BATAS PAMBANSA BLG.

129 AN ACT REORGANIZING THE JUDICIARY, APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES PRELIMINARY CHAPTER Secti ! 1. Title. This Act shall be known as "The Judiciary Reorganization Act of 1980 " Secti ! 2. Scope. The reorganization herein !ro"ided shall include the #ourt of A!!eals$ the #ourt of %irst &nstance$ the #ircuit #ri'inal #ourts$ the Ju"enile and (o'estic Relations #ourts$ the #ourts of Agrarian Relations$ the #ity #ourts$ the )unici!al #ourts$ and the )unici!al #ircuit #ourts CHAPTER I THE INTERMEDIATE APPELLATE COURT Secti ! ". Organization. There is hereby created an &nter'ediate A!!ellate #ourt which shall consist of a *residing A!!ellate Justice and forty+nine Associate A!!ellate Justices who shall be a!!ointed by the *resident of the *hili!!ines The *residing A!!ellate Justice shall be so designated in his a!!oint'ent$ and the Associate A!!ellate Justices shall ha"e !recedence according to the dates of their res!ecti"e a!!oint'ents$ or when the a!!oint'ents of two or 'ore of the' shall bear the sa'e date$ according to the order in which their a!!oint'ents were issued by the *resident Any 'e'ber who is rea!!ointed to the #ourt after rendering ser"ice in any other !osition in the go"ern'ent shall retain the !recedence to which he was entitled under his original a!!oint'ent$ and his ser"ice in the #ourt shall$ to all intents and !ur!oses$ be considered as continuous and uninterru!ted Secti ! #. Exercise of powers and functions. The &nter'ediate A!!ellate #ourt shall e,ercise its !owers$ functions$ and duties$ through ten -10. di"isions$ each co'!osed of fi"e 'e'bers The court 'ay sit en banc only for the !ur!ose of e,ercising ad'inistrati"e$ cere'onial$ or other non+ad/udicatory functions Secti ! $. Succession to Office of Presiding Appellate Justice. &n case of a "acancy in the 0ffice of the *residing A!!ellate Justice or in the e"ent of his absence or inability to !erfor' the !owers$ functions$ and duties of his office$ the Associate A!!ellate Justice who is first in !recedence shall !erfor' his !owers$ functions$ and duties until such disability is re'o"ed$ or another *residing A!!ellate Justice is a!!ointed and has 1ualified Secti ! %. Who presides over sessions of a division. &f the *residing A!!ellate Justice is !resent in any session of a di"ision of the #ourt$ he shall

!reside &n his absence$ the Associate A!!ellate Justice attending such session who has !recedence shall !reside Secti ! &. Qualifications. The *residing A!!ellate Justice and the Associate A!!ellate Justices shall ha"e the sa'e 1ualifications as those !ro"ided in the #onstitution for Justices of the 2u!re'e #ourt Secti ! '. rouping of divisions. 0f the ten -10. di"isions of the #ourt$ four -3. di"isions$ to be known as #i"il #ases (i"isions$ shall take cognizance of a!!eals in ci"il cases originating fro' the Regional Trial #ourts4 two -5. di"isions$ to be known as #ri'inal #ases (i"isions$ of a!!eals in cri'inal cases originating fro' the Regional Trial #ourts4 and four -3. di"isions$ to be known as 2!ecial #ases (i"isions$ of original actions or !etitions$ !etitions for re"iew$ and a!!eals in all other cases$ including those fro' ad'inistrati"e agencies$ e,ce!t as !ro"ided in 2ection 9 hereof 6,ce!t with res!ect to the *residing A!!ellate Justice$ the a!!oint'ent of a 'e'ber of the #ourt shall s!ecifically indicate whether it is for the #i"il #ases (i"isions$ the #ri'inal #ases (i"isions$ or the 2!ecial #ases (i"isions of the #ourt 7o 'e'ber of the #ourt a!!ointed to any of three classes of di"isions shall be assigned to any of the other classes of di"isions$ e,ce!t when authorized by the 2u!re'e #ourt$ u!on reco''endation of the &nter'ediate A!!ellate #ourt en banc$ if the e,igencies of the ser"ice so re1uire$ but such transfer shall in no case be for 'ore than si, -8. 'onths9 *ro"ided$ howe"er$ That this !rohibition shall not a!!ly if the transfer occurs by reason of a !er'anent "acancy in the chair'anshi! of any di"ision$ in which case the Associate A!!ellate Justice who is ne,t in !recedence shall assu'e the chair'anshi! There shall be no seniority or !recedence in rank a'ong the di"isions of the #ourt Secti ! 9. Jurisdiction. The &nter'ediate A!!ellate #ourt shall e,ercise9 -1. 0riginal /urisdiction to issue writs of 'anda'us$ !rohibition$ certiorari$ habeas cor!us$ and 1uo warranto$ and au,iliary writs or !rocesses$ whether or not in aid of its a!!ellate /urisdiction4 -5. 6,clusi"e original /urisdiction o"er actions for annul'ent of /udg'ents of Regional Trial #ourts4 and -:. 6,clusi"e a!!ellate /urisdiction o"er all final /udg'ents$ decisions$ resolutions$ orders$ or awards of Regional Trial #ourts and 1uasi+/udicial agencies$ instru'entalities$ boards or co''issions$ e,ce!t those falling within the a!!ellate /urisdiction of the 2u!re'e #ourt in accordance with the #onstitution$ the !ro"isions of this Act$ and of sub!aragra!h -1. of the

third !aragra!h and sub!aragra!h -3. of the fourth !aragra!h of 2ection 1; of the Judiciary Act of 1938 The &nter'ediate A!!ellate #ourt shall ha"e the !ower to try cases and conduct hearings$ recei"e e"idence and !erfor' any and all acts necessary to resol"e factual issues raised in cases falling within its original and a!!ellate /urisdiction$ including the !ower to grant and conduct new trials or further !roceedings These !ro"isions shall not a!!ly to decisions and interlocutory orders issued under the <abor #ode of the *hili!!ines and by the #entral =oard of Assess'ent A!!eals Secti ! 1(. Place of holding sessions. The &nter'ediate A!!ellate #ourt shall ha"e its !er'anent station in the #ity of )anila >hene"er de'anded by !ublic interest$ the 2u!re'e #ourt$ u!on its own initiati"e or u!on reco''endation of the *residing A!!ellate Justice$ 'ay authorize a di"ision of the #ourt to hold sessions outside )anila$ !eriodically$ or for such !eriods and at such !laces as the 2u!re'e #ourt 'ay deter'ine$ for the !ur!ose of hearing and deciding cases Secti ! 11. Quoru!. A 'a/ority of the actual 'e'bers of the #ourt shall constitute a 1uoru' for its session en banc Three 'e'bers shall constitute a 1uoru' for the sessions of a di"ision The affir'ati"e "otes of the 'a/ority of the 'e'bers !resent shall be necessary to !ass a resolution of the #ourt en banc The affir'ati"e "otes of three 'e'bers of a di"ision shall be necessary for the !ronounce'ent of a decision$ or final resolution$ which shall be reached in consultation before the writing of the o!inion by any 'e'ber of the di"ision A 'otion for reconsideration of its decision or final resolution shall be resol"ed by the #ourt within ninety -90. days fro' the ti'e it is sub'itted for resolution$ and no second 'otion for reconsideration shall be entertained$ unless the action u!on the first 'otion for reconsideration shall ha"e resulted in a re"ersal or substantial 'odification of the original decision or final resolution The second 'otion for reconsideration shall be resol"ed by the #ourt within forty+fi"e -3?. days fro' the ti'e it is sub'itted for resolution Secti ! 12. "nternal #ules. The #ourt en banc is authorized to !ro'ulgate rules or orders go"erning the constitution of the di"isions and the assign'ent of A!!ellate Justices thereto$ the distribution of cases$ and other 'atters !ertaining to the o!erations of the #ourt or its di"isions #o!ies of such rules and orders shall be furnished the 2u!re'e #ourt$ which rules and orders shall be effecti"e fifteen -1?. days after recei!t thereof$ unless directed otherwise by the 2u!re'e #ourt CHAPTER II REGIONAL TRIAL COURTS

Secti ! 1". $reation of #egional Trial $ourts. There are hereby created thirteen -1:. Regional Trial #ourts$ one for each of the following /udicial regions9 The %irst Judicial Region$ consisting of the !ro"inces of Abra$ =enguet$ &locos 7orte$ &locos 2ur$ <a @nion$ )ountain *ro"ince$ and *angasinan$ and the cities of =aguio$ (agu!an$ <aoag$ and 2an #arlos4 The 2econd Judicial Region$ consisting of the !ro"inces of =atanes$ #agayan$ &fugao$ &sabela$ Aalinga+A!ayao$ 7ue"a Bizcaya$ and Cuirino4 The Third Judicial Region$ consisting of the !ro"inces of =ataan$ =ulacan$ -e,ce!t the 'unici!ality of Balenzuela.$ 7ue"a 6ci/a$ *a'!anga$ Tarlac$ and Da'bales$ and the cities$ of Angeles$ #abanatuan$ 0longa!o$ *alayan$ and 2an Jose4 The 7ational #a!ital Judicial Region$ consisting of the cities of )anila$ Cuezon$ *asay$ and #aloocan$ and the 'unici!alities of 7a"otas$ )alabon$ 2an Juan$ )andaluyong$ )akati$ *asig$ *ateros$ Taguig$ )arikina$ *araEa1ue$ <as *iEas$ )untinlu!a$ and Balenzuela4 The %ourth Judicial Region$ consisting of the !ro"inces of =atangas$ #a"ite$ <aguna$ )arindu1ue$ )indoro 0ccidental$ )indoro 0riental$ *alawan$ Cuezon$ Rizal -e,ce!t the cities and 'unici!alities e'braced within the 7ational #a!ital Judicial Region.$ Ro'blon$ and Aurora$ and the cities of =atangas$ #a"ite$ <i!a$ <ucena$ *uerto *rincesa$ 2an *ablo$ Tagaytay$ and Trece )artires4 The %ifth Judicial Region$ consisting of the !ro"inces of Albay$ #a'arines 2ur$ #a'arines 7orte$ #atanduanes$ )asbate$ and 2orsogon$ and the cities of <egas!i$ 7aga$ and &riga4 The 2i,th Judicial Region$ consisting of the !ro"inces of Aklan$ Anti1ue$ #a!iz$ &loilo$ and 7egros 0ccidental$ and the cities of =acolod$ =ago$ #adiz$ &loilo$ <a #arlota$ Ro,as$ 2an #arlos$ and 2ilay$ and the sub+ !ro"ince of Fui'aras4 The 2e"enth Judicial Region$ consisting of the !ro"inces of =ohol$ #ebu$ 7egros 0riental$ and 2i1ui/or$ and the cities of =ais$ #anlaon$ #ebu$ (anao$ (u'aguete$ <a!u+<a!u$ )andaue$ Tagbilaran and Toledo4 The 6ighth Judicial Region$ consisting of the !ro"inces of 6astern 2a'ar$ <eyte$ 7orthern 2a'ar$ 2outhern <eyte$ and 2a'ar$ the sub+!ro"inces of =iliran$ and the cities of #albayog$ 0r'oc$ and Tacloban4

The 7inth Judicial Region$ consisting of the !ro"inces of =asilan$ 2ulu$ Tawi+Tawi$ Da'boanga del 7orte$ and Da'boanga del 2ur$ and the cities of (a!itan$ (i!olog$ *agadian$ and Da'boanga The Tenth Judicial Region$ consisting of the !ro"inces of Agusan del 7orte$ Agusan del 2ur$ =ukidnon$ #a'iguin$ )isa'is 0ccidental$ )isa'is 0riental$ and 2urigao del 7orte$ and the cities of =utuan$ #agayan de 0ro$ Fingoog$ 0za'iz$ 0ro1uieta$ 2urigao and Tangub The 6le"enth Judicial Region$ consisting of the !ro"inces of (a"ao del 7orte$ (a"ao 0riental$ (a"ao del 2ur$ 2outh #otabato and 2urigao del 2ur$ and the cities of (a"ao and Feneral 2antos4 and The Twelfth Judicial Region$ consisting of the !ro"inces of <anao del 7orte$ <anao del 2ur$ )aguindanao$ 7orth #otabato$ and 2ultan Audarat$ and the cities of #otabato$ &ligan$ and )arawi &n case of transfer or redistribution of the !ro"inces$ sub+!ro"inces$ cities or 'unici!alities co'!rising the regions established by law for !ur!oses of the ad'inistrati"e field organization of the "arious de!art'ents and agencies of the go"ern'ent$ the co'!osition of the /udicial regions herein constituted shall be dee'ed 'odified accordingly Secti ! 1#. #egional Trial $ourts. -a. %ifty+se"en Regional Trial Judges shall be co''issioned for the %irst Judicial Region There shall be9 Two branches -=ranches & and &&. for the !ro"ince of Abra$ with seats at =angued4 6ight branches -=ranches &&& to G. for the !ro"ince of =enguet and the city of =aguio$ =ranches &&& to B&& with seats at =aguio #ity$ and =ranches B&&& to G at <a Trinidad4 7ine branches -=ranches G& to G&G. for the !ro"ince of &locos 7orte and the city of <aoag$ =ranches G& to GB& with seats at <aoag #ity$ =ranches GB&& and GB&&& at =atac$ and =ranch G&G at =angui4 2i, =ranches -=ranches GG to GGB. for the !ro"ince of &locos 2ur$ =ranches GG and GG& with seats at Bigan$ =ranch GG&& at 7ar"acan$ =ranch GG&&& at #andon$ =ranch GG&B at #abugao$ and =ranch GGB at Tagudin4 7ine branches -=ranches GGB& to GGG&B. for the !ro"ince of <a @nion$ =ranches GGB& to GGG with seats at 2an %ernando$

=ranches GGG& and GGG&& at Agoo$ =ranch GGG&&& at =auang$ and =ranch GGG&B at =alaoan4 Two branches -=ranches GGGB and GGGB&. for the !ro"ince of )ountain *ro"ince$ with seats at =ontoc4 and Twenty+one branches -=ranches GGGB&& and <B&&. for the !ro"ince of *angasinan and the cities of (agu!an and 2an #arlos$ =ranches GGGB&& to GGG&G with seats at <ingayen$ =ranches G< to G<&B at (agu!an$ =ranches G<B to G<&B at @rdaneta$ =ranch < at Billasis$ =ranches <& and <&& at Tayug$ =ranch <&&& at Rosales$ =ranches <&B and <B at Ala'inos$ and =ranches <B& and <B&& at 2an #arlos -b. Thirty+two Regional Trial Judges shall be co''issioned for the 2econd Judicial Region There shall be9 Twel"e branches -=ranches & to G&&. for the !ro"ince of #agayan$ =ranches & to B with seats at Tuguegarao$ =ranches B& to G at A!arri$ =ranch G& at Tuao$ and =ranch G&& at 2anchez )ira4 0ne branch -=ranch G&&&. for the !ro"ince of =atanes$ with seat at =asco4 Two branches -=ranches G&B and GB. for the !ro"ince of &fugao$ =ranch G&B with seat at <agawe$ and =ranch GB at *otia4 7ine branches -=ranches GB& to GG&B. for the !ro"ince of &sabela$ =ranches GB& to GB&&& with seats at &lagan$ =ranches G&G and GG at #auayan$ =ranch GG& at 2antiago$ =ranch GG&& at #abagan$ =ranch GG&&& at Ro,as$ and =ranch GG&B at 6chague4 Two branches -branches GGB and GGB&. for the !ro"ince of Aalinga+A!ayao$ =ranch GGB with seat at Tabuk$ and =ranch GGB& at <una4 %our branches -=ranches GGG&& and GGG. for the !ro"ince of 7ue"a Biscaya$ =ranches GGB&& to GG&G with seats at =ayo'bong$ and =ranch GGG at =a'bang4 and Two branches -=ranches GGG& and GGG&&. for the !ro"ince of Cuirino$ with seats at #abarroguis -c. 2e"enty+fi"e Regional Trial Judges shall be co''issioned for the Third Judicial Region There shall be9

%i"e branches -=ranches & to B. for the !ro"ince of =ataan$ =ranches & to &&& with seats at =alanga$ =ranch &B at )ari"eles$ and =ranch B at (inalu!ihan4 2e"enteen branches -=ranches GG&&& to G<. for the !ro"ince of 7ue"e 6ci/a and the cities of #abanatuan$ 2an Jose and *alayan$ =ranches GG&&& to GGG with seats at #abanatuan #ity$ =ranches GGG& to GGG&&& at Fui'ba$ 2to (o'ingo$ =ranches GGGB&&& and GGG&G at 2an Jose$ and =ranch G< at *alayan4 Twenty+two branches -=ranches G<& to <G&&. for the !ro"ince of *a'!anga and the city of Angeles$ =ranches G<& to G<B&&& with seats at 2an %ernando$ =ranches G<&G to <&&& at Fuagua$ =ranches <B& and <B at )acabebe$ and =ranches <B& to <G&& at Angeles #ity4 2i, branches -=ranches <G&&& to <GB&&&. for the !ro"ince of Tarlac$ =ranches <G&&& to <GB with seats at Tarlac$ =ranch <GB& at #a!as$ =ranch <GB&& at *ani1ui$ and =ranch <GB&&& at #a'iling4 and 2e"en branches -=ranches <G&G to <GGB. for the !ro"ince of Da'bales and the city of 0longa!o$ =ranches <G&G to <GG& with seats at &ba and =ranches <GG&& to <GGB at 0longa!o #ity -d. 0ne hundred se"enty+two Regional Trial Judges shall be co''issioned for the 7ational #a!ital Judicial Region There shall be9 6ighty+two branches -=ranches & to <GGG&&. for the city of )anila$ with seats thereat4 Twenty+fi"e branches -=ranches <GGG&&& to #B&&. for Cuezon #ity$ with seats thereat4 Twel"e branches -=ranches #B&&& to #G&G. for *asay #ity$ with seats thereat4 Twel"e branches -=ranches #GG to #GGG&. for #aloocan #ity$ with seats thereat4 Thirty+nine branches -=ranches #GGG&& to #<GG. for the 'unici!alities of 7a"otas$ )alabon$ 2an Juan$ )andaluyong$ )akati$ *asig$ *ateros$ Taguig$ )arikina$ *araEa1ue$ <as *iEas$ and )untinlu!a$ =ranches #GGG&& to #< with seats at )akati$ =ranches #<& to #<GB&&& at *asig$ and =ranches #<G&G and #<GG at )alabon4 and

Two branches -=ranches #<GG& and #<GG&&. for the 'unici!ality of Balenzuela$ with seats thereat -e. 6ighty+two Regional Trial Judges shall be co''issioned for the %ourth Judicial Region There shall be9 %ourteen branches -=ranches & to G&B. for the !ro"ince of =atangas and the cities of <i!a and =atangas$ =ranches & to &B with seats at =atangas #ity$ =ranch B at <e'ery$ =ranches B& to B&&& at Tanauan$ =ranches &G to G& at =alayan$ =ranches G&& and G&&& at <i!a$ and =ranch G&B at 7asugbu4 7ine branches -=ranches GB to GG&&&. for the !ro"ince of #a"ite and the cities of #a"ite$ Tagaytay and Trece )artires$ =ranch GB with seat at 7aic$ =ranches GB& and GB&& at #a"ite #ity$ =ranch GB&&& at Tagaytay #ity$ =ranch G&G at =acoor$ =ranches GG to GG&& at &'us$ and =ranch GG&&& at Trece )artires4 %ourteen branches -=ranches GG&B to GGGB&&. for the !ro"ince of <aguna and the #ity of 2an *ablo$ =ranches GG&B and GGB with seats at =iEan$ =ranches GGB& to GGB&&& at 2ta #ruz$ =ranches GG&G to GGG&& at 2an *ablo #ity$ =ranch GGG&&& at 2iniloan$ and =ranches GGG&B to GGGB&& at #ala'ba4 0ne branch -=ranch GGGB&&&. for the !ro"ince of )arindu1ue$ with seat at =oac4 %i"e branches -=ranches GGG&G to G<&&&. for the !ro"ince of )indoro 0riental$ =ranches GGG&G and G< with seats of #ala!an$ =ranches G<& and G<&& at *ina'alayan$ and =ranch G<&&& at Ro,as4 Three branches -=ranches G<&B to G<B&. for the !ro"ince of )indoro 0ccidental$ branch G<&B with seat at )a'burao$ and =ranches G<B and G<B& at 2an Jose4 2i, branches -=ranches G<B&& to <&&. for the !ro"ince of *alawan and the city of *uerto *rincesa$ with seats at *uerto *rincesa #ity4 Thirteen branches -=ranches <&&& to <GB. for the !ro"ince of Cuezon and the city of <ucena$ =ranches <&&& to <G with seats at <ucena #ity$ =ranches <G& and <G&& at Fu'aca$ =ranch <G&&& at #alauag$ =ranch <G&B at )auban$ and =ranch <GB at &nfanta4 0ne branch -=ranch <GB&. for the !ro"ince of Aurora$ with seat at =aler4

%ourteen branches -=ranches <GB&& to <GGG. for the !ro"ince of Rizal 6,ce!t the cities and 'unici!alities e'braced within the 7ational #a!itol Judicial Region$ =ranches <GB&& to <GG with seats at =inangonan$ =ranches <GG& to <GG&B at Anti!olo$ =ranches <GGB to <GGB&& at 2an )ateo$ and =ranches <GGB&&& to <GGG at )orong4 and Two branches -=ranches <GGG& and <GGG&&. for the !ro"ince of Ro'blon$ =ranch <GGG& with seat at Ro'blon$ and =ranch <GGG&& at 0diongan -f. %ifty+fi"e Regional Trial Judges shall be co''issioned for the %ifth Judicial Region There shall be9 6ighteen branches -=ranches & to GB&&&. for the !ro"ince of Albay and the city of <egas!i$ =ranches & to G with seats at <egas!i #ity$ =ranches G& to G&B at <igao$ and =ranches GB to GB&&& at Tabaco4 7ineteen branches -=ranches G&G to GGGB&&. for the !ro"ince of #a'arines 2ur and the cities of 7aga and &riga$ =ranches G&G to GGB&&& with seats at 7aga #ity$ =ranch GG&G at <ib'anan$ =ranch GGG at Tigaon$ =ranches GGG& to GGG&&& at *ili$ and =ranches GGG&B to GGGB&& at &riga #ity4 %our branches -=ranches GGGB&&& to G<&. for the !ro"ince of #a'arines 7orte$ with seats at (aet4 Two branches -=ranches G<&& and G<&&&. for the !ro"ince of #atanduanes$ with seats at Birac4 2e"en branches -=ranches G<&B to <. for the !ro"ince of )asbate$ =ranches G<&B to G<B&&& with seats at )asbate$ =ranch G<&G at #ataingan$ and =ranch < at 2an Jacinto4 and %i"e branches -=ranches <& to <B. for the !ro"ince of 2orsogon$ =ranches <& to <&&& with seats at 2orsogon$ =ranch <&B at Fubat$ and =ranch <B at &rosin -g. 2i,ty+three Regional Trial Judges shall be co''issioned for the 2i,th Judicial Region There shall be9 7ine branches -=ranches & to &G. for the !ro"ince of Aklan$ with seats at Aalibo4 %our branches -=ranches G to G&&&. for the !ro"ince of Anti1ue$ =ranches G to G&& with seats at 2an Jose$ and =ranch G&&& at #ulasi4

6ight branches -=ranches G&B to GG&. for the !ro"ince of #a!iz and the city of Ro,as$ =ranches G&B to G&G with seats at Ro,as #ity and =ranches GG and GG& at )a'busao4 6ighteen branches -=ranches GG&& to GGG&G. for the !ro"ince of &loilo$ the sub+!ro"ince of Fui'aras$ and the city of &loilo$ with seats at &loilo #ity4 and Twenty+four branches -=ranches G< to <G&&&. for the !ro"ince of 7egros 0ccidental$ and the cities of =acolod$ =ago$ #adiz$ <a #arlota$ 2an #arlos and 2ilay$ =ranch G< with seat at 2ilay #ity$ =ranches G<& to <&B at =acolod #ity$ =ranches <B and <B& at Hi'a'aylan$ =ranches <B&& to <&G at Aabankalan$ =ranch <G&& at =ago #ity$ and =ranch <G&&& at <a #arlota #ity -h. %orty+si, Regional Trial Judges shall be co''issioned for the 2e"enth Judicial Region There shall be9 %our branches -=ranches & to &B. for the !ro"ince of =ohol and the city of Tagbilaran$ with seats at Tagbilaran #ity4 Twenty+fi"e branches -=ranches B to GG&G. for the !ro"ince of #ebu and the cities of #ebu$ (anao$ <a!u+<a!u$ )andaue and Toledo$ =ranches B to GG&B with seats at #ebu #ity$ =ranch GGB at (anao #ity$ =ranch GGB& at Argao$ =ranch GGB&& at <a!u+<a!u #ity$ =ranch GGB&&& at )andaue #ity$ and =ranch GG&G at Toledo #ity4 2i,teen branches -=ranches GGG to G<B. for the !ro"ince of 7egros 0riental and the cities of (u'aguete$ =ais and #anlaon$ =ranches GGG to G<&B with seats at (u'aguete #ity$ and =ranch G<B at =ais #ity4 and 0ne branch -=ranch G<B&. for the !ro"ince of 2i1ui/or$ with seat at <arena -i. Thirty+three Regional Trial Judges shall be co''issioned for the 6ighth Judicial Region There shall be9 %i"e branches -=ranches & to B. for the !ro"ince of 6astern 2a'ar$ =ranches & and && with seats at =orongan$ =ranch &&& at Fuiuan$ =ranch &B at (olores$ and =ranch B at 0ras4 Thirteen branches -=ranches B& to GB&&&. for the !ro"ince of <eyte$ the sub+!ro"ince of =iliran$ and the cities of 0r'oc and Tacloban$ =ranches B& and &G with seats at Tacloban #ity$ =ranch G at

Abuyog$ =ranch G& at #alubian$ =ranch G&& at 0r'oc #ity$ =ranch G&&& at #arigara$ =ranch G&B at =aybay$ =ranch GB at =urauen$ =ranch GB& at 7a"al$ =ranch GB&& at *alo'!on$ and =ranch GB&&& at Hilongos4 %i"e branches -=ranches G&G to GG&&&. for the !ro"ince of 7orthern 2a'ar$ =ranches G&G and GG with seats at #atar'an$ =ranches GG& and GG&& at <aoang$ and =ranch GG&&& at Allen4 Three branches -=ranches GG&B to GGB&. for the !ro"ince of 2outhern <eyte$ =ranches GG&B and GGB with seats at )aasin$ and =ranch GGB& at 2an Juan4 and 2e"en branches -=ranches GGB&& to GGG&&&. for the !ro"ince of 2a'ar and the city of #albayog$ =ranches GGB&& to GG&G with seats at #atbalogan$ =ranch GGG at =asey$ =ranches GGG& and GGG&& at #albayog #ity$ and =ranch GGG&&& at #albiga -/. Twenty+four Regional Trial Judges shall be co''issioned for the 7inth Judicial Region There shall be9 Two branches -=ranches & and &&. for the !ro"ince of =asilan$ with seats at &sabela4 Two branches -=ranches &&& and &B. for the !ro"ince of 2ulu$ =ranch &&& with seat at Jolo$ and =ranch &B at *arang4 0ne branch -=ranch B. for the !ro"ince of Tawi+Tawi$ with seat at =ongao4 2i, branches -=ranches B& to G&. for the !ro"ince of Da'boanga del 7orte$ and the cities of (i!olog and (a!itan$ =ranches B& to G seats at (i!olog #ity$ and =ranch G& at 2indangan4 and Thirteen branches -=ranches G&& to GG&B. for the !ro"ince of Da'boanga del 2ur and the cities of *agadian and Da'boanga =ranches G&& to GB&& with seats at Da'boanga #ity$ =ranches$ GB&&& to GG&& at *agadian #ity$ =ranch GG&&& at )ola"e$ and =ranch GG&B at &!il -k. Thirty+two Regional Trial Judges shall be co''issioned for the Tenth Judicial Region There shall be9 %i"e branches -=ranches & to B. for the !ro"ince of Agusan del 7orte and the city of =utuan$ with seats at =utuan #ity4

Two branches -=ranches B& and G&. for the !ro"ince of =ukidnon$ =ranches B&&& to G with seats at )alaybalay and =ranch G& at )anolo %ortich4 %i"e branches -=ranches G&& to G&. for the !ro"ince of )isa'is 0ccidental and the cities of 0ro1uieta$ 0za'is$ and Tangub$ =ranches G&& to G&B with seats at 0ro1uieta #ity$ =ranch GB at 0za'is #ity$ and =ranch GB& at Tangub #ity4 6le"en branches -=ranches GB&& to GGB&&. for the !ro"ince of )isa'is 0riental and the cities of #agayan de 0ro and Fingoog$ =ranches GB&& to GG& with seats at #agayan de 0ro #ity$ =ranch GGB& at )edina$ and =ranch GGB&& at Fingoog #ity4 0ne branch -=ranch GGB&&&. for the !ro"ince of #a'iguin$ with seat at )a'ba/ao4 and %our branches -=ranches GG&G to GGG&&. for the !ro"ince of 2urigao del 7orte and the #ity of 2urigao$ =ranches GG&G and GGG with seats at 2urigao #ity$ =ranch GGG& at (a!a$ and =ranch GGG&& at (inagat$ (inagat &sland -l. Twenty+nine Regional Trial Judges shall be co''issioned for the 6le"enth Judicial Region There shall be9 %our branches -=ranches & to &B. for the !ro"ince of (a"ao del 7orte$ =ranches & and && with seats at Tagu'$ =ranch &&& at 7abunturan$ and =ranch &B at *anabo4 Three branches -=ranches B to B&&. for the !ro"ince of (a"ao 0riental$ =ranches B and B& with seats at )ati and =ranch B&& at =aganga4 %ourteen branches -=ranches B&&& to GG&. for the !ro"ince of (a"ao del 2ur and the city of (a"ao$ =ranches B&&& to GB&& with seats at (a"ao #ity$ =ranches GB&&& and G&G at (igos$ =ranch GG at )alinta$ and =ranch GG& a =ansalan4 %i"e =ranches -=ranches GG&& to GGB&. for the !ro"ince of 2outh #otabato and the city of Feneral 2antos$ =ranches GG&& and GG&&& with seats at Feneral 2antos #ity$ =ranches GG&B and GGB at Aoronadal$ and =ranch GGB& at 2urallah4 and Three branches -=ranches GGB&& to GG&G. for the !ro"ince of 2urigao del 2ur$ =ranch GGB&& with seat at Tandag$ =ranch GGB&&& at <ianga$ and =ranch GG&G at =islig

-'. Twenty Regional Trial Judges shall be co''issioned for the Twelfth Judicial Region There shall be9 2e"en branches -=ranches & to B&&. for the !ro"ince of <anao del 7orte and the city of &ligan$ =ranches & to B& with seats at &ligan #ity$ and =ranch B&& at Tubod4 %i"e branches -=ranches B&&& to G&&. for the !ro"ince of <anao del 2ur and the city of )arawi$ =ranches B&&& to G with seats at )arawi #ity$ and =ranches G& and G&& at )alabang4 Three branches -=ranches G&&& to GB. for the !ro"ince of )aguindanao and the city of #otabato$ =ranches G&&& and G&B with seats at #otabato #ity$ and =ranch GB at )aganoy4 Three branches -=ranches GB& to GB&&&. for the !ro"ince of 7orth #otabato$ =ranch GB& with seat at Aabacan$ =ranch GB&& at Aida!awan$ and =ranch GB&&& at )idsaya!4 and Two branches -=ranches G&G and GG. for the !ro"ince of 2ultan Audarat$ =ranch G&G$ with seat at &sulan$ and =ranch GG at Tacurong Secti ! 1$. Qualifications. 7o !ersons shall be a!!ointed Regional Trial Judge unless he is a natural+born citizen of the *hili!!ines$ at least thirty+fi"e years of age$ and for at least ten years$ has been engaged in the !ractice of law in the *hili!!ines or has held a !ublic office in the *hili!!ines re1uiring ad'ission to the !ractice of law as an indis!ensable re1uisite Secti ! 1%. Ti!e and duration of sessions. The ti'e and duration of daily sessions of the Regional Trial #ourts shall be deter'ined by the 2u!re'e #ourt9 *ro"ided$ howe"er$ That all 'otions$ e,ce!t those re1uiring i''ediate action$ shall be heard in the afternoon of e"ery %riday$ unless it falls on a holiday$ in which case$ the hearing shall be held on the afternoon of the ne,t succeeding business day9 *ro"ided$ further$ That the 2u!re'e #ourt 'ay$ for good reasons$ fi, a different 'otion day in s!ecified areas Secti ! 1&. Appoint!ent and assign!ent of #egional Trial Judges. 6"ery Regional Trial Judge shall be a!!ointed to a region which shall be his !er'anent station$ and his a!!oint'ent shall state the branch of the court and the seat thereof to which he shall be originally assigned Howe"er$ the 2u!re'e #ourt 'ay assign te'!orarily a Regional Trial Judge to another region as !ublic interest 'ay re1uire$ !ro"ided that such te'!orary assign'ent shall not last longer than si, -8. 'onths without the consent of the Regional Trial Judge concerned

A Regional Trial Judge 'ay be assigned by the 2u!re'e #ourt to any branch or city or 'unici!ality within the sa'e region as !ublic interest 'ay re1uire$ and such assign'ent shall not be dee'ed an assign'ent to another station within the 'eaning of this section Secti ! 1'. Authorit% to define territor% appurtenant to each &ranch. The 2u!re'e #ourt shall define the territory o"er which a branch of the Regional Trial #ourt shall e,ercise its authority The territory thus defined shall be dee'ed to be the territorial area of the branch concerned for !ur!oses of deter'ining the "enue of all suits$ !roceedings or actions$ whether ci"il or cri'inal$ as well as deter'ining the )etro!olitan Trial #ourts$ )unici!al Trial #ourts$ and )unici!al #ircuit Trial #ourts o"er the said branch 'ay e,ercise a!!ellate /urisdiction The !ower herein granted shall be e,ercised with a "iew to 'aking the courts readily accessible to the !eo!le of the different !arts of the region and 'aking the attendance of litigants and witnesses as ine,!ensi"e as !ossible Secti ! 19. Jurisdiction in civil cases. Regional Trial #ourts shall e,ercise e,clusi"e original /urisdiction9 -1. &n all ci"il actions in which the sub/ect of the litigation is inca!able of !ecuniary esti'ation4 -5. &n all ci"il actions which in"ol"e the title to$ or !ossession of$ real !ro!erty$ or any interest therein$ e,ce!t actions for forcible entry into and unlawful detainer of lands or buildings$ original /urisdiction o"er which is conferred u!on )etro!olitan Trial #ourts$ )unici!al Trial #ourts$ and )unici!al #ircuit Trial #ourts4 -:. &n all actions in ad'iralty and 'ariti'e /urisdiction where he de'and or clai' e,ceeds twenty thousand !esos -*50$000 00.4 -3. &n all 'atters of !robate$ both testate and intestate$ where the gross "alue of the estate e,ceeds twenty thousand !esos -*50$000 00.4 -?. &n all actions in"ol"ing the contract of 'arriage and 'arital relations4 -8. &n all cases not within the e,clusi"e /urisdiction of any court$ tribunal$ !erson or body e,ercising /udicial or 1uasi+/udicial functions4 -;. &n all ci"il actions and s!ecial !roceedings falling within the e,clusi"e original /urisdiction of a Ju"enile and (o'estic Relations #ourt and of the #ourts of Agrarian Relations as now !ro"ided by law4 and -8. &n all other cases in which the de'and$ e,clusi"e of interest and costs or the "alue of the !ro!erty in contro"ersy$ a'ounts to 'ore than twenty thousand !esos -*50$000 00.

Secti ! 2(. Jurisdiction in cri!inal cases. Regional Trial #ourts shall e,ercise e,clusi"e original /urisdiction in all cri'inal cases not within the e,clusi"e /urisdiction of any court$ tribunal or body$ e,ce!t those now falling under the e,clusi"e and concurrent /urisdiction of the 2andiganbayan which shall hereafter be e,clusi"ely taken cognizance of by the latter Secti ! 21. Original 'urisdiction in other cases. Regional Trial #ourts shall e,ercise original /urisdiction9 -1. &n the issuance of writs of certiorari$ !rohibition$ 'anda'us$ 1uo warranto$ habeas cor!us and in/unction which 'ay be enforced in any !art of their res!ecti"e regions4 and -5. &n actions affecting a'bassadors and other !ublic 'inisters and consuls Secti ! 22. Appellate 'urisdiction. Regional Trial #ourts shall e,ercise a!!ellate /urisdiction o"er all cases decided by )etro!olitan Trial #ourts$ )unici!al Trial #ourts$ and )unici!al #ircuit Trial #ourts in their res!ecti"e territorial /urisdictions 2uch cases shall be decided on the basis of the entire record of the !roceedings had in the court of origin and such 'e'oranda andIor briefs as 'ay be sub'itted by the !arties or re1uired by the Regional Trial #ourts The decision of the Regional Trial #ourts in such cases shall be a!!ealable by !etition for re"iew to the &nter'ediate A!!ellate #ourt which 'ay gi"e it due course only when the !etition shows !ri'a facie that the lower court has co''itted an error of fact or law that will warrant a re"ersal or 'odification of the decision or /udg'ent sought to be re"iewed Secti ! 2". Special 'urisdiction to tr% special cases. The 2u!re'e #ourt 'ay designate certain branches of the Regional Trial #ourts to handle e,clusi"ely cri'inal cases$ /u"enile and do'estic relations cases$ agrarian cases$ urban land refor' cases which do not fall under the /urisdiction of 1uasi+/udicial bodies and agencies$ andIor such other s!ecial cases as the 2u!re'e #ourt 'ay deter'ine in the interest of a s!eedy and efficient ad'inistration of /ustice Secti ! 2#. Special #ules of Procedure. >hene"er a Regional Trial #ourt takes cognizance of /u"enile and do'estic relation cases andIor agrarian cases$ the s!ecial rules of !rocedure a!!licable under !resent laws to such cases shall continue to be a!!lied$ unless subse1uently a'ended by law or by rules of court !ro'ulgated by the 2u!re'e #ourt CHAPTER III METROPOLITAN TRIAL COURTS, MUNICIPAL TRIAL COURTS, AND MUNICIPAL CIRCUIT TRIAL COURTS

Secti ! 2$. Esta&lish!ent of (etropolitan Trial $ourts) (unicipal Trial $ourts and (unicipal $ircuit Trial $ourts. There shall be created a )etro!olitan Trial #ourt in each 'etro!olitan area established by law$ a )unici!al Trial #ourt in each of the other cities or 'unici!alities$ and a )unici!al #ircuit Trial #ourt in each circuit co'!rising such cities andIor 'unici!alities as are grou!ed together !ursuant to law Secti ! 2%. Qualifications. 7o !erson shall be a!!ointed /udge of a )etro!olitan Trial #ourt$ )unici!al Trial #ourt$ or )unici!al #ircuit Trial #ourt unless he is a natural+born citizen of the *hili!!ines$ at least :0 years of age$ and$ for at least fi"e years$ has been engaged in the !ractice of law in the *hili!!ines$ or has held a !ublic office in the *hili!!ines re1uiring ad'ission to the !ractice of law as an indis!ensable re1uisite Secti ! 2&. (etropolitan Trial $ourts of the *ational $apital #egion. There shall be a )etro!olitan Trial #ourt in the 7ational #a!ital Region$ to be known as the )etro!olitan Trial #ourt of )etro )anila$ which shall be co'!osed of eighty+ two -85. branches There shall be9 Thirty branches -=ranches & to GGG. for the city of )anila with seats thereat4 Thirteen branches -=ranches GGG& to G<&&&. for Cuezon #ity with seats thereat4 %i"e branches -=ranches G<&B to G<B&&&. for *asay #ity with seats thereat4 %i"e branches -=ranches G<&G to <&&&. for #aloocan #ity with seats thereat4 0ne branch -=ranch <&B. for 7a"otas with seat thereat4 Two branches -=ranches <B and <B&. for )indanao with seats thereat4 Two branches -=ranches <B&& and <B&&&. for 2an Juan with seats thereat4 Two branches -=ranches <&G and <G. for )andaluyong with seats thereat4 2e"en branches -=ranches <G& and <GB&&. for )akati with seats thereat4 %i"e branches -=ranches <GB&&& to <GG&&. for *asig with seats thereat4 0ne branch -=ranch <GG&&&. for *ateros with seat thereat4 0ne branch -=ranch <GG&B. for Taguig with seat thereat4

Two branches -=ranches <GGB and <GGB&. for )arikina with seats thereat4 Two branches -=ranches <GGB&& and <GGB&&&. for *araEa1ue with seats thereat4 0ne branch -=ranch <GG&G. for <as *iEas with seat thereat4 0ne branch -=ranch <GGG. for )untinlu!a with seat thereat4 Two branches -=ranches <GGG& and <GGG&&. for Balenzuela with seats thereat4 Secti ! 2'. Other (etropolitan Trial $ourts. The 2u!re'e #ourt shall constitute )etro!olitan Trial #ourts in such other 'etro!olitan areas as 'ay be established by law whose territorial /urisdiction shall be co+e,tensi"e with the cities and 'unici!alities co'!rising the 'etro!olitan area 6"ery )etro!olitan Trial Judge shall be a!!ointed to a 'etro!olitan area which shall be his !er'anent station and his a!!oint'ent shall state branch of the court and the seat thereof to which he shall be originally assigned A )etro!olitan Trial Judge 'ay be assigned by the 2u!re'e #ourt to any branch within said 'etro!olitan area as the interest of /ustice 'ay re1uire$ and such assign'ent shall not be dee'ed an assign'ent to another station within the 'eaning of this section Secti ! 29. (unicipal Trial $ourts in cities. &n e"ery city which does not for' !art of a 'etro!olitan area$ there shall be a )unici!al Trial #ourt with one branch$ e,ce!t as hereunder !ro"ided9 Two branches for <aoag #ity4 %our branches for =aguio #ity4 Three branches for (agu!an #ity4 %i"e branches for 0longa!o #ity4 Three branches for #abanatuan #ity4 Two branches for 2an Jose #ity4 Three branches for Angeles #ity4 Two branches for #a"ite #ity4

Two branches for =atangas #ity4 Two branches for <ucena #ity4 Three branches for 7aga #ity4 Two branches for &riga #ity4 Three branches for <egas!i #ity4 Two branches for Ro,as #ity4 %our branches for &loilo #ity4 2e"en branches for =acolod #ity4 Two branches for (u'aguete #ity4 Two branches for Tacloban #ity4 6ight branches for #ebu #ity4 Three branches for )andaue #ity4 Two branches for Tagbilaran #ity4 Two branches for 2urigao #ity4 Two branches for =utuan #ity4 %i"e branches for #agayan de 0ro #ity4 2e"en branches for (a"ao #ity4 Three branches for Feneral 2antos #ity4 Two branches for 0ro1uieta #ity4 Three branches for 0za'is #ity4 Two branches for (i!olog #ity4 %our branches for Da'boanga #ity4 Two branches for *agadian #ity4 and

Two branches for &ligan #ity Secti ! "(. (unicipal Trial $ourts. &n each of the 'unici!alities that are not co'!rised within a 'etro!olitan area and a 'unici!al circuit there shall be a )unici!al Trial #ourt which shall ha"e one branch$ e,ce!t as hereunder !ro"ided9 Two branches for 2an %ernando$ <a @nion4 %our branches for Tuguegarao4 Three branches for <allo$ and two branches for A!arri$ both of #agayan4 Two branches for 2antiago$ &sabela4 Two branches each for )alolos$ )eycauayan and =ulacan$ all of =ulacan *ro"ince4 %our branches for 2an %ernando and two branches for Fuagua$ both of *a'!anga4 Two branches for Tarlac$ Tarlac4 Two branches for 2an *edro$ <aguna4 and Two branches each for Anti!olo and =inangonan$ both in Rizal Secti ! "1. (unicipal $ircuit Trial $ourt. There shall be a )unici!al #ircuit Trial #ourt in each area defined as a 'unici!al circuit$ co'!rising one or 'ore cities andIor one or 'ore 'unici!alities The 'unici!alities co'!rising 'unici!al circuits as organized under Ad'inistrati"e 0rder 7o ::$ issued on June 1:$ 19;8 by the 2u!re'e #ourt !ursuant to *residential (ecree 7o ?:;$ are hereby constituted as 'unici!al circuits for !ur!oses of the establish'ent of the )unici!al #ircuit Trial #ourts$ and the a!!oint'ent thereto of )unici!al #ircuit Trial Judges9 *ro"ided$ howe"er$ That the 2u!re'e #ourt 'ay$ as the interests of /ustice 'ay re1uire$ further reorganize the said courts taking into account workload$ geogra!hical location$ and such other factors as will contribute to a rational allocation thereof$ !ursuant to the !ro"isions of *residential (ecree 7o ?:; which shall be a!!licable insofar as they are not inconsistent with this Act 6"ery )unici!al #ircuit Trial Judge shall be a!!ointed to a 'unici!al circuit which shall be his official station The 2u!re'e #ourt shall deter'ine the city or 'unici!ality where the )unici!al #ircuit Trial #ourt shall hold sessions

Secti ! "2. Jurisdiction of (etropolitan Trial $ourts) (unicipal Trial $ourts and (unicipal $ircuit Trial $ourts in cri!inal cases. 6,ce!t in cases falling within the e,clusi"e original /urisdiction of Regional Trial #ourts and of the 2andiganbayan$ the )etro!olitan Trial #ourts$ )unici!al Trial #ourts$ and )unici!al #ircuit Trial #ourts shall e,ercise9 -1. 6,clusi"e original /urisdiction o"er all "iolations of city or 'unici!al ordinances co''itted within their res!ecti"e territorial /urisdiction4 and -5. 6,clusi"e original /urisdiction o"er all offenses !unishable with i'!rison'ent of not e,ceeding four years and two 'onths$ or a fine of not 'ore than four thousand !esos$ or both such fine and i'!rison'ent$ regardless of other i'!osable accessory or other !enalties$ including the ci"il liability arising fro' such offenses or !redicated thereon$ irres!ecti"e of kind$ nature$ "alue$ or a'ount thereof9 *ro"ided$ howe"er$ That in offenses in"ol"ing da'age to !ro!erty through cri'inal negligence they shall ha"e e,clusi"e original /urisdiction where the i'!osable fine does not e,ceed twenty thousand !esos Secti ! "". Jurisdiction of (etropolitan Trial $ourts) (unicipal Trial $ourts and (unicipal $ircuit Trial $ourts in civil cases. )etro!olitan Trial #ourts$ )unici!al Trial #ourts$ and )unici!al #ircuit Trial #ourts shall e,ercise9 -1. 6,clusi"e original /urisdiction o"er ci"il actions and !robate !roceedings$ testate and intestate$ including the grant of !ro"isional re'edies in !ro!er cases$ where the de'and does not e,ceed twenty thousand !esos e,clusi"e of interest and costs but inclusi"e of da'ages of whate"er kind$ the a'ount of which 'ust be s!ecifically alleged9 *ro"ided$ That where there are se"eral clai's or causes of action between the sa'e or different !arties$ e'bodied in the sa'e co'!laint$ the a'ount of the de'and shall be the totality of the clai's in all the causes of action irres!ecti"e of whether the causes of action arose out of the sa'e or different transactions4 and -5. 6,clusi"e original /urisdiction o"er cases of forcible entry and unlawful detainer9 *ro"ided$ That when$ in such cases$ the defendant raises the 1uestion of ownershi! in his !leadings and the 1uestion of !ossession cannot be resol"ed without deciding the issue of ownershi!$ the issue of ownershi! shall be resol"ed only to deter'ine the issue of !ossession Secti ! "#. +elegated 'urisdiction in cadastral and land registration cases. )etro!olitan Trial #ourts$ )unici!al Trial #ourts$ and )unici!al #ircuit Trial #ourts 'ay be assigned by the 2u!re'e #ourt to hear and deter'ine cadastral or land registration cases co"ering lots where there is no contro"ersy or o!!osition$ or contested lots the "alue of which does not e,ceed twenty thousand !esos$ such "alue to be ascertained by the affida"it of the clai'ant or by

agree'ent of the res!ecti"e clai'ants if there are 'ore than one$ or fro' the corres!onding ta, declaration of the real !ro!erty Their decisions in these cases shall be a!!ealable in the sa'e 'anner as decisions of the Regional Trial #ourts Secti ! "$. Special 'urisdiction in certain cases. &n the absence of all the Regional Trial Judges in a !ro"ince or city$ any )etro!olitan Trial Judge$ )unici!al Trial Judge$ )unici!al #ircuit Trial Judge 'ay hear and decide !etitions for a writ of habeas cor!us or a!!lications for bail in cri'inal cases in the !ro"ince or city where the absent Regional Trial Judges sit Secti ! "%. Su!!ar% procedures in special cases. &n )etro!olitan Trial #ourts and )unici!al Trial #ourts with at least two branches$ the 2u!re'e #ourt 'ay designate one or 'ore branches thereof to try e,clusi"ely forcible entry and unlawful detainer cases$ those in"ol"ing "iolations of traffic laws$ rules and regulations$ "iolations of the rental law$ and such other cases re1uiring su''ary dis!osition as the 2u!re'e #ourt 'ay deter'ine The 2u!re'e #ourt shall ado!t s!ecial rules or !rocedures a!!licable to such cases in order to achie"e an e,!editious and ine,!ensi"e deter'ination thereof without regard to technical rules 2uch si'!lified !rocedures 'ay !ro"ide that affida"it and counter+affida"its 'ay be ad'itted in lieu of oral testi'ony and that the !eriods for filing !leadings shall be non+e,tendible Secti ! "&. Preli!inar% investigation. Judges of )etro!olitan Trial #ourts$ e,ce!t those in the 7ational #a!ital Region$ of )unici!al Trial #ourts$ and )unici!al #ircuit Trial #ourts shall ha"e authority to conduct !reli'inary in"estigation of cri'es alleged to ha"e been co''itted within their res!ecti"e territorial /urisdictions which are cognizable by the Regional Trial #ourts The !reli'inary in"estigation shall be conducted in accordance with the !rocedure !rescribed in 2ection 1$ !aragra!hs -a.$ -b.$ -c.$ and -d.$ of *residential (ecree 7o 9119 *ro"ided$ howe"er$ That if after the !reli'inary in"estigation the Judge finds a !ri'a facie case$ he shall forward the records of the case to the *ro"incialI#ity %iscal for the filing of the corres!onding infor'ation with the !ro!er court 7o warrant of arrest shall be issued by the Judge in connection with any cri'inal co'!laint filed with hi' for !reli'inary in"estigation$ unless after an e,a'ination in writing and under oath or affir'ation of the co'!lainant and his witnesses$ he finds that a !robable cause e,ists Any warrant of arrest issued in accordance herewith 'ay be ser"ed anywhere in the *hili!!ines Secti ! "'. Judg!ents and processes.

-1. All /udg'ents deter'ining the 'erits of cases shall be in writing$ stating clearly the facts and the law on which they were based$ signed by the Judge and filed with the #lerk of #ourt 2uch /udg'ent shall be a!!ealable to the Regional Trial #ourts in accordance with the !rocedure now !rescribed by law for a!!eals to the #ourt of %irst &nstance$ by the !ro"isions of this Act$ and by such rules as the 2u!re'e #ourt 'ay hereafter !rescribe -5. All !rocesses issued by the )etro!olitan Trial #ourts$ )unici!al Trial #ourts and )unici!al #ircuit Trial #ourts$ in cases falling within their /urisdiction$ 'ay be ser"ed anywhere in the *hili!!ines without the necessity of certification by the Judge of the Regional Trial #ourt CHAPTER I) GENERAL PRO)ISIONS Secti ! "9. Appeals. The !eriod for a!!eal fro' final orders$ resolutions$ awards$ /udg'ents$ or decisions of any court in all cases shall be fifteen -1?. days counted fro' the notice of the final order$ resolution$ award$ /udg'ent$ or decision a!!ealed fro'9 *ro"ided howe"er$ That in habeas cor!us cases$ the !eriod for a!!eal shall be forty+eight -38. hours fro' the notice of the /udg'ent a!!ealed fro' 7o record on a!!eal shall be re1uired to take an a!!eal &n lieu thereof$ the entire record shall be trans'itted with all the !ages !ro'inently nu'bered consecuti"ely$ together with an inde, of the contents thereof This section shall not a!!ly in a!!eals in s!ecial !roceedings and in other cases wherein 'ulti!le a!!eals are allowed under a!!licable !ro"isions of the Rules of #ourt Secti ! #(. ,or! of decision in appealed cases. 6"ery decision of final resolution of a court in a!!ealed cases shall clearly and distinctly state the findings of fact and the conclusions of law on which it is based$ which 'ay be contained in the decision or final resolution itself$ or ado!ted by reference fro' those set forth in the decision$ order$ or resolution a!!ealed fro' Secti ! #1. Salaries. &nter'ediate A!!ellate Justices$ Regional Trial Judges$ )etro!olitan Trial Judges$ )unici!al Trial Judges$ and )unici!al #ircuit Trial Judges shall recei"e such co'!ensation and allowances as 'ay be authorized by the *resident along the guidelines set forth in <etter of &'!le'entation 7o 9: !ursuant to *residential (ecree 7o 98?$ as a'ended by *residential (ecree 7o 1?9; Secti ! #2. -ongevit% pa%. A 'onthly longe"ity !ay e1ui"alent to ?J of the 'onthly basic !ay shall be !aid to the Justices and Judges of the courts herein

created for each fi"e years of continuous$ efficient$ and 'eritorious ser"ice rendered in the /udiciary4 *ro"ided$ That in no case shall the total salary of each Justice or Judge concerned$ after this longe"ity !ay is added$ e,ceed the salary of the Justice or Judge ne,t in rank Secti ! #". Staffing pattern. The 2u!re'e #ourt shall sub'it to the *resident$ within thirty -:0. days fro' the date of the effecti"ity of this Act$ a staffing !attern for all courts constituted !ursuant to this Act which shall be the basis of the i'!le'enting order to be issued by the *resident in accordance with the i''ediately succeeding section Secti ! ##. Transitor% provisions. The !ro"isions of this Act shall be i''ediately carried out in accordance with an 6,ecuti"e 0rder to be issued by the *resident The #ourt of A!!eals$ the #ourts of %irst &nstance$ the #ircuit #ri'inal #ourts$ the Ju"enile and (o'estic Relations #ourts$ the #ourts of Agrarian Relations$ the #ity #ourts$ the )unici!al #ourts$ and the )unici!al #ircuit #ourts shall continue to function as !resently constituted and organized$ until the co'!letion of the reorganization !ro"ided in this Act as declared by the *resident @!on such declaration$ the said courts shall be dee'ed auto'atically abolished and the incu'bents thereof shall cease to hold office The cases !ending in the old #ourts shall be transferred to the a!!ro!riate #ourts constituted !ursuant to this Act$ together with the !ertinent functions$ records$ e1ui!'ent$ !ro!erty and the necessary !ersonnel The a!!licable a!!ro!riations shall likewise be transferred to the a!!ro!riate courts constituted !ursuant to this Act$ to be aug'ented as 'ay be necessary fro' the funds for organizational changes as !ro"ided in =atas *a'bansa =lg 80 2aid funding shall thereafter be included in the annual Feneral A!!ro!riations Act Secti ! #$. Shari.a $ourts. 2hariKa #ourts to be constituted as !ro"ided for in *residential (ecree 7o 108:$ otherwise known as the "#ode of )usli' *ersonal <aws of the *hili!!ines$" shall be included in the funding a!!ro!riations so !ro"ided in this Act Secti ! #%. ratuit% of 'udges and personnel separated fro! office. All 'e'bers of the /udiciary and subordinate e'!loyees who shall be se!arated fro' office by reason of the reorganization authorized herein$ shall be granted a gratuity at a rate e1ui"alent to one 'onthKs salary for e"ery year of continuous ser"ice rendered in any branch of the go"ern'ent or e1ui"alent nearest fraction thereof fa"orable to the' on the basis of the highest salary recei"ed9 *ro"ided$ That such 'e'ber of the /udiciary or e'!loyee shall ha"e the o!tion to retire under the Judiciary Retire'ent <aw or general retire'ent law$ if he has 'et or satisfied the re1uire'ents therefor

Secti ! #&. #epealing clause. The !ro"isions of Re!ublic Act 7o 598$ otherwise known as the Judiciary Act of 1938$ as a'ended$ of Re!ublic Act 7o 9as a'ended$ of the Rules of #ourt$ and of all other statutes$ letters of instructions and general order or !arts thereof$ inconsistent with the !ro"isions of this Act are hereby re!ealed or accordingly 'odified Secti ! #'. +ate of Effectivit%. This Act shall take effect i''ediately A!!ro"ed9 August 13$ 1981