WHEREAS, Republic Act 9184 or the new Government Procurement Reform Act and Republic Act 9285 or the Alternative Dispute Resolution Act of 2004 specifically provide resort to arbitration by the CIAC, affirming CIAC's crucial role in the speedy and efficient resolution of claims and disputes in the Philippine construction industry, a vital sector of the economy, and in the de-clogging of court dockets;

WHEREAS, in anticipation of the expected increase in the number of cases lodged before the CIAC arising from an intensified implementation of the above laws, the Commission sees the need to expand its present pool of arbitrators through the conduct of the 7th Accreditation Course for Construction Arbitrators to be held in Metro Manila in September 2011;

WHEREAS, the Commission, likewise, desires to include in its pool of construction arbitrators, individuals with knowledge and experience in relevant fields of construction but who would not qualify under the existing requirements which limit applicants to those with Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Architecture, Law, or Accountancy only; and

WHEREAS, the Commission believes that professionals who are not members of a professional organization but who meet the other minimum requirements for accreditation, should not be barred from applying for accreditation as construction arbitrators;

NOW THEREFORE, THE COMMISSION by virtue of the powers vested in it by law and after due deliberations in its 136th Regular Meeting, RESOLVES to amend the minimum requirements for accreditation as CIAC arbitrator to read as follows:

1. At least 40 years of age at the time of application;
   
   
2. Holder of Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Architecture, Law, Accountancy or any other course relevant to any field of construction or construction activity;
   
   
3. Licensed to practice his/her profession in the Philippines and, preferably, endorsed and/or nominated by his/her professional organization through a duly approved Board Resolution;
   
   
4. At least ten (10) years in the practice of his/her profession and ten (10) years of work experience in construction management-related activities or in handling of construction disputes and/or contract negotiations;
   
   
5. In full enjoyment of his/her civil rights and must not have been convicted of crime involving moral turpitude or of any crime for which the penalty imposed upon him/her is over six (6) months of imprisonment; and
   
   
6. Willing to undergo all screening requirements and accreditation course for arbitrators to be conducted by the CIAC.

The above amended requirements shall apply to all applicants of the 7th Accreditation Course for Construction Arbitrators and subsequent accreditation programs of the CIAC.

UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED.


Adopted: 23 June 2011
   
 

THE COMMISSION:
(SGD.) ISAAC S. DAVID	(SGD.) SAMSON C. LAZO
Acting Chairman	Member