MANILA — The Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) and the Philippine Dispute Resolution Center Inc. (PDRCI) renewed their commitment to sports arbitration in a formal agreement signed at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex on Thursday (18 Jan 2024).
PSC Chairman Richard Bachmann and PDRCI acting president Rogelio Nicandro officially sealed the memorandum of agreement (MOA), solidifying their collaboration since 2021. This partnership has played a crucial role in upholding fairness and accountability within the national sports associations, according to Bachmann’s statement.
In his remarks, Bachmann emphasized the significance of the renewed partnership, stating, “By renewing our alliance, we are reinforcing our dedication to providing athletes and stakeholders with a reliable and efficient avenue for dispute resolution.”
The primary objective of the MOA is to institutionalize and implement a sports Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) policy, particularly tailored for national sports associations. This initiative aims to ensure the swift and cost-effective resolution of sports-related disputes through a flexible, rule-guided procedure.
PDRCI Executive Director Arleo Magtibay Jr. expressed enthusiasm about the renewed partnership, asserting, “We firmly believe it is beneficial to our athletes, the NSAs, and all other stakeholders in Philippine sports.” Magtibay emphasized the importance of providing a venue for amicable and expeditious dispute resolution, allowing athletes and officials to focus on training and competitions to bring glory to the country.
The PSC had previously mandated NSAs to submit an Arbitration Provision to the sports agency as part of their Articles of Incorporation and By-laws. This requirement aligns with Section 181 of R.A. No. 11232, the Revised Corporation Code of the Philippines.
The collaboration between PSC and PDRCI extends beyond the MOA, encompassing joint efforts in promoting the benefits of ADR. Both entities agreed to collaborate on various activities, including webinars, seminars, lectures, and other initiatives aimed at disseminating information and providing training on alternative dispute resolution.
The signing ceremony witnessed the presence of key figures, including PSC Commissioner Matthew “Fritz” Gaston, Executive Director Paulo Francisco Tatad, PDRCI Chairman Victor Lazatin, Sports Arbitration Committee Chairman Charlie Ho, and lawyer Dondi Gaston.
(By el Amigo/MNM)