DRBF Advocacy Gains Momentum at Manila Construction Dispute Resolution Forum
The DRBF furthered its global reach and advocacy on 12 March 2026, as the Manila Construction Dispute Resolution Forum brought together a diverse group of stakeholders at the University of the Philippines-Bonifacio Global City. The event drew a robust audience of over 100 stakeholders, including international funding institutions, Philippine government agencies, contractors, consultants, and legal experts.
A Global and Local Perspective on DB Evolution
The morning sessions were dedicated to the transformative power of Dispute Boards (DBs). Prof. Sarwono Hardjomuljadi, DRBF Region 2 Director and DRBF Representative for Indonesia, opened with a recorded presentation charting the 30-year evolution of DBs. He underscored the DRBF’s pivotal role in shaping the global ADR landscape through sustained advocacy and education.
Bringing the focus to the local stage, Engr. Salvador P. Castro, Jr., DRBF Region 2 Director and DRBF Representative for the Philippines, traced the development of Dispute Boards in the Philippines since their introduction in 2005. His presentation highlighted the DRBF’s 20-year advocacy journey in the country and detailed current initiatives to institutionalize DBs within the government’s infrastructure flagship projects.
Data-Driven Insights and Selection Strategies
In Session 3, Frédéric Gillion, Partner at Pinsent Masons and DRBF member, presented critical findings from the King’s College international survey, providing a comprehensive look at the worldwide use of Dispute Boards over the past six years. This was followed by an in-depth discussion by Engr. Castro on the nuances of DB selection, with a specific focus on dispute avoidance within the Philippine regulatory context. Mike Allen, Managing Partner at Secretariat, joined the panel to offer his expert perspective on the practicalities of the DB member selection process.
Proven Success: Zero Disputes Amidst Super Typhoons
The forum’s final sessions brought theory into practice. A panel of veteran DB members shared "on-the-ground" insights from their professional careers, moderated by a group including Atty-Engr. Jesusito Morallos, President of the Society of Construction Law Philippines.
A highlight was Engr. Castro’s presentation of a compelling case study: a 222-km road rehabilitation project in the Philippines. Despite the catastrophic impact of Super Typhoons Haiyan and Ruby, the project achieved a zero-dispute outcome. This success story served as a powerful testament to the effectiveness of the Dispute Avoidance Board (DAB) approach in navigating even the most extreme project pressures.
The DRBF extends its gratitude to the co-organizers of the event, Pinsent Masons, Gulapa Law, and Secretariat, and the supporting organizations JOI, OCJAI, SCL Philippines, PIARB, PICAM, and PDRC. It was a productive day of knowledge-sharing as we continue to build a foundation for project success in Southeast Asia.