Leading practitioners to represent global professional body in the Philippines

26 January 2008 Manila, Philippines – During brief signing ceremonies at the Linden Suites Hotel in Metro Manila, the East Asia Branch of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (“CIArb”) formally constituted its Philippine Chapter.  Through a Joint Declaration executed before leading luminaries and practitioners engaged in the field of dispute resolution in the Philippines, resident CIArb members formally manifested their commitment to increase the level of activities and further promote the objectives of the Institute through a recognized chapter organization. 

East Asia Branch Chair, John Cock, officially accepted the Joint Declaration on behalf of CIArb as the chapter’s foundational document.  He then notified the signatories of the formal constitution by CIArb’s Board of Trustees of the Institute of the Philippine Chapter under the jurisdiction and supervision of the Institute’s East Asia Branch.

Signatories to the Joint Declaration included all three of CIArb’s Filipino Fellows: Eduardo R. Ceniza, Mario E. Valderrama, and Teodoro Kalaw IV.  Also signing the chapter’s foundational document were six Filipino Associate Members: Eloy E. Bello IV, Donemark J.L. Calimon, Beda Fajardo, Tomas Guno, Ricardo Ma. P.G. Ongkiko, and Maricef Valderrama. Witnesses to the signing ceremonies were East Asia Branch’s Chair - John Cock, Regional Chair - Anthony Houghton, and Branch Honorary Secretary - Glenn Haley.

Commending the East Asia Branch on this development, Chairman of CIArb’s Board of Trustees Doug Jones declared: “As Chairman of the Board, I would like to express my most sincere gratitude for your welcome efforts and no doubt hard work in turning this initiative into a reality. I am certain that the development of the chapter network will provide far greater access to the Institute and in turn, better meet the needs of members.”

During the ceremonies, John Cock also congratulated the Philippine Chapter on the election of its initial set of officers, beginning with Eduardo R. Ceniza as Chapter Chair.  Senior Warden Mario E. Valderrama who will serve as the chapter’s primary liaison to the East Asia Branch Committee of the Institute.  Warden Teodoro Kalaw IV will be responsible for coordinating the implementation of chapter activities in the country.  Completing the chapter’s roster of officers are Secretary Ricardo Ma. P.G. Ongkiko and Treasurer Donemark J.L. Calimon. 

Initial activities planned this year include a second CIArb Entry Course (the first one for the year having been held from 25 to 26 January 2008 also at the Linden Suites Hotel with 34 participants), at least two practitioner forums, and networking events.

The Philippine Chapter shall be the local presence in the Republic of the Philippines of the Institute, reporting directly to the East Asia Branch headquartered in Hong Kong.