UP Law Professor Elizabeth Aguiling-Pangalangan was elected as one of the Vice Chairs of the Special Commission on Recognition of Foreign Judgments during the 22nd Diplomatic Session of the Hague Conference of Private International Law (HCCH) at the Peace Palace in the Hague, Netherlands from 18 June to 2 July 2019. The Diplomatic Session was attended by close to 400 members and observers.

Prof. Aguiling-Pangalangan, who also serves as the Director of the UP Law Center Institute of Human Rights, was part of the Philippine delegation headed by Ambassador Jaime Victor B. Ledda. They were joined by Second Secretary and Consul Zoilo A. Velasco and Mr. Edgar Adolfo V. Guibone.

The Special Commission adopted on 2 July the text of the HCCH Convention on the Recognition and Enforcement of Foreign Judgments in Civil or Commercial Matters. The reduction of transactional and litigation costs in cross-border dealings and the promotion of effective access to justice are the essential goals of the Convention. It is expected to increase certainty and predictability, promote the better management of transaction and litigation risks, and shorten timeframes for the recognition and enforcement of a judgement in other jurisdictions, providing better, more effective, and cheaper justice for individuals and businesses alike.

The 2019 HCCH Judgments Convention is the 40th global instrument adopted by the HCCH since it became a permanent Organisation.