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14th ASLI Conference 2017: “A Uniting Force? – ‘Asian Values’ and the Law”, Philippines, Manila
Feature
The 14th ASLI Conference, held on 18 and 19 May 2017, was hosted by the University of the Philippines College of Law. The theme for this year’s conference was “A Uniting Force? – Asian Values and the Law.” The conference was held at the Novotel Manila Araneta Center, in Quezon City, Metro Manila, Philippines.
The Conference opened on May 18 with a welcome speech by Dean Danilo L. Concepcion, President of the University of the Philippines and Dean of the College of Law, read on his behalf by Professor and Vice Dean Concepcion L. Jardeleza. This was followed by speeches by Professor Topo Santoso, Chairman of the ASLI Board of Governors and Associate Professor Gary F. Bell, Director of the Asian Law Institute.
This year’s keynote speech was given by Judge Raul C. Pangalangan of the International Criminal Court. Judge Pangalangan traced the roots of the Asian Values concept and remarked that he was surprised by its longevity. He explained how a version of the concept was used to bolster authoritarian rule during the dark days of martial law in the Philippines. He discussed the continuing evolution of the concept and its relationship to universal values.
An open forum, chaired by Prof. Santoso was held after lunch. The forum provided an opportunity for the Director of ASLI to update the members on the latest developments at ASLI and invite non-members to join ASLI. Associate Professor Dan Puchniak, Editor-in-Chief of the Asian Journal of Comparative Law, likewise gave an update on the Journal. Members and conference attendees were able to ask questions and give feedback.
Throughout the two days of the Conference, participants from all over Asia and the rest of the world delivered papers in many parallel sessions covering a variety of subjects, from public law, to family law, to corporate law, to name only a few. The Conference also featured discussions on legal education in the region, as well as the work of promising young scholars.
At the start of second day of the Conference, Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales, delivered the year’s distinguished lecture. The Ombudsman, a former Justice of the Supreme Court, spoke on the relationship between Asian Values, Corruption, and the challenges involved in fighting the latter. The Conference was then brought to a close with remarks from President Concepcion delivered by Associate Dean Jardeleza.
ASLI is very grateful to the University of the Philippines College of Law for its excellent organisation of this event. We all look forward to the 15th ASLI Conference next year at Seoul National University.
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