NEA's Alternative Dispute Policy

Promote party autonomy allowing disputing parties to independently arrange dispute resolution.
Ensure quick settlement of disputes to reduce delays.
Minimize expenses in resolving disputes.
Prevent escalation of conflicts and ensure they remain within legal jurisdiction.

NEA formally adopts and implements ADR specifically for resolving disputes involving ECs and stakeholders.
This adoption is pursuant to NEA's "motu-proprio" powers under its charter, empowering it to act on its own initiative.

The policy covers all Electric Cooperatives.
Conflicts involving EC Boards of Directors, General Managers, employees, and member-consumers are subject to ADR processes.
Under NEA's autonomous powers, ADR is an available option for dispute settlement within ECs.
Mediation processes shall be conducted by ADR Specialists who have undergone proper training and accreditation.

The Deputy Administrator for Electric Distribution Utilities Services (EDUS) is responsible for policy implementation.
Support is provided by an organized ADR Secretariat working under EDUS.

NEA officials and employees who receive reports of brewing controversies linked to EC officials/employees must endorse these to the Office of the Deputy Administrator for EDUS.
The DA-EDUS, via the ADR Secretariat and ADR Specialists, validates reports and determines if mediation is applicable.
Upon validation, arrangements for mediation sessions, including scheduling and venue, are made.
Complaints against EC officials/employees received by NEA are forwarded similarly for possible mediation.
If mediation fails, the case is referred to the ADCOM for appropriate action.
Upon referral to ADCOM, no further mediation or conciliation by NEA is mandated.

The ADR policy takes immediate effect from 28 December 2010.
The policy was formally adopted and signed by the NEA Administrator, Editha S. Bueno.