Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla said courts should be a last resort in resolving disputes and conflicts as other efficient, faster, and affordable methods in alternative dispute resolution (ADR) mechanisms should be exhausted first.

The justice chief made the remarks following the conclusion of the 2024 National Alternative Dispute Resolution Convention, hosted by the Department of Justice’s (DoJ) Office for Alternative Dispute Resolution (OADR) at the Manila Hotel.

Around 400 stakeholders from government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and private entities gathered at the convention, united by a shared goal of advancing ADR-driven governance to enhance Filipinos’ access to justice.

This year’s theme is “ADR Driven Governance: Better Access to Justice for Every Filipino.”

Remulla urged the participants to maximize the insights they acquired in the convention to advocate ADR mechanisms in settling conflicts.

He said there are instances when practicality dictates that courts are not the only and mere solution to conflicts or disputes as there are other more efficient, faster, and affordable avenues, the ADR.

Remulla said, “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.”

In September, Remulla ordered OADR executive director Margaret Raizza Andaman to champion ADR mechanisms and make it a “game changer” in the DoJ’s performance of its mandate.

Justice Undersecretary Jesse Hermogenes Andres stressed the significance of shifting towards an ADR-driven governance.