Simeon V. Marcelo, Name Partner at Cruz Marcelo & Tenefrancia (CMT), has been prominently featured in the In-House Community (IHC) Magazine for his remarkable insights into Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR). His recognition comes alongside the firm’s ongoing commitment to advancing innovative legal solutions in the Philippines.
In the article, Marcelo highlights the crucial role of ADR in addressing the country’s court backlog by promoting less adversarial and more cost-efficient methods of resolving disputes, such as mediation and arbitration. He emphasized how recent legislation, particularly the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Code, has cemented ADR as an integral part of contractual frameworks in business agreements.
“By embedding ADR into contractual frameworks, we’re creating a culture where disputes can be resolved fairly and efficiently without overwhelming the courts,” said Marcelo.
Marcelo’s thought leadership continues to reinforce CMT’s position as a trailblazer in the legal industry, particularly in dispute resolution. His contributions not only underscore his expertise but also reflect the firm’s dedication to shaping the future of legal practice in the Philippines.
Simeon V. Marcelo has had a very remarkable career in the practice of law covering more than four decades since 1980. In his first two decades, he was already considered one of the country’s top litigators, having represented top corporations (both foreign and domestic), public institutions like the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), President Fidel V. Ramos, then Vice President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, the late Henry Sy, Sr. and other prominent individuals, while still being able to do substantial pro bono work for indigent clients.
In February 2001, he was appointed as Solicitor General, winning all his major cases in favor of the government. Almost two years later, due to his above accomplishments, he was appointed as the youngest Ombudsman (considered the most powerful official in the government next to the President), the head of the independent Constitutional Office tasked to investigate and prosecute those accused of graft and corruption in the government, including the military. Again, he served with great distinction, intensely fighting widespread and grave corruption in government, especially in the notorious graft-ridden armed forces, the Department of Public Works and Highways, and the revenue-generating agencies, despite his Office’s severe lack of resources.
The full article featuring Simeon V. Marcelo can be found here.
