The Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB), represented by  Atty. Mary George T. Cajandab-Caldona and Ms. Glenda B. Quinto of the Legal Service Division, attended the Philippine Institute of Arbitrators (PIArb) and Lyceum of the Philippines University (LPU) Second Annual Center for the Amicable Resolution of Disputes (CARD) International Conference on July 26, 2019, at The Bayleaf, Intramuros, Manila, with the theme - “Innovations in South East Asian Dispute Resolution”.

Keynote Speaker was the incoming President of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators, Mr. Francis Xavier, who spoke about “Harmonizing Common and Civil Law Perspectives in International Commercial Arbitration”. The conference was also highlighted by the presentation of the key features and potentials of the new Singapore Mediation Convention by the incumbent Chair of the Hong Kong Mediation Council, Christopher To, as well as newly-appointed Executive Director of the Singapore Mediation Center, Ban Jiun Ean. Also addressed during the conference were the following recent developments in Philippine Arbitration:

• The region’s experience in emergency arbitration so far;
• The new Arbitration Rules of the Philippine International Center for Conflict Resolution (the new ADR service provider of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines); and 
• Dispute Resolution in Philippine Sports.

Atty. Teodoro Kalaw IV, President Emeritus of PIArb and CARD Director, also discussed the basic requirements of building a career in Dispute Resolution. He also presided in the recognition ceremonies and delivered the closing remarks.

 
 Atty. Teodoro Kalaw IV
 President Emeritus of PIArb and CARD Director

 
Mr. Francis Xavier
Incoming President of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators

Attendance in the said conference is primarily for the purpose of learning other ADR processes/concepts as reference considering that the MGB will also be adopting a stand-alone ADR rules in the resolution of mining-related conflict/dispute, which will include mediation and arbitration, pursuant to Executive Order No. 97 (Series of 2012) and Department of Environment and Natural Resources Administrative Order No. 2005-18 in re: Adoption of Alternative Dispute Resolution Principles and Procedures in the Resolution of Appropriate Environment and Natural Resources Conflicts.

Photo Credit:  Ms. Glenda B. Quinto of MGB-LSD

By: Legal Service Division