Barangay Justice System handles minor disputes at the local barangay level before escalation to courts.
Coverage:
- Civil disputes (small claims, property boundary, neighbour issues)
- Minor criminal matters (some categories)
- Family disputes (some categories)
Lupon Tagapamayapa:
- Body of community-elected mediators
- Includes Lupon members + Pangkat Tagapagkasundo (panel)
- Handles initial dispute resolution
Process:
- File dispute at barangay
- Mediation/conciliation attempts
- Settlement enforced by barangay
- Unresolved cases get Certificate to File Action (CFA) → court
What it means for you:
- Many disputes resolve locally + cheaply
- Lawyers often not needed at this stage
- Settlement legally enforceable
- Required step before some court actions