The Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) is exploring the possibility of a partnership with the Philippines's Supreme Court (SC) to conduct PCA proceedings in the country.

In a courtesy visit to the Supreme Court on Friday, August 30, PCA Secretary-General Marcin Czepelak raised the likelihood of collaborating with the SC to Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo. The suggestion aligns with the Court’s commitment to support activities on strengthening international law. Moreover, with Secretary General Czepelak’s suggestion, both parties could sign a Host Country Agreement wherein PCA can hold hearings in facilities provided by the SC.

"Joining Secretary General Czepelak was His Excellency J. Eduardo Malaya, Philippine Ambassador to The Netherlands, who shared that on August 28, 2024, the PCA signed a cooperation agreement with the Philippine Dispute Resolution Center, Inc. (PDRCI) for the use of its facilities," the Supreme Court said.

Hearings would be conducted per PCA rules, utilizing facilities at the Philippine Dispute Resolution Center, Inc. (PDRCI). Administered cases can also be held in PCA offices in the Hague, Singapore, and Vietnam.

"He likewise assured Secretary General Czepelak that the Court is always willing to help the PCA and The Hague Conference on International Private Law (HCCH) in their activities, citing a recent partnership between the Philippine Judicial Academy (PHILJA) and The Hague Academy of International Law, the Advanced Courses of The Hague Academy of International Law in the Philippines training course on public and private international law for justices, judges, and court attorneys held from February 19 to March 1, 2024," the Supreme Court said in a statement.

The PCA was established in 1899 and has since played a crucial role in facilitating the peaceful resolution of international legal disputes through arbitration.