Effectiveness of the Conciliation Process by the Lupong Tagapamayapa in Matalam, North Cotabato

Abstract

This study focuses on the Lupong Tagapamayapa’s conciliation process in Matalam, North Cotabato, examining four factors: conciliation, issuance of Certificate to File Action, enforcement of rules, and legal procedure implementation. This study surveyed 226 respondents. Employing a descriptive-quantitative method of research, the data were analyzed using weighted means and nonparametric tests, particularly the Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney U tests, to measure the differences in perceptions across demographic segments. It was found that, on average, the Lupong Tagapamayapa functions best. This means that the conciliation process is optimal. Of all indicators, the best rating was given to Lupon members’ knowledge of their duties. In contrast, the best rating, though still classed as High, was given to the process of gathering facts and evidence, indicating a relative weakness of the fact-gathering process. There were measurable differences in some of the dimensions when analyzed across age, level of education, and social class. In regard to rule enforcement, younger respondents’ perceptions differed from the older respondents’ perceptions. Conversely, elementary school respondents’ perceptions differed from the higher education respondents’ perceptions, in regard to conciliation efforts and legal procedures. Respondents in full-time employment vs. respondents in part-time employment had differing perceptions when assessing legal procedures. Overall, the Lupong Tagapamayapa functions admirably, however, in respect to the fact-gathering process, clarity of legal procedures and enforcement of rules, it is warranted that more concerted efforts be directed to these parts of the process.