Abstract

This study, titled “Challenges Encountered by Lupong Tagapamayapa in Implementing Katarungang Pambarangay in Batasan Hills, Quezon City, ” examines the difficulties faced by the Lupong Tagapamayapa in carrying out its mandate of delivering community-based justice. The Lupon serves as the barangay’s primary dispute resolution body, helping maintain peace and order while reducing the burden on higher courts. Despite its important role, the system continues to face challenges such as inadequate training, limited facilities, procedural inconsistencies, and low public engagement. Guided by Robert Putnam’s Social Capital Theory, the research explores how trust, cooperation, and civic engagement influence the effectiveness of Lupon mediation. The study used a quantitative-descriptive research design and involved fifty (50) respondents: one (1) Barangay Chairman, ten (10) Lupon members, and thirty-nine (39) residents of Batasan Hills. Data were gathered through validated survey questionnaires and analyzed using frequency, percentage, weighted mean, and ranking. The findings aim to identify key institutional and social factors affecting the Lupon’s performance and to recommend practical measures to strengthen the Katarungang Pambarangay system and enhance public trust in local governance. Results show that most respondents were permanent residents or active officials aged 51 and above, married, and college or graduate degree holders. Among the identified challenges, laws and procedures obtained the highest weighted mean, indicating that Lupon members are knowledgeable about Katarungang Pambarangay and generally follow proper mediation processes. In contrast, facilities received the lowest mean, reflecting concerns about inadequate physical space, resources, and logistical support. Fairness and equality yielded a moderate mean, suggesting that while most participants perceive the process as fair, some question whether equal treatment is consistently ensured. Overall, the study highlights legal competence and procedural compliance as strengths of the Lupon, while resource limitations remain a major constraint. Key terms include Katarungang Pambarangay (the barangay-based justice system), Lupong Tagapamayapa (the barangay mediation body), community-based justice, Social Capital Theory, and dispute resolution.