Determinants of success and failure in conciliation: An analytical study of contributing factors
Norman Biagcong Bustillo & Filibert Patrick F. Tad-awan
Abstract
This qualitative-descriptive study investigates the factors contributing to the success and failure of conciliation efforts within Baguio City's Katarungang Pambarangay system, with a focus on selected barangays in the Central Business District area. Drawing on the perceptions and experiences of eight participants, comprising complainants, witnesses, respondents, Lupon Tagapamayapa members, mediators, and barangay officials, the study employed unstructured interviews and reflexive thematic analysis to pursue two objectives: (1) identifying the factors that contribute to conciliation success or failure; and (2) exploring participants' lived experiences of the process. Key findings indicate that success is driven by effective communication fostering mutual understanding, the conciliator's neutrality and emotional intelligence, and community engagement that leverages local trust and indigenous cultural practices of the Cordillera region. Participants further highlighted perceived fairness, barangay officials' patience and procedural competence, and outcome satisfaction manifested through emotional relief and restored relationships. Failure, by contrast, stems from training gaps, power imbalances, confidentiality concerns, and mismatched expectations. Grounded in Interest-Based Negotiation Theory, Communication and Trust Theory, and the Katarungang Pambarangay institutional framework, the findings affirm conciliation's role in reducing court congestion and strengthening community peacebuilding. The study acknowledges limitations in sample scope and transferability and recommends enhanced mediator training, procedural safeguards, and future disputant-centered research to strengthen this ADR mechanism within the Philippine criminal justice system.
Keywords
katarungang pambarangay, conciliation success, lupon tagapamayapa, restorative justice, effective communication
Author information & Contribution
Norman Biagcong Bustillo. Corresponding author. Master of Science in Criminal Justice with Specialization in Criminology. Faculty Member, Baguio Central University. Email: 20190768@s.ubaguio.edu
Filibert Patrick F. Tad-awan. Doctor of Philosophy in Criminology. Faculty Member, University of Baguio. Email: fptad-awan@e.ubaguio.edu
"All authors equally contributed to the conception, design, preparation, data gathering and analysis, and writing of the manuscript. All authors read and approved the final manuscript."
Disclosure statement
No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.
Funding
This work was not supported by any funding.
Institutional Review Board Statement
This study was conducted in accordance with the ethical guidelines set by University of Baguio Research Innovation Extension and Community Outreach. The conduct of this study has been approved and given relative clearances by University of Baguio-Research Ethics Committee.
Data and Materials Availability
The data supporting the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request.
AI Declaration
The authors declare the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in writing this paper. In particular, the authors used Copilot AI and Perplexity AI in searching appropriate literature, summarizing key points and paraphrasing ideas. They take full responsibility in ensuring proper review and editing of content generated using AI.
Notes
This paper has been presented in the University of Baguio- School of Criminal Justice and Public Safety.
Acknowledgement
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Cite this article:
Bustillo, N.B. & Tad-awan, F.P.F. (2026). Determinants of success and failure in conciliation: An analytical study of contributing factors. International Review of Social Sciences Research, 6(2), 25-48. https://doi.org/10.53378/irssr.353344
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