Topic Three: Community Involvement

in the Courts

Paper – Mr. A. Martinez, Vice Chancellor,

Philippine Judicial Academy

Paper – Mr. T. Miura, Professor, UNAFEI

Reaction – Mr. R. Sarmiento, Attorney, Sarmiento Law Office,

The Philippines

Reaction – Mr. J. Lim, National President, League of Barangays,

The Philippines

Please note that the following papers have not been edited
for publication. The opinions expressed therein are those of
the author’s. They do not necessarily reflect the position of
the departments or agencies that they represent.
 COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT IN THE COURTS

By
Mr. Antonio M. MARTINEZ,
Justice, Vice Chancellor,
Philippine Judicial Academy

I. MEDIATION IN THE COURTS

A. Mediation in General

Mediation is a process of resolving disputes with the aid of a neutral person – the Mediator – who
helps parties identify issues and develops proposals to resolve their disputes. Unlike arbitration, the
mediator is not empowered to decide disputes.

B. Basis of Mediation in the Philippines

• Par. (5), Section 5, Article VIII of the 1987 Constitution mandates the Supreme Court to
promulgate rules that shall provide a simplified and inexpensive procedure for the speedy
disposition of cases.
• Sec. 2(a), Rule 18 of the 1997 Rules of Civil Procedure, as amended, requires courts to “consider
the possibility of an amicable settlement or of a submission to alternative modes of dispute
resolution.”

C. Advantages of Mediation

• It helps unclog the court dockets

• Mediation is one of such alternative modes of dispute resolution that is not only speedy but
inexpensive as well
• It is a better and more civilized solution to disputes

D. The Congested Dockets of the Court

Station Total No. Cases

Regional Trial Court 252,133
Metropolitan Trial Court 164,392
Municipal Trial Court in Cities 110,120
Municipal Trial Court/Municipal Circuit Trial Court 61,143
TOTAL 587,788
(as of March 2001, source: OCA)

E. PHILJA’S Mediation Project

• The Proposal to the Supreme Court to Pilot Test the Efficacy of Mandatory Mediation - approved
on June 24, 1999
• Supreme Court Guidelines on Court-Referred Mediation - approved on November 16, 1999

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 1st Pilot Project

• Seminar Workshop on Mediation

June 25 to 27, 1999 - Subic, Olongapo City
• Participants
Judges of the pilot areas, Court Personnel, Supreme Court lawyers, 18 recommendees from
Mandaluyong, 12 recommendees from Valenzuela
• Internship Program - December 15, 1999 to February 15, 2000
Participating courts - Regional Trial Courts and Metropolitan Trial Courts of Mandaluyong and
Valenzuela Cities
Success Rate - 42%

2nd Pilot Testing

• Seminars – Pre-Workshop Training, Basic Mediation Workshop I, Basic Mediation Workshop II,
Workshop on Family Mediation, Evaluation Workshop on the Pilot Testing of Court-Referred
Mediation
• Participants
Family Court Judges, Court Personnel, PBA/IBP Lawyers, PHILJA Staff, other professionals
• Lecturers
Singapore Mediation Center – Judge The Hwee Hwee, Dr. Loong Seng Onn, Atty. George Lim
Local Lecturers – Dean Eduardo D. de los Angeles, Dean Reynaldo L. Suarez, Ms. Annabelle T.
Abaya, Dr. Fortunato Gupit
• Internship Program
Participating courts – selected pilot courts situation in Mandaluyong, Pasay and Quezon City
Overall Success Rate - 85%

3rd Pilot Testing

• Basic Seminar Workshop on Mediation

November 2000 to February 2001
Areas – Metro Manila, Cebu and Davao
Total number of participants – 396
• Internship Program – November 2000 to February 2001
Participating courts – selected RTCs and MeTCs of Metro Manila, Cebu and Davao
Overall success rate – 77%
• Refresher Courses – October 2001 to March 2001
• Advocates Forum – January to March 2001
Judges, Lawyers, Business, Government, Academe and NGO, and Media
• Conference and Workshop – March 21, 2001
• Settlement Weeks – March 26 to April 6, 2001
Participating courts – all courts of Metro Manila, Cebu and Davao
Overall success rate – 84%
• Launching of the Philippine Mediation Center – Citibank Towers, Makati
• Peacemaker’s Circle Awards – June 5, 2001

F. Philippine Mediation Center

Pursuant to A.M. No. 01-10-5-SC-PHILJA, dated October 16, 2001, designating the Philippine
Judicial Academy (PHILJA) as the component unit of the Supreme Court for court-referred, court-related
mediation cases and other alternative dispute resolution mechanisms, and establishing the Philippine
Mediation Center for the purpose

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 Functions of the PMC

• Establish, in coordination with the Office of the Court Administrator (OCA), units of the Philippine
Mediation Center (PMC) in courthouses, and in such other places as may be necessary. Each unit,
manned by Mediators and Supervisors, shall render mediation services to parties in court-referred,
court-related mediation cases
• Recruit, screen, train and recommend Mediators for accreditation of the Court
• Require prospective Mediators to undergo four-week internship programs
• Provide training in mediation to judges, court personnel, educators, trainors, lawyers, and officials
and personnel of quasi-judicial agencies
• Oversee and evaluate the performance of Mediators and Supervisors who are assigned cases by
the courts
• Implement the procedures in the assignment by the PMC units of court-referred, court-related
mediation cases to particular Mediators

Supervision and Control over PMC Units

The operational control and supervision over PMC Units and Mediation Chapters with respect
to court-referred, court-related mediation cases shall be with the Mediation Division of PHILJA,
in coordination with the OCA.

A Clerk-in-Charge shall be assigned by the Executive Judge, after prior consultation with PHILJA
and OCA, to coordinate between the courts and Mediators and Supervisors in every PMC units.

Role of the Presiding Judge

The Presiding Judge, before whose court the case subject of mediation is pending, shall extend
to the Mediator, every possible support and assistance.

The Mediator whose selection/appointment is confirmed by the Court is deemed an officer of

the court.

G. Second Revised Guidelines for the Implementation of Mediation Proceedings

Coverage

The following cases are referable to mediation:

• All civil cases, settlement of estates, and cases covered by the Rule on Summary Procedure, except
those which by law may not be compromised
• Cases cognizable by the Lupong Tagapamayapa under the Katarungang Pambarangay Law
• The civil aspect of BP 22 cases
• The civil aspect of quasi offenses under Title 14 of the Revised Penal Code

Order for Mediation

The trial court, after determining the possibility of an amicable settlement or of a submission to
alternative modes of dispute resolution, shall issue an Order referring the case to the Philippine
Mediation Center (PMC) Unit for mediation and directing the parties to proceed immediately to
the PMC Unit. The Order shall be personally given to the parties during the pre-trial. Copy of
the Order together with a copy of the Complaint and Answer/s, shall be furnished the PMC Unit
within the same date.

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 The PMC Unit

There shall be a PMC Unit in courthouses or near the premises of the trial court for court
referred mediation proceedings.

Selection of Mediator

The Supervisor of the PMC Unit shall assist the parties select a mutually acceptable Mediator
from a list of duly accredited Mediators and inform the parties about the fees, if any, and the mode
of payment. If the parties cannot agree on the Mediator, then the Supervisor shall assign the
Mediator. The trial court shall immediately be notified of the name of the Mediator, and shall
thereafter confirm the selection/appointment of the Mediator.

The Mediator shall immediately commence the mediation proceedings unless both parties agree
to reset the mediation within the next five (5) working days, without need of further notice.

Presence of Lawyers

Lawyers may attend the mediation proceedings and shall cooperate with the Mediator towards
the amicable settlement of the dispute.

Mediation Proceedings

• The Mediator shall be considered as an officer of the court

• Conference with both parties present
• If no settlement during the conference, hold separate caucuses with each party
• The Mediator shall submit to the trial court, a status report on the progress of the proceedings at
the end of the mediation period

Confidentiality of Records

• The mediation proceedings and all incidents thereto shall be kept strictly confidential, unless
otherwise specifically provided by law, and all admissions or statements made therein shall be
inadmissible for any purpose in any proceeding
• Ex-parte communications shall not be communicated
• Views expressed, suggestions, admissions, proposals and willingness to accept a proposal for
settlement cannot be introduced as evidence
• No transcript or minutes of the mediation proceedings shall be taken, and personal notes of the
Mediator shall not be furnished the trial court and shall be inadmissible as evidence in any other
proceedings

Suspension of Proceedings

• Period during which the case is undergoing mediation shall be excluded from the regular and
mandatory periods
• The period for mediation shall not exceed 30 days, extendible for another 30 days

H. Standards and Procedure for Accreditation of Mediators

Basic Qualifications of Prospective Mediators

• Bachelor’s degree
• At least 30 years of age

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 • Good moral character
• Willingness to learn new skills and render public service
• Proficiency in oral and written communication in English and Pilipino

To maintain good standing, the Mediator must:

• Continue to be of good moral character

• Render mediation services at least once a week to any PMC unit
• Participate during the Settlement Weeks
• Complete refresher courses to be prescribed by PHILJA within the two (2) year period

The accreditation shall be effective for a period of two (2) years

I. Code of Ethical Standards for Mediators

Responsibilities to Courts

Responsibilities to Parties

• Impartiality
• Competence
• Conflict of interest
• Avoidance of delays
• Prohibition against solicitation or advertising
• Prohibition against coercion
• Personal opinion
• Disclosure of fees
• Confidentiality
• Role of Mediator in settlement

Relationship with other professionals

Responsibilities to Society

• Pro Bono service

• Support of mediation

J. Steps of the Mediation Process

1. Preparation for Mediation

• Talks separately with the parties to prepare them for the mediation
• Gathers information about the case
• Diagnoses the dispute
• Arranges an appropriate venue for the mediation
2. Mediator’s Opening Remarks
3. Presentation of Issues and Concerns of the Parties
4. Mediator’s Summary of Issues to be Resolved
5. Problem Solving
6. Final Bargaining
7. Final Written Agreement and Closing

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II. KATARUNGANG PAMBARANGAY SYSTEM

A. Katarungang Pambarangay

Katarungang Pambarangay is an innovation of the Philippine justice system. It provides for

resolution of disputes at the barangay level in order to achieve peace and harmony within the community
and to provide an accessible and effective form of justice for community members. The Katarungang
Pambarangay Law provides for local disputes which fall under its jurisdiction to be resolved through
mediation, conciliation, or arbitration by the Lupong Tagapamayapa of which the Punong Barangay is the
Chairman.

The Katarungang Pambarangay system is designed to achieve the following objectives:

1. To obtain a just, speedy and inexpensive settlement of disputes at the barangay level
2. To preserve Filipino culture and traditions concerning the amicable settlement of disputes
3. To relieve the courts of docket congestion and thereby enhance the quality of justice dispensed by
them.

B. The Katarungang Pambarangay under PD 1508

PD 1508, otherwise known as the Katarungang Pambarangay Law, was signed on June 11, 1978
and took effect on December 11, 1978. The law formally organized and institutionalized the system of
amicable settlement of disputes at the barangay level, with the purpose of promoting harmony, peace and
order, and community cooperation.

From 1978 to 1991, the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), through the Bureau
of Local Government Supervision (BLGS), was tasked by law to administer, implement, supervise, monitor,
evaluate, and issue the required implementing rules and regulations.

C. The Katarungang Pambarangay under RA 7160

The Local Government Code of 1991 (RA 7160) took effect on January 1, 1992, and included
provisions for the Katarungang Pambarangay. The revision of the Katarungang Pambarangay Law
expanded the jurisdiction of the Katarungang Pambarangay to include a wider range of cases and made
some minor procedural changes to the law. The administration and implementation of the Katarungang
Pambarangay was devolved to the local government units (LGUs), specifically to the Office of the
City/Municipal Mayor. Every city/municipal council is now mandated by law to provide the necessary
budgetary outlay for the efficient administration and implementation of the Katarungang Pambarangay.

The DILG, through the Economic and Incentives Awards Program, is tasked to provide incentive
awards to outstanding Lupong Tagapamayapa at the regional and national levels. The Department of Justice
is mandated to issue the necessary implementing rules, regulations and amendatory rules. Every
city/municipal lawyer and public prosecutor is tasked to render legal opinions on cases presented by the
Punong Barangay or the Pangkat ng Tagapagkasundo through the Lupong Tagapamayapa.

D. Dispute Resolution under the Katarungang Pambarangay SYSTEM

If parties are unable to settle disputes themselves through negotiation and if the disputes falls under
the jurisdiction of the Katarungang Pambarangay, they must bring the dispute to the Punong Barangay to
attempt settlement prior to filing their complaint in court. In the Katarungang Pambarangay system, the
Punong Barangay will, as directed by the parties, mediate or arbitrate the case. If the Punong Barangay is
unable to achieve a settlement, the case is referred to the Pangkat ng Tagapagkasundo, a panel of three

— 78 —
members of the Lupong Tagapamayapa, who can conciliate, mediate or arbitrate the case. If neither the
Punong Barangay nor the Pangkat is able to effect a settlement, the Lupon Secretary or the Pangkat
Secretary (with the attestation by the Lupon or Pangkat Chairman) will issue a certificate to file action in
court, and the parties may then file the complaint in court. The Katarungang Pambarangay law also
provides for the resolution of disputes through indigenous system of dispute resolution; where settlement is
not achieved, the Punong Barangay will issue a certificate to file action in court.

E. Subject Matter for Amicable Settlement

All disputes EXCEPT:

• Where one party is the government or any subdivision or instrumentality thereof;

• Where one party is a public officer or employee and the dispute relates to the performance of his
duties;
• Offenses punishable by imprisonment exceeding one (1) year or a fine exceeding P5,000;
• Offenses where there is no private offended party;
• Where the dispute involves real property located in different cities or municipalities unless the
parties agree to submit their differences to amicable settlement by an appropriate Lupon;
• Disputes involving parties residing in barangays of different cities or municipalities except where
such barangay adjoin each other and the parties agree to submit to amicable settlement by an
appropriate Lupon.

F. Structure of the Katarungang Pambarangay

The Punong Barangay is the primary implementor of the Katarungang Pambarangay. The role of
the Punong Barangay under Katarungang Pambarangay Law (RA 7160) is two-fold:

1. To serve as an administrator pursuant to the provisions of the Katarungang Pambarangay Law

2. To assist parties to reach an amicable settlement, through the use of mediation skills and
procedures, or if requested by the parties, to render a fair and reasonable decision through the
arbitration process

As Chairman of the Lupon, the Punong Barangay has many tasks outlined in the Katarungang
Pambarangay Law. In his role as an acknowledged leader of the community, the Punong Barangay is
expected to represent all the people in performing the following administrative duties:

1. Recruit and appoint Lupon members

2. Orient and train Lupon members
3. Constitute the Pangkat
4. Serve as Chairman of the Lupon and conduct regular monthly meetings of the Lupon
5. Supervise the Secretary of the Lupon and ensure that reports and documents are complete
6. Enforce amicable settlement or arbitration awards

The Lupong Tagapamayapa (Lupon) is a group of 10 or 20 people, selected by the Punong Barangay,
who possess integrity, impartiality, independence of mind, sense of fairness, and reputation for probity.
When the Punong Barangay is unable to settle a dispute, the case is referred to a panel of three Lupon
members (the Pangkat) for conciliation or arbitration. The Pangkat members are selected by the parties, or
if the parties cannot agree, chosen by lot by the Chairman of the Lupon.

The Lupon members meet monthly to provide a forum for exchange of ideas among its members and
the public on matters relevant to the amicable settlement of disputes, and to enable various conciliation panel
members to share with one another their observations and experiences in effecting speedy resolution of

— 79 —
disputes. The Lupon submits data on the barangay disputes and their disposition to the Municipal
Monitoring Unit.

The Barangay Secretary serves as Secretary of the Lupon. The Secretary’s duties are to record the
results of mediation proceedings before the Punong Barangay and submits a report to the proper city or
municipal courts. The Secretary also receives and keeps the records of proceedings submitted by the various
conciliation panels.

Each Pangkat selects one of the Pangkat members to serve as Pangkat Secretary. The Pangkat
Secretary prepares the minutes of the Pangkat proceedings, submits a copy, attested by the Lupon Secretary,
to the proper city or municipal court, and issues notices to the parties concerned. Each Pangkat also selects
a Pangkat Chairman who presides at the conciliation meeting.

The Municipal Monitoring Unit is established in each municipality to provide the Department of
Interior and Local Government periodic program implementation feedback. The Unit collects and submits
data to the DILG on disputes filed before the Lupong Tagapamayapa, the disposition of the disputes, and
problems encountered in the implementation of the program. The Monitoring Unit initiates actions on issues
and problems and elevates unresolved issues to the DILG.

III. COMMUNITY MEDIATION

A. Mediation: A Viable Option to Conflict Resolution

In a society where decision-making processes are in the hands of a few; where the ability to
dominate because one is more powerful than another party, is still the way of life, mediation is seen as a
viable option in resolving disputes because the process entails finding a mutually beneficial solution to the
conflict. It is an alternative to the court-led or legal framework of dispute resolution; it covers procedural
and psychological issues that the law does not tackle.

Furthermore, the parties equally claim the power to determine the outcomes of their own conflict.

Here in the Philippines, the Mediation Network for Sustainable Peace has been the pioneer in
resolving Community Based Mediation. MedNet calls this the “use of power with grace”. It means the use
of power that is “grace-filled”, meaning, the exercise of power informed and influenced by the spiritual
values that a person or a group of persons is anchored on. It also means the “graceful use of power,” where
the use of power does not disempower one’s self and others, instead it empowers all the parties concerned
to resolve the conflict in a just and caring way.

B. Empowering Dispute Resolution/Management Processes (EDR/MP)

Empowering Dispute Resolution/Management Processes (EDR/MP) is founded on two principles:

1. The recognition of the indigenous people’s conflict resolution practices, e.g., acknowledgement of
the role and power of the council of elders. Such practices are not on the one alternative for they
came before us, they have been used for thousands of years. Thus, to name network’s practice as
alternative dispute resolution practices.

2. The recognition of the issue of power being at the heart of every conflict. Any alternative dispute
resolution practice needs to acknowledge this and bring it forth to bear on the process. Thus, the
measure of a successful dispute resolution is not in the resolution of the conflict but in the
empowerment of the parties along the process towards a mutually gainful or beneficial solution to
their conflict.

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 The facilitators empowering dispute resolution management processes strive for the achievement and
preservation of peace with justice among persons, groups organization institutions sectors, communities and
countries. They are primarily dedicated to the principle that all parties to a conflict have a right to negotiate
and attempt to determine the outcomes of their own conflict. They believe in the importance of this
principle as a precondition to the achievement of genuine peace and sustainable development.

The Mediators Network for Sustainable Peace (MedNet) was borne out of two initiatives that were
supported by The Asia Foundation (TAF). First, the partnership between the Department of Agrarian
Reform (DAR) and the Community Organizers (CO) Multi diversity to venture into the use of mediation as
alternative means of resolving agrarian disputes from 1994-1997, training on principled negotiation, mutual
gains approach, and interest-based mediation were conducted for DAR personnel, non-government
organizations, and peoples organizations. The success of the undertaking was evident, some 550 people
from various parts of the country were trained, and less agrarian related cases were filed in court. This
prompted the partnership between the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the
Tanggol-Kalikasan to explore the arena of alternative dispute resolution in environmental conflicts.

Participants to the training of both initiatives have since then linked up with one another, as they
worked along in providing training, mediation, and negotiation-coaching. During a sharing and
consolidating of learning experiences on dispute resolution at the Caliraya Forum last May 1999, they
agreed that the time was rife for the formation of a network of mediators, one that practices the Empowering
Dispute Resolution/Management Processes (EDR/MP).

The Network consists of individuals from the government, particularly the Department of Agrarian
Reform (DAR) and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), as well as from the
non-government organizations (NGOs), and the people’s organizations (POs).

C. The Barangay Justice System

The barangay justice system is not part of the judicial system. But the Judiciary recognizes that
strengthening the grassroot structure will definitely have positive effects in the administration of justice as
it may help unclog court dockets. According to an associate justice of the Supreme Court, it should be the
duty of every judge in the trial courts to help strengthen the barangay justice system. The local courts can
initiate public education and information programs on how the barangay system works and provide
opportunities for continuing education for Lupon and Pangkat officials.

Maximizing the potential of the barangay justice system has been limited by lack of information
on how it works as well as some inherent structural weaknesses. The community, especially the
marginalized sectors are not aware or knowledgeable about the barangay justice system and the functions
of the Lupon and Pangkat. There has been no public information and education campaign on how the
barangay justice system works.

During the regional consultations, many barangay officials noted some inherent weaknesses of the
Lupon and Pangkat. The educational attainment of members are found to be diverse – some have completed
college degrees while others have had only a few years of schooling. While educational attainment is not
an important criterion as to community standing, respect, impartiality and integrity, it may be easier to create
collegial atmosphere if educational gaps are not too wide. Some Lupon and Pangkat members are not aware
of their role, duties and responsibilities, among others. There are limited opportunities for continuing
education.

There is a need, therefore to intensify training of members of the Lupon and Pangkat, many of
whom lack knowledge on the Barangay Justice Law. The members should be equipped with skills in
negotiation, conciliation, conflict management, etc. In addition to traditional training sessions, members of

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the Lupon and Pangkat may join “Lakbay Aral” in local courts as well as make cross visits to model
Barangay Justice systems.

Some Lupon and Pangkat members perceive their mode of alternative dispute resolution as
adjudicatory and not conciliatory. Hence, some have exercised jurisdiction beyond the territorial bounds of
the barangay. Some barangay officials have shown partiality towards certain litigants who are related to
them either by consanguinity or affinity (“compadre” culture).

It is perhaps because Lupon and Pangkat members serve without compensation that they are not
highly motivated to expeditiously resolve cases referred to them. This non-feasance has caused untoward
delay in the amicable settlement of controversies.

There are however “success stories” on the barangay justice system. For example, the Lupong
Tagapamayapa in a barangay in Legaspi City was adjudged winner in the Galing Pook Awards. These
success stories, however, are not given adequate media coverage.

The Barangay Council for the Protection of Children (BCPC) is now being set up in barangays
nationwide. This provides another venue by which community leaders and members are able to participate
actively in the delivery of (social) justice especially for children who are exposed to various forms of abuses
– trafficking, child labor, prostitution, vagrancy, among others. It is unfortunate that only a small percentage
of our barangays nationwide have established their BCPCs. Many of those established have not been active.
Lawyers who are residing or working in a particular barangay may serve as a member of the council. This
will enable them to share with the local community their knowledge, talents, and skills.

— 82 —
 COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
IN COURTS

By
Mr. Toru MIURA,
Professor, Chief of Training Division,
UNAFEI

I. INTRODUCTION

Public participation in the justice system is of significant importance, not only from the democratic
perspective, but also from the perspective that the system can only be effective by being supported by public
confidence and cooperation. The criminal procedure is no exception. However, the type and the extent of
public participation in the court procedure varies from country to country, and even within one country, it
varies depending on the procedure.

Community involvement in courts is one of the hottest issues in Japan now, since the Justice System
Reform Council submitted its Final Proposal to the Cabinet in June 20011, which includes proposals to
enhance community involvement in courts.

I would like to describe the current situation of community involvement in the Japanese court
procedure and then refer to the recent discussions on the enhancement of community involvement in
criminal trials in relation to the Final Proposal of the Justice System Reform Council.

II. Current Situation of Community Involvement in Japanese Courts

A. Court Structure

For your preliminary knowledge, I would like to touch upon the Japanese court structure briefly.

There are five types of courts: the Supreme Court, High Court, District Court, Family Court and
Summary Court.

The Supreme Court is the highest court. The Supreme Court exercises appellate jurisdiction as
provided specifically in the codes of procedure.

There are 8 High Courts (and 6 branch offices), and they have jurisdiction over appeals filed against
judgments rendered by the District Courts and the Family Courts, as well as the Summary Courts in criminal
cases. The High Courts have original jurisdiction over certain cases stipulated by law.

There are 50 District Courts (and 203 branch offices). The District Court is primarily the court of
general and original jurisdiction over civil and criminal cases, and it handles all cases in the first instance
except those specifically coming under the exclusive jurisdiction of other types of court. The District Court
also has appellate jurisdiction in certain cases stipulated by law.

The Family Courts and their branch offices are established at the same places where the District

1
Available on www.kantei.go.jp/foreign/judiciary/2001/0612reports.html

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Courts and their branch offices are located. In addition, local offices of the Family Courts are located in 77
places. The Family Court is a specialized court dealing with family affairs2 and juvenile delinquency cases3.
Family affairs cases are solved by determination or conciliation procedure.

There are 438 Summary Courts throughout Japan. The Summary Court has original jurisdiction over
civil cases involving claims not exceeding 900,000 yen and criminal cases relating to offences punishable
by fine or lighter punishment and other minor offences. It also handles conciliation proceedings aimed at
settling everyday disputes among citizens.

B. Participation of Laypersons in Judicial Proceedings in Civil and Family Cases

In Japan, some laypersons who are selected by the court from among the general public take part in
judicial proceedings as Conciliation Commissioners, Judicial Commissioners and Family Court Councilors.

(1) Conciliation Commissioners

The Conciliation Committee of the District Courts, the Family Courts or the Summary
Courts deals with various kinds of civil disputes as well as conflicts in family affairs. The
Committee works to secure an amicable settlement of disputes by recommending mutual
concession and compromise to both parties or persuading the parties to reconcile themselves to
an appropriate compromise worked out by the committee.

The Committee is usually composed of one judge and two or more Conciliation
Commissioners. Most Conciliation Commissioners are selected from citizens with broad
knowledge and experience in the community. They play an important role in drawing up
appropriate settlement proposals in line with the circumstances of the disputes, as well as in
convincing the parties concerned based on the proposals.

The total number of Conciliation Commissioners for civil disputes is approximately 12,000,
and that for conflict in family affairs is also approximately 12,000, including 5,400 who serve as
both.

(2) Judicial Commissioners (or Summary Court Councilors)

Judicial Commissioners may assist the Summary Court judge in effecting a compromise
between the parties to a civil lawsuit in the Summary Court or attend a civil trial in the Summary
Court to express their opinion to the judge in the case.

Judicial Commissioners are specially selected from among the public.

The total number of judicial commissioners is approximately 5,900.

(3) Family Court Councilors

When the Family Court deals with such cases as guardianship for adults, change of name,
support, and partition of estate, Family Court Councilors specially appointed from among the

2
e.g. designation of the child legal custodian of a child and other measures relating to the legal custody of a child, disputes between
married couples, partition of a deceased’s estate, permission of alteration of the surname of a child, renunciation of succession,
appointment of a person responsible for the care of a mentally disordered person
3
The Family Court has jurisdiction over delinquent juveniles under 20 years of age who have committed a crime or are prone to commit
offences (14-19 years old) or who have violated penal provisions or are prone to violate them (under 14 years old). It also has
jurisdiction over adults’ criminal cases which were indicted for offences detrimental to the welfare of juveniles.

— 84 —
 public by the court assist a judge in the determination process by offering their opinions to him/her.

The total number of Family Court Councilors is approximately 6,000.

C. Participation of Laypersons in Judicial Proceedings in Juvenile Cases

The Family Court has a unique system of community involvement in juvenile proceedings.

(1) Attendant (Juvenile Friendship Association)

At the first opportunity, when a juvenile has no guardian or receives no proper support from
his/her guardian, the Court selects a member of the public as an attendant, other than the lawyer
attendant. The Court expects this attendant to take emotional care of the juvenile, assist in finding
a job or compensating the victims, and attend the hearing session. In practice there are public
voluntary groups such as the “Juvenile Friendship Association” (shounen-tomo-no-kai in
Japanese), that consist of those who are interested in the guidance and assistance of delinquent
juveniles. The court often selects an attendant out of these groups.

(2) Tentative Probationary Supervision (commitment of juvenile guidance and social service
activities)

The second opportunity is when the judge places the juvenile under the tentative
probationary supervision of the Family Court Probation Officer. This is one of the intermediate
dispositions while the final disposition of the Court is held in suspension. During this period of
supervision, the Family Court Probation Officer makes various educational approaches to the
juveniles, utilizing the assistance and cooperation of the public. This is of two types.

One type is to commit the juvenile to a suitable institution, agency or individual for his/her
guidance for a reasonable term. This system was utilized soon after the establishment of the
Juvenile Law, and the institutions, agencies and individuals to which the juveniles are committed
have devoted themselves to guide the juveniles, treating them as if they were a member of their
family. This is especially effective for juveniles without a happy family life.

The other type is social service activities performed by juvenile offenders. This is different
from the social service order that offenders are subject to in some countries. This is conducted
not upon a court order but upon the recommendation of the court. Juveniles who are
recommended to take part in social service activities, and consent to perform them, go several
times to social welfare institutions, such as special nursing homes for the aged, with the assistance
of the members of the “Juvenile Friendship Associations”. This is effective for juveniles who
lack motivation and life experience. From the experience of nursing the aged, the juveniles are
expected to reflect upon the delinquency they committed. By way of close relationships with the
staff in these institutions, watching them devotedly nurse the aged, etc., they are expected to raise
their will to work.

D. Participation of Laypersons in Judicial Proceedings in Criminal Cases

Relatively speaking, the public has limited opportunities to participate in the criminal procedure in
Japan. The jury and lay judge systems are typical examples of community involvement in trials. However,
in Japan, there are neither jury trials nor trials by lay judges. Rather, all cases are heard and tried by
professional judges. Japan, in fact, enacted a Jury Trial Law in 1923. However, since the general public
preferred trials by career judges to those by jury, this law was suspended in 1943. Therefore, no system
exists in which laypersons can participate in fact-finding and sentencing procedures in criminal cases. Japan

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has only Committees for the Inquest into the Prosecution system4 which involve the general public at the
prosecution stage.

With regard to community involvement in criminal justice, the situation of victims should be one of
the important issues. The existing Japanese Code of Criminal Procedure (hereinafter CCP), which was
enacted in 1948, has several provisions concerning the protection of witnesses, and it should be noted that
Japan recently amended the Code and enacted a new law to promote the protection of victims, such as:

(i) An attendant for the witness may be allowed during the course of examination (Art. 157-2, CCP).
(ii) The setting up of a screen between the witness and the accused or spectators may be allowed
during the course of examination (Art.157-3, CCP).
(iii) A video-linked method of examination, where the witness (outside of the court room) testifies to
the questioner (inside the court room) behind a monitor, may be allowed during the course of
examination (Art.157-4, CCP).
(iv) A victim can request the court in criminal cases to record the mutual consent between him/her
and the defendant in the trial record when there has been an order to compensate damages (Art.
4, The Law Concerning Measures Accompanied with Criminal Procedure for Protection of
Victims).
(v) A victim may express their views about the criminal at the trial (Art. 292-2, CCP).

Although the victim is not a party in the criminal trial in Japan, he/she is a party of the dispute that
constitutes the crime charged. Therefore, dispute resolution before and/or pending trial has significant
importance for the victim. If the disputes are resolved more satisfactorily for the victims during the criminal
procedure, the criminal justice system will get more cooperation from the public including victims.
Moreover, in some forms of victimization, in particular where the victim and the offender have an existing
social relationship, avoidance of the possible stigmatizing effects of criminal prosecution (or at least actual
incarceration) may have benefits for both the victim and the offender. Many countries have a long history
of using non-court dispute resolution mechanisms including mediation and arbitration. Although Japan does
not have formalized mediation programmes in the criminal courts, the offenders and the victims often have
opportunities to settle disputes, and the results are reflected in the dispositions by the public prosecutors
and/or the judges, since the public prosecutors have wide discretionary power whether to prosecute the case
or not, and the judges have wide discretionary power regarding the sentencing. This practice is facilitated
by the characteristics of the Japanese criminal justice system which puts emphasis on the restoration and
reintegration of offenders, and by the devoted activities of defence counsels.

III. RECENT DISCUSSION ON FACILITATION OF PUBLIC PARTICIPATION IN THE

CRIMINAL TRIAL

A. Justice System Reform Council’s Proposal

The Justice System Reform Council was established under the Cabinet in 1999, for the purposes of
“clarifying the role to be played by justice in Japanese society in the 21st century and examining and
deliberating fundamental measures necessary for the realization of a justice system that is easy for the people
to utilize, participation by the people in the justice system, achievement of a legal profession as it should
be and strengthening the functions thereof, and other reforms of the justice system, as well as improvements
in the infrastructure of that system.”5 The Council submitted its Final Proposal to the Cabinet on 12 June

4
This system aims to check on the discretionary exercise of prosecuting authority. The committee, composed of 11 ordinary citizens
randomly selected from among the same voters who elect members of the House of Representatives, reviews a public prosecutor’s
determination not to institute prosecution, either upon application of complainants or ex officio. If the committee considers the
determination unjustified, it may recommend instituting the prosecution to the chief prosecutor. However, this recommendation does not
bind the prosecutor.
5
Art.2, Para.1 of the Law Concerning Establishment of the Justice System Reform Council

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2001. The Proposal covers every area of the nation’s legal system such as (1) Reform of the Civil Justice
System, (2) Reform of the Criminal Justice System, (3) Responses to Internationalization, (4) Expansion of
the Legal Population, (5) Reform of the Legal Training System, (6) Reform of the Public Prosecutor System,
(7) Reform of the Judge System, (8) Mutual Exchanges among the Legal Professions, (9) Establishment of
the Popular Base of the Justice System (Popular Participation in Justice), and (10) Laying the Groundwork
for the Establishment of the Popular Base. Among them, the following points are concerned with the current
problems in criminal justice in Japan:

• Speed up criminal trials by enabling courts to establish the point of a dispute earlier and concentrate
on the same case every day.
• Provide publicly hired attorneys for suspects before they are prosecuted.
• Empower a Committee for the Inquest into Prosecution to order that prosecutions are initiated.
• Mandate investigators to keep a written record of interrogations to ensure that interrogations are
conducted appropriately.
• Introduce a quasi-jury / lay judge system in serious criminal trials, so that judges and jurors (lay
judges) work together to decide upon a verdict and assess a defendant’s culpability.

B. Participation of Laypersons in Criminal Trial

The Justice System Reform Council’s Proposal established the participation of laypersons in criminal
trials to be one of the hottest issues currently, though this issue had long been discussed since the end of the
Second World War, but had not been regarded as realizable by many people.

The systems vary throughout the world. Some countries such as India, Indonesia, Singapore,
Thailand, Korea, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Israeli, Turkey, Argentina, the Philippines and Japan do not have
jury trials6 nor a lay judge system7. Some countries such as Sri Lanka, Greece, the United Kingdom, the
United States, Canada, Australia and New Zealand have jury trials. Some countries such as Malaysia, Italy,
Germany, France and Finland have a lay judge system. Some countries such as Austria, Sweden, Denmark
and Norway have both systems.

There are many arguments supporting jury trial and a lay judge system.

It is unquestionable that jury trial is a very democratic system. It is based on trust in the wisdom of
common citizens to act as the conscience of the community. It makes the judicial procedure more
transparent and understandable, and also helps speedy trial.

As for the lay judge system, similar merits have been pointed out, such as the democracy principle,
the quality of jurisprudence8 and the popular educative effect.

However, lots of practical problems for both systems have also been pointed out, such as burdens on
ordinary citizens, expensive and time consuming nature of the systems, limiting the right to appeal compared
to the current Japanese system, uncertainty of judgments, and so on.

6
A typical jury trial is as follows. A trial jury is entrusted with deciding whether or not the defendant is guilty of the crime charged.
Jurors are selected members of the public on a case by case basis. They perform jury service as a civil duty. Jurors are given no
special training in law to prepare them for their important task, but these diverse citizens are expected to sit together in the courtroom at
public trial and listen carefully to the evidence the judge permits to be presented. Under the guidance of the judge, who explains the
governing law, the jury determines the facts and reaches a decision (verdict) of either guilty or not guilty.
7
There are a variety of lay judge systems. For example, in Germany, one or three professional judges sit together with two lay judges.
The lay judges practice their judicial function in an honorary capacity. By cooperating in court decisions like this, the lay judge has the
same rights as the professional judge in principle. In other words, the lay judge has the same voting power as the professional judge.
The lay judge has to co-decide on the facts and circumstances of the case, as well as in the application of law. The lay judges are not
necessarily selected, but rather appointed. The term of a lay judge is four years.
8
The participation of lay judges forces the professionals, including professional judges, to submit their argument to the critique of a non-
jurist, and to deliver factual and legal deliberations in such a way that even a layperson would be able to follow them.

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 During the discussion before and after the Proposal, the followings are some of the points which have
been examined:

• Evaluation of current trials by career judges

• Evaluation of public participation systems in other legal fields in Japan
• Evaluation of the systems and practices in foreign countries
• Evaluation of the failure of the jury system which Japan had before the Second World War
• Burdens on jurors or ordinary citizens
• Way of selecting jurors / lay judges (random sampling, appointment)
• Number of jurors / lay judges and the method of deciding the verdict
• Matters in which laypersons participate in deciding (fact, law, sentencing)
• Applicable cases (serious cases, minor cases, contended cases, non-contended cases)
• Defendant’s right to refuse the new procedure
• Cost (time and budget)
• Suitability to find the truth or the detailed facts
• Capability to deal with very complicated cases
• Possibility to be subject to sentimental reactions
• Necessity to set out the reason of fact finding in the judgment
• Effects on the appellate system
• Necessity to regulate mass media
• Capacity of practicing lawyers to attend trials over consecutive days

During the approximately two-year discussion, the Council has scrupulously examined how the
problems can be minimized and how the merits can be maximized. Finally the Council reached the
following Proposal, which is an original system mixed with elements of various systems and relatively
closer to the lay judge system in Continental Europe.

1. A new system should be introduced in criminal proceedings, enabling the broad general public to
cooperate with judges by sharing responsibilities, and to participate autonomously and
meaningfully in deciding the outcome of trials.
2. Judges and saiban-in should deliberate and make decisions both on guilt and on the sentence
together. In the deliberations, saiban-in should possess generally equivalent authority to that of
judges; and in the hearing process, saiban-in should possess appropriate authority including the
authority to question witnesses.
3. The number of judges and saiban-in on one judicial panel and the method of deciding the verdict
should be determined appropriately, giving consideration to the need to ensure the autonomous
and meaningful participation of saiban-in and the need to ensure the effectiveness of
deliberations, and also taking into account the seriousness of the cases to which this system will
apply and the significance and potential burden of the system on the general public.
4. However, a minimum requirement should be that a decision adverse to a defendant cannot be
made on the basis of a majority of either the judges or the saiban-in alone.
5. With regard to the selection of saiban-in, the selection pool should be made up of persons
randomly selected from among eligible voters, and further appropriate mechanisms should be
established to ensure a fair trial by an impartial court. Saiban-in should be selected for each
specific case and should serve for the entire case up to the final judgment.
6. Saiban-in candidates who have received a summons from the court should accept their duty to
appear.
7. Applicable cases should be cases of a serious nature to which heavy statutory penalties attach.
8. No distinction should be made based on whether the defendant admits or denies the charge.
9. Defendants should not be allowed to refuse trial by a judicial panel composed of judges and
saiban-in.
10. Various efforts should be made in connection with the administration of trial procedures and, as

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 necessary, the relevant laws should be modified, so as to ensure autonomous and meaningful
participation by saiban-in.
11. The contents of judgments should fundamentally be structured in the same way as those for trials
by judges alone.
12. Litigants should be allowed to appeal (koso) on the ground of error in fact findings or the ground
of improper sentence.

IV. CONCLUSION

Although some detailed points are not clearly stated in the Proposal, the Japanese government is
endeavoring to realize the participation of ordinary people in criminal trials in the near future as suggested
by the Proposal. The Proposal includes not only participation in the criminal justice system, but also other
spheres of participation such as participation in the appointment of judges, judicial administration, and so
forth. Japan is trying to enhance the community involvement in courts in various fields, and it will be
interesting to see the Japanese justice system in the near future.

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 REACTION

By
Mr. Rene V. SARMIENTO,
Attorney, Sarmiento Law Office, the Philippines

Members of the judiciary, law enforcement officials, professors of law, members of the Japanese
delegation, members of the different nongovernmental organization, good morning, ladies and gentlemen.

Many decades ago, Abraham Lincoln once said, “that the worst form of compromise is always
better than the best litigation.” At that time, he was thinking of expenses, time, congestion of court dockets
which lessen the happiness of the Americans. To me, that quotation is very pertinent to all of us. You will
note Justice Martinez, in his closing remarks said, “We hope that through this mediation we will have more
happiness for the Filipino people.”

I fully agree with Justice Martinez when he said that we have in this country a problem of court
administration. One of the problems facing the criminal justice system is the congested dockets of courts.
I was shocked to learn that as of March 2001, we have 587,788 cases. In June 2001, this dropped to 797,721
and maybe this number to 1 million as of November 2001, just to show a challenge facing the Supreme
Court, judiciary and the Philippine government.

In a book written by a Dutch professor who has made extensive research on the administration of
justice, he cited the reasons why we have these congested dockets of the courts in the Philippines. The title
of the book is “The Philippine Justice System” by Professor Jan Wilhelm Baker. He conducted extensive
interviews of lawyers, justices, judges and NGOs. He cited several reasons, among which are the following:

1. lack of resources and infrastructure

2. heavy backlog of cases facing judges
3. lack of appointee judges

The good author also cited the litigation exclusion in the Philippines for slight offense for breach of
respect Filipinos would file. I have this survey which shows the flow of cases because of this litigation
exclusion phenomenon in the Philippines. In 1985, according to a study based on Supreme Court records,
we have a total case inflow 323,282. This increased in 1995 to 523,158. Now according to our good Justice,
it is 787,721 cases as of June 2001. Which is why I fully agree again with the observation and the position
of the good Justice that there is need for mediation and enhancement of barangay conciliation and
community involvement.

According to my wife who is a barangay chairman in Quezon City, there is peer pressure because of
participatory resolution of cases. In the barangay level, many of these cases are resolved. She also cited
other barangays where there are so many cases because of the urban poor communities there in the areas.
The barangay conciliators play an important role in resolving these disputes before reaching the courts. She
also cited the community healing center whose purpose is to give advice to battered women, children and
cases involving family disputes. This is just to show how important this barangay conciliation proceeding
is in our system. It will be better if this mediation will be propagated and put into practice by our judiciary.

I was inspired when I saw the presentation of Justice Martinez showing the efforts of the Supreme
Court to propagate this process. This is a revolutionary approach that deserves the support of everyone.

About community involvement, may I say that in New Zealand, in the USA and in Canada they have

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this system known as restorative or rehabilitative justice where true community efforts and initiatives, they
invite the victims and offenders to resolve their cases. I hope these processes may be further enhanced if
we will take into account the presentation of our Japanese professor about lay commissioners who
participate in the resolution of cases, criminal and civil. I hope the Supreme Court, using its creativity,
addresses these problems.

The basic question is how do we enhance this mediation process and other processes in the
Philippines. One is, we mobilize pastors, priests and ministers to help us in this process. They are well
trained on retreats, on counseling, on therapeutic processes which may be of help to us if we mobilize their
talents and charisma to enhance mediation and conciliation. Secondly, if we have human rights courses in
law curricula today, why don’t we have a course on conflict resolution or mediation or peace making in our
law curriculum. Hopefully, through these courses we can develop a culture of mediation, pacific settlement
in our country, after all this is anchored and based on the Filipino culture trait of social harmony and
interpersonal relationships.

I close by saying that mediators and peacemakers should be encouraged, motivated and inspired, after
all, in the scriptures we are told, “Blessed are the peacemakers for they will enter the Kingdom of Heaven.”
Thank you.

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 REACTION

By
Mr. James Marty Lao LIM,
National President, League of Barangays, the Philippines

Good morning to everyone of you, my colleagues and foreign guests.

I would like to give a little background of what barangay is all about. Basically, for quite some time,
most people do not understand the concept of barangay. It is quite only recently when the barangays have
slowly been recognized. Right now, the set up of barangays in our country is basically covering practically
all branches of governance. First of all, we have the executive function as punong barangay of our local
government units. We also have legislative powers in terms of being the chairman of the Sangguniang
Pambarangay. We are also at the same time an additional burden, the judiciary in terms of lupon or justice
system. The chairman is the barangay.

With regards to these roles of the barangay, our speakers were giving quite a number of facts. Last
year, when I was in a discussion with the Chief Justice and other justices, I understand that the barangay
government has more or less saved over a billion pesos in terms of court litigation. The savings of
government in terms of these cases being filed and being handled by the judiciary was quite a feat. In the
advent of the justice system coming into play, it is true that there are lapses.

Some of the recommendations are being a little bit more flexible. The barangay justice system is
quite new. The local government is about 9 years since it was created. We have implemented a lot of
provisions. Although it is true that a lot of barangy officials are not aware of many of these provisions, still
the process is ongoing. I still feel, as President of the barangays, that a lot of training and awareness has
to be done. It is very unfortunate that, because of community basing of the concept, a lot of problems being
handled in the level of the barangay are not done properly. A lot of barangays also have done their share
especially those who are well informed, well educated and capable in handling the cases, turned out well.
There are lots of cases also in the level of barangays that are mismanaged. There are a number of cases
that the barangay should not handle such as rape cases which are not supposed to be part and parcel of the
barangay justice system.

In a way, because of this mediation process, a lot of the barangays try to mediate in cases of rape,
abuse and problems not within the context of what they are supposed to do. I do not know if this has
contributed to the upliftment of the justice system in that aspect. One thing is sure as I was listening, it is
very important that mediation comes into play. Aside from the savings the government can derive out of
this, more important is that we are able to foster stronger community ties.

In the barangay, we try our best to improve the relationship within the barangay. Having an efficient
procedure in the justice system in the barangay would help a lot in terms of improving the barangay and
the community. I have noticed that in the process of the law especially in some procedure that were
incorporated in the Local Government Code, there are a number of items that should be reviewed and I
think there are reforms being done. The only problem right now, I personally encountered, when it comes
to the justice process is that there is very little respect when it comes to the community’s involvement.
Rarely would you see the cases being brought to the barangay. Another problem we also encountered is
that the lawyers intervene. Although we are prohibited, very few barangay officials could actually ward
off the lawyers.

What should be incorporated in the process, lawyers come to the idea that before they intervene or

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convince the clients to go to court, maybe we should try to find an amicable settlement as a process. I
understand that there are numerous cases that courts send back to the barangays. Because of affinities in
the barangay, for example, a relative who is involved in a particular case, the tendency is either to be biased
towards the case or if not, immediately send it to court by issuing the clearance.

I understand that if it is not the Supreme Court who has given some kind of deputization to the
barangay. Lately, there is no power for the barangay when it comes to decision. When it comes to a
decision, it is so difficult for them to have it implemented because there is no real police power. It is better
to go to court because the judge can issue a restraining order.

I was looking at how flexible the Japanese version is when it comes to mediation process. In the
Philippines, there should be more campaign in terms of education but also informing the community that
there is such a mechanism of settling cases at less cost. We all know it is costly to go to court.

In closing, education and information campaign is much more needed and the training for these
people who are handling the system should be more focused. Thank you.

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