Construction Industry Arbitration Commission - CIAC

01/10/2026

01/10/2026

𝐂𝐈𝐀𝐂, 𝐏𝐈𝐂𝐀𝐌 𝐇𝐨𝐥𝐝 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 𝟑𝐫𝐝 𝐐𝐮𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐌𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐀𝐫𝐛𝐢𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐬 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐮𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐄𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 (𝐌𝐀𝐂𝐄) 𝐒𝐞𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐫

QUEZON CITY, 25 September 2026 – The Construction Industry Arbitration Commission (CIAC), in collaboration with the Philippine Institute of Construction Arbitrators and Mediators (PICAM), Inc., successfully held the 𝟑𝐫𝐝 𝐐𝐮𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐌𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐀𝐫𝐛𝐢𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐬 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐮𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐄𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 (𝐌𝐀𝐂𝐄) 𝐒𝐞𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐫 on 25 September 2026 at Seda Vertis North, Diliman, Quezon City.

The one-day seminar drew 78 participants, composed of CIAC arbitrators, mediators, commissioners, and CIAC Secretariat.

The program opened with remarks from Engr. Rodolfo R. Peñalosa, followed by the morning's main discussion on "𝑃𝑢𝑏𝑙𝑖𝑐-𝑃𝑟𝑖𝑣𝑎𝑡𝑒 𝑃𝑎𝑟𝑡𝑛𝑒𝑟𝑠ℎ𝑖𝑝 (𝑃𝑃𝑃) 𝐶𝑜𝑛𝑠𝑡𝑟𝑢𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝐶𝑜𝑚𝑚𝑒𝑟𝑐𝑖𝑎𝑙 𝐷𝑖𝑠𝑝𝑢𝑡𝑒: 𝐿𝑖𝑚𝑖𝑡𝑠 𝑜𝑓 𝐶𝐼𝐴𝐶 𝐽𝑢𝑟𝑖𝑠𝑑𝑖𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛." On behalf of Engr. Salvador P. Castro, Jr., Engr. Roger G. Antonio delivered the presentation and Atty. Elmar B. Galacio moderated the panel discussion. The panelists were Engr. Ramon F. Allado, Dr. Ernesto S. De Castro, and Atty. Lourdes J. Espinosa. An open forum allowed participants to raise questions and share insights on the scope and boundaries of CIAC's authority over disputes arising from PPP projects. Overall, the perspectives and experiences shared highlighted significant opportunities for the construction arbitration community as long-term PPP capital projects face construction challenges.

In the afternoon, Atty. Arturo G. Selim tackled two topics: "𝑇ℎ𝑒 3 𝐴𝑀 𝑅𝑢𝑙𝑒: 𝑃𝑟𝑜𝑐𝑒𝑑𝑢𝑟𝑎𝑙 𝐼𝑛𝑡𝑒𝑔𝑟𝑖𝑡𝑦 𝑣𝑠. 𝑇𝑟𝑢𝑛𝑐𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑑 𝑇𝑟𝑖𝑏𝑢𝑛𝑎𝑙𝑠," 𝑎𝑛𝑑 "𝐶𝐼𝐴𝐶 𝐴𝑟𝑏𝑖𝑡𝑟𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝐽𝑢𝑟𝑖𝑠𝑑𝑖𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑖𝑛 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑀𝑎𝑟𝑎𝑚𝑎𝑔-𝐵𝑢𝑛𝑎𝑤𝑎𝑛 𝑇𝑟𝑎𝑛𝑠𝑚𝑖𝑠𝑠𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑃𝑟𝑜𝑗𝑒𝑐𝑡 𝐷𝑖𝑠𝑝𝑢𝑡𝑒." The first topic utilized the mnemonic “3 A.M.” (3 Arbitrators, Mandatory Rule) to underscore that procedural integrity must always override the temptation to save time by proceeding with only two arbitrators, as a void award ultimately wastes far more time, cost, and institutional credibility than the delay of properly reconstituting the tribunal. The second topic centered on the principle that jurisdiction follows function over form – a party that accepts the benefits and control of a construction contract cannot selectively reject the arbitration clause that comes with it, and CIAC should keep all functionally bound parties together in a single forum to avoid split, inconsistent resolutions of complex public infrastructure disputes. A second open forum followed, giving participants the chance to delve deeper into both subjects.

Commissioner Antonio A. Abola delivered the closing message, noting that the topics and discussions were highly engaging. He expressed anticipation for the final MACE Seminar of the year.

The MACE Program is part of CIAC's continuing effort to keep its pool of arbitrators and mediators updated on developments in construction dispute resolution, jurisprudence, and practice. The 4th Quarter MACE will be held in early December 2026.

16/09/2026

🏗️ BRINGING ARBITRATION CLOSER TO MINDANAO'S BUILDERS ⚖️

CIAC had a big week in Mindanao this September! The CIAC joined two major industry events in Mindanao to help contractors and project owners know exactly where to turn when construction disputes arise.

📍 DAVAO CITY (PhilConstruct Mindanao 2026). CIAC joined a Technoforum organized by a private law firm, Cruz, Marcelo & Tenefrancia, on the sidelines of the country's premiere construction trade show, PhilConstruct Mindanao 2026 on 5 September 2026. The session opened with a "Deal or No Deal" game on fair contract terms. Ms. Delia B. Perlada briefed attendees on CIAC's jurisdiction and shared a model arbitration clause parties can adopt in their contracts. The forum concluded with the fundamentals of construction law and contract claims, reminding everyone how to protect their projects.

📍 ZAMBOANGA CITY (PCAB Regional Roadshow). CIAC stood alongside a fellow regulatory agency in the construction industry, the Philippine Contractors Accreditation Board, for a roadshow reaching 38 contractors and new applicants on 9 September 2026. The talk covered CIAC's jurisdiction, the arbitration process, and landmark Supreme Court rulings backing CIAC's authority.

💡 One was organized by a private law firm at a trade show, and the other by a regulatory agency at a regional roadshow - but the impact on the audience is the same, builders in Mindanao walk away knowing exactly whom to turn for specialized construction dispute resolution.

11/09/2026

07/09/2026

🏗️ CIAC Briefing and Discussion at the PCAB Roadshow 📍

Attention contractors and industry stakeholders in Zamboanga City! 🚧

The Construction Industry Arbitration Commission (CIAC), in collaboration with the Philippine Contractors Accreditation Board (PCAB), is bringing the Roadshow to your city!

Join us to learn how arbitration can protect your projects and stay up to date on the latest PCAB regulations—all in one event. 🤝

📅 Date: September 8 - 9, 2026 (CIAC briefing and discussion will be held on the second day)
📍 Venue: Grand Astoria Hotel, Zamboanga City

Together, we can build a better future!
Save the date—we look forward to seeing you there! 👷‍♂️👷‍♀️

11/08/2026

🏗️ CIAC Briefing and Discussion at PCAB Roadshow 📍

Calling all contractors and industry stakeholders in Sta. Rosa, Laguna! 🚧

The Construction Industry Arbitration Commission (CIAC), in collaboration with the Philippine Contractors Accreditation Board - PCAB, brings the Roadshow to your city!

Learn how arbitration protects your projects, and get the latest on PCAB regulation — all in one event. 🤝

📅 Date: 12-13 August 2026 (CIAC briefing & discussion on 2nd day)
📍 Venue: El Cielito Hotel, Sta. Rosa, Laguna

Together, We Build a Better Future!
Save the date — see you there! 👷‍♂️👷‍♀️

28/07/2026

𝐂𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐚𝐬𝐩𝐢𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐫𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐨𝐧! 📢

The 𝑷𝑪𝑨𝑩 𝑹𝒐𝒂𝒅𝒔𝒉𝒐𝒘 𝒎𝒆𝒆𝒕𝒔 𝑪𝑰𝑨𝑪 𝑷𝒓𝒆𝒔𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 is coming to Bacolod City! Learn about PCAB licensing & registration, plus arbitration and CIAC jurisdiction — perfect for contracting parties, claimants, and future arbitrators.

📅 July 30–31, 2026
📍 L'Fisher Hotel, Bacolod City

Don't miss this chance to learn, connect, and resolve.



Register now! 👇

22/07/2026

Happy Birthday, Chairperson Justice Teresita V. Diaz-Baldos (Ret.)!

Your CIAC Family wishes you a wonderful birthday filled with joy, good health, and abundant blessings. Thank you for your inspiring leadership and unwavering dedication. Wishing you continued success and happiness in the years ahead. 🎉

20/07/2026

𝑪𝑰𝑨𝑪 𝑱𝒐𝒊𝒏𝒔 𝑩𝒂𝒄𝒌-𝒕𝒐-𝑩𝒂𝒄𝒌 𝑷𝑪𝑨𝑩 𝑹𝒆𝒈𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒂𝒍 𝑹𝒐𝒂𝒅𝒔𝒉𝒐𝒘𝒔 𝒊𝒏 𝑴𝒂𝒌𝒂𝒕𝒊 𝑪𝒊𝒕𝒚 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑪𝒂𝒃𝒂𝒏𝒂𝒕𝒖𝒂𝒏 𝑪𝒊𝒕𝒚

The Construction Industry Arbitration Commission (CIAC) took its advocacy on the road once more, joining two consecutive regional roadshows organized by the Philippine Contractors Accreditation Board - PCAB — first at St. Giles Hotel, Makati City on 14 July 2026, and again in Cabanatuan City on 16 July 2026.

CIAC's Arbitration, Mediation, and Conciliation Division Chief, Ms. Delia B. Billedo-Perlada, presented CIAC's jurisdiction, arbitration process, and the advantages of arbitration over regular court litigation — giving participants a clearer picture of faster, more efficient ways to resolve construction disputes.

These back-to-back engagements reflect CIAC's continued partnership with PCAB in strengthening its network across the regions and promoting greater awareness of dispute resolution and arbitrator accreditation in the construction industry.

Stay tuned for more roadshow updates at the PCAB page! Philippine Contractors Accreditation Board - PCAB

09/07/2026

𝐒𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐟𝐮𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐮𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐚𝐫𝐛𝐢𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧

The Philippine Institute of Construction Arbitrators and Mediators (PICAM), joined by the Construction Industry Arbitration Commission (CIAC), successfully hosted the 2nd Construction Arbitration Moot Competition on July 6–7, 2026, at the University of the Philippines Bonifacio Global City!

Eight law schools from across the country went head-to-head, tackling landmark construction cases. They are: Ateneo de Naga, Aurora State College of Technology, Batangas State University, Cagayan State University, De La Salle University, Jose Maria College Foundation Inc., Manila Adventist College, and University of Perpetual Help System, whose delegates demonstrated impressive command of construction law and arbitration advocacy.

The competition ran through several rounds of oral arguments over the two days, culminating in the announcement of this year’s big winners:

🏆Overall Champion: Jose Maria College Foundation, Inc.
🎗️🧠Best Memorial for Both Claimant and Respondent: 𝐌𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐥𝐚 𝐀𝐝𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐬𝐭 𝐂𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐠𝐞
🎗️🗣️Best Oralist for 𝓒𝓵𝓪𝓲𝓶𝓪𝓷𝓽: 𝙈𝙞𝙠𝙖𝙚𝙡𝙖 𝙋𝙖𝙩𝙧𝙞𝙘𝙞𝙖 𝘼 𝙏𝙤𝙣𝙜𝙨𝙤𝙣 of 𝐃𝐞 𝐋𝐚 𝐒𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐞 𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐲
🎗️🗣️Best Oralist for 𝓡𝓮𝓼𝓹𝓸𝓷𝓭𝓮𝓷𝓽: 𝘼𝙥𝙧𝙞𝙡 𝙉𝙤𝙚𝙡𝙡𝙞𝙚 𝘼𝙧𝙢𝙞𝙡𝙡𝙖 of 𝐉𝐨𝐬𝐞 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐚 𝐂𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐠𝐞 𝐅𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐈𝐧𝐜.

Justice Teresita V. Diaz-Baldos (Ret.), Chairperson of the CIAC, gave the closing remarks. Thereafter, Commissioner Engr. Emilio Lolito Tumbocon, officially opened the CIAC’s Moot Dinner, which was followed by the presentation of special awards for participating schools.

The participating students impressed judges and observers alike with their preparation, poise, and grasp of the intricacies of construction arbitration — a promising sign for the next generation of practitioners in the field.