Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo has sworn in the seven lawyers and 21 engineers as newly accredited construction arbitrators who are mandated to expedite the resolution of construction disputes before the courts.
Gesmundo administered their oaths of office online last Tuesday, July 12, 2022, which was organized by the Construction Industry Arbitration Commission (CIAC) and the Philippine Institute of Construction Arbitrators & Mediators, Inc.
The 28 arbitrators are the 10th batch of members accredited by the CIAC.
In his message, Chief Justice Gesmundo lauded the CIAC “for keeping up with the times, and proving its capacity to adapt, innovate and constantly improve processes and human resources.”
Gesmundo noted that similar to the Judiciary, which is gearing up for a digital shift, the CIAC has conducted online or virtual proceedings, as early as the second half of 2020 after the declaration of a national emergency due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“It is comforting to know that [alternative dispute resolution] ADR institutions such as the CIAC continue to function and carry out their mandated tasks and make the necessary adjustments as the whole world transitions to the full use of digital technology,” Gesmundo said.
The CIAC was established in 1985 to ensure “early and expeditious settlement of disputes to provide stability to enterprises and avoid bureaucratic delays. Retired Sandiganbayan Associate Justice Teresita V. Diaz-Baldos serves as its chairperson.
The new arbitrators are lawyers Jean Jacqueline Nathania A. De Castro, Enrique V. Dela Cruz Jr., Alfredo Pablo S. Malvar, Jose Vicente B. Salazar, Jessie A. Salvador (also an engineer), John Philip C. Siao, and Randall C. Tabayoyong.
The engineer-arbitrators are Mariano S. Agoncillo, Sonny G. Andalis, Yvonne O. Cabang, Aisa P. Camacho, Juanito G. Dador, Isaac S. David, Julie Christie M. Dela Cruz, Maresher C. Dela Cruz, Michaela T. Dennis, Rogelio F. Fornal, Nathalyn H. Jose, Asuncion V. Lopez, Romalyn D. Lorenzo, Roy Anthony C. Luna, Eliel Jovencio P. Martinez, Tricia T. Mendoza, Patrick John R. Ramos, Albino T. Raya, Michael Roberto P. Reyes, and Sonia T. Valdeavilla.