Designation of the Philippine Judicial Academy as the Component Unit of the Supreme Court for Court-Referred, Court-Related Mediation Cases and Other Alternative Dispute Resolution Mechanisms and Establishment of the Philippine Mediation Center (PMC) for the Purpose

November 12, 2001

OCA CIRCULAR NO. 82-01

 

Pursuant to a Supreme Court en banc Resolution in Adm. Matter No. 01-10-5-SC-PHILJA, dated October 16, 2001, designating the Philippine Judicial Academy (PHILJA) as the component unit of the Supreme Court for court-referred and court-related mediation cases and other alternative dispute resolution mechanisms, and establishing the Philippine Mediation Center (PMC) for the purpose, the Executive Judges are hereby ordered to:

1. Direct the Judges within their jurisdiction, where PMC units are organized and existing, to refer cases to mediation pursuant to the Second Revised Guidelines for the Implementation of Mediation Proceedings;

2. Provide a permanent mediation room/space including basic equipment, if available, for PMC units in the different courthouses and in such other places as may be necessary;

3. Encourage the Judges and Court Personnel, before whose court the case subject of mediation is pending, to extend to the Mediator, every possible support and assistance; DHcSIT

4. Designate a Clerk-in-Charge to coordinate between the courts and Mediators and Supervisors in every PMC unit;

5. Direct the Clerk of Court to collect and deposit Mediation Fees pursuant to the procedures prescribed in the Compensation Guidelines for Mediators and Supervisors;

6. Direct the Clerk of Court to submit a monthly collection and remittance report to the Mediation Group of PHILJA (PMC Form No. F1);

7. Direct the Clerk-in-charge to submit a monthly mediation report duly noted by the Executive Judge to the Mediation Division of PHILJA furnishing a copy thereof to the OCA (PMC Form No. E2);

8. Ensure the proper implementation of approved mediation structures and guidelines in their respective areas, so as to institutionalize mediation in the Philippines; and

9. Disseminate the attached documents to all concerned. TADaCH

For strict compliance.

Manila, November 12, 2001.

(SGD.) PRESBITERO J. VELASCO, JR.Court AdministratorOffice of the Court Administrator