.

Lt

t'
OUTLINE OF JURISDICTION

OUTLINE OF JURISDICTION
Magdangal M. de Leon

SUPREME COURT

A. Original Jurisdiction
1. Exdusive

2. Concurrent

B. Appellate Jurisdiction

A. Original Jurisdiction

1.

Exclusive Concurrent

2.

B. Appellate Jurisdiction

SANDIGANBAYAN

A. Original Jurisdiction

1. 2.

Exclusive

Concunent with the Supreme Court

Regional Trial Courts

3.ConcurrentwiththeSuoremeCourt,CourtofAppealsand
B. APPellate Jurisdiction

A-i

OUTLINE OF JURISDICTION

IV.

REGIONAL TRIAL COURTS

A.

Original Jurisdiction

1.

Civil

1.1. Exclusive 1.2. Concurrent

2.
Criminal

2.1.

Exclusive

B. Appellate Jurisdiction

V.

FAMILY COURTS

A. Exclusive and Original Jurisdiction

VI.

METROPOLITAN TRIAL COURTS, MUNICIPAL TRIAL COURTS, MUNICIPAL CIRCUIT TRIAL COURTS AND MUNICIPAL TRIAL COURTS IN CITIES

A.

Original Jurisdiction
1. Civil

1.1. 1.2, 1.3.

2. Criminal

Exclusive Delegated Special

2.1. 2.2.

Exclusive Special

A-ii

OUTLINE OF JURISD]CTION

OUTLINE OF JURISDICTION
Magdangal M. de Leon

I.

SUPREME COURT

A. Original Jurisdiction

t.

Exclusive

Petitions

for issuance of writs of

certiorari, prohibition, and

171);

mandamus against the following:

1.1. Court of Appea|s (Repub|icAct No. 296 [19481, Sec.

1.2. Commission on Elections2 En Banc (Consrrurtoru, Art' lX-A' 1.3. Commission on Audit (Corusrrurtoru, Art' lX-A, Sec' 7);

l.4.sandiganbayan(PresidentialDecreeNo.l606[1979],Sec7, as amendel by Rep. Act No. 8249119971, Sec' 5); 1.5. Court of Tax Appeals En Banc (Rep'Act N9' 1125 [1954]' Sec.lg,asamended'byRep.ActNo.9282l2OO4l,Sec'12);and
1.6. Ombudsman cases.'
2.

in criminal and non-administrative

disciplinary

Goncurrent

2.1.

with the Couft of APPeals

2.1.1. Petitions

for writs of for writs of

certiorari, prohibition, and

mandamusagainstthecivilserviceCommission
(ReP.Act No. 7902 [1995])'

2.1.2. Petitions

certiorari, prohibition, and

mandamusagainsttheNationa|LaborRelations

I Revised Judiciary Act of 1948. t ConsrrurroH, Arl lX-A Sec. 7; Aratuc v. COMELEC, No. 49705-09, February 8, 1979, 88 scRA251. .-S"" f-"b,"n v. Desierto,G.R. No. 129742, September 15, 1998, 295 SCRA 470'
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OUTLINE OF JURISDICTION

CommissionundertheLaborCodea(Batas

Pambansa Blg. 129 [1983], Sec' 9, as amended by Rep. Act No. 7902, St' Martin's Funeral Homes v' National Labor Relations Commission' G'R' No' 130866, September 16, 1998, 295 SCRA 494)'

2.2.withtheCourtofAppea|sandRegiona|Tria|Courts
2.2.1 Petitions for habeas corpuf and quo wamnto'6

2.2.2 Acttons brought to prevent and restrain violations of

lawsconcemingmonopoliesandcombinationsin restraint of trade (Rep- Act No' 296, Sec' 17 ' as

amended by Rep. Act No. 5440 119681)'

2.3.

(inr rrts

with the court of Appeals, sandiganbayan and Regional Trial

2.3.l.Petitionsforcertiorari,prohibition,andmandamus

relating to an act or omission of a municipal trial court, or of a corporation, a board, an officer, or person"

2.3.2. petitions for issuance of writ of ampard (sec. 3, A.M. No. 07-9-12-SC or "The Rule on the Writ of Amparo," etfective October 24, 2OO7)
-

ffibefiledwiththeCourtofAppea|s;otherwise,theysha||be gtr:gi-Sg). See also Torres, e[, at. v. Specialized- Packaging

dismissed (A.M. No.

6' 2004' 433 scRA 455' 6;:;;t;i;e;t Corporatior, ei. at-, c.n. uo' 149634, August of minors shall be filed with custody invotvin-g corpus habeas of fi;;".;";, ; Gt[;" ior wit is no Family Court'

" t,"

(Sec.20, A.M. No. 03-04-0+SC, effective May '15, 2003') municipal coults {f""*""Li,luri"Oi"tion}oipetitions for quo wbrranto are concurent with the the electio.n of contesting anyvoter insofar as barangay officials are concemed. As such, Republic of the to disloyalty or ground ineligibility of any municipat or Oarantiy officer on.the Couft or Trial Regional the with quo warrinto petitiorifor i*o* niEl tr.i Fftiiippi"es shall of proclamation the after y"topoiii"n, or Municipal Trial Court, respectively, within ten..days Cooe Erccrtou ciling lll Vol. Law, [2006], the results of the etectiJn isee negatado, ilemediil 189, Sec. )0/lll, Art. Par-2\. 119781, , Although reference to inJ bupt"me Court has been removed in the amendment to Sec' 4' No. 07-7-12-SG dated Rule 65 of the 1997 Rules of civil Procedure by v!rtge..o!. A.M. petitions for certiorari, jurisdiction over its retains still December 12,2OO7 ,tft"'Supr"rrcourt Sec.5 (1) and (2)'...It is mandamus, and prohibition, as per ConsrruroH, Frticle Vlll, f;iing-putition" ,iir-""i' 41, 45,58 and 65).
d

r"mity iourt, or in the absence of its judge and in places where-there p"tiion may be neA wftn the Supreme-Court, Court of Appeals, or any of its members

believedthatthisamendment,vrrhichunderscores@,wi||he|p Supt"me Gourt's Aocrets affi@nts will be discouraged from ;;;";;iflt; dogging oitt'" bupreme Court (See Rationale for the Amendment of Rules the *tin
" the Court of Appeals, iustices,

it

of its p"tit"rio-r_iGu"n"u of writ of amparo may be filed with the Supreme Court or any
or the Sandiganbayan'

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OUTLINE OF JURISDICTION

2.3.3.Petitions for issuance of writ of fiabeas datae (Sec. 3, A. M. No. 08-1-1GSC, effective February 2,2008)-

2.4. with the Regional Trial Courts

Actions affecting ambassadors and other public ministers and consuls (Corusrrurtoru, Art. Vlll, Sec- 5[1]; Batas Pambansa Blg. 129, Sec. 2U2l)

B. Appellate Jurisdiction

1.

Ordinary Appeal by Notice of Appeal From the Court of Appeals, in all criminal cases involving offenses for which the penalty imposed is reclusion perpetua
rr.v rrrrl,r.vvrrlrrYILr Y' r-"-'-J ---_'r----

offenses committed on the same occasion or which arose cut of the same orcUrrence that gave rise to the more severe offense for which the penalty of death is imposed (Sec. 13[c], Rule 124, as amended by A.M. No. 00-5-03-SC, effective October 15,2OO4, Sec. 13[b], Rule 124)

2.

By Petition for Review on Certiorari

2.1. Appeals from the Court of Appeals (Rep. Act No. 296, Sec. 17, as amended by Rep. Act No. 5440; Constitution, Art. Vlll, Sec. 5[2]; Rule 45, 1997 Rules of Civil Procedure) 2.2. Appeals from the Sandiganbayan on pure questions of law, except cases where the penalty imposed is reclusion perpetua, life imprisonment, or death (Pres.
Decree No. 1606, Sec. 7, as amended by Rep. Act No.
s

Court of Appeals, or the Sandiganbayan when the action concerns public data files of
govemment offices. to The word "imposed" contemplates both situations where the Court of Appeals itself metes out reclusion perpetua,life imprisonment, or a lesser penalty but for offenses committed on the same occasion or whictr arose out of the same occurrence that gave rise to the more serious offense for which the penalty of reclusion perpetua or life imprisonment is imposed, or where it merely affirms the imposition of said penalties by the lower courts (Sec. 3[c], Rule 12, as amended by A.M. No. 00-5-03-SC, effective October 15,2004; People vs. Mateo, G. R. Nos. 1 47 67 8-87, July 7, 2004, 433 SCRA 640).

The petition for issuance of writ of habeas data may be filed with the Supreme Court, or the

OUTLINE OF JURISDICTION

8249; Nunez v. Sandiganbayan, Nos. 50581-50617, January 20,1982,111 SCRA 433; Rule 45, id.).

2.3. Appeals from judgments or final orders of the Regional Trial Courts exercising original jurisdiction in the
following:

a)

any treaty, intemational or executive agreement, law, presidential decree, proclamation, order,
instruction, ordinance, or regulation is in question;

All cases in which the constitutionality or validity of

b) c) d)

All cases involving the legality of any tax, impost, assessment, or toll, or any penalty imposed in relation thereto;

All cases in which the jurisdiction of any lower

All cases in which only an eror or question of law is involved. (CorusrruroN, ArL Vlll, Sec. 5[2-a, b, cl; Rep. Act No. 296, Sec. 17, as amended; Batas Pambansa Blg. 129, Sec. 9[3]; /d., Rule 45; id., Rule 41, Sec. 2lcl; ld., Rule 122, Sec. 3[e]).
Appeals from decisions or final resolutions of the 11 Tax Appeals lRule 16, Sec. 1, A.M. Court of No. 05-11-07-CTA, or "The Revised Rules of the Court of Tax Appeals;" Sec. 1, Rule 45, as amended by A.M. No. 07-7-12-SC dated December 12,2A07; See also Rep. Act No. 9282 [2004]).

2.3.1.

3. By Special Civil Action of Gertiorari filed within thirty (30) days from notice of the iudgmenU final order/ resolution

sought to be revievved against the following: (Rule 64, 1997 Rules of Givil Procedure)

3.1. Commission on Elections (Cottstttuttott, Art. lX-A, Sec. 7; Aratuc v. COMELEC, No. 49705-09, February 8,
1979, 88 SCRA 251).

" The procedure in the Court of Tax Appeals reveals that only decisions of said Court en banc shall be appealable to the Supreme Court via a petition for review on certiorari. (See Sec. 16, A.M. No. 0$.11-07-SCTA). This is because appeals from decisions and resolutions of the Court of Tax Appeals Divisions fall under the exclusive appellate jurisdiction of the
CourtofTax Appeals en banc-

OUTLINE OF JURISDICTION

3.2. Commission on Audit (lbid., Corusrrurtox).

II.

COURT OF APPEALS

A. Original Jurisdiction

1. Exclusive
1.1.Actions for annulment of judgments of the Regional Trial Courts (Batas Pambansa Blg. 129, Sec. 9[2]); 1997 Rules of Civil Procedure, Rule 47).
1.2. Petitions for certiorai, prohibition, and mandamus involving an act or omission of a quasi-judicial agency, unless othenvise provided by law (Rule 65, Sec. 4, as amended by A.M. No. 07-

2. Concurrent

2.1. with the Supreme Court

Refer to2.1. above under 1.A., supra

2.2. with the Supreme Court and RegionalTrial Courts

Refer to Sec. 2.2. above under 1.A., supra

2.3. with the Supreme Court, Sandiganbayan,

Trial Courts Referto 2.3. above under 1.A., supra

and Regional

B. Appellate Jurisdiction

1.

Ordinary Appeal by Notice of Appeal or with Record on Appeal

1.1. Appeals from the Regional Trial Courts, except those appealable to the Supreme Court under Sec. 2(3) of l.B. above. 1.2. Appeals from the Regional Trial Courts on constitutional, tax jurisdictionai questions involving questions of fact or mixed questions of fact and law or which should be appealed first to
the Court of Appeals (Republic Act No. 296 [1948] Sec. 17, par. 4.4, as amended, which was not intended to be excluded by Batas Pambansa Blg. 129 [1983], Sec. 9[3]).

OUTL]NE OF JURISDICTION

1.3. Appeals from the decisions and final orders of the Family Courts (Republic Act No. 8369 [1997], Sec. 14).

1.4. Appeals from the Regional Trial Courts, where the penalty imposed is reclusrbn perpetua, or life imprisonment, or where a lesser penalty is imposed but for offenses committed on the same occasion or which arose out of the same occunence that gave rise to the more serious offense for which the penalty of reclusion perpetua or life imprisonment is imposed (Rule 122, Sec. 3[c], as amended by A.M. No. 00-5-03-SC, effective October 15, 2004; People v. Mateo, G.R. Nos. 147678-87, July 7,2004,433 SCRA 640) 1.5. Direct appeal from land registration and cadastral cases decided by metropolitan trial @urts, municipal trial courts, and municipal circuit trial courts based cn their delegated
Jar,,"arrr*r*

2. Special civil action of certiorari (Rule 65) against decisions and final resolutions of the National Labor Relations
September 16, 1998, 295 SCRA 494; Torres, et al. v. Specialized Packaging Development Corp., et. ?1., G.R.
No.149634, July 6,2004,433 SCRA 455)

Commission (A. M. No. 99-2-01-SC; SA Martin Funeral Homes v. National Labor Relations Commission, G.R. No. 13086,

3. Automatic

revieuy'3 in cases where the Regional Trial Gourts impose the death penaltyla (Secs. 3[dl and 10, Rule 122, as

tt Batas Pambansa Blg. 129, Sec. 34, as amended by Rep. Act No. 7591 states: Delegateci Jurisdiction in Cadastral and Land Registration CasesMetropolitan Trial Courts, Municipal Circuit Trial Courb may be assigned by the Supreme Court to hear and determine cadastral or land registration cases covering lots where there is no confoversy or opposition, or contested
lots where the value of which does not exceed one hundred thousand pesos (P100,000.00), such value to be ascertained by the affidavit of the claimant or by agreement of the respective claimants if there are more than one, or from the corresponding tax declaration of the real property. Their decisions in these cases shall be appealable in the same manner as decisions of the RegionalTrial Courts.
Notice that while Rule 122, Secs. 3[d] and 10, as amended by A.M. No. 00-5-0]SC, use the words "automatic review," in People v. Mateo, G.R. Nos. 147678-87, July 7,2004, 433 SCRA 640, the Supreme Court used the words 'intermediate revieu/' and explained the rationale for such amendment: While the Fundamental Law requires mandatory review by the Supreme Court of cases wfiere the penalty imposed is reclusion perpetua,

tt

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OUTLINE OF JURISDICTION

amended by A.M. No. 00-5-03-SC, effective October {5, 2004; People vs. Mateo, supral

4.

Petition for Review

4.1.

Appeals from the Civil Service Commission (Rep. Act No. 7902119951; Rule 43, 1997 Rules of Civil Procedure).

4.2.

Appeals from the Regional Trial Courts in cases appealed from the Metropolitan Trial Courts and Municipal Circuit Trial Courts, which are not a matter of right (Batas Pambansa Blg. 129 [1983], Sec. 22; Rule 42, 1997 Rules of
Civil Procedure; Rule 122, Sec.3[b]).

4.3.

Appeals from awards, judgments, final orders, or resolutions of, or authcrized by, quasi-judicial agencies in the

2. Office of the President; 3. Land Registration Authority; 4. Social Security Commission; 5. Civil Aeronautics Board; 6. Intellectual Property ffice (formerly the Bureau of
Patents, Trademarks, and Technology Transfer); National Elec*rification Administration; 7 8. Energy Regulatory Board; 9. National Telecommunications Commission; 10. Department of Agrarian Reform under Rep. Act No.

1.

Securities and Exchange Commission;

life imprisonment, or death, nowtrere, however, has it proscribed an intermediate review. lf only to ensure utmost circumspection before the

penalty of death, reclusion perpetua or life imprisonment is imposed, the Gourt now deems it wise and compelling to provide in these cases a review

by the Court of Appeals before the case is elevated to the Supreme Court. x tf the Court of Appeals should affirm the penalty of death, reclusion perpetua, or life imprisonment, it could then render judgment imposing the corresponding penalty as the circumstances so wanant, refrain from entering judgment and elevate the entire records of the case to the Supreme Court for its final disposition.

ln People v. Bunaladi, G.R. No. UDK-13384, October 18,2004, the Supreme Gourt stated that no notice of appeal is necessary in cases nhere the death penalty is imposed by the Regional Trial Court. ln People v. Rocha, G.R. No. 173797, August 3'1,2007,531 SCRA 761 the Supreme Court darified that there is no mandatory review in cases where the penalty
imposed is reclusion perpetua or life imprisonment. Note, hovrrever, that the imposition of the death penalty has been suspended by Republic

1a

Act No. 9346 or "An Act Prohibiting the lmposition of Death Penalty in the Philippines,' approved on June 24,2006.
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OUTLINE OF JURISDICTION

6657;
11. Govemment Service Insurance System;
1

2. Employees Compensation Commission 3. Agricultural Inventions Board; 1 4. I nsurance Commission; 15. Philippine Atomic Energy Commission; 16. Board of Investments; 1 7. Construction Industry Arbitration Commission; 18.Voluntary arbitrators authorized by law; and 19. Decisions of Special Agrarian Courts
;

4.4. Appeals from the National Commission on lndigenous

Peoples (NCIP) (Rep.Act No. 8371 119971, Sec. 67).

4.5. Appeals
47O).

from the Office

of the

Ombudsman

in

administrative disciplinary cases (A.M. No. 99-2-02-SC; Fabian v. Desierto, G.R. No. '129742, September 16, 1998, 295 SCRA

III. SANDIGANBAYAN A. Original Jurisdiction

1.
Exclusive

1.1. Violation of Rep. Act No. 3019 [1960] (Anti-Graft), Rep. Act No. 1379 [1955] and Chapter ll, Sec.2, Title Vll of the Rrvtseo PEruel Coor; and other offenses committed by public officials and employees in relation to their office, and private individuals charged as co-principals, accomplices, and
accessories induding those employed in govemment-ownedor-controlled-corporations, where one or more of the accused are officials occupying the following positions in government, whether in a permanent, acting, or interim capacity, at the time of the commission of the offense:

Executive Branch rco< classified as salary grade "27" or higher >oo< speciflcally including >oo<

1. Officials of the

2.
3.

Members of Congress

>oo<

Members of the Judidary no<

Members of Constitutional Commissions )oc(

4.

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OUTLINE OF JURISDICTION

5. All other national and local officials classified as

salary grade "27" and higher

In cases where none of the accused is orcupying the above positions, the original jurisdiction shall be vested in the proper Regional Trial Court or Metropolitan Trial Court, etc., as the case may be, pursuant to their respective jurisdictions. (Rep. Act No. 7975 [1995], Sec. 2, as amended by Rep. Act No. 824e l1ee7l).

the public office of the accused, the original jurisdiction shall also be vested in the proper Regional Trial Court or Metropolitan Trial Court, etc., as the case may be. (Lacson v. Executive Secrefary, G.R.
connection with Executive Order Nos. 1 ,2, 14, and 14-A. (Sec. 2, Rep. Act No.7975, asamended by Rep. Act No. 8249).

In cases where there is no specific allegation of facts showing that the offense was committed in relation to

1.2. Civil and iminal 1.3.

cases filed pursuant

to and in

Violations of Rep. Act No. 9160, or "Anti-Money Laundering Act of 20A1," as amended by Rep. Act No.9194,
when committed by public officers and private persons who are in conspiracy with such public offlcers.
2. Concurrent with the Supreme Court

of writs of certiorari, prohibition, and injunctionls and cther ancillary corpus, mandamus, habeas jurisdiction, including guo warranto writs in aid of its appellate arising in cases falling under said Executive Order Nos. 1 ,2,14, and 14-A. (1d., as amended by Rep. Act No. 8249).
Petitions

for

issuance

3.

Goncurrent with the Supreme Court, Court of Appeals, and Regional Trial Gourts
Petiilons tor writ of amparo ano wrii of habeas dafa when action con@rns public data f,les of govemment offices (Sec. 3,
3.1

15

The petitions for issuance of writs of certiorari, prohibition, mandamus, and habeas corpus

refered to in this section, are all main actions. Neither the Supreme Court nor the Court of
Appeals has originaljurisdiction over a main action for injunction.

OUTLINE OF JURISDICTION

A.M. No. 07-9-12-SC or "The Rule on the Writ of Amparo," effective October 24, 2007; Sec. 3, A,M. No. 08-1-16-SC,
effective February 2, 2008).

3.2.

Petitions for certiorari, prohibition, and mandamus, relating to an act or omission of a Municipal Trial Court, corporation, board, officer, or person (Sec. 4, Rule 65, as amended by A.M. No. 07-7-12-SC dated December 12,2407). B. Appellate Jurisdiction exercise
Decisions and final orders of the Regional Trial Courts in the of their original or appellate jurisdiction under Presidential Decree No. 1606 [1979], as amended, shall be appealable to the Sandiganbayan in the manner provided by Rules of Court, Rule 122 (Rep.Act No. 8249, Sec. 5).

!V. REGIONAL TRIAL COURTS

A. Originall6 Jurisdiction

1. Civil
1.1.

ExclusivelT

1.1.1. Subject
estimation;

of the action not capable of

pecuniary

1.1.2. Actions involMng title or possession of real property or interest therein where the assessed value exceeds F20,000.00 or in Metro Manila P50,000.00, except for forcible entry and unlawful detainer; 1.1.3. Actions in admiralty and maritime jurisdiction where demand or claim exceeds R300,000.00, or in Metro Manila P100,000.00;

tu The old rates in 1.1.3, 1.1.4, and 1.1.6 were P'100,000.00 outside of Metro Manila, and P200,000.00 in Metro Manila. These rates have now been increased to P300,000.00 and P100,000.00 respectively, based on the principle of automatic expansion under Rep. Act No. 7_691, amending Batas Pambansa Blg. 129. " Actions involving marriage and marital relations now fall within the exdusive odginal jurisdiction of Family Courts. A-10

OUTLINE OF JURISDICTION

1.1.4. Matters of probate, testate or intestate, where gross value of estate exceeds F300,000.00, or in Metro Manila
P100,000.00;

1.1.5. Cases not within the exclusive jurisdiction of any court, tribunal, person, or body exercising judicial or quasijudicial function; 1.1.6. Other cases where the demand, exdusive of interest, damages,ls attomey's fees, litigation expenses and costs, or value of property in controversy exceeds P300,000.00, or in Metro Manila Fz100,000.00 (Batas Pambansa Blg. 129, Sec. 19, as amended by Rep. Act No. 7691 119%l). However, if the claim for damages is the main cause of the action, the amount thereof shall be considered in determining the jurisdiction of the court. (Administrative Circular No. 09-94, dated June 14, 1994).
1.1.7

. Additional original jurisdiction transferred under

Sec.

5.2. of the Securities Regulation Code:

a)

Devices or schemes employed by, or any acts of, the board of directors, business associates, its officers or partnership, amounting to fraud and misrepresentation

)oo(

b) Controversies arising
partnership relations
>oo<;

out of

intra-corporate

c)

directors, trustees, officers, or managers of such

corporation, partnership, or association; and

Controversies

in the election or

appointment of

of corporations, partnerships or associations to be declared in a state of suspension of payments >o<x (Rep. Act No. 8799, approved July 19, 2000).

d) Petitions

.8. Application for issuance of writ of search and seizure in civil actions for infringement of intellectual property rights (Sec. 3, A.M. No. 02-1-06-SC, effective February 15,2002).
1

.1

"

Damages of wtratever kind.

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OUTLINE OF JURISDICTION

1.1.9. Violations of Rep. Act No. 9160, or "Anti-Money Laundering Act of 2OA1," as amended by Rep. Act No.
9194.1s

1.2.

Concurrent

1.2.1.with the Supreme Court Actions affecting ambassadors and other public ministers and consuls (Batas Pambansa Blg. 129 119831, Sec. 21[1])
1

.2.2.with the Supreme Court and Court of Appeals

Petitions for habeas corpus and quo wananto.

Sandiganbayan

of habeas dafa (Sec. 3, A.M. No. 07-9-12-SC, or "The Rule on the Writ of Amparo," effective
October 24, 2OO7; Sec. 3, A.M. No. 08-1-16-SC, effective February 2, 2008).

1.2.3.1.

Petitions for writ of amparo and writ

1.2.3.2. Petitions for certiorari, prohibition, and mandamus, if they relate to an act or omission of a municipal trial court, corporation, board,
officer, or person (Sec. 4, Rule 65, as amended by A.M. No. O7-7-12-SC, dated December 12,2007).

1.2.4. with the Metropolitan Trial Courts, Municipal Trial Courts, and Municipal Circuit Trial Courts

Application

Protection Order under Republic Act No. 9282, Sec. 10, unless there is Family Court in the residence of petitioner.

for

1.2.5. with the lnsurance Commission

Claims not exceeding F100,000.00 (llsunarucr Coor 119741, Sec. 416; Pres. Decree No. 612
'n When private persons commit crimes in conspiracy with public officers, the jurisdiction
belongs to the Sandiganbayan.
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OUTLINE OF JURISDTCTION

[1975]). Applicable if subject of the action is not capable of pecuniary estimation; otherwise, jurisdiction is concurrent with Metropolitan Trial
Court. etc.

2.

Criminal

2.1.

Exclusive

Criminal cases not within the exclusive jurisdiction of any court, tribunal, or body (Batas Pambansa Blg. 129 [1983], Sec. 20). These include criminal cases where the penalty provided by law exceeds six (6) years imprisonment inespective of the fine (Republic Act No. 7691 [1994]).20 These also indude criminal cases not falling within the exclusive original .lutisdiction of the Sandiganbayan, where
to salary grade "27" and higher (Rep.Act No. 7975 and Rep. Act No. 8249). But in cases where the only penalty provided by law is a flne, the Regional Trial Courts have jurisdiction if the amount of the fine exceeds P1,000.00. (Rep. Act No. 7691 as clarified by Administrative Circular No. 09-94 dated June 14, 1994). Jurisdiction over the whole complex crime is lodged with the trial court having jurisdiction to impose the maximum and most serious penalty imposable for an offense forming part of the complex crime.21

B. Appellate Jurisdiction

All cases decided by lower courts (Metropolitan Trial Courts,

etc.) in their respective tenitorial jurisdictions (Batas Pambansa Blg. 129, Sec.22).

to

"

However, Family Courts have exclusive original jurisdiction over criminal cases where one or more of the accused is below eighteen (18) years of age but not less than nine (9) years of age, or where one or more of the victims is a minor at the time of the commission of the qffense (Rep. Act No. 8369 [1997], Sec. 5(a)). Cuyos v. Garcia, G.R. No. 46934,April 15, 1998, 160 SCRA 302. A-13

OUTLINE OF JURISD]CTION

V.

FAMILY COURTS

A. Exclusive and Original Jurisdiction

1.

Criminal cases" where one or more of the accused is below eighteen (18) years of age but not less than nine (9) years of age,23 when one or more of the victims is a minor at the time of the commission of the offense: Provided, That if the minor is found guilty, the court shall promulgate sentence and ascertain any civil liability which the accused may have incuned. The sentence, however, shall be suspended without need of application, pursuant to Pres. Decree No. 1903, othenruise known as "The Child and
Youth Welfare Code;" Petitions for guardianship, custody of children, and habeas corpus in relation to the latter (Sec. 3, A.M. No. 03-04-04-SC, effective May 15,2003; Sec. 3, A.M. No. 03-02-05-SC, effective April 15, 2003); Petitions for adoption of children and the revocation thereof (Secs. A.20 and 8.28, A.M. No. 02-6-02-SC, effective August 22, 2OO2; See also Rep. Act No. 9523, or "An Act Requiring Certification of the Department of Socia! Welfare and Development to Declare A Child 'Legally Available for Adoption' as a Prerequisite for Adoption Proceedings, Amending for this Purpose Certain Provisions of Republic Act No. 8552, othenrvise known as The Domestic Adoption Act of 1998, Rep. Act No. 8043, otherwise known as The lnter-Country Adoption Act of 1995, Pres. Decree No. 603, otherwise known as The Child and Youth Welfare Code, and for Other Purposes," approved on March 12,2OO9);

2.

4.

Complaints for annulment of marriage, declaration of nullity of maniage, and those relating to marital status and property relations of husband and wife or those living together under different status and agreements, and petitions for dissolution of conjugal partnership of gains (Sec. 2, A.M. No. 02-11-10-SC, effective March 15, 2003);

These include acts of tafficking, wftere one of the tafficked persons is a 'child," as defined by Rep. Act No. 9208 ("Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2003"), approved on May 26,2003. o However, note that Rep. Act No. 9344, Sec. 6, or The Juvenile Justice and Welfare Ac{ of 2006," approved on April 28, 2006, has set the minimum age of criminal responsibiiity. Thus, a child fifteen (15) years of age or under at the time of the commission of the offense shall be exempt from criminal liability but shall be subjected to an intervention program. A child above fifteen ('15) years but below eighteen (18) years of age shall likewise be exempt from criminal liatility and shall be subjected to an intervention program, unless he/ she has acted with discernment, in which case he/ she shall be subjected to the appropriate proceedings in accordance with Rep. Act No. 9344. A-14

OUTLINE OF JURISDICTION

5.

for involuntary commitment of a child, for removal of custody against child-placement or child-caring agency or
Petitions
individual, and for commitment of disabled child (Secs. 4[b], S[a][ii], 6[b], A.M. No. 02-1-1g-SC, effective April 15,2002);

6.
7.

Petitions for support and/ or acknowledgment;

Summary judicial proceedings brought under the provisions of Exec. Order No. 209, othenrvise known as "The Family Code of the Philippines;"

Petitions for declaration of status of children as abandoned, dependent, or neglected children, petitions for voluntary or involuntary commitment of children, the suspension, termination, or restoration of parental authority and other cases cognizable under Pres. Decree No. 6C3, Executive Order No. 56 (series of 1985) and
other related laws; Petitions for epnstitution of family home,2a Cases against minors cognizable under Rep. Act No. 9165, or "The Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2QA2" (See also A.M. No. 07-8-2-SC, effective November 5, 2007); and

9.
10.

ll.Violation of Rep. Act No.7610 [1991], othenruise known as the "special Protection of Children Against Child Abuse, Exploration
and Discrimination Act," as amended by Rep. Ac1 No. 7658 [1993] and as further amended by Rep. Act No. 9231 [2003].

l2.Violation of Rep. Act No. 9775, otherwise known as the "Anti-Child

Pornography Act of 2009"
13.

Cases of domestic violence against:

13.1. Women - which are acts of gender based violence that results, or are likely to result in physical, sexual or psychological harm or suffering to women; and other forms of physical abuse such as battering or threats and coercion which Molate a woman's personhood, integrity and freedorn of movement; and
13.2. Children
abuse, neglect, cruelty, erploitation, violenoe, and discrimination and all other conditions prejudicial to their development.2s
2a

- which include the commission

of all forms of

Repealed by Exec. Order No. 209, or "The Family Code of the Philippines." A-15

OUTLINE OF JURISDICTION

14.

Cases of violence against women and their children under Rep. Act No. 9262, otherwise known as "Anti-Violence Against Women and their Children Act of 2AA4,"26 including applications for Protection Order under the same Act;27 and
Criminal ses involMng juveniles if no preliminary investigation is required under Sec. 1, Rule 112 of ReMsed Rules on Criminal Procedure" (Sec. 1, A.M. No. 02-1-18-SC, effective April 15,
2AO2\.

15

VI. METROPOLITAN TRIAL COURTS, MUNICIPAL TRIAL COURTS, MUNICIPAL CIRCUIT TRIAL COURTS, AND MUNICIPAL TRIAL COURTS IN CITIES

A.

Originat2s Jurisdiction

1. Civil
1

.1

Exclusive

1.1.1. Actions involving personal property valued

P$00,000.00;

at not in Metro Manila or P300,000.00 than more

1.1.2. Actions demanding sums of money not exceeding P300,000.00 or in Metro Manila P100,000.00; in both
'u lf an act constitutes a criminal offense, the accused or batterer shall be subject to criminal proceedings and the conesponding penalties. lf any question involving any of the above matters should arise as an incident in any case pending in the regular courts, said incident
shall be determined in that court. 'u In the absence of a Family Court in the place where the offense was committed, the case committed at the option of the complainant.

shall be filed in the Regional Trial Court where the crime or any of its elements was
2t Where no Family Court exists in the place of residence of petitioner, applications for Temporary Protection Order and Permanent Protection Order are filed in the Regional Trial Court, Metropolitan Trial Court, Municipal Trial Gourt, or Municipal Circuit Trial Court with

territorialjurisdiction over the place of residence of petitioner. tu'SEcTf ON 1. Preliminary investigation defined;when required.

xxxx

Except as provided in Section 7 of this Rule, a preliminary investigation is required to be conducted before the filing of a complaint or information for an offense where the penalty prescribed by law is at least four (4) years, trlro (2) months and one (1) day without regard to the fine."

The of d rates in 1 .1 .1 , '1.1.2 and 1.1.6 were P100,000.00 or less, outside of Metro Manila, and F200,000.00 or less, in Metro Manila. These rates have now been increased to F300,000.00 and P400,000.00 respectively, based on the principle of automatic expansion
under Rep. Act No.7691, amending Batas Pambansa Blg. 129. A-16

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OUTLINE OF JURISDICTION

cases, exclusive of interest, damages, attorney's fees, litigation expenses and costs, the amount of which must be specifically alleged, but the filing fees thereon shall be paid. These indude admiralty and maritime
CASES:

1.1.3. Actions involving title or possession of real property where the assessed value does not exceed F20,000.00 or in Metro Manila P50,000.00;

1.1.4. Provisional remedies in principal actions within their jurisdiction, and in proper cases, such as preliminary attachment, preliminary injunction, appointment or receiver and delivery of personal property; (Rule 57,
58, 59, and 60)

possession;
1

.1

.6. Probate proceedings, testate

or intestate, where gross value of estate does not exceed P300,000.00 or in Metro Manila P100,000.00 (Batas Pambansa Blg. 129, Sec. 33, as amended by Rep. Act No. 7691); and

1.1.7. Inclusion and exclusion of voters. (Sec. 38, Batas Pambansa Blg. 881, Omnibus Election Code of the
Philippines [1985]).

1.2.

Delegated3o

Cadastral and land registration cases assigned by the Supreme Court where there is no controversy or opposition and in contested lots valued at more than P100,000.00 (Batas Pambansa Blg. 129, Sec. 34, as amended by Rep. Act No. 7691).

1.3. Special
Petition for habeas corpus in the absence of all Regional Triai Couri judges (Batas Pambansa Blg. 129, Sec.35).

to

See 1.5 of 8.1. under ll, Court of Appeals, supra

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OUTLINE OF JURISDICTION

2.

Criminal

2.1. Exclusive
2.1.1.A11 violations of city or municipal ordinances committed with i n thei r respective tenitori al juri sdicti ons;

2.1.2.A11offenses punishable with imprisonment of not more than six (6) years irrespective of the fine and regardless of other imposable accessory or other penalties and the ciMl liability arising therefrom; provided, however, that in offenses involving damage to property through criminal negligence, they shall have exclusive original jurisdiction (Batas Pambansa Blg. 129, Sec. 32, as amended by Rep. Act No.
7691);31

2.1.3.A11 offenses committed not falling within

the exclusive none oT Ine wnere of the SandtganDayan ongtnal Junsclrctron accused is orcupying a position conesponding to salary grade "27" and higher (As amended by Rep. Act No. 7975 and Rep. Act No. 8249); and

2.1.4.1n cases where the only penalty provided by law is a fine not exceeding P4,000.00, the Metropolitan Trial Courts, etc. have jurisdiction (Administrative Circular No. 09-94, dated June 14, 1994).

2.2. Special
Applications for bail in the absence of all Regional Trial Court judges. (Batas Pambansa Blg. 129, Sec. 35).

Jurisdiction over the whole complex crime lies with the trial court having jurisdiction to impose the maximum and most serious penalty imposable for an offense forming part of the compfex crime. (See Cuyos v- Garcia, G.R. No. 46934, April 15, 1988, 160 SCRA 302). Thus, where the imposable penalty for the physical injuries charged rivould come within the jurisdic{ion of the Municipal Trial Court, while the fine for the damage to the property would fall on the Regional Trial Court, the court that would take cognizance of the case must be determined not by the corresponding penalty for the physical injuries charged but by the fine imposable for the damage to the property resulting fiom the reckless imprudence.
A-18

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