ESP-4382

Published

2026-02-28

Issue

Vol. 11 No. 2 (2026): Publishing

Section

Research Articles

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Copyright (c) 2026 Gil Leovigildo A. Ancheta, Joar V. Uy, Arniel O. Disbarro, Ceferina A. Labro, Leandro T. Cobacha, Edwin A. Irene

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How to Cite

Gil Leovigildo A. Ancheta, Joar V. Uy, Arniel O. Disbarro, Ceferina A. Labro, Leandro T. Cobacha, & Edwin A. Irene. (2026). Settling Disputes: Effectiveness of Barangay Justice System in Calbayog City. Environment and Social Psychology, 11(2), ESP-4581. https://doi.org/10.59429/esp.v11i2.4382

Settling Disputes: Effectiveness of Barangay Justice System in Calbayog City

Gil Leovigildo A. Ancheta

Northwest Samar State University, Calbayog City, 6710, Philippines

Joar V. Uy

College of Criminal Justice and Sciences, Northwest Samar State University, Calbayog City, 6710, Philippines

Arniel O. Disbarro

College of Criminal Justice and Sciences, Northwest Samar State University, Calbayog City, 6710, Philippines

Ceferina A. Labro

College of Criminal Justice and Sciences, Northwest Samar State University, Calbayog City, 6710, Philippines

Leandro T. Cobacha

College of Criminal Justice and Sciences, Northwest Samar State University, Calbayog City, 6710, Philippines

Edwin A. Irene

College of Criminal Justice and Sciences, Northwest Samar State University, Calbayog City, 6710, Philippines


DOI: https://doi.org/10.59429/esp.v11i2.4382


Keywords: Alternative Dispute Resolution; Conflict Management; Local Governance; RA 7160; Community Mediation; Peacebuilding

Abstract

As restorative justice gains global traction, the Philippines presents a unique model through the Katarungang Pambarangay (KP), a community-based mechanism that serves as a mandatory condition precedent to formal litigation. This study evaluated the operational dynamics of the KP in Calbayog City, assessing the competency of administrators and the barriers to effective dispute resolution amidst this legal mandate. Using a descriptive-evaluative design, the research analyzed the perspectives of 112 Lupong Tagapamayapa members regarding their dual role as mediators and quasi-judicial officers. The results revealed a competency paradox: while officials perceived themselves as highly effective in maintaining moral integrity and independence, qualitative feedback highlighted specific operational bottlenecks regarding technical legal knowledge and jurisdictional limits. Despite these localized deficits, the system remains effective, largely because it prioritizes a restorative approach that allows disputants to voice sentiments over rigid procedural adherence. Administrative performance in documentation was found to be strong; however, the system faces structural vulnerabilities, including insufficient financial incentives and a lack of coercive power. The study concludes that while the KP successfully fosters peace through social preservation, its long-term sustainability requires bridging the gap between volunteerism and professionalization through targeted capacity building.

 

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