Participation of the Public and Victims for More Fair and Effective Criminal Justice Administration in the Philippines (From Resource Material Series No. 56, P 241-258, 2000, Hiroshi Iitsuka and Rebecca Findlay-Debeck, eds. -- See NCJ-191475)

• NCJ Number: 191494
• Author(s): Donna L. A. Caparas
• Date Published: December 2000
• Length: 18 pages
• Sale Source: United Nations Asia and Far East Institute for the Prevention of Crime and Treatment of Offenders
• Publication Format: Document
• Publication Type: Program/Project Description
• Language: English
• Country: Japan
• Note: A paper from the 112th UNAFEI International Training Course, "Participation of the Public and Victims for More Fair and Effective Criminal Justice," held April 12 to July 2, 1999.

Annotation

This paper discusses Philippine strategies for crime prevention, public participation and cooperation in the criminal justice process, public participation and cooperation in crime prevention, and conflict resolution as a formal mechanism.

Abstract

Philippine crime-prevention strategies have focused on the reinforcement of the home and family life, educational improvement, health improvement, the active participation of religious organizations, improvement in recreational facilities, involvement of the media, and citizens' involvement in crime prevention activities. Interagency coordinating mechanisms have been created and strengthened to optimize problem solving for pressing issues and implement projects within an interdisciplinary framework. Public participation and cooperation in the criminal justice process has occurred in policing, prosecution, court procedures, and corrections. Public participation and cooperation in crime prevention has occurred in community-based strategies, the forging of partnerships with citizens' groups/non-governmental organizations, and activities for enhancing public awareness of crime prevention measures. A conflict resolution system known as the Katarungang Pambarangay has been established at the barangay level. This system aims to strengthen the family as a basic social institution, preserve and develop Filipino culture, and promote the quality and speedy administration of justice being dispensed by the courts. It makes the barangay settlement compulsory and a prerequisite for bringing suits in courts of justice or before any governmental office that exercises adjudicative functions.