Institutional Capacity, Procedural Governance, and Community Justice: Evidence From Barangay Dispute Resolution in The Philippines

Abstract

This study examines the institutional capacity of barangay officials in administering community-based justice and procedural governance in Tabuk City, Philippines. Grounded in decentralization and participatory governance perspectives, the study explores how awareness of the Barangay Justice System (Katarungang Pambarangay) and the application of parliamentary procedures shape local dispute resolution practices. A convergent mixed-methods design was employed involving 196 barangay officials from 43 barangays through surveys, interviews, and focus group discussions. Quantitative findings indicate that barangay officials demonstrate moderate awareness of the Barangay Justice System, while parliamentary-based procedures are widely practiced during mediation and conciliation proceedings. Qualitative findings reveal persistent institutional and operational challenges, including non-attendance of disputing parties, limited procedural knowledge, political and social influence, emotional conflicts, and administrative constraints. Despite these limitations, barangay officials employ community-based mediation practices and culturally grounded approaches to sustain local dispute resolution processes. The study contributes to decentralization and procedural legitimacy scholarship by demonstrating that the effectiveness of community-based justice systems depends not only on legal frameworks but also on institutional capacity, procedural competence, and locally embedded governance legitimacy. The findings highlight the need to strengthen procedural literacy, institutional capacity, and governance support mechanisms to improve the legitimacy and effectiveness of decentralized community justice systems.