Advisers

Flordaliza M. Gabbaoan, RCrim, MSCJ

Discipline

Criminology

Abstract

This study evaluates the capability of the Barangay Pasong Putik Lupong Tagapamayapa in handling cases under the Barangay Justice System, also known as the Katarungang Pambarangay. The Barangay Justice System plays a crucial role in resolving disputes at the community level by providing an accessible, cost-effective, and peaceful alternative to formal court proceedings. As the primary body responsible for mediation and conciliation, the Lupong Tagapamayapa is expected to uphold fairness, efficiency, and public trust in the administration of justice. However, concerns regarding its competence, adequacy of resources, and the level of confidence of community members necessitate a systematic evaluation of its capability in handling barangay justice cases. A quantitative approach using a descriptive research design was employed in this study. The respondents consisted of eighty (80) individuals from Barangay Pasong Putik, Quezon City, composed of forty (40) residents, twenty (20) barangay personnel, and twenty (20) Lupong Tagapamayapa. Sampling technique was utilized to ensure fair representation. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire that measured the respondents’ assessment of the Lupon’s competence, available resources, community trust, and problems encountered. Statistical tools such as frequency and percentage distribution, weighted mean, ranking, and the Kruskal-Wallis H Test were used to analyze and interpret the data. The findings revealed that the Lupong Tagapamayapa was assessed as highly capable in terms of competence, with respondents strongly agreeing that Lupon members possess sufficient knowledge of relevant laws, understand due process, and demonstrate effective mediation and conciliation skills. In terms of resources and community trust, respondents generally agreed that the Lupon has adequate manpower, logistical support, and public confidence, although financial support and monitoring mechanisms require improvement. The most serious problem identified was the delayed resolution of cases due to lack of monitoring. The study concludes that while the Barangay Justice System is capable of maintaining peace and order at the barangay level, continuous training, capacity enhancement programs, and stronger institutional support are recommended to further strengthen its effectiveness and service delivery.

Keywords

Effectiveness, public trust, Efficiency, Resources, Lupong Tagapamayapa, mediation, Katarungang Pambarangay, Competence, Conciliation, Community Trust, Capability, Barangay Personnel