Regular Dialogue/Conferences on Conciliation of Disputes

July 3, 1989

SUPREME COURT ADMINISTRATIVE CIRCULAR NO. 29-89

 

WHEREAS, the Katarungang Pambarangay system of dispute settlement has gained significant headway towards achieving its avowed objective of amicably settling disputes outside the courts and, thereby, substantially declogging docket congestions;

WHEREAS, the potentials of said system have not been fully realized as partly manifested by failure to fully utilize the system as a means of avoiding needless litigation and the number of conciliated settlements rendered void or, otherwise declared of no force of effect, for being contrary to law, public policy or morals; and

WHEREAS, such shortcomings, errors and infirmities, largely attributable to legal unawareness, could have been minimized, if not altogether avoided, by prior consultations and legal advice.

NOW, THEREFORE, it is hereby directed that:

1. Starting August 1, 1989, trial judges of lower courts other than the regional trial courts and Shari'a district courts shall hold regular dialogues/conferences in coordination with appropriate government agencies at least once every two months to the extent allowed by law with Barangay Captains, the Lupon Secretary and the Lupon Members in their respective territorial jurisdiction;

2. Said dialogues/conferences shall be for the following purposes:

a. To apprise all members of the Lupon and arbitrators under the Katarungang Pambarangay Law (P.D. 1508) of the proper interpretation and application of said law and its implementing Rules; and

b. To bring to the attention of the participating judges the legal problems confronting the Lupon in effecting the mandate of P.D. 1508 and other related laws so that the former can suggest practical and lawful ways to remedy the same.

3. Towards this end, all the aforesaid trial judges and, in case of inferior courts with multiple salas, the Executive Judge thereof shall participate in training/seminars/workshops to be conducted by the Institute of Judicial Administration in their area to assist said Judges update their knowledge and expertise of the Katarungang Pambarangay Law (P.D. 1508), including techniques of conciliation, mediation and arbitration. These training/seminar/workshops shall be on official time, including the dialogues/conferences/meetings with the Barangay Captains, etc.

This Administrative Circular shall take effect immediately. cd i

Manila, Philippines.

July 3, 1989.

(SGD.) MARCELO B. FERNAN Chief Justice