Special Rules of Court on Alternative Dispute Resolution

Rule 18

This rule governs the procedure for matters brought before the court involving the following forms of ADR: a. Early neutral evaluation; b. Neutral evaluation; c. Mini-trial; d. Mediation-arbitration; e. A combination thereof; or f. Any other ADR form.

Rule 18

If the other ADR form/process is more akin to mediation (i.e., the neutral third party merely assists the parties in reaching a voluntary agreement), the herein rules on mediation shall apply.

Rule 18

If a dispute is already before a court, either party may before and during pre-trial, file a motion for the court to refer the parties to other ADR forms/processes. At any time during court proceedings, even after pre-trial, the parties may jointly move for suspension of the action pursuant to Article 2030 of the Civil Code of the Philippines where the possibility of compromise is shown.

Rule 18

Either party may submit to the court, before which the case is pending, any settlement agreement following a neutral or an early neutral evaluation, mini-trial or mediation-arbitration. A. MOTION FOR RECONSIDERATION

Rule 18

3. Applicability of rules on arbitration.-If the other ADR form/process is more akin to arbitration (i.e., the neutral third party has the power to make a binding resolution of the dispute), the herein rules on arbitration shall apply.