Jonvic Remulla: Barangay justice system helps in jail decongestion

The Lupong Tagapamayapa (Barngay Justice System) is crucial not just in strengthening the justice system, but in curbing the population of jails and detention centers by settling disputes at the barangay level, Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla said.

Remulla made the remarks during the National Awarding Ceremony for the Lupong Tagapamayapa Incentives Awards (LTIA) held at Quezon City last week.

“Kung walang lupon ng barangay mas puno pa ang ating mga preso. Kayo ang sandigan ng ating katahimikan sa mga barangay,” Remulla said on Friday.

(If there is no barangay justice system, our jails would be full. You are the foundation of the peace in our barangays.)

The LTIA is the government’s recognition and incentive program for Lupons that exhibit exemplary implementation of the Katarungang Pambarangay (Barangay Justice System).

They are assessed on their operational efficiency, effectiveness in securing the settlement, creativity and resourcefulness in strategies, facilities for Katarungang Pambarangay activities, and acquired support from other stakeholders.

Remulla commended the lupons for driving peacebuilding through amicable settlement.

“Kayo po ang nagtatrabaho para magbigay ng hustisya at maging tulay para sa pagkakaintindihan ng mga miyembro ng inyong mga barangay.” he said.

(You are the ones who work to attain justice and build bridges for understanding between the members of your barangay.)

Justice Assistant Secretary Randolph Pascasio agreed that peace cannot be attained solely through legalism, but also through dialogue with the proactive facilitation of community leaders.

Among this year’s national winners are Barangay Plainview, Mandaluyong City for the Highly Urbanized Cities (HUC) Category; and Barangay Poblacion Zone 20, Baybay City, Leyte for the Component / Independent Component Cities (C/ICC) Category.

The champions for the 1st Class to 6th Class Municipality Category are Barangay Rizal, Bansalan, Davao del Sur; Barangay Barugohay Norte, Carigara, Leyte; Barangay Talas, Sulop, Davao del Sur; Barangay Poblacion, San Jose, Dinagat Islands; Barangay Sinian, Baliangao, Misamis Occidental; and Barangay Magallanes, Limasawa, Southern Leyte, respectively.

Remulla also proposed increasing the incentive from P300,000 to P500,000 for the national champions of each category. — JMA, GMA Integrated News