Chapter 1

THE PROBLEM AND ITS BACKROUND

This chapter includes the introductory investigations and research on the background

of the study which define and describe the significance of the research project.

1.1. Background of the Study

Electronic justice systems, also known as e-justice or electronic legal systems, have

emerged as a transformative solution to address the challenges and limitations of traditional

justice systems. These systems utilize digital technologies to streamline and enhance various

components of the justice system, including case management, court proceedings, legal

documentation, and information dissemination. By digitizing and automating processes,

electronic justice systems aim to improve access to justice, enhance efficiency, and promote

transparency in legal procedures (Contini, 2022).

Traditional justice systems frequently encounter barriers that prevent people from

accessing justice, such as protracted wait times, massive case backlogs, expensive prices, and

scarce resources. Additionally, the justice system as a whole and the litigants themselves may

incur time-consuming, inconvenient, and expensive costs due to the reliance on paper-based

procedures and in-person court appearances. Simplified case administration, online access to

legal information and services, remote participation in court proceedings, and improved case

processing efficiency are just a few of the possible advantages that electronic justice systems

may provide to address these issues.

Previous research has explored various aspects of electronic justice systems. For

instance, Smith et al. (2019) investigated the implementation of electronic case management

systems in improving case processing time and reducing administrative burdens for court staff.

Jones and Lee (2020) examined the impact of online dispute resolution platforms on access to
justice and user satisfaction, highlighting the potential benefits of remote dispute resolution for

efficiency and convenience.

Electronic justice systems are becoming more and more popular, but a thorough study

of their implementation difficulties, efficiency, and long-term effects is still required. In addition,

issues with data security, privacy, the digital divide, and the possibility of bias in automated

decision-making have been brought up, which may have an impact on the fairness of access to

and the effectiveness of these systems.

1.2. Objectives of the Study

Increase transparency in the justice system by making case information, court

schedules, and judgements available to the public. Citizens can use an online portal to track

the progress of their cases, read court papers, and remain up to date on the status and

outcomes of various judicial actions.

Reduce paperwork, streamline operations, and reduce delays to improve the efficiency of the

court system. Online technologies can simplify administrative processes, make document filing

and sharing easier, and allow for remote hearings, all of which can speed up case settlement.

Build transparency and accountability mechanisms for algorithms used in automated justice

systems and implement rigorous security measures to protect sensitive legal data and personal

information in accordance with applicable data protection and privacy regulations increase.

1.2.1. General Objective

Improving Documentation and Information Management: To establish a centralized

and secure repository for storing case-related documents, decisions, and records. This
objective aims to improve data management, retrieval, and ensure the accuracy and

completeness of information for future reference.

1.2.2. Specific Objectives

1. To assess the challenges and barriers in implementing electronic Katarungang

Pambarangay, including technological infrastructure, interoperability, organizational change

management, and stakeholder engagement.

2. To evaluate the impact of e-Katarungang Pambarangay on access to justice,

considering factors such as affordability, convenience, and reduced barriers for diverse user

groups, including marginalized populations.

3. To examine the efficiency gains and resource utilization resulting from the

implementation of electronic justice systems, including case processing time, workload

distribution, and improved administrative functions.

4. To investigate the transparency and accountability aspects of e-Katarungang

Pambarangay, analyzing the impact on public trust, procedural fairness, judicial decision-

making, and the potential for bias in automated processes.

5. To identify and address concerns related to data security, privacy, the digital divide, and

the ethical implications, to ensure equitable access and fair outcomes for all individuals.

1.3. Significance of the Study

1.4. Scope and Delimitation

1.4.1. Scope

The Katarungang Pambarangay Information System (KPIS) is an initiative by the

Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Cluster-A to streamline and enhance
the delivery of barangay justice services. This scope outlines the deliverables, timeline, and key

activities involved in implementing the KPIS within DILG Cluster-A.

1.4.2. Delimitation

The Katarungang Pambarangay Information System in DILG Cluster-A, There are

several limitations that the Information System has. These limitations are: (1) Geographic

Scope: The implementation of the Katarungang Pambarangay Information System (KPIS) is

delimited to DILG Cluster-A, comprising a specific group of barangays within a defined

geographic area. The system's benefits and impact are confined to this particular cluster,

excluding other regions and clusters within the country. (2) Technical Infrastructure: The

successful implementation of the KPIS relies on the availability of adequate technical

infrastructure. This includes reliable internet connectivity, hardware resources (such as

computers and servers), and software compatibility. Limitations or deficiencies in technical

infrastructure may hamper system performance, accessibility, and usability. (3) Stakeholder

Engagement: The effective adoption and utilization of the KPIS depend on the active

participation and cooperation of various stakeholders, including barangay officials, mediators,

and community members. Challenges in engaging stakeholders, obtaining their commitment, or

addressing resistance to change may significantly impact the implementation process and

hinder the system's success. (4) Data Migration: The migration of existing Katarungang

Pambarangay records from the previous system to the KPIS is crucial for data continuity,

historical reference, and seamless transition. However, challenges may arise in ensuring the
accuracy, completeness, and consistency of data during the migration process. Inaccurate or

incomplete data migration could undermine the effectiveness of the KPIS in providing

comprehensive case management and analysis capabilities. (5) Training and Capacity

Building: Proper training and capacity building activities are essential for enabling barangay

officials, mediators, and stakeholders to effectively utilize the KPIS. However, limitations in

resources, time constraints, or resistance to change may pose challenges in conducting

comprehensive training programs. Insufficient training may result in underutilization of system

functionalities and suboptimal system adoption. (6) Security and Privacy: Ensuring the security

and privacy of the KPIS data is of paramount importance. Adequate security measures,

including data encryption, access controls, and regular system audits, need to be implemented.

However, vulnerabilities in the security infrastructure or potential privacy breaches may pose

risks to data confidentiality and integrity, requiring continuous monitoring and proactive

measures. (7) Resource Constraints: The successful implementation of the KPIS relies on the

availability of adequate financial, human, and technical resources. Budgetary constraints,

limited staff availability, or technical expertise may impact the implementation process,

potentially leading to delays, compromises in system functionalities, or reduced post-

implementation support. (8) Legislative Alignment: The implementation of the KPIS must align

with existing legislation, policies, and regulations related to the Katarungang Pambarangay

system and data protection. Any legal or policy constraints may require adjustments to the

system design, workflows, or data management practices to ensure compliance. (9) Scalability

and Future Expansion: While the initial implementation focuses on DILG Cluster-A, it is

important to consider the potential for scalability and future expansion of the KPIS to other

clusters or regions. The system design should allow for easy integration and interoperability

with other systems, and be scalable to accommodate potential growth and increased usage,

ensuring a long-term and sustainable solution.