PIDRA launches app, online platform for dispute resolution

By Joseph Bernard A. Marzan

SAN JUAN CITY — The Philippine Institute of Dispute Resolution and Arbitration (PIDRA) launched its website and mobile application on Thursday, July 31, aiming to make alternative dispute resolution (ADR) more accessible and efficient.

Parties who wish to settle disputes outside of court may file for arbitration or mediation through PIDRA’s website and app, pay the necessary fees, and monitor the status of their cases.

The website provides basic information about the organization, explains its arbitration and mediation processes, and details other dispute settlement methods including conciliation, early neutral evaluation, mini-trial, mediation-arbitration, and traditional Indigenous Peoples’ customs.

It also offers reasons to choose ADR over court proceedings and guidance on how to join PIDRA.

The site includes a roster of arbitrators and mediators — many accredited by the Department of Justice’s Office for Alternative Dispute Resolution (OADR) — along with resources such as the Code of Professional Conduct, news, publications, FAQs, ADR laws, journal entries, and events.

PIDRA President Rodel Taton said the new platforms aim to ease bottlenecks in dispute resolution that persist despite mechanisms set by the Supreme Court and other legal organizations.

“It is amazing to see that we have a framework for ADR in the Philippines, but it is sad at the same time because there are still realities we have to face in the practice of mediation or arbitration,” Taton said.

“This is our contribution to supporting party autonomy, the freedom to stipulate, and parties’ self-determination in resolving their disputes,” he added.

He assured that the platforms will comply with existing laws, rules, and policies — especially regarding data privacy.

Taton added that aside from the digital platforms, PIDRA will soon open on-site ADR service centers across the country, starting in Cebu and Davao.

While the website is already live, only basic information is currently available, with online ADR capabilities and the mobile app still in the testing phase.

All online services are expected to go live between August and September.

PIDRA aims to leverage technology, advocacy, and effective dispute resolution to ensure inclusive and accessible justice nationwide.

This mission aligns with the Supreme Court’s push to promote alternative dispute mechanisms and with Republic Act No. 9285, or the Alternative Dispute Resolution Act of 2004, which seeks to encourage faster, impartial justice and reduce court caseloads.

Supreme Court Associate Justice Ramon Paul Hernando, the launch’s keynote speaker, described the platforms as a “welcome pivot” to technological advancements in the justice sector.

He said the site and app are in line with the high court’s five-year Strategic Plan for Judicial Innovation, launched in 2022.

“Thank you for joining us in our endeavor to improve the legal profession and the judicial process,” Hernando said. “May I also commend PIDRA’s efforts in supporting out-of-court dispute resolution through arbitration and mediation.”

Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo, in a video message, praised the launch, affirming the judiciary’s belief in technology’s potential to expand access to justice.

“The launch of the PIDRA website and app is a strong declaration that we are ready to embrace a society where justice is not only confined within the solemn walls of our courtrooms, but also increasingly available in the halls of our digital world,” Gesmundo said.

“PIDRA and its digital platforms symbolize the judiciary’s openness to new modalities in delivering justice,” he added.

PIDRA, based in Makati City, was founded in 2025 by legal educators and advocates committed to modern, accessible, and effective dispute resolution.