Juvenile Corrections in the Philippines

Abstract This paper presents a discussion of the formal system of juvenile corrections in the Philippines, including laws and official procedures outlined in the juvenile code and brief descriptions of several correctional facilities located in the metropolitan area of Cagayan de Oro City. In addition, there is a discussion of another system of justice that has also been formalized by law but is reflective of traditional customs and values. This correctional system occurs within a setting known as the barangay. It reflects a formal recognition of historical dispute resolution and socialization practices in the Philippines by requiring that minor disputes and criminal offenses be “amicably settled” by the barangay leader, or captain, without the presence of lawyers. It is maintained that because of lack of resources, traditional socialization patterns, and the importance of the barangay system of justice, juvenile courts and correctional institutions are utilized less often than would be indicated by the j...