Cruz Marcelo & Tenefrancia (CMT) was honored to host Ms. Claudia T. Salomon, President of the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) International Court of Arbitration, along with Mr. Tejus Chauhan, ICC-Asia Pacific Director, for a special meet and greet at its offices on Thursday, 20 February 2025. They were welcomed by CMT’s Partners and the head of the firm’s Arbitration practice, Elmar B. Galacio.
As the first female President of the ICC International Court of Arbitration, Ms. Salomon is a globally respected leader in international dispute resolution. Under her leadership, the ICC Court has strengthened its position as one of the most trusted arbitral institutions in the world, ensuring fair, efficient, and transparent resolution of cross-border disputes.
This visit underscores CMT’s commitment to advancing arbitration and alternative dispute resolution (ADR) in the Philippines and the broader Asia-Pacific region. As a firm deeply involved in complex commercial disputes, investment arbitration, and international trade matters, CMT values the opportunity to engage with global leaders in the field and exchange insights on emerging trends and best practices.
Following this visit is the much-anticipated 3rd ICC Philippines Arbitration Day on 21 February 2025, where CMT is a sponsor. The event was a premier gathering of arbitration experts, legal professionals, and business leaders. The event featured thought-provoking discussions on global best practices in arbitration and dispute resolution.
ICC Philippines Arbitration Day: Key Highlights
Attendees gained invaluable insights from distinguished guest speakers, including:
Chief Justice Alexander G. Gesmundo of the Supreme Court of the Philippines,
Claudia T. Salomon, President, ICC International Court of Arbitration, and
Matthew Secomb – Head of the International Arbitration Practice in Asia-Pacific.
The conference covered essential topics such as:
- Clarifying Concepts: Admissibility and jurisdiction in international arbitration
- Knowing Your Safety Net: Time and cost control measures in arbitration
- Spotlight on Arbitrators: The ethics of disclosure
- Behind Closed Doors: The ICC Court in action, scrutinizing draft arbitral awards
CMT Partner Carla S. Pingul spoke during the event under the segment “Spotlight on Arbitrators – To disclose or not to disclose” together with other arbitration practitioners in Manila and Singapore as moderated by Matthew Secomb. The session discussed conflicts of interest, how they transpire in arbitration practice, and how they are managed by different stakeholders such as arbitrators, parties and their representatives, witnesses and experts.
Through this meet and greet and the sponsorship of the ICC Philippines Arbitration Day, CMT has affirmed its strong commitment to advancing arbitration and alternative dispute resolution (ADR) in the Philippines.
