The Katarungang Pambarangay is the Philippines' community-based dispute resolution system — mandatory conciliation before the Lupon Tagapamayapa at the barangay level before most civil and minor criminal cases can be filed in court.
The Katarungang Pambarangay (KP) system, established under Presidential Decree No. 1508 and now codified in the Local Government Code (Republic Act No. 7160, Sections 399–422), requires that most disputes between residents of the same city or municipality undergo mandatory barangay conciliation before they can be filed in court. The Lupon Tagapamayapa is the barangay body — composed of the Punong Barangay and 10–20 community members — that facilitates this conciliation. A Pangkat Tagapagkasundo (conciliation panel of three members) is convened if the initial conciliation fails. If the parties reach a settlement (Kasunduan), it is binding and has the effect of a final judgment enforceable by execution. If conciliation fails after 15 days, the barangay secretary issues a Certificate to File Action (CFA), which is required before the court will accept the case. Failure to obtain a CFA when required is grounds for dismissal of the court case. The KP system does not apply to: offences punishable by imprisonment exceeding one year or a fine over P5,000; disputes involving parties from different cities or municipalities (unless both agree to submit); cases where urgent relief is needed (injunction, habeas corpus); cases against the government; and VAWC, labour, and other cases covered by special laws with their own mandatory processes.
Two neighbours in Pasig City dispute a property boundary. Before filing a case in the Metropolitan Trial Court, both must appear before the Lupon Tagapamayapa of their barangay for conciliation. If no settlement is reached in 15 days, the barangay issues a Certificate to File Action. Without this certificate, the court will dismiss the case.
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