PH Ambassador Chairs PCA Admin Council Meeting, Leads Approval of Optional Protocols Updating PCA Rules

THE HAGUE 13 September 2024 – The Administrative Council of the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) approved the three Optional Protocols on the appointment of emergency arbitrators, scrutiny of draft arbitral awards, and on expedited procedures during the 211th Meeting of the Administrative Council on 10 September 2024 at the Peace Palace in The Hague.

Ambassador J. Eduardo Malaya chaired the session in his capacity as Acting President of the PCA Administrative Council for term 2023-2024.

Ambassador Malaya described the adoption of the Optional Protocols as a significant step in refining and updating the PCA’s rules which will be used in conjunction with its Arbitration Rules 2012. He also commended the PCA, notably the Special Working Group led by France, for the productive and meaningful commemoration of the 125th anniversary of the PCA, which was highlighted by the Congress of the Members of the Court held on 12 to 14 June 2024 -- only the third such Congress in the 125-year history of the organization.

PCA Secretary General Marcin Czepelak presented to the Council Members the three proposed Optional Protocols that aim to enhance the quality of PCA’s work and render the conduct of its proceedings more efficient by introducing new procedures, which are applicable only if agreed upon by the Parties.

Professor Jan Paulsson, an eminent authority in international arbitration, chaired the Drafting Committee that crafted the PCA Optional Protocols. He also led the Drafting Committee that prepared the Arbitration Rules 2012.

During the Administrative Council Meeting, Singapore, Mexico, China, Bolivia, Belgium and Malaysia, among others, expressed their support for the adoption of the Optional Protocols. The latter were adopted by consensus. 

The PCA signed a Cooperation Agreement with the Philippine Dispute Resolution Center, Inc. (PDRC) on 28 August during the visit of PCA Secretary General Czepelak to Manila, which allows the conduct of PCA-administered hearings at the PDRC premises. 

The PCA is the first permanent inter-governmental organization providing a forum for the resolution of international disputes through arbitration and other peaceful means. The Administrative Council provides general guidance on the work and general direction of the PCA, and supervises its administration, budget and expenditure. It shapes the policy of the organization in consultation with its Secretary-General. END

Ambassador J. Eduardo Malaya

PCA Secretary General Marcin Czepelak

Professor Jan Paulsson

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