Aligned with the vision of Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin “Boying” C. Remulla to deliver Real Justice for All in Real Time, the Department of Justice - Office for Alternative Dispute Resolution (DOJ-OADR) has productively wrapped-up the hosting of the 2024 National Alternative Dispute Resolution Convention (NADRC) at the Manila Hotel on 05 December 2024.
This year's NADRC themed "ADR Driven Governance: Better Access to Justice for Every Filipino" was initiated in 2020 pursuant to Republic Act No. 9285 which aims to promote, develop, and expand the use of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) across both public and private sectors to settle conflicts efficiently and economically while preserving the sanctity of relationships.
The momentous occasion convened around 400 leaders and representatives from national government agencies (NGAs), non-government organizations (NGOs), and private entities, all united with a common goal of enhancing access to justice for every Filipino by way of advancing ADR-driven governance.
Undrescretaries Jesse Hermogenes T. Andres and Margarita N. Gutierrez, Assistant Secretary Randolph A. Pascasio and Prosecutor General Richard Anthony D. Fadullon personally graced the event who all shared their respective messages of support on the significance of utilizing ADR in the pursuit of justice.
OADR Executive Director V Atty. Margaret Raizza D. Andaman, remarked on the historical significance of ADR, stating, “Even in ancient times, the beauty of ADR has been evident—a process rooted in understanding the human heart, transcending the rigidity of law.”
Also speaking before the attendees, Undersecretary Andres emphasized the significance of shifting towards an ADR-driven governance, saying, “This approach reflects our unwavering commitment to alleviate the burden on courts, expedite dispute resolution, and build public trust in non-litigious methods of conflict resolution.”
Secretary Remulla meanwhile urged the attendees to maximize the insights they have acquired in the convention to advocate the use of ADR in advancing their personal and organizational interests.
"We should bear in mind that there are instances when practicality dictates that courts are not the only and mere solution to our conflicts/disputes as there are other more efficient, faster and affordable avenues such as ADR. The costly, burdensome and tedious process of traditional litigation tells us that courts should be a last resort until we have exhausted all remedies available," Secretary Remulla emphasized.
To recall, one of Secretary Remulla's marching orders to OADR Executive Director Andaman during her oath taking on 27 September 2024 was to champion ADR and become a “game changer” in the Department’s quest for justice.
