DOJ, OADR, IBP forge pact to expand alternative dispute resolution

Justice Secretary Fredderick A. Vida led the formalization of a strategic partnership with the Office for Alternative Dispute Resolution (OADR) and the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) in order to expand access to faster, more affordable, and flexible mechanisms for resolving legal disputes.

The tripartite Memorandum of Agreement (MOA), was signed at the DOJ which institutionalizes a coordinated framework to bring alternative dispute resolution (ADR) closer to the Filipino people.

The collaboration leverages the DOJ Action Center’s (DOJAC) public legal assistance and referral services, OADR’s technical expertise in ADR, and IBP’s nationwide network of lawyers and local chapters.

Vida in his remarks, emphasized the agreement reflects a shared commitment to building a justice system that extends beyond the courtroom.

“Karapatan ng bawat Pilipino na maranasan ang hustisya; hindi lamang sa salita, kundi sa gawa. Hindi lamang sa loob ng korte naroroon ang hustisya. May hustisya sa pag-uusap, sa pakikinig, sa pag-unawa, at sa handang magkompromiso para sa kapayapaan,” Vida said.

He called for the operationalization of a legal triage system composed of DOJAC, OADR, and IBP to better serve the public.

On the other hand, Undersecretary Margarita N. Gutierrez said the partnership will strengthen how cases are assessed, referred, and, when appropriate, resolved through accessible options such as mediation.

“A legal problem does not always mean ending up in court. Sometimes, the better answer is mediation. Sometimes, it is legal advice, proper referral, or simply helping a person understand what options are available. That is where this partnership becomes important,” Gutierrez said.

IBP National President Atty. Allan G. Panolong noted that the agreement formalizes the IBP’s service collaboration with DOJAC, building on the success of initiatives such as the Katarungan Caravan.

“The Katarungan Caravan proved that when our two organizations combine forces, justice ceases to be an abstract concept. It becomes a tangible, living relief for the people who need it most. Today's MOA is the natural evolution of those shared triumphs in the field,” Atty. Panolong said.

Meanwhile, OADR Director Atty. Jose Ma. R. Palaganas expressed his office’s full support in providing necessary ADR training to DOJ and IBP lawyers to enhance their capacity in mediation and other ADR processes.

“Through this collaboration, we envision a wider and more visible network of trained and accredited ADR practitioners, professionals from whom the public can readily identify and approach when disputes arise,” Dir. Palaganas said.

Through this partnership, the three offices aim to reduce case congestion in courts, lower the cost of legal resolution for citizens, and promote a culture of dialogue and compromise as viable paths to justice.