesofthecourt,
aftersuchcourthasacquiredjurisdictionofthedispute;
(m)"CourtReferredMediation"meansmediationorderedbyacourttobeconductedinaccordancewith
theAgreementofthePartieswhenasactionisprematurelycommencedinviolationofsuchagreement;
(n) "Early Neutral Evaluation" means an ADR process wherein parties and their lawyers are brought
togetherearlyinapretrialphasetopresentsummariesoftheircasesandreceiveanonbindingassessment
byanexperienced,neutralperson,withexpertiseinthesubjectinthesubstanceofthedispute;
(o)"GovernmentAgency"meansanygovernmententity,officeorofficer,otherthanacourt,thatisvested
bylawwithquasijudicialpowertoresolveoradjudicatedisputeinvolvingthegovernment,itsagencies
andinstrumentalities,orprivatepersons;
(p)"InternationalParty"shallmeananentitywhoseplaceofbusinessisoutsidethePhilippines.Itshallnot
includeadomesticsubsidiaryofsuchinternationalpartyoracoventurerinajointventurewithaparty
whichhasitsplaceofbusinessinthePhilippines.
ThetermforeignerarbitratorshallmeanapersonwhoisnotanationalofthePhilippines.
(q)"Mediation"meansavoluntaryprocessinwhichamediator,selectedbythedisputingparties,facilitates
communication and negotiation, and assist the parties in reaching a voluntary agreement regarding a
dispute.
(r)"Mediator"meansapersonwhoconductsmediation;
(s)"MediationParty"meansapersonwhoparticipatesinamediationandwhoseconsentisnecessaryto
resolvethedispute;
(t)"MediationArbitration"orMedArbisastepdisputeresolutionprocessinvolvingbothmediationand

arbitration;
(u)"MiniTrial"meansastructureddisputeresolutionmethodinwhichthemeritsofacaseareargued
beforeapanelcomprisingseniordecisionmakerswithorwithoutthepresenceofaneutralthirdperson
afterwhichthepartiesseekanegotiatedsettlement;
(v)"ModelLaw"meanstheModelLawonInternationalCommercialArbitrationadoptedbytheUnited
NationsCommissiononInternationalTradeLawon21June1985;
(w)"NewYorkConvention"meanstheUnitedNationsConventionontheRecognitionandEnforcementof
ForeignArbitralAwardsapprovedin1958andratifiedbythePhilippineSenateunderSenateResolution
No.71;
(x)"NonConventionAward"meansaforeignarbitralawardmadeinaStatewhichisnotaConvention
State;
(y)"NonConventionState"meansaStatethatisnotamemberoftheNewYorkConvention.
(z)"NonPartyParticipant"meansaperson,otherthanapartyormediator,whoparticipatesinamediation
proceedingasawitness,resourcepersonorexpert;
(aa)"Proceeding"meansajudicial,administrative,orotheradjudicativeprocess,includingrelatedpre
hearingmotions,conferencesanddiscovery;
(bb)"Record"meansaninformationwrittenonatangiblemediumorstoredinanelectronicorother
similarmedium,retrievableform;and
(cc) "Roster" means a list of persons qualified to provide ADR services as neutrals or to serve as
arbitrators.
SEC. 4. Electronic Signatures in Global and ECommerce Act. The provisions of the Electronic
SignaturesinGlobalandECommerceAct,anditsimplementingRulesandRegulationsshallapplyto
proceedingcontemplatedinthisAct.
SEC.5.LiabilityofADRProviderandPractitioner.TheADRprovidersandpractitionersshallhavethe
samecivilliabilityfortheActsdoneintheperformanceofthendutiesasthatofpublicofficersasprovided
inSection38(1),Chapter9,BookoftheAdministrativeCodeof1987.
SEC.6.ExceptiontotheApplicationofthisAct.TheprovisionsofthisActshallnotapplytoresolution
orsettlementofthefollowing:(a)labordisputescoveredbyPresidentialDecreeNo.442,otherwiseknown
astheLaborCodeofthePhilippines,asamendedanditsImplementingRulesandRegulations;(b)thecivil
statusofpersons;(c)thevalidityofamarriage;(d)anygroundforlegalseparation;(e)thejurisdictionof
courts;(f)futurelegitime;(g)criminalliability;and(h)thosewhichbylawcannotbecompromised.
CHAPTER2MEDIATION
SEC. 7. Scope. The provisions of this Chapter shall cover voluntary mediation, whether ad hoc or
institutional,otherthancourtannexed.Theterm"mediation'shallincludeconciliation.
SEC. 8. Application and Interpretation. In applying construing the provisions of this Chapter,

considerationmustbegiventotheneedtopromotecandororpartiesandmediatorsthroughconfidentiality
ofthemediationprocess,thepolicyoffosteringprompt,economical,andamicableresolutionofdisputesin
accordancewiththeprinciplesofintegrityofdeterminationbytheparties,andthepolicythatthedecision
makingauthorityinthemediationprocessrestswiththeparties.
SEC.9. ConfidentialityofInformation. Informationobtainedthroughmediationproceedingsshallbe
subjecttothefollowingprinciplesandguidelines:
(a)Informationobtainedthroughmediationshallbeprivilegedandconfidential.
(b)Aparty,amediator,oranonpartyparticipantmayrefusetodiscloseandmaypreventanyotherperson
fromdisclosingamediationcommunication.
(c)ConfidentialInformationshallnotbesubjecttodiscoveryandshallbeinadmissibleifanyadversarial
proceeding, whether judicial or quasijudicial, However, evidence or information that is otherwise
admissibleorsubjecttodiscoverydoesnotbecomeinadmissibleorprotectedfromdiscoverysolelyby
reasonofitsuseinamediation.
(d)Insuchanadversarialproceeding,thefollowingpersonsinvolvedorpreviouslyinvolvedinamediation
maynotbecompelledtodiscloseconfidentialinformationobtainedduringmediation:(1)thepartiestothe
dispute;(2)themediatorormediators;(3)thecounselfortheparties;(4)thenonpartyparticipants;(5)any
personshiredorengagedinconnectionwiththemediationassecretary,stenographer,clerkorassistant;
and(6)anyotherpersonwhoobtainsorpossessesconfidentialinformationbyreasonofhis/herprofession.
(e)TheprotectionsofthisActshallcontinuetoapplyevenofamediatorisfoundtohavefailedtoact
impartially.
(f)amediatormaynotbecalledtotestifytoprovideinformationgatheredinmediation.Amediatorwhois
wrongfullysubpoenaedshallbereimbursedthefullcostofhisattorney'sfeesandrelatedexpenses.
SEC.10.WaiverofConfidentiality.Aprivilegearisingfromtheconfidentialityofinformationmaybe
waivedinarecord,ororallyduringaproceedingbythemediatorandthemediationparties.
A privilege arising from the confidentiality of information may likewise be waived by a nonparty
participantiftheinformationisprovidedbysuchnonpartyparticipant.
Apersonwhodisclosesconfidentialinformationshallbeprecludedfromassertingtheprivilegeunder
Section 9 of this Chapter to bar disclosure of the rest of the information necessary to a complete
understandingofthepreviouslydisclosedinformation.Ifapersonsufferslossordamagesinajudicial
proceedingagainstthepersonwhomadethedisclosure.
A person who discloses or makes a representation about a mediation is preclude from asserting the
privilegeunderSection9,totheextentthatthecommunicationprejudicesanotherpersonintheproceeding
anditisnecessaryforthepersonprejudicedtorespondtotherepresentationofdisclosure.
SEC.11.ExceptionstoPrivilege.
(a)ThereisnoprivilegeagainstdisclosureunderSection9ifmediationcommunicationis:
(1)inanagreementevidencedbyarecordauthenticatedbyallpartiestotheagreement;

(2)availabletothepublicorthatismadeduringasessionofamediationwhichisopen,orisrequiredby
lawtobeopen,tothepublic;
(3)athreatorstatementofaplantoinflictbodilyinjuryorcommitacrimeofviolence;
(4)internationallyusedtoplanacrime,attempttocommit,orcommitacrime,orconcealanongoingcrime
orcriminalactivity;
(5)soughtorofferedtoproveordisproveabuse,neglect,abandonment,orexploitationinaproceedingin
whichapublicagencyisprotectingtheinterestofanindividualprotectedbylaw;butthisexceptiondoes
notapplywhereachildprotectionmatterisreferredtomediationbyacourtorapublicagencyparticipates
inthechildprotectionmediation;
(6)soughtorofferedtoproveordisproveaclaimorcomplaintofprofessionalmisconductormalpractice
filedagainstmediatorinaproceeding;or
(7)soughtorofferedtoproveordisproveaclaimofcomplaintofprofessionalmisconductofmalpractice
filedagainstaparty,nonpartyparticipant,orrepresentativeofapartybasedonconductoccurringduringa
mediation.
(b)ThereisnoprivilegeunderSection9ifacourtoradministrativeagency,finds,afterahearingin
camera,thatthepartyseekingdiscoveryoftheproponentoftheevidencehasshownthattheevidenceis
nototherwiseavailable,thatthereisaneedfortheevidencethatsubstantiallyoutweighstheinterestin
protectingconfidentiality,andthemediationcommunicationissoughtorofferedin:
(1)acourtproceedinginvolvingacrimeorfelony;or
(2)aproceedingtoproveaclaimordefensethatunderthelawissufficienttoreformoravoidaliabilityon
acontractarisingoutofthemediation.
(c)Amediatormaynotbecompelledtoprovideevidenceofamediationcommunicationortestifyinsuch
proceeding.
(d)Ifamediationcommunicationisnotprivilegedunderanexceptioninsubsection(a)or(b),onlythe
portionofthecommunicationnecessaryfortheapplicationoftheexceptionfornondisclosuremaybe
admitted.Theadmissionofparticularevidenceforthelimitedpurposeofanexceptiondoesnotrenderthat
evidence,oranyothermediationcommunication,admissibleforanyotherpurpose.
SEC.12. ProhibitedMediatorReports. Amediatormaynotmakeareport,assessment,evaluation,
recommendation,finding,orothercommunicationregardingamediationtoacourtoragencyorother
authoritythatmakearulingonadisputethatisthesubjectofamediation,except:
(a)Wherethemediationoccurredorhasterminated,orwhereasettlementwasreached.
(b)AspermittedtobedisclosedunderSection13ofthisChapter.
SEC.13.Mediator'sDisclosureandConflictofInterest.Themediationshallbeguidedbythefollowing
operativeprinciples:
(a)Beforeacceptingamediation,anindividualwhoisrequestedtoserveasamediatorshall:

(1)makeaninquirythatisreasonableunderthecircumstancestodeterminatewhetherthereareanyknown
factsthatareasonableindividualwouldconsiderlikelytoaffecttheimpartialityofthemediator,including
afinancialorpersonalinterestintheoutcomeofthemediationandanyexistingorpastrelationshipwitha
partyorforeseeableparticipantinthemediation;and
(2) disclosure to the mediationparties any such fact known orlearned as soon asis practical before
acceptingamediation.
(b)Ifamediationlearnsanyfactdescribedinparagraph(a)(1)ofthissectionafteracceptingamediation,
themediatorshalldiscloseitassoonaspracticable.
Attherequestofamediationparty,anindividualwhoisrequestedtoserveasmediatorshalldisclose
his/herqualificationstomediateadispute.
ThisActdoesnotrequirethatamediatorshallhavespecialqualificationsbybackgroundorprofession
unlessthespecialqualificationsofamediatorarerequiredinthemediationagreementorbythemediation
parties.
SEC.14.ParticipationinMediation.ExceptasotherwiseprovidedinthisAct,apartymaydesignatea
lawyeroranyotherpersontoprovideassistanceinthemediation.Alawyerofthisrightshallbemadein
writingbythepartywaivingit.Awaiverofparticipationorlegalrepresentationmayberescindedatany
time.
SEC.15. PlaceofMediation. Thepartiesarefreetoagreeontheplaceofmediation.Failingsuch
agreement,theplaceofmediationshallbeanyplaceconvenientandappropriatetoallparties.
SEC.16.EffectofAgreementtoSubmitDisputetoMediationUnderInstitutionalRules.Anagreement
tosubmitadisputetomediationbyanyinstitutionshallincludeanagreementtobeboundbytheinternal
mediationandadministrativepoliciesofsuchinstitution.Further,anagreement tosubmitadisputeto
mediationunderinternationalmediationruleshallbedeemedtoincludeanagreementtohavesuchrules
governthemediationofthedisputeandforthemediator,theparties,theirrespectivecounsel,andnonparty
participantstoabidebysuchrules.
IncaseofconflictbetweentheinstitutionalmediationrulesandtheprovisionsofthisAct,thelattershall
prevail.
SEC. 17. Enforcement of Mediated Settlement Agreement. The mediation shall be guided by the
followingoperativeprinciples:
(a) A settlement agreement following successful mediation shall be prepared by the parties with the
assistanceoftheirrespectivecounsel,ifany,andbythemediator.
Thepartiesandtheirrespectivecounselsshallendeavortomakethetermsandconditionthereofcomplete
andmakeadequateprovisionsforthecontingencyofbreachtoavoidconflictinginterpretationsofthe
agreement.
(b)Thepartiesandtheirrespectivecounsels,ifany,shallsignthesettlementagreement.Themediatorshall
certifythathe/sheexplainedthecontentsofthesettlementagreementtothepartiesinalanguageknownto
them.
(c)Ifthepartiessodesire,theymaydepositsuchsettlementagreementwiththeappropriateClerkofa

RegionalTrialCourtoftheplacewhereoneofthepartiesresides.Wherethereisaneedtoenforcethe
settlementagreement,apetitionmaybefiledbyanyofthepartieswiththesamecourt,inwhichcase,the
courtshallproceedsummarilytohearthepetition,inaccordancewithsuchrulesofprocedureasmaybe
promulgatedbytheSupremeCourt.
(d)Thepartiesmayagreeinthesettlementagreementthatthemediatorshallbecomeasolearbitratorfor
the dispute and shall treat the settlement agreement as an arbitral award which shall be subject to
enforcementunderRepublicActNo.876,otherwiseknownastheArbitrationLaw,notwithstandingthe
provisionsofExecutiveOrderNo.1008formediateddisputeoutsideoftheCIAC.
CHAPTER3OTHERADRFORMS
SEC.18.ReferralofDisputetootherADRForms.Thepartiesmayagreetoreferoneormoreorall
issuesarisinginadisputeorduringitspendencytootherformsofADRsuchasbutnotlimitedto(a)the
evaluationofathirdpersonor(b)aminitrial,(c)mediationarbitration,oracombinationthereof.
ForpurposesofthisAct,theuseofotherADRformsshallbegovernedbyChapter2ofthisActexcept
whereitiscombinedwitharbitrationinwhichcaseitshalllikewisebegovernedbyChapter5ofthisAct.
CHAPTER4INTERNATIONALCOMMERCIALARBITRATION
SEC. 19. Adoption of the Model Law on International Commercial Arbitration. International
commercialarbitrationshallbegovernedbytheModelLawonInternationalCommercialArbitration(the
"ModelLaw")adoptedbytheUnitedNationsCommissiononInternationalTradeLawonJune21,1985
(UnitedNationsDocumentA/40/17)andrecommendedapprovedonDecember11,1985,copyofwhichis
heretoattachedasAppendix"A".
SEC. 20. Interpretation of Model Law. In interpreting the Model Law, regard shall be had to its
internationaloriginandtotheneedforuniformityinitsinterpretationandresortmaybemadetothe
travaux preparatories and the report of the Secretary General of the United Nations Commission on
InternationalTradeLawdatedMarch25,1985entitled,"InternationalCommercialArbitration:Analytical
CommentaryonDraftTradeidentifiedbyreferencenumberA/CN.9/264."
SEC.21. CommercialArbitration. Anarbitrationis"commercial"ifitcoversmattersarisingfromall
relationshipsofacommercialnature,whethercontractualornot.Relationshipsofatransactions:anytrade
transactionforthesupplyorexchangeofgoodsorservices;distributionagreements;constructionofworks;
commercial representationoragency; factoring;leasing,consulting;engineering;licensing;investment;
financing;banking;insurance;jointventureandotherformsofindustrialorbusinesscooperation;carriage
ofgoodsorpassengersbyair,sea,railorroad.
SEC.22.LegalRepresentationinInternationalArbitration.Ininternationalarbitrationconductedinthe
Philippines,apartymaybepresentedbyanypersonofhischoice. Provided,thatsuchrepresentative,
unlessadmittedtothepracticeoflawinthePhilippines,shallnotbeauthorizedtoappearascounselinany
Philippinecourt,oranyotherquasijudicialbodywhetherornotsuchappearanceisinrelationtothe
arbitrationinwhichheappears.
SEC.23. ConfidentialofArbitrationProceedings. Thearbitrationproceedings,includingtherecords,
evidenceandthearbitralaward,shallbeconsideredconfidentialandshallnotbepublishedexcept(1)with
theconsentoftheparties,or(2)forthelimitedpurposeofdisclosingtothecourtofrelevantdocumentsin
caseswhereresorttothecourtisallowedherein.Provided,however,thatthecourtinwhichtheactionor
the appeal is pending may issue a protective order to prevent or prohibit disclosure of documents or

informationcontainingsecretprocesses,developments,researchandotherinformationwhereitisshown
thattheapplicantshallbemateriallyprejudicedbyanauthorizeddisclosurethereof.
SEC.24. ReferraltoArbitration. Acourtbeforewhichanactionisbroughtinamatterwhichisthe
subjectmatterofanarbitrationagreementshall,ifatleastonepartysorequestsnotlaterthatthepretrial
conference,orupontherequestofbothpartiesthereafter,referthepartiestoarbitrationunlessitfindsthat
thearbitrationagreementisnullandvoid,inoperativeorincapableofbeingperformed.
SEC.25.InterpretationoftheAct.IninterpretingtheAct,thecourtshallhavedueregardtothepolicyof
thelawinfavorofarbitration.Whereactioniscommencedbyoragainstmultipleparties,oneormoreof
whomarepartieswhoareboundbythearbitrationagreementalthoughthecivilactionmaycontinueasto
thosewhoarenotboundbysucharbitrationagreement.
SEC.26.Meaningof"AppointingAuthority."."AppointingAuthority"asusedintheModelLawshall
meanthepersonorinstitutionnamedinthearbitrationagreementastheappointingauthority;ortheregular
arbitrationarbitrationinstitutionunderwhoserulesthearbitrationisagreedtobeconducted.Wherethe
partieshaveagreedtosubmittheirdisputetoinstitutionalarbitrationrules,andunlesstheyhaveagreedtoa
differentprocedure,theyshallbedeemedtohaveagreedtoprocedureundersucharbitrationrulesforthe
selectionandappointmentofarbitrators.Inadhocarbitration,thedefaultappointmentofanarbitratorshall
bemadebytheNationalPresidentoftheIntegratedBarofthePhilippines(IBP)orhisdulyauthorized
representative.
SEC.27. WhatFunctionsMaybePerformedbyAppointingAuthority. Thefunctionsreferredtoin
Articles11(3),11(4),13(3)and14(1)oftheModelLawshallbeperformedbytheAppointingAuthority,
unlessthelattershallfailorrefusetoactwithinthirty(30)daysfromreceiptoftherequestinwhichcase
theapplicantmayrenewtheapplicationwiththeCourt.
SEC.28.GrantofInterimMeasureofProtection.
(a)Itisnotincompatiblewithanarbitrationagreementforapartytorequest,beforeconstitutionofthe
tribunal,fromaCourtaninterimmeasureofprotectionandfortheCourttograntsuchmeasure.After
constitutionofthearbitraltribunalandduringarbitralproceedings,arequestforaninterimmeasureof
protectionormodificationthereof,maybemadewiththearbitraltribunalortotheextentthatthearbitral
tribunalhasnopowertoactorisunabletoacteffectively,therequestmaybemadewiththeCourt.The
arbitral tribunal is deemed constituted when the sole arbitrator or the third arbitrator who has been
nominated,hasacceptedthenominationandwrittencommunicationofsaidnominationandacceptancehas
beenreceivedbythepartymakingrequest.
(b)Thefollowingrulesoninterimorprovisionalreliefshallbeobserved:
(1)Anypartymayrequestthatprovisionreliefbegrantedagainsttheadverseparty:
(2)Suchreliefmaybegranted:
(i)topreventirreparablelossorinjury:
(ii)toprovidesecurityfortheperformanceofanyobligation;
(iii)toproduceorpreserveanyevidence;or
(iv)tocompelanyotherappropriateactoromission.

(3)Theordergrantingprovisionalreliefmaybeconditionedupontheprovisionofsecurityoranyactor
omissionspecifiedintheorder.
(4)Interimorprovisionalreliefisrequestedbywrittenapplicationtransmittedbyreasonablemeanstothe
Courtorarbitraltribunalasthecasemaybeandthepartyagainstwhomthereliefissought,describingin
appropriatedetailthepreciserelief,thepartyagainstwhomthereliefisrequested,thegroundsforthe
relief,andevidencesupportingtherequest.
(5)Theordershallbebindingupontheparties.
(6)EitherpartymayapplywiththeCourtforassistanceinImplementingorenforcinganinterimmeasure
orderedbyanarbitraltribunal.
(7) A party who does not comply with the order shall be liable for all damages resulting from
noncompliance,includingallexpenses,andreasonableattorney'sfees,paidinobtainingtheorder'sjudicial
enforcement.
SEC.29.FurtherAuthorityforArbitratortoGrantInterimMeasureofProtection.Unlessotherwise
agreedbytheparties,thearbitraltribunalmay,attherequestofaparty,orderanypartytotakesuch
interimmeasuresofprotectionasthearbitraltribunalmayconsidernecessaryinrespectofthesubject
matterofthedisputefollowingtherulesinSection28,paragraph2.Suchinterimmeasuresmayincludebut
shallnotbelimitedtopreliminaryinjuctiondirectedagainstaparty,appointmentofreceiversordetention,
preservation,inspectionofpropertythatisthesubjectofthedisputeinarbitration.Eitherpartymayapply
withtheCourtforassistanceinimplementingorenforcinganinterimmeasuresorderedbyanarbitral
tribunal.
SEC.30. PlaceofArbitration. Thepartiesarefreetoagreeontheplaceofarbitration.Failingsuch
agreement,theplaceofarbitrationshallbeinMetroManila,unlessthearbitraltribunal,havingregardto
thecircumstancesofthecase,includingtheconvenienceofthepartiesshalldecideonadifferentplaceof
arbitration.
Thearbitraltribunalmay,unlessotherwiseagreedbytheparties,meetatanyplaceitconsidersappropriate
forconsultationamongitsmembers,forhearingwitnesses,experts,ortheparties,orforinspectionof
goods,otherpropertyordocuments.
SEC.31.LanguageoftheArbitration.Thepartiesarefreetoagreeonthelanguageorlanguagestobe
used inthe arbitral proceedings.Failingsuch agreement, the language tobeusedshall be Englishin
internationalarbitration,andEnglishorFilipinofordomesticarbitration,unlessthearbitraltribunalshall
determineadifferentoranotherlanguageorlanguagestobeusedintheproceedings.Thisagreementor
determination,unlessotherwisespecifiedtherein,shall applytoanywrittenstatement byaparty,any
hearingandanyaward,decisionorothercommunicationbythearbitraltribunal.
Thearbitraltribunalmayorderthatanydocumentaryevidenceshallbeaccompaniedbyatranslationinto
thelanguageorlanguagesagreeduponbythepartiesordeterminedinaccordancewithparagraph1ofthis
section.
CHAPTER5DOMESTICARBITRATION
SEC.32.LawGoverningDomesticArbitration.Domesticarbitrationshallcontinuetobegovernedby
RepublicActNo.876,otherwiseknownas"TheArbitrationLaw"asamendedbythisChapter.Theterm
"domesticarbitration"asusedhereinshallmeananarbitrationthatisnotinternationalasdefinedinArticle

(3)oftheModelLaw.
SEC.33.ApplicabilitytoDomesticArbitration.Article8,10,11,12,13,14,18and19and29to32of
theModelLawandSection22to31oftheprecedingChapter4shallapplytodomesticarbitration.
CHAPTER6ARBITRATIONOFCONSTRUCTIONDISPUTES
SEC.34.ArbitrationofConstructionDisputes:GoverningLaw.Thearbitrationofconstructiondisputes
shallbegovernedbyExecutiveOrderNo.1008,otherwiseknownastheConstitutionIndustryArbitration
Law.
SEC. 35. Coverage of the Law. Construction disputes which fall within the original and exclusive
jurisdictionoftheConstructionIndustryArbitrationCommission(the"Commission")shallincludethose
betweenoramongpartiesto,orwhoareotherwiseboundby,anarbitrationagreement,directlyorby
referencewhethersuchpartiesareprojectowner,contractor,subcontractor,quantitysurveyor,bondsmanor
issuerofaninsurancepolicyinaconstructionproject.
TheCommissionshallcontinuetoexerciseoriginalandexclusivejurisdictionoverconstructiondisputes
althoughthearbitrationis"commercial"pursuanttoSection21ofthisAct.
SEC.36.AuthoritytoActasMediatororArbitrator.Bywrittenagreementofthepartiestoadispute,an
arbitratormayactasmediatorandamediatormayactasarbitrator.Thepartiesmayalsoagreeinwriting
that,followingasuccessfulmediation,themediatorshallissuethesettlementagreementintheformofan
arbitralaward.
SEC. 37. Appointment of Foreign Arbitrator. The Construction Industry Arbitration Commission
(CIAC) shall promulgate rules to allow for the appointment of a foreign arbitrator or coarbitrator or
chairmanofatribunalapersonwhohasnotbeenpreviouslyaccreditedbyCIAC:Provided,That:
(a)thedisputeisaconstructiondisputeinwhichonepartyisaninternationalparty
(b)thepersontobeappointedagreedtoabidebythearbitrationrulesandpoliciesofCIAC;
(c)he/sheiseithercoarbitratoruponthenominationoftheinternationalparty;orhe/sheisthecommon
choice of the two CIACaccredited arbitrators first appointed one of whom was nominated by the
internationalparty;and
(d)theforeignarbitratorshallbeofdifferentnationalityfromtheinternationalparty.
SEC.38.ApplicabilitytoConstructionArbitration.TheprovisionsofSections17(d)ofChapter2,and
Section28and29ofthisActshallapplytoarbitrationofconstructiondisputescoveredbythisChapter.
SEC.39. Court toDismissCaseInvolvingaConstruction Dispute. Aregional trial court which a
constructiondisputeisfiledshall,uponbecomingaware,notlaterthanthepretrialconference,thatthe
partieshadenteredintoanarbitrationtobeconductedbytheCIAC,unlessbothparties,assistedbytheir
respectivecounsel,shallsubmittotheregionaltrialcourtawrittenagreementexclusivefortheCourt,
ratherthantheCIAC,toresolvethedispute.
CHAPTER7JUDICIALREVIEWOFARBITRALAWARDS

A.DOMESTICAWARDS
SEC.40.ConfirmationofAward.Theconfirmationofadomesticarbitralawardshallbegovernedby
Section23ofR.A.876.
Adomesticarbitralawardwhenconfirmedshallbeenforcedinthesamemannerasfinalandexecutory
decisionsoftheRegionalTrialCourt.
Theconfirmationofadomesticawardshallbemadebytheregionaltrialcourtinaccordancewiththe
RulesofProceduretobepromulgatedbytheSupremeCourt.
ACIACarbitralawardneednotbeconfirmedbytheregionaltrialcourttobeexecutoryasprovidedunder
E.O.No.1008.
SEC.41. VacationAward. Apartytoadomesticarbitrationmayquestionthearbitralawardwiththe
appropriateregionaltrialcourtinaccordancewiththerulesofproceduretobepromulgatedbytheSupreme
CourtonlyonthosegroundsenumeratedinSection25ofRepublicActNo.876.Anyothergroundraised
againstadomesticarbitralawardshallbedisregardedbytheregionaltrialcourt.
B.FOREIGNARBITRALAWARDS
SEC. 42. Application of the New York Convention. The New York Convention shall govern the
recognitionandenforcementofarbitralawardscoveredbythesaidConvention.
The recognition and enforcement of such arbitral awards shall be filled with regional trial court in
accordancewiththerulesofproceduretobepromulgatedbytheSupremeCourt.Saidproceduralrules
shallprovidethatthepartyrelyingontheawardorapplyingforitsenforcementshallfilewiththecourtthe
originalorauthenticatedcopyoftheawardandthearbitrationagreement.Iftheawardoragreementisnot
madeinanyoftheofficiallanguages,thepartyshallsupplyadulycertifiedtranslationthereofintoanyof
suchlanguages.
Theapplicantshallestablishthatthecountryinwhichforeignarbitrationawardwasmadeisapartytothe
NewYorkConvention.
Iftheapplicationforrejectionorsuspensionofenforcementofanawardhasbeenmade,theregionaltrial
court may,ifit considers it proper, vacateitsdecisionandmay also,ontheapplicationoftheparty
claimingrecognitionorenforcementoftheaward,orderthepartytoprovideappropriatesecurity.
SEC.43. RecognitionandEnforcementofForeign Arbitral AwardsNot CoveredbytheNewYork
Convention.TherecognitionandenforcementofforeignarbitralawardsnotcoveredbytheNewYork
ConventionshallbedoneinaccordancewithproceduralrulestobepromulgatedbytheSupremeCourt.
TheCourtmay,groundsofcomityandreciprocity,recognizeandenforceanonconventionawardasa
conventionaward.
SEC.44.ForeignArbitralAwardNotForeignJudgment.Aforeignarbitralawardwhenconfirmedbya
courtofaforeigncountry,shallberecognizedandenforcedasaforeignarbitralawardandnotajudgment
ofaforeigncourt.
Aforeignarbitralaward,whenconfirmedbytheregionaltrialcourt,shallbeenforcedasaforeignarbitral
awardandnotasajudgmentofaforeigncourt.

Aforeignarbitralaward,whenconfirmedbytheregionaltrialcourt,shallbeenforcedinthesamemanner
asfinalandexecutorydecisionsofcourtsoflawofthePhilippines.
SEC.45.RejectionofaForeignArbitralAward.Apartytoaforeignarbitrationproceedingmayoppose
anapplicationforrecognitionandenforcementofthearbitralawardinaccordancewiththeproceduralrules
tobepromulgatedbytheSupremeCourtonlyonthosegroundsenumeratedunderArticleVoftheNew
YorkConvention.Anyothergroundraisedshallbedisregardedbytheregionaltrialcourt.
SEC. 46. Appeal from Court Decisions on Arbitral Awards. A decision of the regional trial court
confirming,vacating,settingaside,modifyingorcorrectinganarbitralawardmaybeappealedtotheCourt
ofAppealsinaccordancewiththerulesofproceduretobepromulgatedbytheSupremeCourt.
Thelosingpartywhoappealsfromthejudgmentofthecourtconfirminganarbitralawardshallrequiredby
theappealantcourttopostcounterbondexecutedinfavoroftheprevailingpartyequaltotheamountofthe
awardinaccordancewiththerulestobepromulgatedbytheSupremeCourt.
SEC. 47. Venue and Jurisdiction. Proceedings for recognition and enforcement of an arbitration
agreement or for vacation, setting aside, correction or modification of an arbitral award, and any
applicationwithacourtforarbitrationassistanceandsupervisionshallbedeemedasspecialproceedings
andshallbefilledwiththeregionaltrialcourt(i)wherearbitrationproceedingsareconducted;(ii)where
theassettobeattachedorleviedupon,ortheacttobeenjoinedislocated;(iii)whereanyofthepartiesto
thedisputeresidesorhashisplaceofbusiness;or(iv)intheNationalJudicialCapitalRegion,attheoption
oftheapplicant.
SEC.48.NoticeofProceedingtoParties.Inaspecialproceedingforrecognitionandenforcementofan
arbitralaward,theCourtshallsendnoticetothepartiesattheiraddressofrecordinthearbitration,orifany
partycannotbeservednoticeatsuchaddress,atsuchparty'slastknownaddress.Thenoticeshallbesentat
leastfifteen(15)daysbeforethedatesetfortheinitialhearingoftheapplication.
CHAPTER8MISCELLANEOUSPROVISIONS
SEC. 49. Office for Alternative Dispute Resolution. There is hereby established the Office for
AlternativeDisputeResolutionasanattachedagencytotheDepartmentofJustice(DOJ)whichshallhave
a Secretariat to be headed byan executive director. The executive director shall be appointed by the
PresidentofthePhilippines.
Theobjectiveoftheofficeare:
(a)topromote,developandexpandtheuseofADRintheprivateandpublicsectors;and
Toassistthegovernmenttomonitor,studyandevaluatetheusebythepublicandtheprivatesectorof
ADR,andrecommendtoCongressneedfulstatutorychangestodevelop.StrengthenandimproveADR
practicesinaccordancewithworldstandards.
SEC. 50. Powers and Functions of the Office for Alternative Dispute Resolution. The Office for
AlternativeDisputeResolutionshallhavethefollowingpowersandfunctions:
(a)ToformulatestandardsforthetrainingoftheADRpractitionersandserviceproviders;
(b)TocertifythatsuchADRpractitionersandADRserviceprovidershaveundergonetheprofessional
trainingprovidedbytheoffice;

(c) To coordinate the development, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of government ADR
programs;
(d)Tochargefeesfortheirservices;and
(e)ToperformsuchactsasmaybenecessarytocarryintoeffecttheprovisionsofthisAct.
SEC.51.Appropriations.TheamountnecessarytocarryouttheprovisionsofthisActshallbeincluded
intheGeneralAppropriationsActoftheyearfollowingitsenactmentintolawandthereafter.
SEC.52.ImplementingRulesandRegulations(IRR).Withinone(1)monthaftertheapprovalofthis
Act, the secretary ofjustice shall convene a committee that shall formulate the appropriate rules and
regulationsnecessaryfortheimplementationofthisAct.Thecommittee,composedofrepresentatives
from:
(a)theDepartmentofJustice;
(b)theDepartmentofTradeandIndustry;
(c)theDepartmentoftheInteriorandLocalGovernment;
(d)thepresidentoftheIntegratedBarofthePhilippines;
(e)Arepresentativefromthearbitrationprofession;and
(f)Arepresentativefromthemediationprofession;and
(g)ArepresentativefromtheADRorganizations
shall within three (3) months after convening, submit the IRR to the Joint Congressional Oversight
Committeeforreviewandapproval.TheOversightCommitteeshallbecomposedofthechairmanofthe
SenateCommitteeonJusticeandHumanRights,chairmanoftheHouseCommitteeonJustice,andone(1)
membereachfromthemajorityandminorityofbothHouses.
TheJointOversightCommitteeshallbecomefunctusofficiouponapprovaloftheIRR.
SEC.53. ApplicabilityoftheKatarunganPambarangay. ThisActshallnotbeinterpretedtorepeal,
amendormodifythejurisdictionoftheKatarunganPambarangayunderRepublicActNo.7160,otherwise
knownastheLocalGovernmentCodeof1991.
SEC. 54. Repealing Clause. All laws, decrees, executive orders, rules and regulations which are
inconsistentwiththeprovisionsofthisActareherebyrepealed,amendedormodifiedaccordingly.
SEC.55.SeparabilityClause.Ifforanyreasonorreasons,anyportionorprovisionofthisActshallbe
heldunconstitutionalorinvalid,allotherpartsorprovisionsnotaffectedshalltherebycontinuetoremain
infullforceandeffect.
SEC.56. Effectivity. Thisactshalltakeeffectfifteendays(15)afteritspublicationinatleasttwo(2)
nationalnewspapersofgeneralcirculation.