AIM, DOJ-OADR, and PICCR Collaborate to Strengthen Alternative Dispute Resolution Awareness in Business 

The Asian Institute of Management’s International Business Law Club (IBL Club), in partnership with the Department of Justice’s Office for Alternative Dispute Resolution (DOJ-OADR) and the Philippine International Center for Conflict Resolution (PICCR), successfully hosted a four-hour Masterclass on Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR). The event brought together students, alumni, and business and legal professionals to explore practical strategies for resolving disputes in today’s complex business and legal environment. 

Participants gained a comprehensive understanding of the legal framework governing ADR, including key provisions of the Civil Code, Republic Acts 876 and 9285, the implementing rules of RA 9285, special ADR rules, as well as international instruments such as the New York Convention and the UNCITRAL Model Law of 1985. The Masterclass also covered Executive Order 1008, emphasizing the regulatory and procedural foundations that support effective dispute resolution in both domestic and international contexts. 

The session provided clarity on the various modes of ADR, helping participants distinguish commercial arbitration from other specialized arbitration mechanisms, such as construction or financial arbitration. Key arbitration principles were highlighted, including the differences between domestic, international, and foreign arbitration, the doctrine of party autonomy, the principle of separability, and the distinctions between institutional and ad hoc arbitration. Attendees also examined the advantages and limitations of arbitration, enabling them to assess the suitability of different mechanisms for their organizations. 

Atty. Ian Malilong, President of the Philippine Institute of Arbitrators (PIArb) and Trustee of PICCR, shared real-world insights on applying ADR to organizational and cross-border conflicts, while Prof. Mario Cerilles, Jr., MSc., LL.M., Academic Program Director of the Master in International Business Law (MIBL) program of AIM, highlighted how the session equips professionals with actionable knowledge that goes beyond theory. The masterclass also introduced participants to the role of the Philippine International Center for Conflict Resolution in promoting effective dispute resolution practices in the country. 

The program contributed to training requirements for government officials seeking OADR-DOJ accreditation, reinforcing its practical relevance for both public and private sector professionals. By combining legal principles with business applications, the Masterclass underscored the Institute’s mission to prepare leaders capable of navigating disputes efficiently, supporting sustainable growth, and fostering stronger cross-border collaborations. 

Expand your expertise in international business law and alternative dispute resolution through the MIBL program. Find out more at aim.edu.