Post by Singapore International Arbitration Centre

SIAC returned to the Philippines to hold the SIAC Manila Conference on 20 May 2026. The conference was well received, bringing together a diverse audience of legal and business professionals from across the public and private sectors.   Alastair Henderson, Member, SIAC Court of Arbitration, and Jose Palaganas, Executive Director V, Office for Alternative Dispute Resolution (OADR), Department of Justice, opened the conference with welcome addresses. The first panel session, titled ‘Design your Arbitration Process’ was moderated by Samuel Leong, Deputy Registrar, SIAC, and joined by speakers including Alastair Henderson, Edmund Kronenburg and Rashel Ann Pomoy. The panel discussed how parties can strategically design and manage the arbitration process across the entire dispute lifecycle, from drafting arbitration clauses to conducting proceedings, by making informed choices on seat, procedural mechanisms under the SIAC Rules, tribunal constitution, and how local law considerations are relevant to maximising efficiency and enforceability. The second panel session, titled ‘From Award to Value – Maximising Your Arbitration Outcomes’ was moderated by Herman Jeremiah, and joined by speakers including Charlemagne Chavez, Alina Chia, Aloysius Llamzon, and Paul Sandosham. The panel explored the practical considerations that can make the difference between obtaining an award and achieving meaningful recovery, examining how parties can manage enforceability risks throughout a dispute, use preliminary remedies effectively, and leverage the SIAC Rules 2025 to maximise outcomes, while highlighting key considerations for enforcement in the Philippine context. The conference concluded with closing remarks by Samuel Leong.   We would like to thank the following sponsors: ACCRALAW, Braddell Brothers LLP, Clifford Chance, King & Spalding, Rajah & Tann Asia and Villaraza & Angangco. We would also like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to the following supporting organisations: Legal Education Board, Office for Alternative Dispute Resolution, Office of the Government Corporate Counsel, Philippine Arbitration Center in the Visayas, Philippine Dispute Resolution Center (PDRC), Philippine Institute of Arbitrators (PIArb) and Philippine International Center for Conflict Resolution, Inc. (PICCR).   Thank you all who contributed to the success of the conference, and SIAC looks forward to returning to Manila soon.