06/08/2026
LEGAL BA ITO? | Can the Punong Barangay or the Lupon refuse to provide copies of Katarungang Pambarangay records to a party in interest on the ground of confidentiality?
No. As a general rule, Section 404(b) of the Local Government Code of 1991 provides that the Lupon Secretary shall issue CERTIFIED TRUE COPIES of ANY PUBLIC RECORD in his custody, unless such record is declared confidential by law.
While it is true that information obtained through mediation proceedings shall be privileged and confidential, Section 13(f) of Republic Act No. 10173, otherwise known as “Data Privacy Act of 2012”, nonetheless allows the processing of sensitive personal information and privileged information necessary for the protection of lawful rights and interests.
Accordingly, information and records relating to mediation or Lupon proceedings cannot be withheld from or denied to the parties involved in the case. Parties have the right to be furnished with, or obtain copies of, records pertaining to the proceedings, including, among others, summons, minutes of meetings, and other documents relevant to their case.
-DILG Opinion dated February 3, 2021
-Section 404(b), RA No. 7160; Section 13(f), RA No. 10173 (Data Privacy Act of 2012); and DILG Opinion dated February 3, 2021)
For other questions ask ARA:
www.riseaurora.region3.dilg.gov.ph/ara
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