Barangay Conciliation (Katarungang Pambarangay)

When community mediation is compulsory, how the 15-day and 30-day clocks run, and how to get a Certificate to File Action.

Local Government Code of 1991 (RA 7160), Sections 399–4223deadlines to watch

Who this is for: Neighbors, landlords, tenants, borrowers, and disputants living in the same city or municipality before taking a claim to court.

Step by step

1Check if exemptConciliation is not required where: (1) one party is the government, (2) penalty for offense exceeds 1 year imprisonment or ₱5,000 fine, (3) parties live in different cities/municipalities (unless adjoining barangays and they agree), (4) dispute involves real property located in another city, or (5) urgent legal actions (habeas corpus, injunction, attachment).
2Mediation before the Punong BarangayFile a complaint with the Lupon secretary. The Punong Barangay summons both parties within the next working day. The Lupon chairman has 15 days to mediate an amicable settlement.15 calendar days from first meeting.
3Pangkat ng Tagapagkasundo conciliationIf the Punong Barangay fails to settle the dispute, a Pangkat of 3 members is constituted from the Lupon. The Pangkat meets within 3 days and conducts hearings.15 calendar days, extendable by at most another 15 days in clearly meritorious cases.
4Kasunduan (Amicable Settlement) & ExecutionA signed settlement has the force and effect of a final court judgment upon the lapse of 10 days from the date thereof, unless repudiated within that 10-day window for fraud, violence, or intimidation. After 10 days, it can be enforced by execution through the Lupon within 6 months, or thereafter by court action.Repudiation window: 10 calendar days.
5Certificate to File ActionIf no settlement is reached, or if the respondent refuses to appear, the Pangkat issues a Certificate to File Action. This certificate is an indispensable jurisdictional prerequisite for filing in court.

Not legal advice

Pangkalahatang impormasyon lamang ito para sa edukasyon — hindi ito legal advice, at hindi ito sinuri ng abogado. Sinikap naming tama ito ayon sa batas na binanggit, pero para sa sarili mong kaso, kumonsulta sa abogado o sa Public Attorney's Office (PAO).

The whole process

Drawing diagram…

Watch out for

Filing in court without prior barangay conciliation (when required) is a ground for immediate dismissal of the case for lack of cause of action or non-compliance with a condition precedent.
Lawyers are strictly prohibited from appearing in barangay proceedings. Parties must appear in person, except minors and incompetents who may be assisted by next of kin.
A respondent who willfully refuses to appear after summons may be barred from filing any counterclaim arising from the dispute in court.