Alternative Dispute Resolution Act of 2004

## Alternative Dispute Resolution Act of 2004 (R.A. No. 9285)

### Policy (Sec. 2) The State shall actively promote party autonomy in the resolution of disputes, and encourage and actively promote the use of ADR in both private and public sectors.

### Coverage - **Commercial arbitration** — governed by the ADR Act and the UNCITRAL Model Law on International Commercial Arbitration (R.A. 9285, Sec. 19 adopting the Model Law). - **Construction industry arbitration** — Construction Industry Arbitration Commission (CIAC). - **Mediation and other ADR mechanisms** — facilitated settlement, conciliation, early neutral evaluation.

### Enforceability - **Sec. 17.** Confidentiality of ADR proceedings. - Arbitral awards are binding (Sec. 23) and may be enforced through a petition for confirmation with the courts (Rule 19, Special Rules of Court on ADR).