Alternative Dispute Resolution

Alternative Dispute Resolution is certainly a breakthrough in the legal

system of the country. It is usually less formal, less expensive and less time-
consuming than a trial. It can also give people more opportunity to determine when
and how their dispute will be resolved. Furthermore, the country recognizes the
conciliation and mediation among members of Indigenous Cultural Communities,
which most of the time are amicably and promptly resolved with such expediency.

I am currently renting in Lower Cabinet Hill Baguio City. It was just five
months ago when we moved here. The place is convenient for it is near the city
proper, hence, just a walking distance from school. During my stay in this
Barangay, I observed that most of the residents here are mere tenants- students
from different Universities in the city and employees who are from nearby
provinces like La Union, Pangasinan and others from the Mountain Province.
Consequently, I was not surprised when I had a conversation with the Barangay
Officials as they confirmed this observation of mine. Nearly all owners of houses
in the place prefer to lease their properties since the place is a prime spot for
commercial and other lucrative purposes. Some proprietors are already abroad,
maintaining their properties here in the Philippines through a landlady, landlord or
caretakers, some live in other barangays within the city, some owners are from
other cities and provinces who only built houses and buildings mainly for profit-
making and the rest are locals of the city with only some few members of
indigenous community.

The Barangay Chairman exercises his obligation on mediation of conflicts

that may arise within his territorial jurisdiction and subsequently creates a Lupon
for further conciliation and settlement of any disagreement. However, he
mentioned that there were only minimal cases within the Barangay since most of
the time, neighbors would just quarrel and such issue will no longer reach his
office. The reason behind may be that most residents are strangers to each other.
With the contemporary circumstances of the place, conciliation and mediation
between and among members of the Indigenous Peoples within the Barangay
which can be registered and accredited is highly improbable.