The Supreme Court (SC) en banc on Wednesday approved the Rule on Family Mediation to address the emerging need for domestic and international family mediation.
This aims to enhance the efficiency of family courts, reduce court backlogs, and promote the best interests of the child.
“Family mediation, a non-adversarial process, should include children and give them a chance to share their thoughts on issues that impact them. The process must focus on what is best for the child and the family,” the High Tribunal said.
It described family mediation as a process in which a mediator, acting as an impartial third party, facilitates the resolution of family disputes and helps the parties in reaching voluntary agreements.
The Rule also covers other aspects of the family mediation process, such as suspension and termination, withdrawal of the family mediator, effects of refusal to undergo family mediation, and imposition of sanctions.
Likewise, it provides for the qualifications, training, and accreditation, as well as the ethical standards and conduct, for family mediators.
Following this development, the SC Committee on Family Courts and Juvenile Courts, together with the Philippine Judicial Academy, will prepare for the application, training, and accreditation of family mediators.
