PUBLIC SERVICE MOTIVATION IN LOCAL CONTEXT: AN APPRAISAL OF THE BARANGAY JUSTICE SYSTEM IMPLEMENTATION IN MANILA

Jeremiah  Pacer

Authors

Jeremiah Pacer Rizal Technological University https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4529-1983

Keywords:

Local Government, Public Service Motivation, Barangay Governance, Community Justice System

Abstract

This study assesses the implementation of the Katarungang Pambarangay (Barangay Justice System) in the City of Manila, focusing on Districts I and II (Tondo). Grounded in Public Service Motivation the research explores how the voluntary, selfless actions of local mediators influence the delivery of justice at the grassroots level. A descriptive research design was employed, utilizing a purposive sample of 91 respondents consisting of 60 Lupon (Adjudication committee) members and 31 Barangay Kagawad (Councilmen). Data was gathered through a validated survey instrument and analyzed using the Mann-Whitney U-test to account for the ordinal nature of the Likert-scale responses. The findings indicate high levels of implementation These results highlight the presence of Public Service Motivation (PSM) among Lupon members, who commit significant personal time and labor to resolve community conflicts despite receiving only minimal honorarium.The study concludes that PSM acts as a vital mediating factor in system effectiveness, where empathy and a sense of civic duty prioritize restorative justice and community harmony over punitive legal outcomes. Despite the identified administrative challenges, the high trust-building capacity of the Lupon members remains a milestone in providing accessible judicial services.

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