BARANGAY JUSTICE SYSTEM IN BARANGAY SAN BARTOLOME NOVALICHES QUEZON CITY

Abstract

The Barangay Justice System, locally referred to as the “Katarungan Pambarangay,” serves as a community-based alternative dispute resolution mechanism in the Philippines. Administered by the barangay, the smallest administrative unit in the country it is headed by the Barangay Captain, the highest elected official and executive authority at the barangay level. Established to reduce the burden on the formal court system, this localized justice system functions primarily as a mandatory mediation process, facilitating the amicable resolution of disputes within the community and promoting social harmony before matters escalate to formal litigation. The researchers employed quantitative research methods to systematically collect data regarding the current state of the Barangay Justice System in Barangay San Bartolome. Structured surveys and questionnaires were administered to capture respondents’ evaluations and perceptions of the system’s effectiveness. Furthermore, a comprehensive review of relevant literature was conducted to supplement and contextualize the empirical findings. The results underscore the critical need for the development and implementation of comprehensive policies and capacity-building programs to strengthen the competence of barangay staff in effectively administering the Barangay Justice System in Barangay San Bartolome, Novaliches, Quezon City. The respondents’ overall evaluation of the Barangay Justice System in Barangay San Bartolome demonstrates a highly favorable perception of the mediation process, with a weighted mean of 3.76, indicating strong approval. The conciliation process similarly received a positive assessment, with a weighted mean of 3.73, suggesting that respondents view conciliation as an effective means of restoring harmonious relationships in community conflicts. Furthermore, the arbitration process scored a weighted mean of 3.60, reflecting that respondents believe the barangay provides sufficient information regarding arbitration and that the process aligns with their personal values and beliefs.