1

Table of ContentsFrom the Chancellor’s Desk….………………………………………………………..………………………….5

Messages……………………………………………………………………………………………………....…………8

PHILJA’s Organizational Chart and Standing Bodies………………...………………………………..11

I. Board of TrusteesII. Academic CouncilIII. Corps of Professors

A. Department Heads and MembersB. Professors with Administrative DutiesC. Professorial Lecturers

IV. Executive OfficesV. ConsultantsVI. Academic OfficesVII. Administration and Finance

Programs and Seminars

I. Core Programs…………………………………………………………………………...…………….18A. Pre-Judicature Program (PJP)B. Orientation Seminar-Workshop for Newly Appointed JudgesC. Orientation Seminar-Workshop for Newly Appointed Clerks of CourtD. Regional Judicial Career Enhancement Program (RJCEP)E. Continuing Legal Education for Court Attorneys

II. Special Focus Programs……………..……………….................…………………...............21 .

A. Remedial Law1. Civil Forfeiture

B. Commercial Law1. Intellectual Property Programs

C. Ethics and Judicial Conduct

D. Court Management1. Seminar-Workshop on Docket and Caseflow Management2. Training on Courtroom Issues

2

E. Special Areas of Concern

1. Multi-Sectoral Seminar-Workshop on Agrarian Justice2. Seminar-Workshop on Environmental Law3. Regional Multi-Sectoral Seminar-Workshop on Juvenile and Domestic

Relations Justice4. Video Conference on Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act5. Seminar-Workshop on Law and Economic Development Issues6. CEDAW and Gender Sensitivity

a. Symposium and Workshop on Gender Sensitivity for Supreme CourtLawyers

b. Seminar-Workshop on CEDAW, Gender Sensitivity and the Courts7. Child Abuse

F. Court Technology

G. Shari’a and Islamic Jurisprudence

III. Mediation…………………………………………………………………………………………………30A. National Conference on Court-Annexed ADR MechanismsB. Court-Annexed Mediation ProgramC. Appeals Court Mediation ProjectD. JURIS Project

IV. Convention-Seminars………………………………………………………………………………..48A. For JudgesB. For Court Personnel

V. Roundtable Discussions…………………………………………………………………….……….49A. R.A. No. 9208, R.A. No. 9262 and IRRs for NCR JudgesB. R.A. No. 9208 and R.A. No. 9262 for the Associate Justices of

the Court of Appeals-ManilaC. Grave Abuse of DiscretionD. Green Benches

VI. Team Building Seminar-Workshop for Court of Tax Appeals Officialsand Staff………………………………………………………..………………………………..….50

Non-Judicial Stakeholders Who Benefited from PHILJA Programs....................................51

I. Classification of Non-Court Lawyers who Benefited from PHILJA’sMCLE Programs

II. Distribution of Credited MCLE Units in PHILJA Programs

3

Special Projects………………………………………………………………....……………………………………..54

I. PHILJA Operations ManualII. e-Learning Projects for the Judiciary

Highlights of the Liberty and Prosperity Fora.…………………………………………………………….56

I. Roundtable DiscussionII. Academic ForumIII. National ForumIV. Global Forum

International Conferences…………………………………………………………………....……………………59

I. PAHRDF-International HRMD BenchmarkingII. Southeast Asian Advanced Programme on Human RightsIII. Asian Justices’ Workshop on the Environment: Promoting Improved Court

Policies and Practices on Environmental AdjudicationIV. Study Tour on Skills-Based Education for Newly Appointed Judges and

Approaches to Gender Issues in Judicial EducationV. Judicial Educators’ Network (JEDNET)

Membership in International Organizations……………………………………………………………….62

I. Asia Pacific Judicial Educators Forum (APJEF)II. Asia Pacific Judicial Reform Forum (APJRF)III. Judicial Educators’ Network (JEDNET)

Committee Memberships………………………………………………………….……………………………...63

I. Technical Working Group (TWG) on the Access to Justice for the Poor ProjectII. Committee on Gender Responsiveness in the Judiciary (CGRJ)III. Committee on Knowledge Sharing and Regional CooperationIV. Computerization and LibraryV. Task Force on Information WallsheetsVI. Committee for Administrative Concerns

PHILJA Working Committees…………………………………………………………………………………….65

I. Research Group CommitteeII. Judicial Career Development CommitteeIII. PDC-Project Implementation CommitteeIV. Design and Management Committee (DMC)V. Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) CommitteeVI. ADR Grievance CommitteeVII. Decision Writing Manual Committee

4

Liaison with Development Partners………………………………………….………………………….…..71

Visits of Foreign Delegations……………………………..……………………………….…………………….75

The PHILJA Development Center, Inc. (PDCI), Tagaytay City…………………….………………….77

Financial Report…………………………………………………………………………………….………………….80

I. Sources of FundsII. Expenses Charged to Fiscal AutonomyIII. PMC Trust Fund

Donations………………………………………………………………………………………………….……….........83

Endowments………………………………………………………………………………………………….………….83

Metrobank Foundation Professorial Chair Lecture

Publications…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..84

PHILJA Human Resource Development Program…………………………………….…………………87

Acronyms…………………………………………………………………………………………………….……………89

Editorial Team………………………………………………………………………………………………....………..90

5

From the Chancellor’s DeskA Trying, Yet Fulfilling Year

All was well in PHILJA until August 2006 when we received a sudden “bolt from theblue.” We were informed that due to the depletion of the savings of lower

courts, from where we derive the funding for our training programs, wecould no longer expect our usual allocation. Principally sacrificed were

our monthly Regional Judicial Career Programs (RJCEP).

Nonetheless, as described in detail in this Annual Report, we were ableto conduct 119 seminar-workshops including the training of 199 newly

appointed judges, 66 more than those of last year’s. 827 judges and5,214 court personnel attended a total of 39 Orientation Seminar-Workshops on the Code of Judicial Conduct and the Code of Conduct

for Court Personnel. However, we reached only a total of 11,846 judicial personnel (as against14,586 of last year’s).

The consistently high ratings given all our programs by participants – an average 97.26% inProfitability and affirmative evaluations as educational experiences – validate our zealous andcommitted efforts to continue realizing our mission and vision as the education arm of the SupremeCourt.

We continue to expend our utmost efforts for professional development tailored to the needs ofjudges and court personnel. We have implemented adult-learning principles and utilized experientialskills-based approaches. We have incorporated social context and gender issues in our orientationand capacity enhancement programs. Our e-learning courses are on track, with a number ofjudges participating, and many more signifying their interest, as we try to keep abreast with advancesin technology.

PHILJA was rated “Positive” in three factors: Judicial Qualification and Preparation; ContinuingLegal Education; and Code of Ethics in the Judicial Reform Index (JRI) for the Philippines 2006Analysis. The JRI is a tool developed by the American Bar Association and implemented by ABA-Asia, now ABA-Rule of Law Initiative (ABA-ROLI), to assess the performance of “emergingdemocracies” in relation to a set of factors important to judicial reform.

Aware of the benefits of technology in the dissemination and implementation of its programs,PHILJA, in collaboration with the Government of the United Kingdom and the Child Protection Unit

6

Network, launched six video training modules on “Improving Judicial Proceedings Involving ChildSexual Abuse and Exploitation Cases.” These were of valuable assistance in the CapacityEnhancement Workshops for Family Court judges and personnel. The Impact Evaluation conductedsix months later showed the effective application by the participants of the skills they had gainedas well as a change in attitude and approach. Moreover, the modules have been utilized, bothhere and abroad, as teaching tools for various MCLE and UNIFEM-sponsored training activitiesand in seminar-workshops for prosecutors.

We continue to avail of the benefits of video conference in simultaneously bringing together largenumbers of judicial participants from different sites. A live multiple site video conferencing seminaron R.A. 9344 (Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act of 2006) was also conducted for Manila, Davao,Cebu, and Pampanga Family Court Judges and Branch Clerks of Court, Public Prosecutors, PublicDefenders and Court Social Workers, all under the Family Court jurisdiction.

We have made great strides in increasing public awareness of the benefits of mediation not only interms of declogging court dockets but as a less costly and faster ADR mechanism for the resolutionof disputes. Two crucial matters will have to be addressed, however – the increased referrals byjudges of mediatable cases to mediation, and a more compliant collection of fees nationwide.

Philippine Mediation Center (PMC) units have been established in selected sites nationwide, witheight more regions to be covered. The number of accredited mediators have significantly increased.At the first national conference of mediators, held in November, 71 Appeals Court mediators tooktheir oaths. Plans are ongoing for the formal structuring of the PMC.

We continue to forge partnerships with other judicial institutions worldwide and have maintainedlinkages with other judicial agencies in the promotion of judicial education. We are helpingimplement the Memoranda of Agreement between our Supreme Court and its counterparts inSpain, France, and Egypt with respect to their judicial education components. Through the AsiaPacific Judicial Educators Forum (APJEF), a number of Asian countries have expressed their interestto collaborate with PHILJA in the exchange of professors, and in the sharing of information andexperience between and among judges who then become both educators and learners.

The implementation of plans for the construction and equipping of the PHILJA Development Centerin Tagaytay City has commenced. Although it has suffered delays due to failure of bidding, amongother causes, the Consultant for the architectural and engineering design has been selected andthe notice to proceed given. Notwithstanding the reduction by half of the grant received, we envisionthe future training center to be at the forefront of judicial education not only in the country but alsoin the region.

7

PHILJA participated actively in the conduct of the Roundtable Discussion and in the Academic,National, and Global Forums on Liberty and Prosperity. The Joint Declaration by the delegatesfrom different parts of the world that the “safeguarding of the rights and liberties of citizens andthe promotion of their economic well-being are inseparable key objectives of the Rule of Law” wasa fitting finale to the international gathering.

Our publications for the year included the PHILJA Guide to Election Cases for First-Level Trial Courtsand Courts of General Jurisdiction, Greening the Judiciary (Learning Modules on the Environment)and Environmental Law Training Manual, and the Integration of Mediation Curriculum and TrainingPrograms.

We have shared with you in this Report our sustained efforts to pursue the way forward for judicialeducation. We firmly believe that judicial education must be offered under conditions of institutionaland financial independence. We adhere to the view that judges must lead in judicial educationconsidering that peer judicial education is one of its central principles.

To our stakeholders, partners, supporters and friends, we reiterate our commitment to complywith our mandate as we look forward to the day when judicial education becomes deeply rooted inthe culture of the Philippine judiciary.

3 March 2007.

AMEURFINA A. MELENCIO HERRERAChancellor

8

Messages“As I go through the process of preparing for retirement from the highest judicial office in the land,I have become very busy. I could not, however, decline the invitation of Justice Ameurfina A. MelencioHerrera, our esteemed Chancellor of the Philippine Judicial Academy. Besides, I am always delightedto be in the company of peacemakers, just looking at your radiant and smiling faces gives me theassurance that there is always a workable and satisfactory solution to any problem in the hands ofable, imaginative, patient and committed mediators like you. Sabi nga ng theme nyo, Ayusin angGusot, Habaan ang Pasensiya.”

Chief Justice Artemio V. Panganiban, Supreme Court Keynote Address during the

National Conference on Court-Annexed/ Referred ADR Mechanisms, Century Park Hotel, Manila, November 27, 2006

“We compliment PHILJA, under the inspiring leadership of its Chancellor, Justice Ameurfina A.Melencio Herrera, for actively promoting ADR within the judiciary, particularly in selected trial courtsthrough its Court-Annexed Mediation (CAM) and Judicial Reforms Initiative Support (JURIS) Projects,and in the Court of Appeals through the Appellate Court Mediation (ACM) initiative. These programs,which have resulted in the referral of more than 60,000 cases to mediation since 2002, givesubstance to Chief Justice Artemio Panganiban’s vision of a judiciary that delivers quality judgmentsin a timely manner.”

Mr. Steve Edminster, USAID Governance Officer Message at the National Conference on Court-Annexed/

Referred ADR Mechanisms, Century Park Hotel, Manila, November 27, 2006

“The Asia Foundation is proud to have partnered with PHILJA in many of its efforts to keep ourjudges abreast, not only of the substantive developments in law and jurisprudence, but also of theinnovative ways of accomplishing its task.”

Dr. Steven Rood, Country Representative, The Asia FoundationOpening Remarks at the Video Conference on the

Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act of 2006 (Republic Act No. 9344), July 27, 2006

“I laud the efforts of the Supreme Court, our friends from the USAID, the Philippine Judicial Academy,and The Asia Foundation, for the idea of conducting this video conference, in order to reach awider audience and network; and address the pressing concerns of judges and court personnelaround the country, with regard to the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act of 2006.”

Hon. Francis N. Pangilinan, Senate Minority LeaderClosing Remarks at the Video Conference on the

Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act of 2006 (Republic Act No. 9344), July 27, 2006

9

“I joined the Chief Justice in launching a technical assistance project titled, Enhancing JudicialAutonomy, Accountability and Efficiency and Improving the Administration of Justice. This newproject, which will be funded by the Japan Special Fund (JSF) administered by the Asian DevelopmentBank, will allow the Supreme Court to build upon the gains of an earlier JSF-funded project titled“Strengthen the Independence of the Judiciary,” particularly with regard to reform initiatives todecentralize and enhance the judiciary’s administrative and fiscal structure, to improve theappointment process and incentives system, and to enhance the PHILJA’s institutional capacity todeliver judicial training.

I wish to express my appreciation to everyone involved in this Project, and I look forward to thesuccessful completion of the PHILJA Development Center as scheduled.”

His Excellency Ryuichiro Yamazaki, Ambassador of Japan to the PhilippinesOn the occasion of the “Unveiling of the Foundation Stone Marker

of the Philippine Judicial Academy Development Center,” November 30, 2006

“The City of Tagaytay is indeed fortunate to have been chosen as the home to an institution asprestigious and as respectable as the Philippine Judicial Academy. Now, not only do we take prideof the numerous retreat houses and convents that have chosen our city as their haven, we canalso proudly proclaim that we are also home to the country’s bastion of justice and equality.

Today, we bear witness to the beginning of what we hope to be a closely and mutually beneficialrelationship between the Philippine Judicial Academy and the City Government of Tagaytay. Wepledge our support for the undertakings that this institution shall take today and in the future – inwhatever humble ways we can.”

Councilor Romy D. Mariano, Tagaytay CityOn the occasion of the “Unveiling of the Foundation Stone Marker

of the Philippine Judicial Academy Development Center,” November 30, 2006

“We are here today for just that – to be witnesses to the building of a structure which would standto be an Academy on a hill overlooking the majestic Taal Lake and a glimpse of Corregidor, a mutewitness to Filipino heroism. We all pay tribute to those who had the vision to foresee a credible andstrengthened judiciary by establishing a judicial academy with our development partners and friendsin pursuit of judicial excellence. I am sure that this Academy will in days and years ahead, be ashrine for even those coming from other lands who thirst for new ideas in judicial education. Thisis as it should be for the diffusion of judicial knowledge is the heart of what the Academy is allabout. Those who will come after us may no longer hear our voices today, but when highly trainedand upright magistrates with moral courage leave the portals of the Philippine Judicial Academy,the future of justice – the crowning glory of all virtues, will be secured.”

Justice Justo P. Torres, Jr., Vice Chancellor, PHILJA Remarks delivered at the “Unveiling of the Foundation

Stone Marker” ot the Philippine Judicial Academy Development Center,Tagaytay City, November 30, 2006

10

11

Philippine Judicial AcademyOrganizational Chart

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Office of the CHANCELLOR

Office of the VICE CHANCELLOR

Office of the EXECUTIVE SECRETARY

DEPARTMENT CHAIRS ACADEMIC COUNCIL

CORPS OF PROFESSORS

Consultants

ACADEMIC AFFAIRS OFFICE

RESEARCH, PUBLICATIONS, AND LINKAGES OFFICE

JUDICIAL REFORMS OFFICE

ADMINISTRATIVE AND FINANCE

OFFICE

Effective June 15, 2004, per A.M. No. 01-1-04-SC-PHILJA, “Clarifying and Strengthening the Organizational Structure and Administrative Set-up of the Philippine Judicial Academy,”

approved by the Court En Banc on February 24, 2004.

12

PHILJA’s Standing BodiesI. Board of Trustees

ChairmanChief Justice Artemio V. Panganiban

Vice ChairmanHon. Reynato S. Puno

MembersHon. Ameurfina A. Melencio Herrera

Hon. Ruben T. ReyesHon. Ernesto D. Acosta

Hon. Teresita J. Leonardo-de CastroHon. Christopher O. Lock

Hon. Aurora Jane C. LantionHon. Maria Filomena D. SinghDean Mariano F. Magsalin, Jr.

Recorder-SecretaryJustice Delilah Vidallon-Magtolis

On March 8, 2006, the members of the PHILJA Board of Trustees welcomed its newChairman, Chief Justice Artemio V. Panganiban; the new members, Court of Appeals PresidingJustice Ruben T. Reyes, Philippine Law School Association President Dean Mariano F. Magsalin,Jr.; and the new Executive Secretary, Justice Delilah Vidallon-Magtolis.

As the Governing Board of the Philippine Judicial Academy, the Board of Trustees continuesto uphold its mandate to ensure efficiency and credibility in the Philippine Judiciary by adoptingresolutions significant in its advocacy in judicial education.

Among the resolutions passed by the Board and approved by the Court en banc that playedan eminent role in the Philippine judicial system are the following:

1. Approval of Justice SIXTO C. MARELLA, Jr. as the recipient of the 2006 MetrobankFoundation Professorial Chair Award in Commercial Law;

2. Approval of the PHILJA Development Center-Project Implementation Committee (PDC-PIC) Resolution No. 01-2006, as amended by Resolution No. 04-2006, approving theTerms of Reference for the Detailed Architectural and Engineering Design of thePHILJA Development Center, as modified;

3. Accreditation of thirty (30) Mediators for Davao City, Digos City, Tagum City andPanabo City;

4. Re-accreditation of seventy-one (71) Mediators in Metro Manila, eighteen (18) inMetro Cebu, and twenty-one (21) in Davao;

5. Approval of the Guidelines for Accreditation of Appeals Court Mediators;6. Accreditation of Eighty-One (81) Appeals Court Mediators;7. Approval of the Proposed Philippine Mediation Center Operating Budget for 2006

and 2007.

13

II. Academic Council

A. Significant Resolutions of the Academic Council in 2006

The following are noteworthy Resolutions passed by the Academic Council in 2006:

1) Resolution No. 01-2006 dated 11 January 2006§ Conferment upon Justice Oscar M. Herrera of the title, Chairman Emeritus of the

Remedial Law Department.

2) Resolution No. 03-2006 dated 29 March 2006§ Endorsement of the third edition of the Child Protection Unit Network publication,

“Child Maltreatment Medico-Legal Terminology and Interpretation of MedicalFindings,” as a resource guide for judges.

3) Resolution No. 04-2006 dated 19 April 2006§ Conferment upon Justice Ricardo C. Puno of the title, Chairman Emeritus of the

Civil Law Department.

4) Resolution No. 05-2006 dated 3 May 2006§ Adoption of the revised membership of the Corps of Professors for a term of two

(2) years beginning 12 April 2006.

III. PHILJA’s Corps of Professors

A. Department Heads and Members

Department Designation

Constitutional Law  Chair: Dean Pacifico A. Agabin Professorial Lecturer IIVice-Chair: Prof. Marvic F. Leonen Professorial Lecturer IIMember: Fr. Joaquin G. Bernas Professorial Lecturer IIChairman Emeritus: Justice Hugo E. Gutierrez Professorial Lecturer II (New)   Civil Law  Chair: Prof. Ruben F. Balane Professorial Lecturer IIVice-Chair: Justice Alicia V. Sempio-Diy Professorial Lecturer II (New)Members: 1. Justice Delilah V. Magtolis Professorial Lecturer II (New) 2. Dean Eduardo D. de los Angeles Professorial Lecturer II 3. Judge Ed Vincent S. Albano Professorial Lecturer IChairman Emeritus: Justice Ricardo C. Puno, Sr. Professorial Lecturer II Remedial Law  Chair: Justice Alfredo L. Benipayo Professorial Lecturer II (New)Vice-Chair: Justice Jose Y. Feria Professorial Lecturer IIMembers: 1. Justice Noel G. Tijam Professorial Lecturer II (New) 2. Justice Alexander G. Gesmundo Professorial Lecturer II (New) 3. Justice Lucas P. Bersamin Professorial Lecturer II (New)Chairman Emeritus: Justice Oscar M. Herrera, Sr. Professorial Lecturer II   

14

Criminal Law  Chair: Justice Edilberto G. Sandoval Professorial Lecturer IIVice-Chair: Justice Rodolfo G. Palattao Professorial Lecturer IIMembers: 1. Justice Diosdado M. Peralta Professorial Lecturer II 2. Dean Carlos P. Ortega Professorial Lecturer I (New)   Commercial Law  Chair: Dean Cesar L. Villanueva Professorial Lecturer IIVice-Chair: Prof. Hector A. Martinez Professorial Lecturer IMembers: 1. Justice Sixto C. Marella, Jr. Professorial Lecturer II 2. Prof. Jose Claro S. Tesoro Professorial Lecturer I 3. Prof. Jose Salvador Y. Mirasol Professorial Lecturer IChairman Emeritus: Justice Jose C. Vitug Professorial Lecturer II (New)   International and Human Rights Law  Chair: Dr. Purificacion V. Quisumbing Professorial Lecturer IIVice-Chair: Prof. Carlos P. Medina, Jr. Professorial Lecturer IIMembers: 1. Dean Raul C. Pangalangan Professorial Lecturer II 2. Prof. Amparita S. Sta. Maria Professorial Lecturer I 3. Prof. Herminio Harry L. Roque, Jr. Professorial Lecturer I (New)   Jurisprudence and Legal Philosophy  Chair: Fr. Ranhilio C. Aquino Part-time Professor II (Consultant as of Oct. 2006)Vice-Chair: Prof. Emmanuel Q. Fernando Professorial Lecturer IMembers: 1. Dr. Fortunato Gupit, Jr. Professorial Lecturer I (New) 2. Prof. Pedro P. Perez, Jr. Professorial Lecturer I 3. Fr. Luis S. David, S.J. Professorial Lecturer I   Ethics and Judicial Conduct  Chair: Justice Hilarion L. Aquino Professorial Lecturer IIVice-Chair: Justice Hector L. Hofileña Professorial Lecturer IIMembers: 1. Justice Jose L. Sabio, Jr. Professorial Lecturer II 2. Justice Edgardo L. Cruz Professorial Lecturer II 3. Justice Mariano C. Del Castillo Professorial Lecturer II (New)   Court Management  Chair: Court Administrator Christopher O. Lock Professorial Lecturer IIVice-Chair: DCA Jose P. Perez Professorial Lecturer IIMembers: 1. Justice Martin S. Villarama, Jr. Professorial Lecturer II 2. Judge Caridad G. Cuerdo Professorial Lecturer I (New) 3. Judge Joselito DJ. Vibandor Professorial Lecturer I (New)

 Legal Method and Research  Chair: Prof. Myrna S. Feliciano Professorial Lecturer IIVice-Chair: DCA Zenaida N. Elepaño Professorial Lecturer IIMembers: 1. Judge Nimfa C. Vilches Professorial Lecturer I (New) 2. Prof. Dante B. Gatmaytan Professorial Lecturer I 3. Prof. Eduardo Labitag Professorial Lecturer I (New)   Special Areas of Concern  Chair: Assoc. Dean Sedfrey M. Candelaria Part-time Professor IIVice-Chair: Justice Teresita Dy-Liacco Flores Professorial Lecturer IIMembers: 1. Prof. Melencio S. Sta. Maria, Jr. Professorial Lecturer II 2. Prof. Angela P. Sarile Professorial Lecturer II 3. Prof. Thelma L. Mendoza Professorial Lecturer II (New)   

15

Court Technology  Chair: Prof. Emmanuel L. Caparas Professorial Lecturer IIVice-Chair: Prof. Francis Ed. Lim Professorial Lecturer IIMembers: 1. Prof. Jesus M. Disini, Jr. Professorial Lecturer II 2. Prof. Ray C. Espinosa Professorial Lecturer I

Shari’a and Islamic Jurisprudence  Chair: Justice Jainal D. Rasul Professorial Lecturer IIVice-Chair: Justice Omar U. Amin Professorial Lecturer IIMembers: 1. Justice Japar B. Dimaampao Professorial Lecturer II 2. Justice Hakim S. Abdulwahid Professorial Lecturer II 3. Dean Carmen A. Abubakar Professorial Lecturer I (New)Resource Persons: Justice Jose C. Vitug   Justice Alicia V. Sempio-Diy   Dean Pacifico A. Agabin     Alternative Dispute Resolution  Chair: Chair Alfredo F. Tadiar Professorial Lecturer IIVice-Chair: Dean Eduardo D. de los Angeles Professorial Lecturer IIMembers: 1. DCA Bernardo T. Ponferrada Full-time Professor II (New) 2. Prof. Eulogia M. Cueva Professorial Lecturer II (New) 3. Comm. Linda L. Malenab-Hornilla Professorial Lecturer I (New) 

B. Professors with Administrative Duties

1. DCA Bernardo T. Ponferrada, Head, JRO Professor II (Full-time)2. Assoc. Dean Sedfrey M. Candelaria, Head, RPLO Professor II (Part-time)3. Prof. Ma. Cristina M. Cabrera, Asst. Corporate Professor I (Full-time) Secretary, PDCI  

C. Professorial Lecturers

Professorial Lecturer Designation

1. Justice Vicente V. Mendoza Professorial Lecturer II (New)2. Justice Regalado E. Maambong Professorial Lecturer II3. Justice Oswaldo D. Agcaoili Professorial Lecturer II (New)4. Prof. Jose Maria A. Ochave Professorial Lecturer II (Former Member)5. Justice Ruben T. Reyes Professorial Lecturer II (New)6. Dr. Cheselden George V. Carmona Professorial Lecturer I7. Prof. Ma. Carina M. Cunanan Professorial Lecturer I8. Prof. Arturo V. Noblejas Professorial Lecturer I9. Prof. Katrina Legarda Professorial Lecturer I10. Prof. Edwin R. Sandoval Professorial Lecturer I11. Prof. Ma. Lourdes A. Sereno Professorial Lecturer I12. Dr. Evangeline de la Fuente Professorial Lecturer I13. Dr. Bernadette J. Madrid Professorial Lecturer I

16

IV. Executive Offices

The Academy performs its mandate through the leadership, supervision and management of thethree executive offices, the Office of the Chancellor, the Office of the Vice Chancellor, and theOffice of the Executive Secretary.

A. Office of the Chancellor

The moving power behind the Office of the Chancellor is the committed leadership of JusticeAmeurfina A. Melencio Herrera. Justice Herrera has been the Chancellor of the Philippine JudicialAcademy since its creation on March 12, 1996. She was appointed to the said position four yearsafter her retirement from the Supreme Court, where she served as Associate Justice from 1979 to1992. The Academy has taken great strides under her watch such that it has deservedly earnedthe respect of the bench and bar not only in the country but also internationally.

B. Office of the Vice Chancellor

Justice Justo P. Torres, Jr. has been the Vice Chancellor of the Academy since May 2005, yearsafter his retirement as an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court (1996-1997). He was appointedChairman of the Board of Regents of the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila (University of theCity of Manila) in 2005, which position he holds to the present. A nationalist, he is also theSupreme Commander Emeritus of the Order of the Knights of Rizal.

C. Office of the Executive Secretary

Justice Delilah Vidallon-Magtolis was appointed by the Supreme Court on January 9, 2006 as theExecutive Secretary of PHILJA after her retirement from the Court of Appeals. As CA AssociateJustice, she received an Achievement Award for having disposed of all her pending cases submittedfor decision. A multi-awarded magistrate, she has lectured in seminars of the Academy, asidefrom her assigned duties.

V. Consultants

The Academy is privileged to be assisted by a group of consultants who share their individualexpertise and experience in the various activities of PHILJA. They assist the Chancellor and otherExecutive Officials of the Academy in legal and administrative matters and act as resource personsin the standing and ad hoc committees and training programs. The consultants also provide adviceon corporate planning, crafting of a financial manual to document financial processes, PDC, PDCImatters, and the like. The group of consultants consists of Justice Antonio M. Martinez (until April2006), Justice Minerva Gonzaga Reyes, Justice Francisco S. Tantuico, Jr., Ambassador Lilia R.Bautista, Fr. Ranhilio C. Aquino and Engr. Salvador P. Castro, Jr.

VI. Academic Offices

For operational purposes, PHILJA is currently organized into three Academic Offices: the AcademicAffairs Office; the Research, Publications, and Linkages Office; and the Judicial Reforms Office.

17

The Academic Affairs Office (AAO) drafts curricula, plans the academic undertakings of PHILJA,and periodically evaluates the academic programs and performance of participants. Fr. RanhilioC. Aquino, PhD, JurDr, was head of the Academic Affairs Office until October 2006. Presently, hechairs the Department of Jurisprudence and Legal Philosophy. He taught law subjects and servedas Vice President for Academic Affairs at the Cagayan State University, Cagayan Valley, and iscurrently the Parish Priest of Ermita De San Jacinto, Tuguegarao City, Cagayan Valley. Fr. Aquino isnow a PHILJA Consultant.

The Research, Publications, and Linkages Office (RPLO), headed by Prof. Sedfrey M. Candelaria,also Associate Dean for Student Affairs at the Ateneo Law School, is responsible for the supervisionand conduct of research for instructional purposes and the establishment of linkages with otheragencies – government, non-government, and foreign. The RPLO produces and sends to all judgesnationwide the PHILJA Judicial Journal, the PHILJA Bulletin and the PHILJA Fax/Alerts. The RPLOalso maintains the library, research, and audio-visual facilities, and updates the website of theAcademy.

The Judicial Reforms Office (JRO), headed by DCA Bernardo T. Ponferrada (ret.), manages thePhilippine Mediation Center (PMC), which is the component unit of the Supreme Court for court-annexed mediation cases and other forms of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanisms.The PMC supervises mediators in PMC Units of lower courts across Metro Manila, Bacolod, Cagayande Oro, Cebu, Davao, General Santos, San Fernando City - Pampanga, Tacloban Cities, Ormoc City,San Fernando City - La Union, Baguio City, and La Trinidad. It has extended the practice of mediationto the Court of Appeals where new Mediators were trained to settle cases in the appelate level.

VII. Administrative and Finance Office

The Administrative and Finance Office (AFO) provides administrative and financial support for allactivities of the Academy.

The Administrative Division plans and manages the physical assets, records, and other propertiesof the Academy, takes charge of personnel administration and human resources developmentand provides logistical services.

The Finance Division takes charge of formulation, allocation, administration, and accounting ofthe Academy’s budget and sources of financing and other resources.

The AFO is headed by the Vice Chancellor, in the interim.

18

Programs and SeminarsI. Core Programs

A. Pre-Judicature Program (PJP)

The program equips aspirants to the Bench with judicial skills, standards of conduct, norms ofbehavior and value-systems demanded of judges; and updates them on recent developments indifferent areas of the law.

A passing mark in the Written Evaluative Examination given at the end of the program, besidescompleting the entire program, is construed by the Academy as “satisfactory completion” of thePJP.

Complete participation in the program credits the participants with full units for MCLE complianceand entitles the graduates, who meet Academy standards, fifteen (15) units towards the Master ofLaws degree at the San Beda College Graduate School of Law, upon favorable endorsement by theChancellor.

PHILJA conducted one (1) Pre-Judicature Program in Manila with thirty (30) participants, whichwas given a profitability rating of 100%.

B. Orientation Seminar-Workshops for Newly Appointed Judges

The program prepares newly appointed judges for the assumption of judicial functions through theactual observation of court trials at their respective workstations by sitting in with a Senior Judgeduring the immersion program.

The orientation program takes up with newly appointed judges the aspects of substantive andremedial law that are of immediate practical significance. It introduces them to social contextsand approaches to civil law, commercial law and criminal law.

The program also develops their skills in adjudication, such as writing logically coherent, legallysound and persuasive decisions, and leads them to examine their value-hierarchies, clarify theirvalue-systems, and resolve personal issues of conflicts of values.

Five (5) Orientation Seminar-Workshops were conducted by PHILJA with a total of 119 participatingjudges. The first four (4) were held for two (2) weeks, while the fifth was reduced to only eight (8)days without sacrificing the goals and objectives of the program. All seminars garnered a 100%profitability rating.

19

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

Orientation Programs for Newly Appointed Judges & COCs

Profitability Rating 100% 100%

JUDGES CLERKS OF COURT

20

C. Orientation Seminar-Workshops for Newly Appointed Clerks of Court

The program is conducted for newly appointed clerks of court. It aims to prepare them forassumption of office and the efficient and effective discharge of their functions; and to familiarizethem with recent Supreme Court administrative circulars, with focus on the salient provisions ofthe Manual for Clerks of Court, work aptitude and work ethics, as well as proper values and attitudes.

Two (2) orientation programs were held, one in Tagaytay City and the other in Cebu City, with a totalnumber of 70 participants. The profitability rating for both are 100%.

D. Regional Judicial Career Enhancement Programs (RJCEP)

The RJCEP is a program that allows all judges and key court personnel to benefit from continuingjudicial education. It takes the Academy to the regions – rather than requiring the judges to cometo Manila. It is held only once a year in each region and participation in the program exempts thejudges from having to take MCLE programs.

Conducted by phases or levels, the RJCEP is devised and structured particularly for judges whohave served on the Bench for some time. The program keeps them abreast with substantive andprocedural law indispensable to their adjudicative functions, and allows discussion on emergingissues and problem areas of law, as well as philosophical considerations. The judges, their clerksof court and branch clerks of court are also given reminders on ethics and judicial conduct, inaddition to professional enhancement.

The bulk of RJCEP Level 4 was conducted in 2005 and was continued in 2006 for RJR VIII, RJR IX,RJR VI and NCJR Batches 1 & 2, for a total number of 1,227 participants who rated it an average of96.59% in profitability.

E. Continuing Legal Education for Court Attorneys

The program is designed to enable court lawyers to earn credit units for the subjects taken up incompliance with the provisions of Mandatory Continuing Legal Education (MCLE).

The program aims to enhance the capabilities of court lawyers and upgrade their career as ithones their theoretical and practical knowledge in substantive and procedural law, such asCommercial Law, Constitutional Law, Remedial Law, Family Law, Obligations and Contracts, ReportWriting and Legal Research, as well as reminders on Ethics and good human relations.

The program was conducted in Manila for four (4) batches involving five hundred forty-eight (548)participants composed of Court Attorneys of the Supreme Court, Court of Appeals, Sandiganbayanand Court of Tax Appeals. The program was given an average profitability rating of 96.72%.

21

II. Special Focus Programs

A. Remedial Law

1. Rule of Procedure in Cases of Civil Forfeiture

The Court promulgated a new Rule on Civil Forfeiture, Asset Preservation, and Freezing of MonetaryInstrument that defines the role of Appellate Court Justices in such cases. On February 8, 2006,information on the new Rule was disseminated via webcasting to Court of Appeals Justices in CebuCity and Cagayan de Oro City stations as virtual participants.

In partnership with ROLE and ABA-Asia Law Initiative, foreign speakers participated in the programby sharing their experiences in the application of civil forfeiture in their own countries.

B. Commercial Law

1. Intellectual Property Programs

On August 8, 2006, a Faculty Development Workshop on Intellectual Property Program wasconducted to successfully carry out two (2) major Intellectual Property (IP) Programs, to wit:

1. Training Program for Intellectual Property Philippines (IPPhil) and Department of Tradeand Industry (DTI) Hearing Officers and Legal Assistants; and

2. Advanced Course on Intellectual Property Law for Commercial Court Judges.

The Training Program for the IPPhil and DTI Hearing Officers and Legal Assistants was conductedon October 10 to 13, 2006 at the IPPhil Building, Gil Puyat Ave., Makati City. The forty-five (45)participants were composed of Hearing Officers and Legal Assistants from the IPPhil Office andDTI Hearing Officers from the DTI Offices of every region.

On November 14 to 17, 2006, the Advanced Course on Intellectual Property Law for CommercialCourt Judges was conducted at the Rockwell Club, Palm Grove Restaurant in Makati City. Thirty-seven (37) selected Commercial Court Judges who handle the bulk of Intellectual Property casesattended. As a “skills-based” activity, the program merited a remarkable evaluation.

Among the series of exercises, some methods used were problem solving, illustrated graphics,and the presentation of actual materials by which intellectual property learning can be applied,e.g. infringement and copyright protection. The judges’ active participation inspired the Academyto conduct similar skills-based programs in future PHILJA activities.

22

C. Ethics and Judicial Conduct

A series of stand-alone seminars on the Code of Conduct for court personnel whistled past theyear with a reported average profitability rating of 98.88 %. A total of eighteen (18) sessions wereheld over an eleven-month period with 852 participants coming from the Court of Appeals in Manilaattending six (6) sessions, and 2,278 employees of the National Capital Judicial Region First-Leveland Regional Trial Courts participating in the remaining twelve (12) sessions.

The objectives of the series of seminars are to (1) disseminate the Code of Conduct to all affectedconstituencies; (2) explain the rationale for each of the Canons of the Code; (3) identify situationswhen the Code applies; and (4) guide the participants in making informed decisions based on thespirit and the letter of the Code.

To achieve the said objectives, a five-pronged strategy of (1) breakout groups division, (2) leveling-off, (3) lecture, (4) use of audio visual devices, and (5) plenary reporting and critiquing, wereadopted to ensure extensive discussion of the topic and interactive exchange of ideas among andbetween the participants and the lecturers.

The series of seminars were conducted by the Philippine Judicial Academy in cooperation with theProgram Management Office, with the generous assistance of the American Bar Association –Asia Law Initiative (ABA-ASIA) and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).

To complement the successful round of seminars, ABA-ASIA developed posters in English andFilipino, to be displayed in conspicuous places in the courts, to remind employees of their dutiesand serve as an educational tool for the general public. An annotated version thereof is in theworks.

0%

10%

20%30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%

90%

100%

Intel lectual Property

JUDGES 100%

QUASI-JUDICIAL(DTI and IPO) 100%

Profitability Rating

23

D. Court Management

1. Seminar-Workshop on Docket and Caseflow Management

In partnership with the USAID-ROLE and the ABA-Asia, PHILJA successfully carried out the firstseminar-workshop on caseflow management, with a total of twenty-three (23) ARMM court officialsand personnel. The Model Docket and Case Management System for Judges was presented byJudges Marivic Daray and Geraldine Faith Econg.

The seminar-workshop merited a 100% Profitability Rating from the participants who also gave it ahigh Excellent rating of 68.42%.

2. Training on Courtroom Issues

In partnership with ABA-Asia Law Initiative and the Program Management Office, Hon. Evelyn Lance,Advisory Board Member of ABA-Asia and a retired Family Court Circuit Judge in Hawaii, discussedeffective case and courtroom management and handling of ex parte communication.

Judge Lance facilitated role-playing to better illustrate the common problems encountered by judgesand lawyers in court. The twenty-nine (29) selected Metro-Manila trial court judges were allparticipative and shared their own experiences on the common factors that hinder the speedydisposition of cases.

Actual No. of Pax Covered in Ethics Seminars (expressed in %) Period Covered: 2004-2006

92%

77%

26%

52%

70%

20%

66%

19%

36%

23%

99.8%

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

120%

JUDGES

CLERKS OF C

OURT

LEGAL R

ESEARCHERS

STENOGRAPHERS

SHERIFFS

INTERPRETE

RS

SOCIAL WORKERS

PROCESS SERVERS

CLERKS

OTHER POSITI

ONS

APPELLATE

COURT EMPLO

YEES

24

The half-day activity was conducted a day after the formal presentation to the Court of the JudicialReform Index (JRI) Report for the Philippines 2006 by Judge Lance, in which PHILJA was rated“positive” in three major factors, to wit: (1) Judicial Qualification and Preparation, (2) ContinuingLegal Education, and (3) Code of Ethics.

E. Special Areas of Concern

1. Multi-Sectoral Seminar-Workshop on Agrarian Justice

Two (2) Multi-Sectoral Seminar-Workshops on Agrarian Justice were conducted by the Academythis year. One for Negros Oriental was held in Dumaguete City on July 9 to 12, 2006 with seventy(70) participants; and that for Davao was held on October 17 to 19, 2006 with fifty (50) participants.PHILJA conducted these seminar-workshops in partnership with the Agrarian Justice Foundationand in cooperation with the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) and Department of Justice(DOJ). The Philippine Ecumenical Action for Community Empowerment (Peace Foundation) andSilliman University lent their support for the Negros Oriental workshop.

Participants to the seminar-workshops, comprising judges, prosecutors, PAO lawyers, andrepresentatives from partner agencies, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources(DENR), non-government organizations, people’s organizations and local government units, gavethe program a profitability rating of 95.12% .

2. Seminar-Workshop on Environmental Law

The Academy was able to conduct three (3) Environmental Law Seminar-Workshops for SelectedJudges of Panay and Negros on February 15 to 17, 2006, in Iloilo City with forty (40) participants;Samar, Leyte and Bohol on April 19 to 20, 2006, in Tacloban City with forty-three (43) participants;and CARAGA and Davao on May 18 to 19, 2006, in Davao City with forty-nine (49) participants.The participants-judges and representatives from partner agencies, Department of Environmentand Natural Resources (DENR), non-government organizations, people’s organizations and localgovernment units – gave the seminar a high profitability rating of 95.56%.

The Academy’s partners in the conduct of these environmental law seminar-workshops were theUnited Nations Development Programme – Global Environment Facility – Small Grants Programme(UNDP-GEF-SGP), International Visitor Program – Philippine Alumni Foundation, Inc. and the HaribonFoundation through the ANEST for Biodiversity Conservation in the Philippines Project (PN-11780)and the Threatened Species Program.

3. Regional Multi-Sectoral Seminar-Workshops on Juvenile and Domestic Relations Justice

The Regional Multi-Sectoral Seminar-Workshop on Juvenile and Domestic Relations Justice(Advanced Level), a three-year program of the Academy, in partnership with the United NationsChildren’s Fund (UNICEF), was initially conducted in 2004. The thrust of this program is to familiarizeall Family Court judges, clerks of court, court social workers, prosecutors, PAO lawyers, PNP andBJMP Officers working with juvenile and domestic relations cases with relevant and developingsubstantive laws and procedures by means of a multi-sectoral and skills-based approach. By theend of 2005, four (4) seminar-workshops had been conducted.

25

In 2006, five (5) seminar-workshops were conducted. The 5th Juvenile and Domestic RelationsJustice Seminar-Workshop was conducted for the National Capital Judicial Region (NCJR) and RegionIV on January 25 to 27, 2006 with sixty-four (64) participants; the 6th for NCJR and Regions I andII on April 5 to 7, 2006 with seventy-two (72) participants; the 7th for Regions X, XI and XII on May3 to 5, 2006 with sixty-three (63) participants; the 8th for Regions V and VI on June 28 to 30, 2006with seventy-nine (79) participants; and the 9th for NCJR and Region III on July 26 to 28, 2006 withseventy-five (75) participants. The program received a high profitability rating of 87.71%.

4. Video Conference on the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act of 2006 (R.A. No. 9344)

Aimed at disseminating awareness on the features of the new law, the Court used, for the firsttime, its own video conferencing equipment for the live multiple-site video conferencing seminarconducted by the Philippine Judicial Academy on July 27, 2006. Participants from Manila, Cebu,Pampanga and Davao were chosen for the simultaneous dissemination of information throughvideo conference. Representatives of the US-AID, TAF, US Embassy, DOJ, and CHR attended theconference from different sites. Senator Francis Pangilinan gave his Closing Remarks on theoccasion.

The conference was rated a low average of 77.91% in profitability because of technical glitches,but was rated 93.65% as an educational experience.

Juvenile Justice & Welfare Act

(Video-Conferencing)

Profitability Rating 89.29% 88.89% 68.75% 64.71% 77.91%

Rating as an Educ.Experience

88% 100% 93.75% 92.86% 93.65%

MANILA ANGELES DAVAO CEBU AVE.

26

5. Seminar-Workshops on Law and Economic Development

The program Seminar-Workshop on Law and Economic Development Issues for the PhilippineJudiciary was developed and implemented in partnership with the Ateneo Law School, the Ateneode Manila – Department of Economics, and in cooperation with the British Embassy. The programaimed at providing the participants with a better understanding of issues relating to money,economics, and trade laws, regulations and remedies.

The first seminar-workshop was conducted for Supreme Court research attorneys on November16 and 17, 2006 with twenty-four (24) participants; the second for Court of Appeals researchattorneys on November 21 to 22, 2006 with forty-three (43) participants; and the third forCommercial Court judges on December 13 to 14, 2006 with thirty-nine (39) judges-participantsand two (2) students of Economics at the San Beda Graduate School of Law. The participantsgave it a high profitability rating of 98.72%.

Law & Economic Development Issues(% on both tips of the area chart in gray)

94.00%

95.00%

96.00%

97.00%

98.00%

99.00%

100.00%

101.00%

Profitability Rating 96.15% 100%

JUDGES SC & CA LAWYERS

6. CEDAW and Gender Sensitivity

a. Symposium and Workshop on Gender Sensitivity for Supreme Court Lawyers on March28,2006, SC Old Session Hall

The one-day Symposium was conducted as part of the Committee’s activities for the Women’smonth. There were thirty- five (35) participants, five (5) male and thirty (30) female.

Sessions on Leveling of Expectations (Gender and Social Context) and Gender Issues Encounteredby Supreme Court Lawyers were held at the start of the program. Among the topics discussedwere Gender and Human Rights in Domestic and International Standards; Recent Developmentsin Gender Relevant Law and Jurisprudence and Gender Fair Language. Role-playing served as thehighlight of the activity wherein participants acted out assigned situations.

27

b. Seminar-Workshop on CEDAW, Gender Sensitivity and the Courts on October 5 to 6, 2006,Justices’ Lounge, Court of Appeals

The two-day seminar was conducted in partnership with the Ateneo Human Rights Center and theUnited Nations Development Fund for Women (UNIFEM). There were thirty-three (33) participants,nine (9) male and twenty-four (24) female, coming from the Supreme Court, Court of Appeals,Sandiganbayan, and Court of Tax Appeals.

The first day consisted of lectures covering: The Convention on the Elimination of All Forms ofDiscrimination Against Women (CEDAW), Gender Fair Language, and Gender Sensitivity and itsRelevance in the Court’s Decisions and Proceedings. Workshops, case presentations and critiquingwere done on the second day.

7. Training Against Child Abuse Cases

a. Training of Trainers on the Capacity Enhancement Training for Family Court Judges andPersonnel in Handling Child Abuse Cases

On March 13, 2006, the training of trainers was conducted to increase and demonstrate awarenessof and sensitivity in handling child abuse cases. Using learning strategies such as the showing oftrigger videos, small group discussions, workshops and panel discussions stimulated theparticipants’ interest in the topic. Because of the change in methodology, the program earned ahigh “Excellent” rating of 60.71% and a 39.28% Very Good rating, with an over-all rating of 96.67%as to profitability.

b. Launching and Demonstration of the Video Training Modules on “Improving JudicialProceedings Involving Cases of Child Sexual Abuse/Exploitation Cases”

On March 16, 2006, PHILJA and the Child Protection Unit Network (CPU-Net), in partnership withthe British Embassy, launched this pioneering project. Six (6) skills-based video training moduleswere shown to demonstrate the child-sensitive and insensitive courts. As tools for the next projects,these modules aim to enhance the skills of judges and other court personnel in the handling ofchild victims or witnesses during court proceedings. The effective use of these training modulestargets child-insensitive rules and procedures for a child-sensitive judiciary.

c. Competency Enhancement Training Program

On March 21 to 23 and April 18 to 20, 2006, PHILJA and the CPU-Net, again in cooperation withthe British Embassy, held the Capacity Enhancement Training for Family Court Judges and Personnelin Handling Child Abuse Cases at the Hotel Dominique in Tagaytay City. Ten (10) Family Courtjudges, their respective clerks of court, court social workers and interpreters participated in theactivity. The main thrust of the seminar-workshop is the proper management of judicial proceedingsso that family courts can provide a more child-sensitive environment.

In two (2) training seminars, the six skills-based video training modules on Improving JudicialProceedings Involving Cases of Child Sexual Abuse/Exploitation Cases were used as illustrationsof the child-sensitive and insensitive courtrooms. The participants gave their reactions, in videoform, to the module videos which demonstrated child-insensitivity inside the courtroom.

28

F. Court Technology

1. Sandiganbayan Computer Skills Training

a. Case Management and Information System for Sandiganbayan Employees

The Philippine Judicial Academy, in coordination with the American Bar Association-Asia Law Initiative(ABA-Asia) and the USAID Rule of Law Effectiveness (ROLE), held a series of workshops on ComputerSkills Training for Sandiganbayan Employees from February 20 to March 28, 2006 at theSandiganbayan Library, Centennial Building, Commonwealth Avenue, Quezon City.

This program provided the employees with the necessary and sufficient computer skills and trainingfor the implementation of the Sandiganbayan Case Management and Information System (CMIS).Its salient features include electronic case identification, registration, indexing and record updating.The CMIS provides computerized standard templates to generate commonly used court documentsand facilitates electronic scheduling of case events. The CMIS was officially launched on March14, 2006 and implemented in April 2006.

The training workshops were conducted in three (3) modules, namely:

Module 1: Computer Fundamentals (February 20 and 21, 2006)

Module 1 equipped Sandiganbayan employees with a basic knowledge on computer skills. Theparticipants learned how to use Windows, Files and Folders and Microsoft Office. Included in thesessions were the lectures on Useful Tools, Multimedia Player Applications, Graphics Editing andMultimedia Editing Applications. The participating Sandiganbayan employees were also introducedto Windows Networking and the Internet. They most enjoyed the Internet session when they got todownload information on their own interests and when they learned to use the PowerPointapplication.

Module 2: Personal Productivity Tools [February 23 and 24, 2006 (First Batch), February 27and 28, 2006 (Second Batch) and March 2 and 3, 2006 (Third Batch)]

Three (3) batches of 19 to 20 Sandiganbayan employees participated in the training. The seminarincludes a review of the First Module, an introduction to Windows Explorer and Windows Applications.The participants went through a thorough study of Microsoft Word on document fundamentals,track changes, and securing and protecting documents. The use of footnotes, endnotes,bibliography, and the help function was taught to the participants. The participants mostly enjoyedlearning Adobe Photoshop since it enabled them to manipulate pictures on the computer screen.

Module 3: Case Management and Information System (CMIS) [March 20 and 21, 2006 (FirstBatch), March 23 and 24, 2006 (Second Batch) and March 27 and 28, 2006 (Third Batch)]

The objective of this module is to provide an overview of the Case Management and InformationSystem to the Sandiganbayan CMIS users. The two-day seminar consisted of lectures showing thecapabilities of the system (first day) and practical exercises and simulation (second day). Since thetraining participants had different access rights depending on their offices, their practical exerciseslikewise varied. The training included the creation of case events, editing of the case events foroffices which had access rights, scanning of documents, and a study of the capabilities of the

29

system. The participating Sandiganbayan employees were also taught their access rights to theCMIS and completed the training in time for the CMIS launching in April 2006.

b. Case Management and Information System for Sandiganbayan Justices

On June 1 and 2, 2006, thirteen (13) Sandiganbayan Justices attended the Computer Trainingworkshop at the Nautilus Room, Manila Pavilion, UN Avenue, Manila. The training entailed a reviewof Modules 1 and 2 and the presentation of the CMIS or Module 3. The Sandiganbayan Justiceswere given their access rights to the systems and the status of the cases filed with theSandiganbayan, and were provided with new laptops where they explored the capabilities of theCMIS.

G. Shari’a and Islamic Jurisprudence

With assistance from The Asia Foundation, the first and second of a series of five (5) seminars onStrengthening the Implementation of the Code of Muslim Personal Laws of the Philippines weresuccessfully conducted in the cities of Zamboanga and Davao, respectively.

The seminars merited a 100% profitability rating from the participants in the Autonomous Regionof Muslim Mindanao. In order to facilitate the conventional principles and guidelines of the Codeof Muslim Personal Laws, representatives from the local government units, Commission on HumanRights (CHR), Public Attorney’s Office (PAO), Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP), and the NationalBureau of Investigation (NBI) were invited to participate in both programs.

On November 5, 2006, the Supreme Court of the Republic of the Philippines and the SupremeConstitutional Court of the Arab Republic of Egypt signed a Judicial Cooperation Protocol in Cairo,Egypt, to establish a Framework Agreement for greater collaboration between judges of bothcountries. As a member of the Department of Shari’a and Islamic Jurisprudence, Justice Japar B.Dimaampao joined the Philippine delegation to Egypt together with Chief Justice Artemio V.Panganiban, Justice Angelina Sandoval-Gutierrez and Ms. Evelyn Toledo-Dumdum.

Percentage Distribution of Special Focus Seminars

JJ Act - 2%

- Environmental Law6%

CaseflowManagement - 2%

Cour troomIss ues - 2%

Cour tTechnology - 15%

Shari'a - 4%

Intellectual Property2% -

AgrarianJustic e - 4%

Law and Economic DevelopmentIs sues - 7%

Child Abuse - 7%

GenderSensitivi ty - 4%

Juvenile & Domes ticRelations - 9%

CivilFor feiture - 2%

Eth ics & Judic ialConduct - 34%

30

III. Mediation

A. The National Conference on Court-Annexed/ Referred Alternative DisputeResolution Mechanisms

PHILJA, in partnership with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and incooperation with The Asia Foundation (TAF), conducted the first ever National Conference on Court-Annexed/Referred ADR Mechanisms on the theme Ayusin ang Gusot, Habaan ang Pasensya onNovember 27 and 28, 2006, at the Century Park Hotel, Manila.

The two-day National Conference aimed to provide appropriate, reasonable and ethical disputeresolution mechanisms in accordance with the vision of the judiciary. The advocacy for the greaterutilization of Alternative Dispute Resolution Mechanisms covered the presentation of an updatedreport on CAM, ACM, JURIS and Settlement Period Programs, launch and formulation of an ADRintegrated curriculum, introduction of Court-Annexed Arbitration, and feedback process to furtherimprove the ADR system.

The program highlights included a) the oath-taking of seventy-one (71) Appellate Court Mediators,administered by Chief Justice Artemio V. Panganiban; b) the presentation by Chairman Alfredo F.Tadiar of the Integrated Training Curriculum or the Resource Handbook for the Mediation TrainingProgram of PHILJA; c) the presentation of the Center for Public Resources Management’s (CPRM)study of the Organizational and Financial Study of the PMC and its Units; and d) the presentationof the Communication Program for Mediators.

Awards of recognition, such as the PMC Achievement Award, the Rookie PMC Unit Award, and theJDR Achievement Award were given to deserving PMC units. Testimonials of Appreciation and theDistinguished Service Awards were also given to distinguished personalities and judges for theirinvaluable contribution and support for the development of court-annexed mediation.

Workshop topics for the second day included CAM-Proposed Revision of the IRR on Trial Court-Annexed Mediation and PMC-Units; CAM-Mediators’ Fees; CAM-Ethical Standards and GrievanceMachinery; Skills and Competencies of Judges for JDR; Appellate Court Mediation (ACM) and PilotTesting and Drafting of Proposed Rules on Court-Annexed Arbitration for Submission to the SupremeCourt.

The consensus output shall form essential recommendations to be considered in drafting therevised rules on Court-Annexed/ Referred ADR Mechanisms.

B. Court-Annexed Mediation (CAM) Project in the First and Second Level Trial Courts

1. The Judicial Reforms Office (JRO)

PHILJA implements the Court-Annexed Mediation Program and supervises the Philippine MediationCenter (PMC) Units through its Judicial Reforms Office (JRO). Formerly an ad hoc office, the courtrecently approved the Reorganization Plan of PHILJA which included the creation of the JRO, andthe provision for Assistant Chancellor (Head of JRO), with a thirty (30) person staff complement.Implementation of the approved Reorganization Plan will greatly enhance the operations of theJRO and the PMC.

31

Pending implementation of the newly approved JRO plantilla, the Court has approved the re-hiringof eight (8) JRO Contractuals for a term of six (6) months renewable. These contractuals haveeffectively enhanced the existing staff complement of JRO by assisting in the implementation ofthe court-annexed mediation program.

a. Mediation Seminars

PHILJA, through its Judicial Reforms Office, conducted two (2) Orientation Conferences withStakeholders on Court-Annexed Mediation; three (3) Basic Mediation Courses (new curriculumutilized by PHILJA in conducting seminars to recruit mediators); three (3) Pre-internship OrientationPrograms; and six (6) Re-Orientation Seminars for Court-Annexed Mediators, or a total of fourteen(14) programs.

Orientation Conference with Stakeholders on Court-Annexed Mediation

The Judicial Reforms Office conducted Orientation Conferences for Stakeholders on Court-AnnexedMediation in the provinces of Batangas and Bulacan. The objective of the conferences was toconduct an advocacy forum in preparation for the launch of a PMC Unit in their respective areas.The conferences were venues for an overview of mediation and interactive dialogues on coverageof cases, procedures involved in mediation, and the progress of mediation in existing PMC areas.The stakeholders were composed of representatives from the business sector, non-governmentalorganizations, lawyers, judges, media personnel, employees from the private sector, court personneland other governmental agencies. The orientation conference is not only designed to orient judgesand lawyers about mediation but also to encourage their active participation in the promotion andeffective utilization of mediation as a means to decongest court dockets.

DATE / VENUE

NO. OF PARTICIPANTS

COVERAGE

October 27, 2006 Days Hotel, Batangas City

116

Batangas, Balayan, Lem ery, Lipa, Tanauan, Taal, Rosario, Mabini, Alitagtag, Malvar, Talisay, Bauan, Calaca, Calatagan, Ibaan, Lian, Mataas na Kahoy, Nasugbu, Padre Garcia, San Jose, Rosario, San Pascual, San Luis, Sto. Tom as, Tuy

Novem ber 17, 2006 Barcie International Center, Malolos City, Bulacan

104

Malolos, Angat, Baliuag, Bocaue, Bustos, Calum pit, Doña Rem edios Trin idad, Guiguinto, Hagonoy, Marilao, Meycauayan, Norzagaray, O bando, Paombong, Plaridel, Pulilan, San Ildefonso, San Jose Del Monte, San Miguel, San Rafael, Sta. Maria

32

Basic Mediation Course

The year 2006 marked the launch of the Basic Mediation Course to supplant the Basic SeminarWorkshop on Mediation. JRO conducted basic training seminars on mediation in the areas ofCebu, Ormoc City, and La Union for all prospective mediators who had passed the recruitment andselection process. The curriculum aims to give training to prospective mediators on the fundamentalprinciples of mediation, provide knowledge of alternative dispute resolution mechanisms andunderstanding of their underlying role as peacemakers.

DATE / VENUE

NO. OF PARTICIPANTS

COVERAGE

May 30 to June 2, 2006 University of San Carlos, Cebu City

36

Cebu

July 31 to August 3, 2006 Pongos Hotel, Ormoc City, Leyte

29

Ormoc City

August 22-25,2006 Sea and Sky Hotel and Restaurant San Fernando City,La Union

49

San Fernando City

Pre-internship Orientation

The internship program seeks to provide mediator-trainees a trial run on the process of mediationincluding the assignment and distribution of cases, as well as set the tone for their actual trainingin mediation. Preliminary internship programs were held in Cebu-USC, Ormoc City and La Union.

DATE / VENUE

NO. OF PARTICIPANTS

COVERAGE

August 29,2006 RTC Judges’ Lounge Palace of Justice, Cebu City

17

Cebu

August 31, 2006, Pongos Hotel, Ormoc City, Leyte

13

Ormoc City

September 22, 2006 Sea and Sky Hotel and Restaurant San Fernando City, La Union

41

San Fernando City

33

Re-Orientation Seminar for Court-Annexed Mediators

A two-day refresher course intended to enhance the knowledge and skills of Court-AnnexedMediators was implemented in Cebu, Davao, Metro Manila, Tacloban City, Cagayan de Oro, andGeneral Santos City. The seminar was a precondition towards the renewal of their accreditation.

DATE / VENUE

NO. OF PARTICIPANTS

COVERAGE

February 6-7, 2006 Cebu Grand Hotel, Cebu City

45

Cebu City, Talisay, Argao, Lapu-Lapu, Toledo, Mandaue

February 20-21, 2006 Royal Mandaya Hotel, Davao City

46

Davao City, Panabo, Tagum, Digos

March 2-3, 2006 Nautilus Room, 3rd floor,Manila Pavilion Hotel, U.N. Avenue, Manila

57

Manila, Quezon City, Makati, Pasig, Parañaque, Mandaluyong, Las Piñas Caloocan, Pasay, Muntinlupa, Marikina, Valenzuela, Malabon, Navotas, San Juan, Taguig, Pateros

March 30-31, 2006 Ritz Tower De Leyte and Hotel Alejandrino, Tacloban City

32

Tacloban

May 18-19,2006 VIP Hotel, Cagayan de Oro City

18

Cagayan de Oro

July 5-6, 2006 Casa Luisa Restaurant and Hall of Justice, General Santos City

57

General Santos City, Koronodal, Tupi, Polomolok, Sarranggani

Expansion Program for CAM and Recruitment and Training of Additional Mediators

In line with the strengthening and expansion program of court-annexed mediation, a mediationunit was established in San Fernando City, La Union, six (6) units in Leyte, and five (5) in Socsargen,totaling twelve (12) additional PMC Units.

Recognizing the need to reinforce the present number of Mediators to strengthen the mediationprogram, a total of one hundred ninety-six (196) mediator-trainees: fifty (50) from Leyte, sixty-eight(68) from Socsargen, twenty-nine (29) from Ormoc City and forty-nine (49) from La Union, wererecruited and trained.

34

The Supreme Court accredited thirty-seven (37) mediators for Tacloban City, Leyte, and forty-three(43) mediators for Socsargen, in A.M. No. 01-10-05-SC-PHILJA dated January 31, 2006; and thirty(30) additional mediators for Davao, in A.M. No. 01-10-05-SC-PHILJA dated August 29, 2006.

On December 5, 2006, the Supreme Court accredited forty-seven (47) mediators for La Union,twenty-four (24) mediators for Ormoc City, Leyte, two (2) additional mediators for Cagayan De OroCity, and one (1) mediator each for the cities of Marikina and Parañaque, by virtue of A.M. No. 06-11-14 SC-PHILJA.

c. Hiring of PMC Staff

Pursuant to A.M. No. 06-6-03-SC-PHILJA dated October 16, 2006 which provides for theenhancement of the operation and efficient performance of PMC units nationwide, the JudicialReforms Office began to hire PMC personnel. The staff is responsible for the efficient operation ofthe PMC units, and assists in the proper distribution and assignment of cases amongst mediators.At present, twelve (12) PMC personnel are currently reporting to their respective units while theappointments of sixteen (16) additional PMC personnel await approval from the court.

d. PMC Office Space

Upon the recommendation of Clerk of Court Atty. Ma. Luisa Villarama, Chief Justice Artemio V.Panganiban approved on February 21, 2006 the designation of the Training Room located at the4th Floor of the Multi-Purpose Building to serve as office for the PMC while it awaits the designationof one of the Revision Rooms of the Presidential Electoral Tribunal situated on the 5th Floor of theSupreme Court-Court of Appeals Building to house the center.

e. Addressing Mediators’ Claims

The Court, in A.M. No. 06-7-13-SC-PHILJA dated August 29, 2006, approved the conversion of thepayroll system for the mediators through Automated Teller Machines (ATM). A Memorandum ofAgreement between the LandBank of the Philippines and the Supreme Court of the Philippineswas executed and signed for the former to provide an ATM Payroll System (APS) for Court-AnnexedMediators nationwide. The shift from the mode of payment of mediators’ fee through ATM isdeemed to expedite the processing of claims of mediators.

f. Settlement Period for the Month of October

By virtue of Administrative Order No. 160-2006 dated September 4, 2006, the Supreme Courtdeclared the whole month of October as Settlement Period for all Regional Trial Courts and firstlevel courts in Metro Manila; Mandaue City, Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu City; Davao City, Digos City,Davao; Tagum and Panabo of Davao del Norte; Misamis Oriental, Pampanga, Tacloban City, NegrosOccidental; General Santos City, South Cotobato and La Union.

In preparation for the Settlement Month, the Judicial Reforms Office conducted a series of advocacyforums with Executive Judges, Judges, Branch Clerks of Court and duly accredited Mediators ofMetro Manila, Metro Cebu, and Metro Davao, and other areas with PMC units.

35

October 2006 Settlement PeriodStatistics on Status of Cases of JURIS and

CASES FOR MEDIATION

MEDIATION AREA

No. of Cases REFERRED

Back To Court TOTAL

No. of Cases

Cases ON-

GOING

TOTAL No. of Cases

MEDIATED

No. of Cases

SETTLED

No. of Cases NOT

SETTLED

SUCCESS RATE

METRO MANILA 2035 257 1778 506 1272 808 464 64%

CEBU 251 82 169 34 135 82 53 61%

DAVAO 182 29 153 24 129 90 39 70%

LEYTE 277 35 242 89 153 106 47 69%

SOCSARGEN 95 16 79 11 68 49 19 72% CAGAYAN DE ORO 178 7 171 33 138 68 70 49%

LA UNION 161 30 131 10 121 85 36 70%

PAMPANGA 222 59 163 37 126 98 28 78%

BACOLOD 303 63 240 42 198 100 98 51% BENGUET / BAGUIO 300 40 260 165 95 70 25 74%

GRAND TOTAL 4004 618 3386 951 2435 1556 879 64%

PMC Court-Annexed Mediation as of December 2006

36

g. Purchase and Distribution of PMC Computer Sets

To enhance PMC operations nationwide, PHILJA purchased and distributed thirty-five (35) computersets with printers to the following PMC Units:

SERIAL NO. PMC AREA ACKNOWLEDGED BY

PMC-2005 PMC – Digos City Atty. Ray C. Andres – COC PMC-2005-2 PHILJA – Finance Mr. Seiko Abe Sinahon, PHILJA PMC-2005-3 PMC - Quezon City Ms. Gemma Besinio – COC PMC-2005-4 PMC - Caloocan City Atty. Mona Liza Buencamino - COC PMC-2005-5 PHILJA- Finance Mr. Diodel Ametin, PHILJA PMC-2005-6 PMC - RTC – Manila Atty. Jennifer Dela Cruz-Buendia – COC PMC-2005-7 PMC – Makati Clerk of Court PMC-2005-8 PMC – Marikina Ms. Mary Jane Saloma – COC PMC-2005-9 PMC – Mandaluyong Atty. Lydia G. San Juan – COC PMC-2005-10 PMC – San Juan Atty. Ruth G. Cabigas – COC PMC-2005-11 PMC – Las Piñas Atty. Zandra T. Dato - COC VI PMC-2005-12 JRO Technical Engr. Allan John V. Oriarte, PHILJA PMC-2005-13 PMC – Muntinlupa Atty. Kirk M. Aniñon – COC V PMC-2005-14 PHILJA – Finance Mr. Gregorio Agojo, PHILJA PMC-2005-15 PMC- Pasig Atty. G. S. Belvis PMC-2005-16 CA Mediation Atty. Tessie L. Gatmaitan, CA PMC-2005-17 PMC – Navotas Ms. Concepcion S. Deramon – OIC COC PMC-2005-18 PHILJA-JRO Mr. Jose T. Name, Jr., PHILJA PMC-2005-19 PHILJA – Finance Mr. Daviddon R. Tinaya, PHILJA PMC-2005-20 PMC - MeTC – Manila Mr. John Lopo, Jr. – COC

PMC-2005-21 PMC – Baybay Mr. Toribio D. Pael, Jr. – Interpreter I, MTC-Baybay

PMC-2005-22 PMC - Ormoc City Ms. Ma. Socorro Pones – Court Social Worker

PMC-2005-23 PMC – Talisay Judge Galiciano C. Arriesgado (ret.) – Overall Supervisor, PMC Cebu

PMC-2005-24 PHILJA – Finance -

PMC-2005-25 JRO Technical / PMC Parañaque

Mr. Dodjie R. Dimson / (printer w/ PMC Parañaque)

PMC-2005-26 PMC - Cebu City Judge Arriesgado, Coordinator, for Metro Cebu PMC-2005-27 PMC - Mandaue City Office of Judge Marilyn Lagura-Yap PMC-2005-28 PMC – Lapu-lapu City Office of Judge Econg PMC-2005-29 PMC - Davao City Atty. Edipolo Sarabia – COC PMC-2005-30 For PMC La Union - PMC-2005-31 PMC - Panabo City Mr. Edgar Casalem PMC-2005-32 PMC - Tagum City Atty. Virginia Rafael PMC-2005-33 PMC - Cagayan de Oro City Office of Judge Edgardo T. Lloren PMC-2005-34 PMC - Tacloban City Office of Judge Salvador Y. Apurillo PMC-2005-35 PMC - General Santos City Office of Judge Oscar P. Noel, Jr.

h. Quarterly Procurement of PMC Unit Office Supplies, Official Receipts and Cash Books

The Judicial Reforms Office, in coordination with the SC Procurement Committee and the PropertyDivision, has been periodically providing office supplies for the operations of PMC units, includingofficial receipts and cash books.

37

i. Approval of the 2006 and 2007 PMC Operating Budget

The JRO proposed a PMC Operating Budget to be utilized for the promotion of court-annexedmediation and other relevant modes of ADR mechanisms; training of mediators; payment ofmediators’ fees; and other necessary operating expenditures. The 2006 budget was approved on17 October 2006, while the 2007 PMC Operating Budget was approved on 28 November 2006.

2. PHILJA PMC Mediators

Five hundred twenty-three (523) mediators providing mediation services in trial courts are assignedin sixty-eight (68) Philippine Mediation Center units throughout the country.

Mediation Area No. of PMC Unit No. of Mediators

Metro Manila 17 130 Region 1 (La Union) 1 47 Region 3 (Pampanga) 12 40 Region 6 (Negros Occidental) 11 54 Region 7 (Cebu Province) 6 56 Region 8 (Leyte Province) 6 61 Region 10 (Misamis Oriental) 6 41 Region 11 (Davao del Sur, SOCSARGEN) 9 94

TOTAL 68 523 Appeals Court Mediation 81 For Accreditation: Cebu-USC 36

Distribution of Accredited Mediators

Metro Manila28%

Metro Cebu13%

Leyte 8%

Pampanga*9%

Negros Occidental*

12%

Misamis Oriental9%

Socsargen10%

Metro Davao11%

Metro ManilaMetro CebuMetro DavaoMisamis OrientalLeyteSocsargenPampanga (JURIS Site)

Negros Occidental (JURIS Site)

38

3. Projects Undertaken in 2006

a. Integration of CAM, ACM, and JURIS Programs and Seminars

At the National Conference, Chairman Alfredo F. Tadiar officially presented the Resource Handbookfor the Mediation Training Program of the Philippine Judicial Academy containing the newly IntegratedMediation Training Curriculum which shall govern Court-Annexed Mediation for Trial Courts (CAM),Appeals Court Mediation (ACM) and Justice Reform Initiatives Support Project or JURIS ADR ModelCourt project (JURIS). The curriculum shall be uniformly adopted in the conduct of training seminarsand advanced courses for mediation.

b. CPRM Study of the PMC units

Through the generous funding of USAID and TAF, the Center for Public Resources Management(CPRM) made a study of the Financial and Administrative Structure of the Philippine MediationCenter. Mr. Miguel Puzon, Vice-President of CRPM, handed the study to the Academy in a ceremonialpresentation at the National Conference. The ADR Committee extensively reviewed and evaluatedthe recommendations of the study with the view of improving mediation programs and organizingthe PMC structure.

c. Communication Program for CAM

PHILJA, in cooperation with the Asian Institute of Journalism and Communication (AIJC), USAIDand TAF, conducted the Workshop on the Communication Program for Court-Annexed Mediationon October 23, 2006 at the Pan Pacific Hotel in Manila. The program caused the presentation ofcommunication project deliverables and a workshop on the proposed project deliverables. At theNational Conference, a Communication Program for Mediation was presented by Mr. Ramon Tuazon,Vice-President for Research and Development Consultancy of AIJC. The program shall form part ofthe Basic Mediation Course and training seminars to be conducted for prospective mediators.

4. The Vision of Court-Annexed Mediation

Court-Annexed Mediation has so far proven its worth towards addressing the problems of courtdocket congestion and delay in the delivery of justice. Projected expansion programs that seek tocover almost every region in the country shall include the establishment of PMC units in Region 2,Tuguegarao; Region 4, Batangas, Rizal, Cavite, Laguna; Region 3, Bulacan; Region 6, Iloilo; andRegion 12, Zamboanga.

In line with PHILJA’s Corporate Planning Blueprint of Action, the ADR Committee is currently draftingthe appropriate law which shall formally organize the Philippine Mediation Center with its ownGoverning Board, Executive Officials, and Center Staff.

39

5. Court-Annexed Mediation Statistics for the Year 2006

a. Result of cases subject to mediation

NOTE: Ongoing/pending cases were subtracted from the referred cases and will be added to the2007 referred cases

CASES MEDIATED

MEDIATION AREA No. of Cases

REFERRED

Back To Court TOTAL

No. of Cases

MEDIATED

No. of Cases

SETTLED

No. of Cases NOT SETTLED

SUCCESS RATE

METRO MANILA 10942 2760 8182 5175 3007 63%

CEBU 970 343 628 376 252 60%

DAVAO 1137 274 863 472 391 55%

LEYTE 934 272 664 418 246 63%

SOCSARGEN 472 130 342 235 107 69%

CAGAYAN DE ORO 460 25 435 243 192 56%

LA UNION 178 32 146 102 44 70%

PAMPANGA 1174 315 859 627 232 73%

BACOLOD 991 152 839 441 398 53%

BENGUET/BAGUIO 135 40 95 70 25 74%

TOTAL 17393 4343 13053 8159 4894 63%

40

Violation of B.P. 22: 22.64%

Other cases: 8.83%

Breach of Contract: 17.92%

Damages: 9.96%

Physical Injuries: 9.06%

Collection of Sum of Money: 12.05%

Threats/ Coercion: 4.87%Libel/ Slander: 2.14% Ejectment: 7.50%

Estafa: 5.03%

Homicide/Murder 1.70%

Theft/ Robbery 1.32%

Provisional Remedy 1.25%

Land Dispute 0.80%

Violation of Family Code 0.71%

Deceits 0.53%

Anti-Violence Against Women 0.48%

Settlement of Estate 0.45%

Crimes against Public Order 0.36%

Crimes against Chastity 0.29%

Relief from Judgment 0.20%

Intellectual Property Cases 0.16%

Corporate Cases 0.14%

Special Laws 0.12%

Special Proceedings 0.10%

Special Civil Action 0.09%

Expropriation 0.06%

Easement 0.05%

Tort 0.02%

Tax 0.01%

Note: Only the civil aspect of the criminal cases reflected herein are subject of mediation proceedings. (A.M. No. 01-10-05-SC-PHILJA dated 16 October 2001 and A.M. No. 04-2-04-SC-PHILJA dated 20 July 2004, effective 16 August 2004)

b. Nature of Cases Referred for Mediation

41

C. Appeals Court Mediation (ACM) Project

The Internship Program of fifty (50) Appeals Court Mediators who underwent the 2005 ACM BasicMediation Training, started their Internship Program in May 2005 and ended in July 2006. TheProgram was implemented with the assistance of The Asia Foundation and the USAID, and theinvaluable cooperation of the Court of Appeals under its former Presiding Justices, the late JusticeEubolo G. Verzola and Justice Romeo A. Brawner, and incumbent Presiding Justice, Justice RubenT. Reyes; retired Clerk of Court of the Court of Appeals, Atty. Tessie L. Gatmaitan; and the seventeenDivision Clerks of Court.

During the Internship Program, the following activities were undertaken:

1. selection of cases for mediation2. sending of notices to parties3. appearance of parties before the PMC-CA and Division Clerks of Court4. mediation conference

Feedback from the parties who underwent mediation were sought to ascertain the qualitativeaspect of the mediation project. They were provided with evaluation forms. The questionnairefocused on (1) the process; (2) the mediator; and (3) the outcome. The evaluation questionnairesfilled up by the litigants reflected positive and encouraging feedback.

The Court En Banc, in its Resolution dated 26 September 2006, in A.M. No. 04-3-15-SC-PHILJA,approved the Guidelines for the Accreditation of Appeals Court Mediators and the Accreditation ofEighty-One (81) Appeals Court Mediators.

The eighty-one (81) Appeals Court Mediators took their oath of office before Chief Justice ArtemioV. Panganiban during the National Conference on Court-Annexed/Referred Mechanism held onNovember 27, 2006 at the Century Park Hotel, Manila.

With the success of the Appeals Court Mediation Program in Manila, expansion of the program inCagayan de Oro and Cebu is on the way for the current year.

42

1,125 selected for mediation

184 (16%) not

qualified for

mediation

159 (14%) withdrawn by the Ponente/

Division Clerks of

Court (DCCs)

782 (70%) qualified

for mediation

693 (89%) parties

received the

notice

89 (11%) courier failed to deliver notices

118 (42.29%) SETTLEMENT

RATE

621 (90%) appeared before DCCs

279 (44.94%) agreed to mediate

APPEALS COURT MEDIATIONSUMMATIVE STATISTICS AS OF 5 JULY 2006

* figures reflect cases

NOTICES TO APPEAR WERE SENT

43

As of 5 July 2006, a total number of one thousand one hundred twenty-five (1,125) cases wereselected for mediation. A review showed that only seven hundred eighty-two (782) cases werequalified for mediation under the internship guidelines; one hundred eighty-four (184) cases werenot qualified and the Ponente / Division Clerk of Court withdrew one hundred fifty-nine (159)cases. Most of the cases were civil cases, such as for sum of money, breach of contract, andejectment.

Notices to Appear before the Philippine Mediation Center and the Division Clerks of Court weresent to parties of 782 cases that qualified for mediation. Of this number, six hundred ninety-three(693) cases had returns of service showing that both parties had received the notice and eighty-nine (89 cases) where the courier failed to deliver the notices to the parties for several reasons.

A Mediation Primer for Division Clerks of Court (DCCs) was crafted to guide the DCCs in persuadingthe parties who appear before them to agree to have their cases resolved by mediation. Out of sixhundred twenty-one (621) cases before them, 44.94% agreed to undergo mediation.

Mediation proved to be effective in settling cases in the Court of Appeals with a settlement rate of42.29%, most of which were civil cases, particularly involving sums of money. It was also notedthat mediation worked for labor and ejectment cases.

D. Justice Reform Initiatives Support (JURIS) Project

On the 4th fiscal year of JURIS starting April of 2006, the thrust of the activities for the year was tointensify the pilot-testing of Judicial Dispute Resolution (JDR) by increasing the number of judgesto be trained and mandated to conduct JDR in their courts. A total of 129 judges comprising thefirst and second level courts of the provinces of Benguet, La Union, Misamis Oriental, NegrosOccidental and Pampanga were trained. JDR also expanded not only to the adjacent cities ofBacolod, namely, Silay, Talisay, Bago and La Carlota, including municipal courts in Murcia, DonSalvador Benedicto, EB Magalona, Manapla, Victorias, Pulupandan, Valladolid, San Enrique, LaCastellana, Moises Padilla, Isabela, but also to the rest of the cities and municipalities in theentire province of Negros Occidental. In Pampanga, JDR was installed not only in the courts of SanFernando-Bacolor, Sto. Tomas-Minalin, Mexico-San Luis, Sta. Ana-Candaba, Arayat, but also inGuagua: Sasmuan, Lubao, Floridablanca, Sta. Rita; Macabebe: Apalit-San Simon, Macabebe-Masantol; Angeles City: Mabalacat-Magalang, Porac, and Clarkfield. To complement JDR inBenguet, JURIS brought Court-Annexed Mediation (CAM) to Baguio City and recruited 51 mediatorsto serve the courts in the province. The year 2006 also saw the mainstreaming of some of theinnovative ADR approaches and systems introduced by JURIS. It includes the skills-based trainingcurricula used for mediators, judges and lawyers that were all integrated with the other similartraining programs as well as the organizational structure and systems used in the JURIS PhilippineMediation Center (PMC) offices, adopted for application in other PMC offices in the country.

On a more strategic level, JURIS accomplished the following in 2006: (a) pushed for the issuanceof new JDR rules by the Supreme Court, after conducting a series of consultations with judges whohave experienced JDR, and recommended significant changes in the manner cases are referred toJDR; (b) developed new ADR training materials to make judges’ training more socially-responsive;and (c) ventured into other fields of law in judicial education to showcase skills-based training.

44

DATE / VENUE

PARTICIPANTS

BREAKDOWN

February 21-23 Baguio Country Club, Baguio City

Baguio, La Trinidad, Buguias-Bakun La Union

17 13

March 8-10 Pryce Hotel, Cagayan de Oro City

Cagayan de Oro Misamis Oriental

16 13

May 10-12 L’Fisher Hotel, Bacolod City

Bacolod City Negros Occidental

13 27

July 25-27 Benigno Hall, Pampanga

City of San Fernando Angeles, Guagua, Macabebe

2

28

TOTAL

129

DATE / VENUE

PARTICIPANTS

BREAKDOWN

April 24-27 St. Louis University, Baguio City

Baguio, La Trinidad, Buguias-Bakun

51

May 30 – June 2 San Carlos University, Cebu City

Cebu

36

TOTAL

87

1. Activities conducted:

JUDGES TRAINING IN JDR – JURIS conducted four (4) JDR skills training in 2006. The first one washeld in Baguio for the judges of Benguet and La Union; the second was held in Cagayan de Oro forthe judges coming from the entire province of Misamis Oriental; the third in Bacolod City for thejudges in Negros Occidental; and the last training held in San Fernando, Pampanga for the judgesin the province of Pampanga. All trainings for judges were conducted by judge-trainers applyingthe peer-to-peer knowledge sharing method. The faculty, which consists of at least ten (10) members,met on several occasions prior to the program to revise the curriculum as well as coordinate andsynchronize the different activities and exercises in the program.

MEDIATORS TRAINING FOR CAM – JURIS conducted one (1) basic mediation training in 2006 forBaguio mediators while assisting in the training for the Cebu mediators. Both trainings wereconducted in the local universities to save on costs; and the faculty, which comprise at least ten(10) members, were required to facilitate the entire four-day program themselves.

45

DATE

VENUE (SELECTED HOJ)

MENTORS

October

9-11 16-20 22-27

Baguio, La Trinidad, Buguias-Bakun

Canadian Justices, Bacolod & Pampanga Judges, Mediators

12-13

San Fernando, La Union

Canadian Justices

16-20

Misamis Oriental

Canadian Justices, Bacolod Judges

16-20

Negros Occidental

Bacolod Judges

16-31

Pampanga

Pampanga Judges

DATE

VENUE

MENTORS

September

11-15

Misamis Oriental

Bacolod Judges

12-15

Baguio, La Trinidad, Buguias-Bakun

Pampanga Judge

18-22

Negros Occidental

Bacolod Judges

19-22

La Union

Pampanga Judge

7, 25-29

Pampanga

Pampanga Judges

MENTORING & INTERNSHIP FOR JDR & CAM – Unlike the usual training program, training inmediation skills requires that the trainees undergo an internship program under the guidance ofmentors. Thus, JURIS embarked on separate internship and mentoring programs for judges andmediators. In preparation for this exercise, JURIS provided specialized training on coaching skillsto judges and mediators who would act as mentors for the new trainees.

ORIENTATION SEMINARS AND COORDINATION MEETINGS WITH STAKEHOLDERS ON CAM & JDRPROCEDURES - To ensure that all stakeholders understood the mechanics of CAM and JDR, themanagement and staff of JURIS conducted orientation seminars and coordination meetings of allthe courts in the JURIS sites prior to the implementation of CAM and JDR. The entire exercise,lasting more than a month, reached the one hundred fifty-six (156) courts in the five (5) provinces.A team of presenters and resource speakers, comprising judges, court personnel and projectpersonnel, was recruited for the orientation.

46

DATE / VENUE

PARTICIPANTS

BREAKDOWN

August 23-24 VIP Hotel, Cagayan de Oro City

Cagayan de Oro City & Misamis Oriental

55

August 29-30 Sea & Sky Restaurant, La Union

La Union

42

August 31 – September 1 Multi-Purpose Hall, Baguio City

Baguio, La Trinidad, Buguias-Bakun

30

TOTAL

127

DATE / VENUE

PARTICIPANTS

BREAKDOWN

November 21 Ridgewood Residence, Baguio City

Baguio, La Trinidad, Buguias-Bakun La Union Pampanga

6 6 5

November 24 L’Fisher Hotel, Bacolod City

Bacolod, Negros Occidental Cagayan de Oro, Misamis Oriental

6 4

TOTAL

27

DIALOGUES AND DISCUSSION FORUM FOR LAWYERS - To increase the number of lawyers whowould promote and support ADR in the model court sites, JURIS conducted three (3) separatedialogues. Discussion fora were also conducted in collaboration with the local IBP Chapters inCagayan de Oro, Baguio City and San Fernando, La Union.

MEETINGS WITH EXECUTIVE JUDGES – To closely monitor the practice of JDR and assist the judgesin administrative and monitoring issues, meetings with executive judges were held towards theend of 2006 after the internship and settlement period.

PARTICIPATION IN THE NATIONWIDE SETTLEMENT PERIOD FOR BOTH CAM AND JDR – Unlike theprevious years, JDR was included in the Settlement Period with half of the cases referred tomediation going directly into JDR. As a result, judges in the JURIS sites were able to conduct JDRseveral times in a week during the Settlement Period. Further, in order to increase the number ofparticipating parties in JDR, all cases not settled through CAM during the Settlement Period weredirected to be returned to court for the conduct of JDR prior to the resumption of trial proceedings.

DESIGN OF ADVANCED COURSE FOR MEDIATORS - To emphasize the importance of gender equalityand power balance, and other issues concerning the poor and marginalized in the society, thedesign of a new advanced mediation course was commenced by two consultants of JURIS, namely,

47

DATE

PARTICIPANTS

BREAKDOWN

January 4 – 6 Summer Place, Baguio City

JAT PMC-Bacolod PMC-Pampanga PHILJA-JRO

2 5 5 1

TOTAL

13

DATE

PARTICIPANTS

BREAKDOWN

November 14-17 Rockwell Club, Makati City

NCR Manila, QC, Caloocan, Malabon, Mandaluyong, Muntinlupa, Parañaque, Makati, Pasig Region 1 Abra, Baguio, La Union Region 3 Pampanga Region 4 Calamba Region 6 Roxas, Iloilo, Bacolod Region 7 Cebu Region 9 Zamboanga Region 10 Cagayan De Oro, Surigao Region 11 Davao

9

5 2 1 4 1 1 2 1

Ms. Gloria Seno and Ms. Leslie Macloud. The new course design is envisioned to focus onapproaches, tools and techniques that mediators could use when faced with challenging situationsinvolving gender, power, the poor and marginalized, among others.

CREATION OF NEW SOCIALLY-RESPONSIVE ADR TRAINING MATERIALS – The training materialsfor use in the newly integrated basic mediation course will be revised to incorporate socially-responsive ADR approaches, putting into force gender equality, power balance and otherconsiderations for the poor and marginalized in the society. The new materials were used for thebasic training of mediators in Baguio and Cebu. JURIS also developed two (2) training videos forJDR with the help of the judges of San Fernando, Pampanga and Bacolod City.

TRAINING OF STAFF IN THE MEDIATION OFFICE – To constantly improve the operations and overallperformance of the mediation office in providing support services to mediators, lawyers and litigantsin cases referred to it, the staff of each office underwent training on work processes and customerservice in the early part of the year. They revisited and streamlined JURIS work processes, whichwere subsequently offered for implementation in other PMC offices.

SHOWCASING SKILLS-BASED TRAINING OUTSIDE ADR – JURIS applied skills-based trainingmethods in the training of judges in Intellectual Property Law. In conjunction with the ADR-strengthening component of the project, JURIS also assisted PHILJA in the introduction of skills-based training to judges. In the previous years, PHILJA faculty had been sent on study tours toobserve skills-based training in Canada. In 2006, the first judges training outside ADR wasconducted using the skills-based training method.

48

IV. Convention-Seminars

Integrated in these seminars are the Academy’s instructional programs which are envisioned toserve as vehicles for continuing judicial education as well as enhancing professional fellowship.These seminars are designed to develop management competence and to update the memberson recent laws and jurisprudence. Activities towards the formation of constructive attitudes andthe cultivation of sound values were also made available to the members.

Since the seminar component lasts for one and a half days, and to cope with the big number ofparticipant–members, the methodology of instruction is geared to effectively reach all.

A. For Judges

Four (4) convention-seminars were conducted by the Academy and the judges’ respectiveassociations comprising the Regional Trial Courts, First Level Trial Courts and Women Judges, witha total number of one thousand one hundred eighty-five (1,185) participating judges.

The Academy and the Philippine Judges Association (PJA) held a seminar in Angeles City on Anti-Piracy Legislations, Comprehensive Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act and Anti-Money LaunderingAct.

The seminar conducted in Palawan by the Academy and the Philippine Trial Judges League, Inc.(PTJLI) centered on the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act, Rules on Evidence, Pre-trial and Modes ofDiscovery, Computations of Penalties and the Indeterminate Sentence Law, and EnvironmentalLaws and Fisheries Act.

General Santos City was the venue of the seminar offered by the Academy and the Metropolitan &City Judges Association of the Philippines (MeTCJAP). The judges took up subjects on JudicialSecurity, Issues in Judicial Ethics and Application of the Code, Refresher in Ejectment, Rule onSummary Procedure, and Jurisprudential Developments on B.P. 22 Cases.

The Academy and the Philippine Women Judges Association (PWJA) held a seminar in Manilafocusing on Forensic Evidence in Child Abuse and the Grant of Notarial Commissions.

B. For Court Personnel

Two (2) associations of clerks of court, the Judiciary Association of Clerks of the Philippines(JACOPHIL) and the First Level Clerks of Court Association of the Philippines (FLECCAP), incoordination with the Academy, held their seminars in Bukidnon and Bohol, respectively. A total ofnine hundred fifty-six (956) COCs attended these seminars which principally dealt on theAccomplishment of Monthly Reports. For JACOPHIL, additional topics discussed were on HumanRelations; Code of Conduct, Sexual Harassment in the Court; and Clerks and Judicial reform. Forthe FLECCAP, other topics discussed were on Court Management, Administrative Cases/Circulars,and, Legal Fees, among others.

The Academy and three (3) associations of social workers, legal interpreters and legal researchersconducted their seminars in Olongapo City, Naga City and Bohol, respectively. The seminar held forthe Philippine Association of Court Social Workers, Inc. (PACSWI) concentrated on Legal Separation,Guardianship, Introduction to Computer Use, and Code of Conduct for court personnel. For thePhilippine Association of Court Interpreters (PHILACI), the seminar content consisted of EnglishProficiency & Accuracy in Interpretation, Pointers in Interpretation, and Liberty & Prosperity. Thetopics discussed during the seminar held for the Court Legal Researchers Association of thePhilippines (CLERAP) focused on Job Satisfaction in the Judiciary, Judicial Reforms, Liberty andProsperity and Justice on Wheels, and Jurisprudential Developments. Eight hundred twenty-seven(827) court personnel from the three (3) associations attended the seminars.

49

V. Roundtable Discussions

A. On R.A. No. 9208 (Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2003) and R.A. No. 9262 (Violenceagainst Women and their Children Act of 2004)

Thirteen (13) Family Court Judges attended the activity. The discussion familiarized the participantswith the elements of trafficking, recognizing women and child-abuse cases, and appropriatenessin the issuance of Protection Orders. The manuals used were prepared by Fr. Ranhilio C. Aquino.

Chairman Purificacion V. Quisumbing synthesized the proceedings.

Convention-Seminars

1. Judges 1.1 Philippine Women Judges Association (PWJA)

Mar. 15-16 310

1.2 Metropolitan & City Judges Association of the Philippines (MeTCJAP)

Sept. 5-8 108

1.3 Philippine Judges Association (PJA)

Oct. 12-14 514

1.4 Philippine Trial Judges League (PTJLI)

Nov. 8-10 253

Total 1,185 2. Court Personnel 2.1 Philippine Association of Court Social Workers, Inc. (PACSWI)

April 19-21 108

2.2 Judiciary Association of Clerks of the Philippines (JACOPHIL)

April 26-28 621

2.3 Philippine Association of Court Interpreters (PHILACI)

May 17-19 403

2.4 1st-Level Clerks of Court Association of the Philippines (FLECCAP)

May 31-June 2 335

2.5 Court Legal Researchers Association of the Philippines (CLERAP)

Oct. 18-20 316

Total 1,783

50

B. On R.A. No. 9208 (Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act) and R.A. No. 9262 (Violence againstWomen and their Children Act) for the Court of Appeals Justices, Manila

Fr. Ranhilio C. Aquino discussed the salient features of R.A. Nos. 9208 and 9262 in relation to R.A.No. 7610 and the Revised Penal Code. The discussants gave valuable insights on the basic conceptsof “child exploitation,” “trafficking in persons,” “battered woman syndrome,” and the issuance of“protection orders.”

The fifteen (15) participants, comprising Court of Appeals Justices in Manila, gave the program a100% profitability rating.

C. On Grave Abuse of Discretion

Fulbright Fellow Dr. John S. Baker of the Louisiana State University served as the ResourceSpeaker during the Panel Discussion on Grave Abuse of Discretion in the Context ofSeparation of Powers. Joining the discussion were eminent panelists, Senior Associate JusticeReynato S. Puno and Justice Adolfo S. Azcuna.

The differences between the U.S. and the Philippine judicial systems, with regard to judicialactivism and grave abuse of discretion, were ably presented. Indeed, Dr. Baker commendedthe discussion where “issues were joined” and was the “best” in the series of activities hehad participated in locally.

D. Green Benches

A Roundtable Discussion on Green Benches was conducted on 21 July 2006 by the Academy,supported by the United Nations Development Programme – Global Environment Facility – SmallGrants Programme (UNDP-GEF-SGP), in collaboration with United States Agency for InternationalDevelopment (USAID), Haribon Foundation, and the Environmental Compliance and EnforcementNetwork (AECEN). This roundtable discussion was an offshoot of the Asian Justices Workshop onthe Environment held on April 26 to 27, 2006, in Bangkok, Thailand, which was organized by theSupreme Court of Thailand and supported by the USAID, AECEN and US-AEP.

Supreme Court justices, judicial experts, and representatives of government agencies, non-government organizations, and international donor agencies collaborated in this roundtablediscussion with the aim of improving environmental adjudication that would pave the way towardsthe creation or designation of environmental courts or “green benches.”

VI. Team Building Seminar-Workshop for Court of Tax Appeals Officials andStaff

In coordination with the Office of the Administrative Services, a three-day team building seminar-workshop for the Court of Tax Appeals’ officials and their staff was led by Presiding Justice ErnestoD. Acosta at the Island Cove Resort and Leisure Park in Kawit, Cavite. The activity was an effectiveway of developing a sense of “belongingness” and awareness of team dynamics, familiarizationwith team goals, team values and team conflict resolution.

51

Non-Judicial Stakeholders whoBenefited from PHILJA Programs

I. Classification of Non-Court Lawyers who Benefited from PHILJA’s MCLEPrograms

In 2006, the Academy conducted twenty-three (23) accredited MCLE programs, benefiting a totalnumber of three hundred ninety (390) non-court lawyers. Of the 390, two hundred twenty (220) or56% of the lawyers attended Special Focus Seminars on Juvenile and Domestic Relations Justice,Environmental Law, Capacity Enhancement Training, Agrarian Justice, Shari ‘a Law, IntellectualProperty Law, and Liberty and Prosperity. One hundred forty-seven (147) or 38% attended seminarson Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR), and twenty-three (23) or 6% participated in the 11th Pre-Judicature Program (PJP).

NON-COURT LAWYERS vis-à-vis PHILJA MCLE PROGRAMS

ADR (147) 38% Special

Focus Programs

(220) 56%

PJP (23) 6%

Note: Special Focus Programs: Private Practitioners, 45 or 20.45%; Prosecutors, 67 or 30.45%; PAO Lawyers, 54 or 24.55%; Government Organizations, 22 or 10%; Other Organizations, 28 or 12.73%; and Non-Government Organizations, 4 or 1.82%; ADR: Private Practice, 132 or 89.8%; PAO Lawyers, 13 or 8.84%; and Local Government Representatives, 2 or 1.36%; PJP: Private Practice, 13 or 56.52%; Local Government Units, 4 or 17.39%; Prosecutors, 3 or 13.04%;

Government Organizations, 2 or 8.7%; and GSIS, 1 or 4.35%

52

Out of 390 non-court lawyers who participated in the Academy’s MCLE accredited programs, onehundred ninety (190) or 49% lawyers were engaged in the private practice of law; seventy (70) or18% were Prosecutors; sixty-seven (67) or 17% were PAO lawyers; twenty-nine (29) or 7% wererepresentatives from organizations such as Environmental Legal Assistance Center (ELAC),International Visitor Program - Philippine Alumni Foundation, European Commission, Lanuza BayDevelopment Authority, MNDP, and IPPhil; twenty-four (24) or 6% from Government Organizations;six (6) or 2% from various Local Government Units; and four (4) or 1% from Non-GovernmentOrganizations.

CLASSIFICATION OF NON-COURT LAWYERS WHO ATTENDED PHILJA MCLE PROGRAMS

PAO Lawyers (67) 17%

Prosecutors (70) 18%

Other Organizations

(29) 7%

Private Practice (190) 49%

LGUs (6) 2%

GOs (24) 6%

NGO (4) 1%

53

II. Distribution of Credited MCLE Units in PHILJA Programs

A total of 374 MCLE units were credited to PHILJA MCLE accredited programs in 2006. Under BarMatter 850, the units were distributed as follows: Legal Ethics, 14 units or 4%; Trial and Pre-TrialSkills, 17.5 units or 5%; Alternative Dispute Resolution, 101.5 units or 27%; Updates on Substantiveand Procedural Laws, 83 units or 22%; Legal Writing, 11.5 units or 3%; International Law andInternational Conventions, 2 units or 1%; and MCLE Prescribed Subjects or Electives which includeTechnology and the Law, Law and Economics, Law Reforms in Specific Areas of Law, and LawReforms in Specific Areas of Law, 142.5 units or 38%.

Required Credit Units per Bar Matter 850: Legal Ethics: 6 hours = 6 units Trial and Pre-Trial Skills: 4 hours = 4 units ADR: 5 hours = 5 units Updates on Substantive and Procedural Laws and Jurisprudence: 9 hours = 9 units Legal Writing and Oral Advocacy: 4 hours = 4 units International Law: 2 hours = 2 units MCLE Prescribed Subjects: 6 hours = 6 units

(Technology and the Law; Law and Economics; InternationalLegal Process; Transnational Business Transactions; LawReforms in Specific Areas of Law; and Law as a Means of SocialControl)

DISTRIBUTION OF CREDITED MCLE UNITS IN PHILJA PROGRAMS

1%

3%

22%

5%

4%

38%

27%

MCLE Prescribed Subjects7

International Law

Legal Writing and Oral Advocacy

Updates on Substantive & ProceduralLaws & Jurisprudence

ADR

Trial & Pre-trial Skills

Legal Ethics

54

Special ProjectsI. PHILJA Operations Manual

The Philippine Judicial Academy is developing an Operations Manual that will lay down allthe systems and operations of each PHILJA office.

In collaboration with the Program Management Office, a Project Consultant was engagedto gather data from the representatives of each PHILJA unit on their respective functionsand procedures.

A participative approach involving each and every PHILJA official and employee is beingused for the accomplishment of the project.

II. e-Learning Projects for the Judiciary

A. Modules in Developing Jurisprudence in Civil Law and Arrest, Search and Seizure andCustodial Investigation

As a follow-through on the e-Learning Pilot Project for the Judiciary with Modules on ElectronicEvidence and Psychological Incapacity, the Academy, in partnership with The Asia Foundation(TAF), will launch two (2) new e-Learning modules on (1) Remedial Law, particularly onArrest, Search and Seizure and Custodial Investigation, and (2) The Developing Jurisprudencein Civil Law, which are both in the module development stage.

Justice Oscar M. Herrera, Sr. and Justice Jose C. Vitug were assigned Module Developersand Mentors for the modules on Arrest, Search and Seizure and Custodial Investigation inRemedial Law, and The Developing Jurisprudence in Civil Law, respectively.

The topics of the two (2) e-Learning modules were chosen by the Academy after a currentneeds assessment of judges was done. The modules will be made available to two hundred(200) judges per module, on a first come first served basis.IT Consultant Go Vida, tapped by The Asia Foundation (TAF), will take charge of the learningmanagement system, portal creation, and administration of the e-Learning modules. Themodule on The Developing Jurisprudence in Civil Law will be launched on January 2 toFebruary 4, 2007, while the module on Arrest, Search and Seizure and Custodial Investigationwill be launched on February 5, 2007.

B. Maximizing e-Learning and Module on Philippine Laws on International Trade

Prior to the launching of the module on Civil Law, e-Learning as a mode of delivering judicialeducation was introduced to judges and court attorneys through a short course on Maximizinge-Learning. The short course walked the participants through the advantages of on-linejudicial education.

55

The Academy, in coordination with Go Vida, also launched the module on Philippine Lawson International Trade. The first half of the course is on Introduction to Trade, while thesecond half is on Philippine Laws on International Trade. This course was offered fromSeptember 18 to November 3, 2006.

A total of 184 judges and court attorneys participated in the e-Learning courses. Sixty-three (63) of these participants were able to finish the module on Philippine Laws onInternational Trade.

The development of the e-Learning modules is in line with PHILJA’s thrust to providecontinuing professional judicial education through distance learning, in addition to its regularacademic offerings. The project is also in support of PHILJA’s current initiatives to offer e-Learning and other modes of distance learning modules (video, audio and print modules)for sustaining the continuity and effectiveness of its programs as well as for a faster, moreefficient and interactive delivery of continuing judicial education.

56

Highlights of Liberty and Prosperity ForaI. Roundtable Discussion

The judicial philosophy espoused by Chief Justice Artemio V. Panganiban was first introduced atthe Roundtable Discussion held at the Plantation Bay Resort Hotel, Mactan Island, Cebu, on April12, 2006. The Roundtable Discussion was conducted by the Academy in coordination with theProgram Management Office.

Participants in the Discussion were the Chief Justice and Associate Justices of the Supreme Court;Associate Justices of the Court of Appeals in Manila, Cebu and Cagayan de Oro City; ExecutiveJudges of RTC Makati and Cebu City as well as the RTC Judges of Quezon City and Cebu City.

The Discussion aimed to:

1. Clarify the twin concepts of “Liberty” and “Prosperity”;2. Relate the twin goals of prosperity and liberty to the functions of the Philippine Judiciary;

and3. Draw up concrete measures by which the Philippine Judiciary can contribute directly to

the enhancement of liberty and prosperity.

The highlight of the activity was the Chief Justice’s Keynote Address entitled “Liberty and Prosperity:A Program for the Philippine Judiciary,” wherein he presented the concept of liberty and prosperityas the twin beacons of his judicial philosophy, in the context of Philippine history as well as existingand emerging realities. He likewise related the two concepts to the functions of the PhilippineCourts, in the hope of igniting and inspiring discussions on issues that may need to be addressedin espousing the judicial philosophy in the courts.

II. Academic Forum

The Academic Forum, the first of the three (3) forums espousing Chief Justice Artemio V.Panganiban’s judicial philosophy, was held on July 20, 2006 at the Abbot Lopez Hall, San BedaCollege, Mendiola, Manila. The Forum was conducted by the Philippine Judicial Academy incoordination with the San Beda Graduate School of Law.

The Forum brought together deans, professors and students of graduate schools of law, governanceand business; professors of the Philippine Judicial Academy; selected lawyers of the SupremeCourt and the other superior courts of the country; and selected law deans and professors.

The principal purpose of the Forum was two-fold: to give academics the opportunity to listen to theChief Justice’s articulation of his judicial philosophy of “Liberty and Prosperity” and to submit thesame proposed policy to academic scrutiny and discussion.

One of the highlights of the Academic Forum was the panel discussion, which dealt with the variousaspects of the twin ideals of liberty and prosperity. The panelists included Dr. Rainier Ibana ofAteneo de Manila University, who examined the concept philosophically; Dr. Bernardo Villegas of

57

the University of Asia and the Pacific, who discussed the economic dimensions of the issue; Dr.Pacifico A. Agabin of the Constitutional Law Department, Philippine Judicial Academy and theLyceum of the Philippines, who dwelt on the constitutional aspects of the issue.

A distinct feature of the Forum was the workshop wherein the 200 participants were divided intosix (6) groups, each chaired by a justice of a superior court, assisted by an academic expert whoalso acted as the rapporteur. The workshop groups contributed insights and suggestions whichformed part of the output of the Forum.

III. National Forum

The National Forum, held on August 25 to 26 at the Manila Hotel, sought to examine the nexusbetween political liberty and economic prosperity as they relate to the judiciary, the legal professionand the academe, and elicit the ideas and proposals of the different sectors of society.

The Chancellor, Justice Ameurfina M. Herrera, chaired the Program Committee which preparedthe program of activities for the Forum that brought together about 350 participants composed ofthe Justices of the Supreme Court, Court of Appeals, Sandiganbayan and Court of Tax Appeals,selected Executive Judges, First and Second Level Court judges, members of the academe, civilsociety groups, as well as representatives from both the executive and legislative departments ofthe government. Dean Raul C. Pangalangan of the University of the Philippines College of Law co-chaired the Program Committee.

The Forum featured panel discussions with discussants coming from various sectors such asSenator Edgardo J. Angara from the legislative branch, retired SC Justice Jose C. Vitug from thejudiciary, and former Senate President and Kilosbayan Chairman Emeritus Jovito R. Salongarepresenting the civil society groups.

Other panelists were ABS-CBN Vice-President for News and Current Affairs Atty. Ricardo V. Puno,Central Bank Governor Amando M. Tetangco, Jr., Treasurer of the Philippines Omar T. Cruz, PhilippineChamber of Commerce and Industry Chairman Emeritus Atty. Miguel B. Varela, Makati City RegionalTrial Court Judge Marissa Macaraig-Guillen, United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous IssuesChairperson Victoria Tauli Corpuz, former Philippine Bar Association President Atty. Rita V. Jimeno,University of the Philippines Professors Randolph S. David and Dante B. Canlas, Kalayaan CollegePresident Jose V. Abueva and Lyceum College of Law Dean Pacifico A. Agabin.

The panel discussions were synthesized by Justice Teresita Dy-Liacco Flores, Executive Justice ofthe Court of Appeals – Cagayan de Oro City; and Dean Cesar L. Villanueva, Chair, PHILJA CommercialLaw Department.

IV. Global Forum

With the theme “Safeguarding Liberty and Nurturing Prosperity for the Peoples of the World,” theGlobal Forum, the third and last in the series of Forums, was held on October 18 to 20, 2006 at theMakati Shangri-La Hotel.

It aimed to:1. Examine Liberty and Prosperity as a philosophy;2. Consider the challenges confronting its fulfillment;

58

3. Forge international understanding of the principles of Liberty and Prosperity; and

4. Adopt a declaration promoting the principles of Liberty and Prosperityas a philosophy.

Over three hundred (300) participants, including Chief Justices and judges from different parts ofthe globe; representatives from both the executive and legislative departments of government;international development partners; the diplomatic corps; judicial institutes; leaders of the academe,bar associations, and civil society groups attended the Forum.

The highlights of the Global Forum were the plenary sessions featured on days two and threewherein the participants shared their country’s experiences in relation to the Chief Justice’s judicialphilosophy. Among the distinguished panelists were Honorable Beverley McLachlin, Chief Justiceof Canada; Honorable Vyacheslav Lebedev, Chief Justice of the Russian Federation; HonorableGuy Canivet, Chief Justice of France; and by way of video-conferencing, Mr. Paul Wolfowitz, Presidentof the World Bank; Lady Rosalyn Higgins, President of the International Court of Justice; JusticeAnthony M. Kennedy of the United States Supreme Court; and Justice J. Clifford Wallace of the U.S.Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit.

The Global Forum concluded with the presentation of a joint declaration on Liberty and Prosperityadopted by the delegates incorporating salient outputs from the plenary sessions and variousdiscussions held.

The Chancellor, Justice Ameurfina M. Herrera, and Dean Raul C. Pangalangan chaired and co-chaired, respectively, the Program Committee, which prepared the program of activities for theGlobal Forum.

LIBERTY AND PROSPERITYPICTURES/CD COVER

59

International ConferencesI. PAHRDF-International HRMD Benchmarking

Sydney, Australia – February 11 to 24, 2006

PAHRDF International HRMD Benchmarking Program, held on February 11 to 24, 2006 at the NewSouth Wales Attorney General’s Department, Sydney, Australia, and Various State Courts, wasattended by 18 participants from the Supreme Court which included the three (3) PHILJA delegates,namely: Atty. Amelia Guillamun, Joan Marie Tejada and Romulo M. Abancio, the Court of Appeals,Sandiganbayan and Court of Tax Appeals. The program applied process-oriented strategies involvinggroup dynamics, experiential learning (by doing), and interactive (participatory) learning process.Close coordination was done with the NSW Attorney General’s Department (AGD), who wasresponsible for administering the NSW Court System. Specifically, there was a structured interactionwith the Corporate Human Resources Division of the AGD. Moreover, the participants were exposedto their Australian counterparts through site visits to the following NSW Courts: Supreme Court,Court of Appeal/Court of Criminal Appeal and Administrative Decisions Tribunal. The activityculminated with a course application workshop and writeshop to maximize participants’ learningand to provide technical assistance in writing HR draft outputs.

II. Southeast Asian Advanced Programme on Human RightsBangkok, Thailand – May 8 to 19, 2006

About The Program

The Southeast Asian Advanced Programme on Human Rights 2006 has been developed jointly bythe Office of Human Rights Studies and Social Development, Faculty of Graduate Studies, MahidolUniversity, Thailand, and the Raoul Wallenberg Institute, Lund University, Sweden, in partnershipwith the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA). The Programme aimedto offer an overview of the international human rights system as well as an in-depth study ofhuman rights in Southeast Asia. The manner of instruction adopted by the program was lectures,group discussions and role playing. Hand-outs, notes and CD’s were made available to theparticipants in order to facilitate understanding of the lectures and presentations. At the end ofthe day, participants were tasked to synthesize the sessions as part of the activities of theProgramme. Among the highlights of the program were the Moot Court and the group visit to themigrant workers at Mahachai Village.

The Delegates

One hundred thirty (130) applicants from the Southeast Asian Region submitted their applicationsto the said program but only 22 delegates, with an equal number of male and female participants,completed the Programme. The following countries were represented: Cambodia (3), Indonesia(4), Lao PDR (1), Malaysia (1), Myanmar (2), Philippines (5), Thailand (3) and Vietnam (3). Thedelegates came from the government sector, non-government organizations, civil societies andthe academe. The Academy was represented by Ms. Rouschelle G. Mercado, Training Specialist III.

60

III. Asian Justices’ Workshop on the Environment:Promoting Improved Court PoliciesBangkok, Thailand – April 26 to 27, 2006

Supreme Court Associate Justice Minita V. Chico Nazario, Justice Ameurfina A. Melencio Herreraand RTC Judge Gabriel T. Ingles of Branch 58, Cebu City, comprised the Philippine delegation tothe Asian Justices Workshop on the Environment : Promoting Improved Court Policies and Practiceson Environmental Adjudication on April 26 to 27, 2006, at the United Conference Center, Bangkok,Thailand. This was sponsored by the Thailand Office of the Judiciary, the Supreme Court of Thailand,in cooperation with the Asian Environmental Compliance and Enforcement Network (AECEN), andthe United States Agency for International Development (USAID), which is a core funding agency ofAECEN. AECEN is also a partner of PHILJA in one of its environment projects.

The workshop focused on the sharing of experiences in environmental law and adjudication,especially in the area of strengthening judicial policies and practices for developing human andinstitutional capacity. The Philippine delegation was also recognized in this program through itsparticipation in the panel discussion. Justice Minita V. Chico Nazario was a member of the panelon “Challenges in Environmental Adjudication and Litigation in Asia; Judge Gabriel T. Ingles servedon the panel on “Environmental Crime Litigation,” while PHILJA Chancellor Herrera chaired thesession entitled “Interactive Panel: Strengthening Court Institutional Arrangements and Capacity,”and also co-chaired the session on “Strengthening Judicial Capacity on Environmental Litigation.”

The output of the delegation was an Action Plan on Environmental Adjudication for collaborationbetween PHILJA and the Thai Judicial Training Institute (Thai JTI). The two (2) parties agreed on acooperative judicial capacity building endeavor wherein regional conference/exchange programsbecame part of the substantial agreement. Thai JTI is also receptive to hosting an Asia PacificJudicial Educators Forum (APJEF) Regional Conference.

IV. Study Tour on Skills-Based Education for Newly Appointed Judges andApproaches to Gender Issues in Judicial EducationOntario, Ottawa, Whistler, B.C., Canada – October 9 to 21, 2006

Justice Delilah V. Magtolis led the Philippine delegation in the “Fifth JURIS Study Tour” on October11 to 20, 2006, at Vancouver, Whistler and Richmond, British Columbia, Canada. Judge MariaFilomena D. Singh, PHILJA BOT Member; Atty. Mark Anthony R. Polonan, Chief Judicial Staff Officer;and Ms. Venus Cruz of the Alternative Law Groups, completed the delegation.

The study tour focused on skills-based education for newly appointed judges and approaches togender issues in judicial education. For this purpose, the delegates participated in the Seminar forNew Federally Appointed Judges, engaged in a Roundtable Discussion on Approaches to GenderEducation with UBC resident legal scholars, visited the state-of-the-art courthouses of BritishColumbia, interfaced with counterparts, and took part in the study and debriefing processes onthe learning philosophy of the NJI.

The trip gave the delegates fresh insights on adult education, course design and programimplementation, which paved the way for recommendations to address the structural, capacityand financial issues of the Academy.

This study tour is part of the broad capacity-building goal of the JURIS Project by annually sendinga group of judicial educators consisting primarily of PHILJA academic officials and staff to studyNJI process and pedagogy for the review and restructuring of its own programs.

61

V. Judicial Educators Network (JEDNET)Santiago, Chile - December 14 and 15, 2006

Attended by Atty. Cristina M. Cabrera, PHILJA Professor I, the trip focused on three (3) majoractivities:

A. JEDNET Management Meeting

The Management Meeting centered on the accomplishments of JEDNET for reporting to CIDA.Among the topics discussed for inclusion in the report were:

A. JEDNET WebsiteB. Project timeline and funding statusC. Collaboration and coordination with International Judicial NetworksD. Linkages with Regional Judicial Education and Reform OrganizationsE. Larger Vision for Knowledge BaseF. International Judicial Education Newsletter

B. Roundtable on Judicial Education

In attendance were participants from various judicial training and reforms organizations in Chile,Peru and Bolivia. The presentations of the partners (NJI, CEJA and PHILJA) concentrated onInnovations in Judicial Education: International Experiences and Training Programs as a Tool ofChange in Judicial Systems: Lessons Learned, Challenges and Perspectives.

The discussions with the other participants centered on the relationship between training andreform. The sharing of experiences concluded that all countries have common issues on reforms,funding and coordination.

C. Visit to the 9th Juzgado de Garantia (Criminal Court)

For the past twenty years, Latin American countries have been reforming their inquisitorial justicesystems and replacing them with adversarial models. Significant progress has been made andthe 9th Criminal Court is the newest courthouse in Santiago City following the criminal justice reformsthat Chile had recently adopted.

The glass structure building accommodates not only the courts but also the Prosecutors Officeand the Ministry of Justice. Adjacent to it is the Main Jailhouse which gives the courts easy accessto the accused. Among its advantages are saving time and resources in transporting the prisonersfrom the jail to the courthouse.

The courthouse is simple but complete. Aside from the basics, each sala is equipped with a soundsystem, 2 computers (1 for the judge and 1 for the staff), and a holding cell for prisoners. Thereare no case files on paper. All proceedings are recorded and transferred to computer files easilyaccessible to the judge. Hence, it is indeed a paperless court.

62

Membership in International OrganizationsI. Asia-Pacific Judicial Educators Forum (APJEF)

At the last meeting of the Executive Committee, Guam was welcomed as a new member andBhutan, Nepal, Taiwan and Argentina were invited to join the organization. Among the agreementsmade were the exchange of professors for various topics and exchange of publications throughwebsite links. They also discussed the need to strengthen the existing curricula and trainingmaterials and include in the curricula the impact of judicial decisions to the economy and comparethem to decisions in other jurisdictions. As to the delivery of courses to Judges, it was agreed thatthe Corps of Professors be not limited to the members of the judiciary or the bar. Lecturers shouldbe content specialists of the subject matter, recognized as such by the legal and academiccommunities both within and outside their respective jurisdictions. Practicing lawyers may onlydeliver courses to judges if they hold practice in other areas.

II. Asia Pacific Judicial Reform Forum (APJRF)

On 27-30 May 2007, a delegation from the Supreme court composed of Supreme Court JusticesAngelina S. Gutierrez, Antonio T. Carpio and Adolfo S. Azcuna, together with Retired Justice AmeurfinaA. Melencio Herrera, Chancellor, PHILJA, attended the Second Roundtable Discussion of the AsiaPacific Judicial Reform Forum at Putrajaya, Malaysia. Justices Gutierrez and Herrera deliveredtheir respective presentations on Access to Justice and Judicial Education; while Justices Carpioand Azcuna chaired the Plenary Discussions on the Judicial Reform Handbook Project and theAPJR Constitution, respectively. Their presentations substantially contributed to the success ofthe roundtable discussions on judicial reform. The Philippines was cited by the APJRF, throughJustice Kenneth Hayne of the High Court of Australia, for the significant numerous reformsimplemented by the Court in judicial education.

III. Judicial Educators’ Network (JEDNET)

The Judicial Educators’ Network (JEDNET) project was conceived with the dual objectives of buildingthe capacity of the Canadian judiciary to engage in effective and sustainable international judicialcooperation initiatives, and to build partnerships and share judicial education approaches andresources with counterpart institutions in developing countries.

JEDNET’s partners are the National Judicial Institute – NJI (Canada), the Philippine Judicial Academy– PHILJA (Philippines) and the Justice Studies Center of the Americas – JSCA-CEJA (Latin America)which organized the activities in Chile.

63

Committee MembershipsI. Access to Justice for the Poor Project

On August 10, 2004, the European Commission and the Republic of the Philippines, through theDepartment of Foreign Affairs, signed the Project’s Financing Agreement. The Project involves differentgovernment agencies and the Alternative Law Groups, Inc., with the Department of Social Work andDevelopment as Executing Agency. The Chancellor is a member of the Project Steering Committee,while Prof. Sedfrey M. Candelaria, Atty. David L. Ballesteros and Atty. Amenda Leaño are the Academy’srepresentatives to the Supreme Court’s Technical Working Group (TWG) for the Project. The TWG istasked, among others, to prepare the IEC Guidelines for first level clerks of court.

In an En Banc Resolution, dated November 14, 2006, the Supreme Court approved the Memorandumof Agreement between the Court and the DSWD.

The Project’s goal is to increase access to Justice by the poor and vulnerable groups. Its specificpurposes are (1) to enhance the ability of the poor and vulnerable groups (poor women and children)to pursue justice through increased knowledge of their basic rights and the Justice System; and (2)to strengthen the Justice system to make it more accessible to the poor and underprivileged.

The Supreme Court, as a Partner Agency, will complement the institutionalization of the decentralizedinformation, education and communication (IEC) function of the judiciary in thirty-six (36) municipalcourts covered by the Project, and the sensitization-training program for municipal judges and courtpersonnel in the project areas on the conditions of the poor, especially women and children. OtherCourt offices involved in the Project are OCA, PIO and PMO. PHILJA will implement the trainingactivities of Component 1, which is scheduled in the 2nd Quarter of 2007. Funded by the Europeancommunity, the Project was launched on August 23, 2006.

II. Committee on Gender Responsiveness in the Judiciary (CGRJ)

1. Gender Responsiveness in the Judiciary: Transforming Paradigm and Enhancing Commitmentto Gender Equality

The Sub-Committee on Training and Capability-Building, despite the challenges it hurdled duringthe year, conducted the following seminars for court lawyers in coordination with PHILJA: (1)Symposium and Workshop on Gender Sensitivity for Supreme Court Lawyers on March 28, 2006 atthe SC Old Session Hall; and (2) Seminar-Workshop on CEDAW, GENDER SENSITIVITY and theCourts on October 5 to 6, 2006, at the Justices’ Lounge, Court of Appeals.

Headed by Dr. Purificacion V. Quisumbing, Chairperson, of the Commission on Human Rights (CHR)and the Department of International and Human Rights Law, PHILJA, the subcommittee aims totransform the paradigm and enhance the commitment of the judicial system to fostering genderequality through training and capability building of judges and court personnel. Its members areProfessor Myrna S. Feliciano, Commissioner Linda Malenab-Hornilla, Professor Sedfrey M. Candelaria,Professor Amparita A. Sta. Maria and Ms. Rouschelle G. Mercado.

III. Committee on Knowledge Sharing and Regional Cooperation

Formerly an ad hoc committee, the Committee on Knowledge Sharing was institutionalized throughMemorandum Order No. 11-2006 with the Chancellor, Justice Ameurfina A. Melencio Herrera, as

64

one of the members. Since the planning and conduct of the International Conference and Showcaseon Judicial Reform in 2005, PHILJA has continued to actively participate in carrying out the programsof the Committee, particularly in the implementation of the education component of the cooperationagreements entered into by the Court with various countries; the study on the possibility of adoptinga common curriculum by the judicial academies of other countries in the region; and the holding ofthe Academic, National and Global Forums on Liberty and Prosperity.

IV. Computerization and Library

Chancellor Ameurfina M. Herrera represented the Academy as Member of the Committee onComputerization and Library. Year 2006 proved to be monumental as PHILJA became the firstcomponent unit of the Supreme Court to use the recently-acquired video conferencing equipmentfor its Video Conference on the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act of 2006 (R.A. 9344). The activitysimultaneously linked four (4) sites, namely: Manila, Angeles City, Cebu City and Davao City. CCLChair Justice Antonio Carpio delivered the opening remarks where he cited the benefits of videoconferencing methodology in judicial education.

Being the event for the first full-blown use of the equipment, the video conference provided thebasis for the drafting of the Guidelines on the Use of Video Conferencing Equipment, which wasapproved by the Committee on November 10, 2006. The Committee also assured that the Academywill be given priority due to its involvement in numerous training activities throughout the country.

PHILJA was also involved in the following ICT projects being developed by the Supreme Court forimplementation in the early part of 2007:

1. Enhanced CFM (eCFM) Manual and System2. Judiciary ICT Literacy Program (JICTLP)3. Computerized Training Management System (CTMS)

In continuing support of the Academy’s mandate, the Committee approved the transfer of one HP8250 scanner from the Supreme Court Library to PHILJA. The link between PHILJA, SC, and e-Learning websites was approved on September 6, 2006.

V. Task Force on Information Wallsheets

Under the Strengthening the Judiciary-Media Relations Project, the Asian Institute of Journalismand Communications (AIJC) has submitted to the Court information wallsheets on the stages of civiland criminal actions in Philippine courts. However, according to the Committee on Public Information,the wallsheets presented were too wordy, legalese and not reader-friendly, and thus recommendedtheir revision to make these more comprehensible to the general public and the development of aseparate brochure with a more detailed and comprehensive presentation of the procedures.

The Court, with PHILJA representative Justice Noel G. Tijam as Chair, created a Task Force onInformation Wallsheets.

VI. Committee for Administrative Concerns

The Committee, composed of the heads of offices of the Supreme Court as well as the PresidingJustices of the Court of Appeals, Sandiganbayan and Court of Tax Appeals, was organized to assistthe Chief Justice in determining the proper action on administrative concerns brought to his attention.As a member of the Committee, the Chancellor, representing PHILJA, provides advice and offerssuggestions on how to simplify administrative and financial procedures in the implementation ofPHILJA’s mandate to provide continuing judicial education.

65

PHILJA Working CommitteesI. Research Group (RG) Committee

On 3 November 2006, the Research Group transmitted to the Court the Proposed Rule on theAdmissibility and Evaluation of DNA Evidence. The usefulness of DNA as corroborative evidence isseen in several cases promulgated by the Supreme Court, e.g., People v. Vallejo, G.R. No. 14465,(May 9, 2002); and People v. Yatar, G.R. No. 150224 (May 19, 2004). In the 2005 cases of Herrerav. Alba, G.R. No. 148220 (June 15, 2005) and Agustin v. Court of Appeals, G.R. No. 162571 (June15, 2005), paternity and filiations were established likewise through DNA testing. The Group hopedthat the rule will lay down the standards to be considered in assessing the probative value of DNAevidence.

Through the initiative of Ms. Teresa Cannady, ABA-Asia Philippines Representative, Hon. JudithKreeger (Circuit Judge, Miami, Florida, U.S.A.) gave a short lecture-forum on ADR in Family LawCases on 30 August 2006. A comparative view of the Philippine and American models of FamilyMediation was made through an open and interactive discussion between Judge Kreeger and theparticipants from offices in the government sector. PHILJA was able to successfully arrange theenlightening roundtable discussion through the concerted efforts of Judge Rosalina Luna-Pison,Judge Nimfa Cuesta Vilches and Associate Dean Sedfrey M. Candelaria

II. Judicial Career Development Program Committee

Mainly tasked with the formulation of a judicial career development system, the Judicial CareerDevelopment Program Committee was formed through Memorandum Circular No. 4-2006 dated5 April 2006, as amended, with the following members:

Chairperson: Chancellor Ameurfina A. Melencio Herrera, PHILJACo-Chairperson: CA Christopher O. Lock, OCAVice-Chairperson: DCA Zenaida N. Elepaño, OCAMembers: Justice Regino C. Hermosisima, Jr., JBC

Justice Ruben T. Reyes, Court of AppealsJustice Teresita Leonardo-de Castro, SandiganbayanJustice Ernesto D. Acosta, Court of Tax AppealsAdm. Evelyn T. Dumdum, Program Management OfficeAtty. Eden T. Candelaria, OAS

Executive Director: Justice Delilah Vidallon-Magtolis, PHILJAResource Persons: Justice Minita V. Chico-Nazario (PWJA President)

Judge Aurora Jane Lantion (PJA President)Judge Ruby Camarista (MeTCJAP President)Judge Kaudri Jainul (PTJLI President)Atty. Anselmo Cadiz (IBP President)Atty. Persida Acosta (PAO Chief)Atty. Ferrer Co (President, National Prosecutors’ League)Ms. Vicenta Alinsug (CPRM Consultants, Inc.)

66

Recorder-Secretary: Ms. Micaela J. HosillosAsst. Rec. Sec.: Ms. Gloria GatchalianTechnical Staff : To be designated by the CommitteeService Staff : To be designated by the Committee

III. PHILJA Development Center (PDC) – Project Implementation Committee

A. Creation of the PDC-PIC

Soon after the approval by the Government of Japan on 18 December 2005 of the P300 Milliongrant under the Non-Project Grant Assistance of Japan Counter Value Fund (NPGA-CVF) to financethe Expansion (Construction and Renovation) of the Philippine Judicial Academy (PHILJA)Development Center in Tagaytay City, the Academy immediately began mobilization for projectimplementation.

After the Action Planning Workshop held on 22 February 2006, the Court approved, on 31 March2006, Administrative Circular No. 34-2006 creating the PHILJA Development Center ProjectImplementation Committee (PDC-PIC) which was tasked to provide policy guidelines and proceduresto ensure the successful implementation of the project.

The Committee has the following composition:

Chairman : Justice Ameurfina A. Melencio Herrera (PHILJA)Vice-Chairman Justice Minerva P. Gonzaga-Reyes (PHILJA)Members : Justice Jose C. Vitug (PHILJA)

Justice Francisco S. Tantuico (PHILJA)DCA Jose P. Perez (OCA)Atty. Edna E. Diño (OCA)Dean Cesar L. Villanueva (PDCI)Ms. Evelyn T. Dumdum (PMO)

Resource Persons : Ms. Cecile V. Dumdum (PMO)Ms. Susan N. Gavino (PMO)Mr. Policarpio J. Felicidario (PHILJA)

Technical Operations Group: Engr. Nel Urdaneta (PMO)Engr. Joan Cabe (OHJ)Arch. Dennis Velasco (PMO)

Recorder-Secretary : Atty. Ma. Melissa R. Dimson-BautistaAsst. Recorder-Secretary: Ms. Maria Luisa A. Magno

67

No.

Date

Particulars

1

April 7, 2006

APPROVAL of the Terms of Reference (TOR) for the Detailed Architectural and Engineering Design (DAED) of the PHILJA Development Center prepared by the PDC-PIC’s Technical Operations Group (TOG) for submission to the BAC-APJR, per Resolution No. 01-2006.

2

April 7, 2006

PDC-PIC approved the proposed “Approved Budget for the Contract” (ABC) for DAED prepared by the PDC-PIC’s Technical Operations Group (TOG) in the amount of Thirteen Million Nine Hundred Three Thousand Four Hundred Fifty Pesos (P13,903,450.00), per Resolution No. 02-2006 .

3

June 30, 2006

APPROVAL of the TOR for DAED, with the modified qualification of “one (1) project of similar scope and nature in the last five (5) years,” due to failure of bidding, per Resolution No. 04-2006

4

July 21, 2006

APPROVAL of the Guidelines governing the working relationship between the PDC-PIC and the BAC-APJR, per Resolution No. 05-2006:

(1) After shortlisting the prospective bidders for the DAED, the short list of consultants drawn up by the BAC-APJR shall be referred by the BAC-APJR directly to the Chief Justice for consideration and approval, furnishing the PDC-PIC a copy thereof for the Committee’s information; and

(2) After ranking the consultants, the BAC-APJR shall secure the

approval of the head of the procuring entity, i.e., the Chief Justice, of the Highest Rated Bid, and thereafter begin contract negotiations. The BAC-APJR shall furnish the PDC-PIC a copy of the ranking of consultants as well as the approval by the Chief Justice of the Highest Rated Bid, for the Committee’s information.

5

July 21, 2006

APPROVAL of the Owner’s Brief prepared by the PDC-PIC’s Technical Operations Group (TOG) for submission to the BAC-APJR to be included as reference materials for the shortlisted design consultancy firms. Copy of the approved Owner’s Brief shall also be furnished the PHILJA Board of Trustees for its information, per Resolution No. 06-2006.

6

November 30,

2006

Unveiling of the Foundation Stone Marker for the PHILJA Development Center.

7

December 15,

2006

Issuance of the Notice of Award to TCGI Engineers, Inc., received by them on 3 January 2007, as the winning bidder for the DAED consultancy.

B. PDC-PIC Milestones

68

C. Expectations

The implementation of the DAED contract is expected to begin by January 2007. Two (2) moreservices, namely, (1) the Construction Management Services (CMS), and (2) the works contractor,will be on board by the second and third quarter of 2007, respectively.

IV. JURIS Design and Management Committee (DMC)

The Design and Management Committee, in partnership with the JURIS Administrative Team (JAT),has been conducting trainings for judges and mediators to aid the decongestion of court cases.The Committee endorses the utilization of mediation rather than litigation. An out-of-courtroomvenue for settlement not only helps the parties resolve their conflicts in a less tedious manner, butis also less costly.

There has been a tremendous increase in model court sites, signifying the effective implementationof mediation all over the country. In view of the increase in model court sites, augmentation ofoffice tasks is necessary.

Increase in the salaries of JAT members stationed within the Academy, commensurate to theiradditional workload, was proposed.

The Committee is proud of the successful conduct of mediation proceedings from the months ofOctober to December, designated as the “Settlement Month Period.”

V. The Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Committee

The Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Committee is the PHILJA body primarily charged with theformulation of policies and procedures to govern court-annexed mediation programs. In that capacity,the Committee has formulated the following Resolutions for Court-Annexed Mediation and for theoperation of the Philippine Mediation Center for the year 2006.

69

ADR Resolutions

Recommendations

Status

ADR Res. No. 01-06

“Recommending the Approval

of Eighty (80) New PHILJA Mediators in Tacloban and

General Santos”

Approved by the Court En Banc through A.M. No. 01-10-5-SC-

PHILJA dated 31 January 2006

ADR Res. No. 03-06

“Proposed PMC Budget for

2006"

Approved by the Court En Banc in A.M. No. 06-6-03-SC-PHILJA dated

17 October 2006

ADR Res. No. 04-06

“Proposed Guidelines

Regarding Court Personnel Acting as Mediators”

Referred by the Court to the

Committee on Revision of Rules

ADR Res. No. 05-06

“Recommending the

Accreditation of thirty (30) Mediators for Davao City,

Digos City, Tagum City, and Panabo City

Approved by the Court En Banc through A.M. No. 01-10-5-SC-PHILJA dated 29 August 2006

ADR Res. No. 06-06

“Guidelines Regarding

Government Employees Acting as Mediators”

Pending approval by the Court

ADR Res. No. 07-06

“Recommending the Approval

of Guidelines for the Accreditation of Appeals Court

Mediators and the Accreditation of Eighty-One

(81) Appellate Court Mediators”

Approved by the Court En Banc

through A.M. No. No. 04-3-15-SC-PHILJA dated 26 September 2006

ADR Res. No. 08-06

“Proposed Philippine

Mediation Center Operating Budget for 2007”

Approved by the Court En Banc in

A.M. No.06-11-13 SC-PHILJA dated 28 November 2006

ADR Res. No. 09-06

“Recommending the Approval of Seventy-Five (75) Mediators

for San Fernando, La Union; Marikina; Cagayan De Oro;

Parañaque; and Ormoc

Approved by the Court En Banc in

A.M. No.06-11-14 SC-PHILJA dated 5 December 2006

70

VI. ADR Grievance Committee

Pursuant to the Implementing Rules and Regulations on Mediation in the Trial Courts (A.M. No. 04-3-15-SC dated 23 March 2004), the ADR Grievance Committee had investigated and resolved, atotal of six (6) complaints filed against mediators from Metro Manila and Cebu City as of 31December 2006. Of these complaints, one (1) came from the appeals Court and the other five (5)from the trial courts.

The complaints filed against mediators consist of, among others: (1) unfair and inequitabledistribution of cases in violation of Judicial Reforms Office (JRO) Memo No. 19-05 dated 15 August2005; (2) lack of diligence, dedication and commitment to the duties and responsibilities of a UnitCoordinator; (3) gross ignorance of the law, acting as lawyer for appellees, grave abuse of authority,and unethical/unprofessional conduct; (4) violation of the Implementing Rules and Regulationson Mediation in the Trial Courts; and (5) undue discrimination and acts prejudicial to public servicefor failure to act on a request.

The six-month term of those composing the ADR Grievance Committee (the third for them): DeanPacifico A. Agabin, Chairman; and Attorneys Luch R. Gempis, Jr. and Juan B. Banez, Jr., Members;expired on 12 August 2006.

Pursuant to the Implementing Rules and Regulations on Mediation in the Trial Courts, the PhilippineJudicial Academy appointed Commissioner Linda Malenab-Hornilla as the new Chairperson of thecommittee; Atty. Ramon F. Dacanay, as member representing the Supervisors; and renewed Atty.Juan B. Bañez, Jr., as member representing the Mediators, to serve for six (6) months, from 13August 2006 to 13 January 2007.

VII. Decision Writing Manual Committee

The Academy, through its Academic Council, reconstituted the committee tasked to develop aManual for Judges on Decision Writing with practical guidelines in decision writing according to thestandards set by the Supreme Court. The manual is aimed to provide important reference materialfor judges. This project was started in 2005 but later was suspended by the Court on account of asimilar project entitled Manual of Judicial Writing that was published by the Court during the termof Chief Justice Hilario G. Davide, Jr. The late Justice Ricardo P. Galvez was Chair of the Committee,

The Foundation for Judicial Excellence donated funds for the revival of this project. The newcomposition of the committee is as follows:

Chair: Justice Hugo E. GutierrezVice-Chair: ACA Ismael G. Khan, Jr.Members: Justice Lucas P. Bersamin

Professor Sedfrey M. CandelariaAtty. Janice May ErniMr. Jay B. Rempillo

Recorder-Secretary: Ms. Queency S. Cortez

To date, the committee is still working on the manual. It held seven (7) meetings this year.

71

Liaison with Development PartnersOver the years, PHILJA was able to develop strong linkages with several local and internationalagencies in the conduct of its various programs, special focus seminars, workshops and relatedactivities.

In these partnerships, both PHILJA and the development partners collaborated to effectively addressthe needs of the Academy’s stakeholders, particularly on the recent developments in law. Today,the Academy does not only cater to judges and court personnel but also extends the delivery of itsprograms to other government organizations, as well as non-government organizations, localgovernment units, people’s organizations and other organizations through its development partners.

The Academy takes pride in having partnered with the various development agencies and looksforward to continuous engagement with them. PHILJA acknowledges the funding, expertise andtechnical support they have extended.

Special Focus Programs

The Academy was able to conduct several special focus seminars and workshops with supportfrom its local and international development partners.

Seminar on Rule of Procedure in Cases of Civil Forfeiture§ United States Agency for International Development (USAID)§ Rule of Law Effectiveness (ROLE)§ American Bar Association – Asia Law Initiative (ABA-Asia)

Intellectual Property Programs§ Intellectual Property Office (IPO)§ Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA)§ National Judicial Institute (NJI)

Code of Conduct§ United States Agency for International Development (USAID)§ American Bar Association – Asia Law Initiative (ABA–Asia)§ Program Management Office (PMO)§ University of the Philippines-Institute of Judicial Administration (UP-IJA)

Seminar-Workshop on Docket and Caseflow Management§ United States Agency for International Development (USAID)§ American Bar Association – Asia Law Initiative (ABA–Asia)§ Rule of Law Effectiveness (ROLE)

Training on Courtroom Issues§ United States Agency for International Development (USAID)§ American Bar Association–Asia Law Initiative (ABA–Asia)

72

Multi-Sectoral Seminar Workshops on Agrarian Justice§ Agrarian Justice Foundation, Inc. (AJFI)§ Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR)§ Department of Justice (DOJ)§ Philippine Ecumenical Action for Community Empowerment (Peace Foundation)§ Silliman University

Seminar-Workshops on Environmental Law§ United Nations Development Programme–Global Environment Facility – Small Grants

Programme (UNDP-GEF-SGP)§ International Visitor Program–Philippine Alumni Foundation, Inc.§ Haribon Foundation

Regional Multi-Sectoral Seminar-Workshops on Juvenile and Domestic Relations Justice(Advanced Level)§ United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF)§ United States Agency for International Development (USAID)§ The Asia Foundation (TAF)§ Adhikain Para sa Karapatang Pambata–Ateneo Human Rights Center (AKAP–AHRC)

Video Conference on Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act§ United States Agency for International Development (USAID)§ The Asia Foundation (TAF)

Seminar-Workshops on Law and Economic Development Issues§ British Embassy§ Ateneo Law School§ Ateneo de Manila-Department of Economics

Seminar-Workshops on CEDAW, Gender Sensitivity, and the Courts§ Committee on Gender Responsiveness in the Judiciary (CGRJ) – Sub-Committee on Training

and Capacity Building§ Ateneo Human Rights Center§ United Nations Development Fund for Women (UNIFEM)

Training Against Child Abuse Cases§ British Embassy§ Child Protection Unit Network (CPU-Net)

Sandiganbayan Computer Skills Training§ United States Agency for International Development (USAID)§ American Bar Association–Asia Law Initiative (ABA-Asia)§ Rule of Law Effectiveness (ROLE)

Strengthening the Implementation of the Code of Muslim Personal Laws of the Philippines• United States Agency for International Development (USAID)• The Asia Foundation (TAF)

73

Discussion on Grave Abuse of Discretion in the Context of Separation of Powers• United States Agency for International Development (USAID)• The Asia Foundation (TAF)• Fulbright-SyCip Family Foundation

Roundtable Discussion on Green Benches• United Nations Development Programme–Global Environmental Facility – Small Grants

Programme (UNDP-GEF-SGP)• United States Agency for International Development (USAID)• Haribon Foundation• Environmental Compliance and Enforcement Network (AECEN)

Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Projects

The successful implementation of the Academy’s projects will not be feasible without the enablingsupport of its three (3) major development partners.

Court-Annexed Mediation Project§ United States Agency for International Development (USAID)§ The Asia Foundation (TAF)

Appeals Court Mediation Project§ United States Agency for International Development (USAID)§ The Asia Foundation (TAF)

Justice Reform Initiatives Support (JURIS) Project§ Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA)§ National Judicial Institute (NJI)

Curriculum Integration of Mediation Programs and Trainings of PHILJA• United States Agency for International Development (USAID)• The Asia Foundation (TAF)• Institute for Social Studies and Action

Communication Program for Court-Annexed Mediation• United States Agency for International Development (USAID)• The Asia Foundation (TAF)• Asian Institute of Journalism and Communication (AIJC)

Conference on Arbitration for the Judiciary• United States Agency for International Development (USAID)• The Asia Foundation (TAF)• Kuala Lumpur Regional Centre for Arbitration (KLRCA)• Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (CIA)

74

Special Projects

Other milestone projects of the Academy with its development partners are as follows:

PHILJA Guide to Election Cases for First Level Trial Courts and Courts of General Jurisdiction§ Foundation for Judicial Excellence (FJE)

Development of the PHILJA Operations Manual§ Program Management Office (PMO)

e-Learning Program§ The Asia Foundation (TAF)§ Go Vida

Decision Writing Manual§ Foundation for Judicial Excellence (FJE)

Printing of the Environmental Law Training Manual and Greening the Judiciary Learning Moduleson Environment§ Program Management Office (PMO)

75

Visits of Foreign DelegationsMarch 2, 2006 - Atty. Teresa Cannady, Resident Advisor of ABA-Asia, and Mr. Matthew Stephens,representative of the World Bank-Jakarta, paid a courtesy call on the Philippine Judicial Academyand discussed with Justice Ameurfina A. Melencio Herrera, Justice Justo P. Torres, Jr. andJustice Delilah Vidallon-Magtolis matters of common interest.

March 15, 2006 - Mr. Barry Walsh of the ABA-Asia paid a courtesy call on the Academy and hada pleasant exchange of ideas with Justice Herrera and Justice Reyes.

March 16, 2006 - His Excellency Mr. Peter Beckingham, British Ambassador, attended theLaunching and Demonstration of the Video Training Modules on “Improving Judicial ProceedingsInvolving Child Sexual Abuse/ Exploitation Cases.”

May 29, 2006 - Mr. Sean Litton, Regional Director of the IJM- Southeast Asia Operations, metwith Justice Herrera to explore opportunities in support of their work in Cebu Province and inother areas.

August 29, 2006 - Ms. Phyllis Cox, Chief of Party, ROLE, paid a courtesy call on the Academy todiscuss topics of mutual concern with Justice Herrera, Justice Torres and Justice Magtolis.

August 30, 2006 - Judge Judith Kreeger (Circuit Judge, Miami, Florida, U.S.A.) attended theRoundtable Discussion on Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) and Ethical Issues in FamilyLaw Cases on August 30, 2006 through the initiative of Ms. Teresa Cannady, ABA-Asia PhilippineRepresentative. Judge Kreeger was able to observe proceedings at the Family Courts of QuezonCity; and successfully gave a short lecture-forum on the subject with a view to declog cases inFamily Courts and to preserve and strengthen family ties.

September 11 – 13, 2006 - An Impact Evaluation Survey on the Programs and Projects of theInternational Development Law Organization (IDLO) was held through three-day interviewsessions with lower court judges and other stakeholders regarding the Philippine Benchbookfor Trial Judges conducted by Mr. Dale Thompson from Universalia Consultant Agency. TheAcademy provided Mr. Thompson the necessary accommodations.

October 2, 2006 - Dr. Karin Arts and Ms. Tanya Mehra, participants in the Hague Forum forJudicial Expertise, paid a courtesy call on the Academy, and on Chief Justice Artemio V.Panganiban.

October 5, 2006 - The Launching of the Capacity- Building on Law and Economic DevelopmentIssues for the Philippine Judiciary Curriculum and Training Manual was attended by HisExcellency Ambassador Peter Beckingham who presided at the Ceremonial Turnover for theBritish Embassy.

December 14, 2006 - Another meeting took place with the International Justice Mission Team,wherein Executive Director Eric J. Rosenberg and Director Sam Inocencio visited the Academy

76

and discussed the possibility of conducting training seminars on child trafficking in Cebu, andoffered their assistance for the proposed activity.

December 18-29, 2006 - A delegation from the Supreme Court of Indonesia headed by R.M.Rum Nessa, Secretary of the Supreme Court of Indonesia, visited the Academy. Mr. Nessawas accompanied by Akoso (Director, Administration of General Court), HCJ H. Amran Suadi(Inspector, Area III of Supervision), Mr. Tri Diana Widowati (Head of Secretarial Bureau), H.Sarman Mulyana (Director for Criminal Military Cases) and Mrs. M. Yulie B. Setyaningsih (Directorfor Administrative Cases). Justice Ameurfina A. Melencio Herrera received the delegation andbriefed them on the objectives and activities of the Academy, with Justice Justo P. Torres, Jr.(Vice Chancellor) and Justice Delilah V. Magtolis (Executive Secretary) assisting.

77

PHILJA Development Center, Inc.I. Plan of Action recommended by the Task Force Group

In order for PHILJA to eventually achieve complete ownership of the PDCI, the following actions aredeemed necessary:

ACTION

TO BE DONE BY

STATUS

1. Compute the exact amount of SC advances 2. Look into the possibility of including:

a. salaries and benefits paid to the employees detailed to PDCI;

b. advances made by the SC will be in favor of PHILJA (interest-free) then PHILJA will loan it to PDCI (with interest)

PHILJA Finance / SC FMBO

On-going

3. Write PDCI for payment

PHILJA Finance

4. Compute value of the land per square meter

Assistant Corporate Secretary

Done

5. Compute no. of sq. ms. equivalent to the advances

Assistant Corporate Secretary

Done

6. Pay SC by dacion en pago of equivalent vacant lots

PDCI BOD Resolution

7. Ratify dacion en pago at the Stockholders’ Meeting

PDCI

8. Amend purpose of the corporation by adding the

original purpose of the center

PDCI BOD Resolution / Stockholders’ Ratification

For study

9. Reinstate dues of stockholders

PDCI BOD Resolution/ Stockholders’ Ratification

For study

10. Determine unknown / unpaid shares

PDCI Corporate Secretary

Done

11. Hold unknown shares in trust

PDCI BOD Resolution

No need – all delinquent shares cancelled by the old BOD

78

II. Income

The income of the PDCI is primarily generated from the activities of the Academy held at theCenter. The profit supports the operating expenses of the Corporation. From January to December2006, its gross income from operations and GSIS remuneration amounted to Php1,691,212.23,less total expenditures of Php1,346,900.49, leaving a net income of Php344,311.74.

III. Operations

This year, the Board of Directors, who continue to serve without compensation, held four (4) meetingsat the PHILJA Conference Room where they approved and ratified the following:

1. Repair of the submersible water pump and motor by Eveson Enterprises;2. Contracting of the services of Decimal Pest Control to undertake the Comprehensive

Termite Control Program;3. Long Term Lease of its existing facilities in favor of PHILJA;4. Use of the remaining balance of the BCDA fund to renovate, rehabilitate and construct

the PDCI;5. Detail of Mrs. Emily Vasquez as Resident Manager of the property;6. Request of Mrs. Chulia Azarcon to maintain a gate at the entrance of the side road

leading to their house;7. Request the PCSO for an ambulance for the permanent use of PDCI to respond to

emergency incidents during the conduct of activities in the premises.

Considering that the income of the Corporation is limited to that obtained from the PHILJA trainingsand seminars held at the Center, the Corporation is unable to finance any major repairs,improvements, and maintenance of its property. Consequently, requests for minor repairs such asthe repair of the roof damaged by heavy rains were directed to the Maintenance Division of theSupreme Court.

IV. Vacancies in the Board

Considering the expiration of the terms of Justice Martinez and Judge Agana and the resignationof Justice Velasco upon his appointment to the Supreme Court, the Board elected the following asnew members of the Board of Directors:

Executive Vice President: Justice Justo P. Torres, Jr.Treasurer: Justice Delilah V. MagtolisMembers: Justice Manuel M. Lazaro

Justice Francisco S. Tantuico, Jr.Resource Persons: Justice Minerva P. Gonzaga-Reyes

Ambassador Lilia R. BautistaEngr. Salvador P. Castro

79

V. Non-Holding of Annual Stockholders’ Meeting

On April 19, 2006, the Corporate Secretary filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission anAffidavit of Non-Holding of Annual Stockholders’ Meeting for the year 2006 considering the limitedoperations of the Corporation, the ensuing financial difficulties, and antecedent matters that neededattention. The SEC was also informed that the members of the current Board of Directors areserving on a hold-over capacity.

VI. Japan Grant

The highlight of the year was the approval of the P300M grant from the Japan Non-Project GrantAssistance – Counter Value Fund, for the construction and equipping of the PHILJA DevelopmentCenter in Tagaytay City. A Presentation and Appreciation Ceremony and Unveiling of the FoundationStone Marker have been held, the Implementation Committee has been formed, and the OrientationWorkshop laying down plans and prescribing time lines has been conducted.

Activities towards the implementation of plans for the construction and equipping of the PDC arein full swing. The Owner’s Brief and Terms of Reference have been approved by the PDC-PIC. It isalso presently in the process of contracting the services of a Consultant to undertake the “DetailedArchitectural and Engineering Design” through the BAC-APJR.

80

Financial ReportThe PHILJA-Fiscal Autonomy Fund provides 62% of the Academy’s funds. Current yeardisbursements were taken from its previous year’s balance and from OCA fund transfers. TheAcademy uses Accrual Basis of Accounting.

During the CY 2006, PHILJA conducted the following: five (5) Regional Career EnhancementPrograms (Level 4), two (2) Orientation-Seminar Workshops for Newly Appointed Clerks of Court,five (5) Orientation-Seminar Workshops for Newly Appointed Judges, ten (10) Convention-Seminars,one (1) Pre-Judicature Program, and eight (8) Special Focus/Other Seminars.

Five (5) Multi-Sectoral Seminars on Juvenile and Domestic Relations Justice, 11th Pre-JudicatureProgram, two (2) Shari’a Seminars on Muslim Personal Laws, and Code of Conduct for CourtPersonnel were successfully conducted with the aid of the Academy’s partner agencies like theUnited Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF), The Asia Foundation (TAF), andROLE-ABA Asia. Special Focus and other seminars were held by the Academy through the assistanceof the following institutions: Ateneo University, Intellectual Property Philippines, UNIFEM, HARIBONFoundation, and Agrarian Justice Foundation, Inc.

Some programs were not carried out this year because of some conditions beyond the control ofthe Academy. The Regional Judicial Career Enhancement Programs (Level 5) and two (2) seminarson Strengthening the Implementation of Muslim Personal Laws of the Philippines did not pushthrough due to insufficiency of funds. The Process Servers Association of the Philippines(PROSAPHIL) Convention-Seminar was moved to the next calendar year because of the typhoonthat devastated the whole Region 5, the proposed venue.

81

Fund Sources

Other agencies 16%

UNICEF 9%

Fiscal Autonomy 62%

The Asia Foundation

13%

Fiscal Autonomy The Asia Foundation UNICEF Other agencies

Expenses Charged to PHILJA Fiscal Autonomy

PHILJA Regular Program (RJCEP)

34.365%

PHILJA Regular Program

(Orientation Seminars)

Special / Other Seminars13.989%

Convention Seminars6.261%

Pre-Judicature2.180%

Miscellaneous Expenses3.545%

Code of Conduct Seminar0.450%

Shari'a Seminar3.069%

PHILJA Regular Program (RJCEP) PHILJA Regular Program (Orientation Seminars) Convention Seminars Special / Other SeminarsPre-Judicature Shari'a Seminar

A. Sources of PHILJA Funds

Note: Other agencies include Ateneo De Manila University, British Embassy, Rule of Law Effectiveness-American Bar Association Asia Law Initiative (ROLE-ABA ALI), IPPHILS., Agrarian Justice Foundation, Inc.,UNIFEM, and HARIBON Foundation.

B. Expenses Charged to PHILJA-Fiscal Autonomy

82

PMC 1 18% PMC 2

82%

PMC Collection for CY 2006

sources

MediationFees

99.52%

Renewal Fee of Mediator’s ID.

02%

Seminar Fees0.46%

The 1st graph of collections shows the percentage of collections for PMC Fund 1 & 2. PMC Fund 1 covers the collection of fees for cases filed before August 16, 2004 while PMC 2 covers the collections of fees for cases filed on or after August 16, 2004. Out of the total collections for CY 2006, 18% and 82% were deposited to PMC Fund 1 & 2, respectively.

PMC 2 61%

PMC 1 39%

UTILIZATION

Training & Seminar

Expenses

23%

Mediator's Fees

50%

Operating Expenses

13%

Acquisition of Equipment

14%

PMC Disbursement for CY 2006

The 1st graph of disbursement illustrates the distribution of expenditures for PMC Funds 1 and 2. Out of the total disbursements for CY 2006, 39% and 61% were charged to PMC Funds 1 & 2, respectively. The 2nd graph depicts how the PMC Funds were utilized for CY 2006.

C. Philippine Mediation Center (PMC) Trust Fund

1. PMC Collection for CY 2006

2. PMC Disbursement for CY 2006

83

EndowmentsProfessorial Chairs Endowed by the Metrobank Foundation, Inc.

The purpose of the Professorial Chairs is to provide assistance to the Philippine Judicial Academyto develop and enhance its programs in Judicial Education in order to encourage its Corps ofProfessors to author and publish treaties introducing innovative concepts and approaches indesignated areas of law which will promote competence, excellence and efficiency in the PhilippineJustice system.

Justice Vicente V. Mendoza, Constitutionalist and Retired Associate Justice of the Supreme Court,was the recipient of the Metrobank Foundation Professorial Chair Awards for Year 2005 in thearea of Constitutional Law. He lectured on his study, The Amending Process Under the Constitution,last July 7, 2006, at the Court of Appeals Auditorium, before Justices of the Supreme Court, Courtof Appeals, Sandiganbayan, Court of Tax Appeals; Judges of the trial courts in the National CapitalRegion (NCR); members of the business and diplomatic community; members of the legislature;officials of various government offices; Deans and members of the Faculty of NCR Law Schools;the PHILJA’s Corps of Professors; and PHILJA staff.

DonationsIn order to assist PHILJA in the pursuit of its mandate for continuing judicial education, Atty. JoseMaria A. Ochave, PHILJA Professor, extended support for the advancement of knowledge andresearch endeavors of the Academy. Atty. Ochave provided technical tools that would assist PHILJAin communication delivery and in the timely collection and compilation of programs, lectures,researches and other court proceedings and materials.

The Supreme Court of Nepal donated several books which greatly featured the judicial system ofNepal and its edicts. The Justice Studies Center of the Americas donated several foreign law booksand compact discs (CDs), which enhanced PHILJA’s library of foreign court systems.

On behalf of the Office of the Court Administrator, PHILJA accepted two (2) computer units and two(2) long-time UPS, through the auspices of the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA)through its Policy, Training and Technical Assistance Facility II (PTTAF), which will provide necessarytechnical assistance for the Court Administration Management Information System (CAMIS) Project.

84

PublicationsI. PHILJA Judicial Journal

The Research, Publications, and Linkages (RPLO) of the Academy is currently working on two (2)judicial journals. These journals are entitled Arbitration for the Judiciary (Volume VIII, Issue No.25) and Agrarian Justice (Volume VIII, Issue 26).

The PHILJA Journal on Arbitration for the Judiciary contains lectures on the Overview of Arbitrationin the Philippines and Highlights of the ADR Law; Party Autonomy and Arbitration; Anti-Suit Injunctionand Stay of Parallel Court Proceedings; Court Assistance in Taking Evidence; Proceedings Involvingthe Validity of Arbitration Agreements; Salient Features of the Arbitration Process; Interim Measures:The Role of the Arbitral Tribunal and the Court; Arbitrability: Changing Limitations; Recourse andEnforcement of an Arbitral Award: The Malaysian Experience; Public Policy as a Ground to Vacatean Arbitral Award; Philippine Perspective on the Issue of Arbitrability; Chronicle of Current IssuesAffecting International Commercial Arbitration; and Court-Annexed Arbitration: An Initial Proposal.These lectures were delivered during the Conference on Arbitration for the Judiciary conducted onMarch 23 to 24, 2006.

On the other hand, the journal on Agrarian Justice will feature lectures delivered during the seriesof Seminar-Workshops on Agrarian Justice. Topics included are The Social and ConstitutionalContext of Agrarian Reform, Salient Features of Agrarian Reform; Implementation of theComprehensive Agrarian Reform Program, and Jurisdiction in Agrarian Reform Cases.

II. PHILJA Bulletin

For CY 2006, the PHILJA Bulletin (Volume VIII, Issue Nos. 29-32) published PHILJA news andactivities, Doctrinal Reminders lifted from the latest rulings of the Court as well as Resolutions,Orders and Circulars issued by the Court and Court issuances on the following:

A. Issue No. 29§ Revised Rules of the Court of Tax Appeals;§ Guidelines for the Implementation of the Drug Prevention Program for the First and Second

Level Courts;§ Faithful and Efficient Compliance with the Requirements of R.A. 9165; and§ Rule on Administrative Procedure in Sexual Harassment Cases and Guidelines on Proper

Work Decorum in the Judiciary.

B. Issue No. 30§ New Code of Judicial Conduct for the Philippine Judiciary;§ Accreditation of Two or More Newspapers of the Same Owner;§ Implementation of the Rule on Guidelines to be Observed by the Trial Court Judges and

the Use of Depository-Discovery Measures;§ Provisions of R.A. 9165, otherwise known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of

2002; and§ Affixing the Date of Hearing in the Registry Return Card/Receipt Attached to Each Registered

Mail of the Court.

85

C. Issue No. 31§ Revised Provision of Canon 4, Section 9 of the New Code of Judicial Conduct;§ Amendment of Rule 139-B;§ Civil Service Commission Memorandum Circular No. 12, s. 2005 (Use of Non-Sexist

Language in All Official Documents, Communications and Issuances);§ Designation of a Focal Person and an Assistant Focal Person for Designated Family Courts

and Other Regional Trial Courts Handling Family and Youth Cases;§ Revised Guidelines in the Operation of the Computer Acquisition Program under the

Expanded Supreme Court-Motorcycle and Computer Acquisition Program (SC-MCAP);§ Guidelines on the Requisition, Issuance and Consumption of Official Receipts for Land

Registration Authority Collections; and§ Guidelines on the Reduction of Bond Liability.

D. Issue No. 32§ Request for Clarification Whether it is Still Necessary for Justices and Judges to Secure an

Ombudsman Clearance for Purposes of their Application for Retirement;§ Prohibition Against Dual Appointments and Double Compensation of a Government

Employee;§ Amendment of Rule 139-B;§ Authority to Notarize Documents; and§ Request for Clarification Whether it is Still Necessary for Justices and Judges to Secure an

Ombudsman Clearance for Purposes of their Application for Retirement.

III. PHILJA Website

The Academy continuously updates its PHILJA Website with the assistance of the Supreme CourtManagement Information Systems Office. The website contains Pre-Judicature Program (PJP) andother PHILJA announcements as well as its application and registration forms, news and calendarof PHILJA activities, PHILJA Fax /Electronic Alerts releases from year 2004 to its latest issue.Currently, the website has links to the PHILJA e-Learning Website (www.philjaelearning.org) especiallydesigned by GO VIDA - IT Consultant for the Academy’s e-Learning project on Civil Law and RemedialLaw supported by The Asia Foundation (TAF).

VI. PHILJA Fax/Electronic Alerts

For almost six (6) years now, the PHILJA FAX/ELECTRONIC Alerts have been released monthly tojudges, clerks of court and other court personnel, through fax or e-mail. The publication originallyconsisted of Supreme Court decisions in administrative cases involving judges and other courtpersonnel to assist them in the performance of their duties efficiently and effectively. Later, SupremeCourt circulars and administrative orders were included, together with the circulars issued by theCourt Administrator. At one point the schedule of PHILJA seminars was included in each issue, buthad to be discontinued because schedules were subjected to changes by reason of administrativerequirements.

To improve the publication’s content, suggestions were solicited from the end-users from time totime. For effective dissemination and distribution, the directory of judges is regularly checked forchanges, especially when there are new appointees to the Bench.

86

To help judges and court personnel in their research on their judicial functions and duties, FAXALERTS issues are indexed for easy retrieval. It is continuously being released electronically anddistributed during seminars conducted regularly by the PHILJA.

V. Other Publications

Aside from the Academy’s regular publications, the RPLO also facilitated the printing of theEnvironmental Law Training Manual and Greening the Judiciary (Interactive Training Modules onEnvironment). Funding for the printing was made possible with support from the ProgramManagement Office (PMO).

These publications were part of the projects on Environment developed by the Academy, with thegenerous support from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), UnitedStates – Asia Environmental Partnership (US-AEP), and The Asia Foundation (TAF). These will bedistributed to selected judges to guide them in the effective resolution of environmental law.

87

Personal Needs

Social Needs

Safety Needs

Physiological Needs

The Court and the Academy continue to work towards a strengthened judiciary. Efforts arebeing taken to give importance to the development of its human resources. Throughout the year,PHILJA employees participated in training programs in various fields to become enlightened,enriched, and enabled individuals and, more importantly, to become better public servants.

Training programs for the continuing education of lawyers, capacity building of technicalstaff, seminars to orient court personnel on various governing laws, and training courses onbecoming more effective in the performance of their job had been conducted. The Court also sentofficials and staff, including three employees of PHILJA, to a continuous training program TowardsA Strengthened Human Resource Management and Development of the Judiciary, through thePhilippine-Australian Human Resource Development Facility (PAHRDF), Orient IntegratedDevelopment Consultants, Inc. (OIDCI), which was conducted in the Philippines and in New SouthWales, Australia, in furtherance of its commitment to improve the Human Resources Development(HRD) program of the Court.

Personal NeedsThe Academy is also serious in its efforts to equip its employees to face challenges in the office.It tries to reach out to as many individuals, to impart the lessons learned by those who wereprivileged to attend training programs through echo sessions in the Academy’s HRD Sessions.

Social NeedsIn this era of technology, the Academy provided for computer literacy among its employees withHRD Sessions on Microsoft Word (Basic and Advanced), Microsoft Excel (Basic and Advanced),Microsoft Access, and Quickbooks.

Physiological NeedsSafety Needs

The Academy did not only aim to develop the capabilities of PHILJA employees but alsoinitiated efforts towards their welfare. HRD Sessions tried to open opportunities foradvancement through the conduct of review classes sponsored by the MSA AcademicAdvancement Institute for the Career Service Exam: Professional/Sub-Professional OrientationProgram; and lectures that increase awareness on Safety in the Office, teach correct grammarusage, improve organizational communication, and offer spiritual enrichment.

Its instituted traditions have not been forgotten. Certificates of Commendation todeserving employees were awarded and birthdays were celebrated monthly with a simplemerienda sponsored by the Executive Officials of PHILJA. Blessings were shared with itsadopted institution, the Bahay Kalinga Foundation of Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish, through amedical support activity/mission.

The year culminated with a fun-filled PHILJA Christmas Party held at Tagaytay City to reinforcePHILJA’s “Oneness.” After all, happy people are happy workers.

It is the Academy’s hope that it has contributed to the whole well-being of its humanresources to pave the way for the realization of the Academy’s vision “for a performing,efficient, and effective Judicial Academy.”

Human Resource Development Program

88

Training Programs Attended by PHILJA Officials and Employees in 2006

Service Delivery Enhancement Program

Employee Effectiveness Training Course

Supervisory Development Course

Towards A Strengthened HRMD of the Judiciary (New South Wales, Australia)

Capacity Development Workshop (Santiago, Chile)

Intermediate Statistics Training Course

JAVA Programming Module 1

Adobe Photoshop CS2 Basics

Advanced Photoshop CS2 for Print Production

Macromedia Flash MX 2004: Rich Media Design

Macromedia Dreamweaver MX 2004: Website Development

Adobe InDesign CS 2

Publications Design

Web Design Fundamentals

Continuing Legal Education Program for Court Attorneys

Code of Conduct for Court Personnel

Seminar Workshop on E-NGAS

Seminar on Reform Value Added Tax Law (RVAT)

Study Tour on Skills-Based Judicial Education for Newly Appointed Judges and Approaches to Gender Issues in Judicial Education

(Vancouver, Richmond and Whistler, British Columbia, Canada)

Symposium and Workshop on Gender Sensitivity for Court Attorneys

Seminar Workshop on CEDAW, Gender Sensitivity and the Courts

Seminar Workshop on Law and Economic Development Issues for the Philippine Judiciary

Incorporating DNA Evidence in the Resolution of Sexual Assault Cases in the Philippines

National Experts Workshop on International Legal Cooperation Against Terrorism

Philippine Global Trade E-Learning Program (PGTEP)

Workshop on Practical Applications of MCLE Programs

Workshop on the Integration of PHILJA Trainers’ Training Course and Lawyers’ Orientation Programs on Mediation

Workshop on the Development of the Advanced Mediation Training Course

Workshop to Review the Orientation Program for Judges on Court-Annexed Mediation and Training Program in Judicial Dispute Resolution

Performance Monitoring & Evaluation of the APJR (Short Term Course)

Action Planning Workshop relative to the Implementation of the Japan NPGA-CVF Project for PDC

Tagaytay

PHILJA Corporate Planning

89

A.M. Administrative MatterAAO Administrative Affairs OfficeABA-Asia American Bar Association – Asia Law

InitiativeAC Academic CouncilACM Appeals Court MediationADB Asian Development BankADR Alternative Dispute ResolutionALGI Alternative Law Groups, Inc.APJEF Asia Pacific Judicial Educators ForumAPJR Action Program on Judicial ReformBAC Bids and Awards CommitteeBOT Board of TrusteesCA Court of AppealsCAM Court-Annexed MediationCAMIS Court Administration Management

Information SystemCFM Caseflow ManagementCGRJ Committee on Gender Responsiveness in

the JudiciaryCHR Commission on Human RightsCIDA Canadian International Development

AgencyCEDAW Convention on the Elimination of All Forms

of Discrimination Against WomenCLERAP Court Legal Researchers Association of the

PhilippinesCMIS Case Management Information SystemCOSTRAPHIL Court Stenographic Reporters Association

of the PhilippinesCPRM Center for Public Resources ManagementCTA Court of Tax AppealsDCC Division Clerks of CourtDMC Design Management CommitteeDSWD Department of Social Work and

DevelopmentDOJ Department of JusticeDTI Department of Trade and IndustryFLECCAP First Level Clerks of Court of the

PhilippinesGAD Gender and DevelopmentGSIS Government Service Insurance SystemHRD Human Resource DevelopmentIJM International Justice MissionIPO Intellectual Property OfficeIOJT International Organization for Judicial

TrainingJACOPHIL Judiciary Association of Clerks of the

PhilippinesJDR Judicial Dispute ResolutionJEDNET Judicial Educators NetworkJJDR Juvenile Justice and Domestic RelationsJRO Judicial Reforms OfficeJSF Japan Special FundJURIS Justice Reform Initiatives SupportLADR Legal Accountability and Dispute

ResolutionMEDCo Mindanao Economic Development

Council

Acronyms…MCJAP Metropolitan and City Judges

Association of the PhilippinesMCLE Mandatory Continuing Legal EducationMeTC Metropolitan Trial CourtMeTCJAP Metropolitan and City Judges

Association of the PhilippinesMISO Management Information Systems

OfficeMTCC Municipal Trial Court in CitiesNBI National Bureau of InvestigationNCR National Capital RegionNCJR National Capital Judicial RegionNJI National Judicial InstituteNSW New South WalesNPGA-CVF Non-Project Grant Assistance Counter

Value FundOCA Office of the Court AdministratorPACSWI Philippine Association of Court Social

Workers, Inc.PAHRDF Philippines-Australia Human Resource

Development FacilityPDCI PHILJA Development Center, Inc.PHILACI Philippine Association of Court

InterpretersPHILJA Philippine Judicial AcademyPIO Public Information OfficePJA Philippine Judges AssociationPJP Pre-Judicature ProgramPMC Philippine Mediation CenterPMC-CA Philippine Mediation Center – Court of

AppealsPMO Program Management OfficePMO-GOP Program Management Office –

Government of the PhilippinesPTJLI Philippine Trial Judges League, Inc.PWJA Philippine Women Judges AssociationRA Republic ActRJCEP Regional Judicial Career Enhancement

ProgramROLE Rule of Law EffectivenessRPLO Research, Publications and Linkages

OfficeRTC Regional Trial CourtSC Supreme CourtSC-FA Supreme Court – Fiscal AutonomySC-OAS Supreme Court – Office of

Administrative ServicesSEC Securities and Exchange CommissionTAF The Asia FoundationTWG Technical Working GroupUNDP United Nations Development

ProgrammeUNDP-GEF-SG United Nations Development

Programme-Global EnvironmentFacility-Small Grants Programme

US United StatesUSAID United States Agency for International

Development

90

The Editorial TeamConsultants

Justice Ameurfina A. Melencio HerreraJustice Justo P. Torres, Jr.

Justice Delilah Vidallon-MagtolisDCA Bernardo T. PonferradaProf. Sedfrey M. Candelaria

Editorial Staff

Atty. Ma. Cristina M. CabreraAtty. Rodel O. Hernandez

Atty. Butch Ordanza-AbutalMs. Arsenia M. Mendoza

Lay-out

Mr. Joseph Arvin S. CruzMs. Jocelyn D. Bondoc

Contributors

Atty. David L. BallesterosAtty. Ma. Cristina M. CabreraAtty. Ma. Melissa R. Dimson

Atty. Amelia T. GuillamunAtty. Iris Gutierrez

Atty. Rodel O. HernandezAtty. Andrew Michael S. OngAtty. Butch Ordanza-Abutal

Atty. Mark Anthony D.R. PolonanMs. Estelita G. AntonioMs. Jocelyn D. BondocMr. Manuel C. Cabugao

Ms. Ma. Lourdes B. dela CruzMr. Policarpio G. Felicidario, Jr.

Ms. Micaela J. HosillosMs. Elizabeth P. Martin

Ms. Rouschelle G. MercadoMs. Ma. Cristina Molo-Recio

Mr. Jose T. Name, Jr.Ms. Purita B. Perez

Ms. Armida M. SalazarMs. Queency M. Sara-Cortez

Ms. Jeniffer P. SisonMs. Joan Marie C. Tejada

Ms. Suzette P. Valdez