Mediation In
Philippines

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For businesses and individuals in Philippines, home to approximately 114 million, The Olive Branch offers professional mediation services that combine global expertise with local understanding, respecting Philippines's The Philippines has a strong tradition of community-based dispute resolution thr. We help resolve commercial, family, and workplace disputes in ways that preserve relationships and achieve lasting resolutions.

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Accredited to International Standards

The Olive Branch Company operates under the highest regulatory frameworks in dispute resolution. We are fully accredited by the Civil Mediation Council (CMC) and hold membership with the International Mediation Institute (IMI), ensuring world-class standards of practice, ethics, and neutrality in every mediation we conduct.

Commercial Mediation with Clarity & Purpose

At The Olive Branch, we specialise in resolving complex conflicts with dignity, fairness, and real world results. Whether it's a commercial contract dispute, a leadership breakdown, or a cross cultural misunderstanding, we create a safe, neutral space where difficult conversations can move forward.

Tailored Expertise, Scaled for Your Dispute

No two disputes are identical, and highly technical conflicts demand specific, localised expertise. At The Olive Branch Company, we combine the personal accountability, agility, and dedicated focus of a boutique practice with the technical reach of a major institution.

While our mediations are led by our core panel, we operate through a leading, trusted network of specialists globally. Where a dispute hinges on highly technical, sector specific legal or structural nuances, such as complex construction parameters, intellectual property boundaries, or intricate corporate M&A frameworks, we engage with vetted industry experts to ensure the most appropriate resolution.

You get the rigorous, emotionally intelligent dispute management we are known for, perfectly paired with the exact sector expertise your case requires.

Industry Informed Resolution

Conflict in critical environments requires more than just legal theory, it requires real world battle scars and judicial precision. Our approach is anchored by over 30 years of global commercial leadership combined with a decade of judicial experience. This dual perspective allows us to cut through emotional noise, analyse risk with absolute clarity, and help you engineer strategic, final resolutions that protect both your financial position and your reputation.

Rather than simply managing the mechanics of a meeting, we provide the context required to reach a result that is both fair and workable within your specific circumstances.

The Olive Branch in Philippines

For the sophisticated business community of Philippines, The Olive Branch delivers elite mediation services. Our mediators understand the country's regulatory landscape and provide confidential, efficient resolutions that protect business interests.

Our services operate within Philippines's legal framework: Mediation in the Philippines follows the Alternative Dispute Resolution Act of 2004 (Republic Act No. 9285), which provides for the procedure to resolve disputes by a neutral third party other than by...

Whether you're dealing with commercial conflicts, family matters, or workplace disputes in Philippines, home to approximately 114 million, we offer a neutral, confidential space where all parties can speak freely and work toward mutually beneficial solutions. Our approach is grounded in real-world experience and a deep understanding of the challenges businesses and individuals face in Philippines.

We understand that every dispute is unique. That's why we tailor our mediation process to your specific circumstances in Philippines, ensuring that the resolution you reach is practical, lasting, and fair to everyone involved.

Quick Facts

Legal Framework: Mediation in the Philippines follows the Alternative Dispute Resolution Act of 2004 (Republic Act No. 9285), which provides for the procedure to resolve disputes by a neutral third party other than by...
Cultural Approach: The Philippines has a strong tradition of community-based dispute resolution through the Katarungang Pambarangay Law (P.D. No. 508, as amended by R.A. No. 7160), which establishes the Lupong Tagapamay...
Typical Costs: Court-annexed mediation through CAM is part of court proceedings with mediation fees collected and deposited under SC PHILJA PM account. The Mediation Fund is deposited under SC PHILJA PM Peso Current...

Mediation Research

Legal Framework

Mediation in the Philippines follows the Alternative Dispute Resolution Act of 2004 (Republic Act No. 9285), which provides for the procedure to resolve disputes by a neutral third party other than by adjudication of a judge or government officer. The Act includes arbitration, mediation, conciliation, early neutral evaluation, mini-trial, or any combination thereof. Chapter 2 covers mediation, specifically voluntary mediation whether ad hoc or institutional, other than court annexed. The term mediation includes conciliation. The Act protects the confidentiality of information relating to matters which are the subject of the dispute and enumerates principles for enforcement of mediated settlement agreements. It also provides for the process on how domestic and foreign arbitral awards shall be recognised and implemented. The Office for Alternative Dispute Resolution (OADR) is an attached agency of the Department of Justice created pursuant to RA 9285.

Court System

Courts in the Philippines actively promote mediation through Court-Annexed Mediation (CAM), Appellate Court Mediation (ACM), and Judicial Dispute Resolution (JDR). The Philippine Mediation Centre Office (PMCO) under the Philippine Judicial Academy (PHILJA) is primarily responsible for expansion, development, implementation, monitoring, and sustainability of Supreme Court ADR mechanisms. Judges who have undergone orientation in JDR procedures and completed training in mediation, conciliation, and neutral evaluation are authorised to conduct JDR proceedings. Only mediators accredited by the Supreme Court can validly mediate in court annexed mediation. Cases covered by Lupong Tagapamayapa under the Katarungang Pambarangay Law (P.D. No. 508, as amended by R.A. No. 7160) are excluded from court annexed mediation. The 2020 Guidelines for the Conduct of CAM and JDR in Civil Cases provide detailed procedures.

Mediator Regulations

Mediators must be accredited by the Supreme Court to validly mediate in court annexed mediation. The Philippine Judicial Academy provides training for judges in mediation, conciliation, and neutral evaluation. The Office for Alternative Dispute Resolution (OADR) oversees ADR implementation. Department Circular No. 98, series of 2009 provides Implementing Rules and Regulations of RA 9285. The Act establishes principles for mediator conduct including confidentiality requirements. Mediators are protected from being compelled to disclose confidential information obtained during mediation. A mediator wrongfully subpoenaed shall be reimbursed full cost of attorney's fees and related expenses. Professional accreditation requires completion of Supreme Court-approved training programmes.

Cultural Approach

The Philippines has a strong tradition of community-based dispute resolution through the Katarungang Pambarangay Law (P.D. No. 508, as amended by R.A. No. 7160), which establishes the Lupong Tagapamayapa system for village-level dispute resolution. This traditional system reflects Filipino cultural values of harmony, consensus-building, and community-based conflict resolution. The cultural preference for amicable settlement and preservation of relationships aligns well with mediation principles. Filipino culture emphasises family and community relationships, making mediation particularly suitable for family and community disputes. The integration of traditional barangay justice with formal court annexed mediation demonstrates respect for indigenous dispute resolution practices while modernizing the system.

Typical Costs

Court-annexed mediation through CAM is part of court proceedings with mediation fees collected and deposited under SC PHILJA PM account. The Mediation Fund is deposited under SC PHILJA PM Peso Current Account. Private mediation through institutions like the Philippine Dispute Resolution Centre Inc. (PDRCI) charges fees based on case complexity and mediator expertise. The Alternative Dispute Resolution Act promotes prompt, economical, and amicable resolution of disputes. The cost savings compared to litigation are significant, with mediation typically resolving disputes more quickly than clogged court dockets. Barangay-level dispute resolution through Lupong Tagapamayapa operates at minimal cost within communities.

Sources

Republic Act No. 9285 - Alternative Dispute Resolution Act of 2004 (legislation)
The Alternative Dispute Act of 2004, Republic Act No. 9285 (Philippines) (organisation)
Philippine Judicial Academy - Philippine Mediation Centre Office (organisation)
2020 Guidelines for the Conduct of the Court-Annexed Mediation and Judicial Dispute Resolution in Civil Cases (organisation)
eCodal - A.M. No. 11-1-6-SC-PHILJA | CAM and JDR (organisation)
Office for Alternative Dispute Resolution (OADR) (organisation)
New York Convention - Philippines (organisation)
Singapore Convention on Mediation - Jurisdictions (organisation)

States and Regions

Abra Agusan del Norte Agusan del Sur Aklan Albay Antique Apayao Aurora Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao Basilan Bataan Batanes Batangas Benguet Bicol Biliran Bohol Bukidnon Bulacan Cagayan Cagayan Valley Calabarzon Camarines Norte Camarines Sur Camiguin Capiz Caraga Catanduanes Cavite Cebu Central Luzon Central Visayas Cordillera Administrative Cotabato Davao Davao de Oro Davao del Norte Davao del Sur Davao Occidental Davao Oriental Dinagat Islands Eastern Samar Eastern Visayas Guimaras Ifugao Ilocos Ilocos Norte Ilocos Sur Iloilo Isabela Kalinga La Union Laguna Lanao del Norte Lanao del Sur Leyte Maguindanao del Norte Maguindanao del Sur Marinduque Masbate Mimaropa Misamis Occidental Misamis Oriental Mountain Province National Capital Region (Metro Manila) Negros Occidental Negros Oriental Northern Mindanao Northern Samar Nueva Ecija Nueva Vizcaya Occidental Mindoro Oriental Mindoro Palawan Pampanga Pangasinan Quezon Quirino Rizal Romblon Sarangani Siquijor Soccsksargen Sorsogon South Cotabato Southern Leyte Sultan Kudarat Sulu Surigao del Norte Surigao del Sur Tarlac Tawi-Tawi Western Samar Western Visayas Zambales Zamboanga del Norte Zamboanga del Sur Zamboanga Peninsula Zamboanga Sibugay

Continue your search for resolution

Every dispute is personal and complex. We are here to provide the neutral space and expert guidance you need to find a lasting resolution in Philippines.

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Mediation In Philippines