BATAS PAMBANSA Blg.

129
AN ACT REORGANIZING THE JUDICIARY,
APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR, AND FOR OTHER
PURPOSES
PRELIMINARY CHAPTER
Sec!"# 1. Title. This Act shall be known as "The Judiciary
Reorganization Act of 1980"
Sec!"# 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
COURT OF APPEALS
Sec!"# $. Organization. There is hereby created a #ourt
of A!!eals which consists of a *residing Justice and fifty
Associate Justice who shall be a!!ointed by the *resident of
the *hili!!ines The *residing Justice shall be so designated
in his a!!oint'ent$ and the Associate Justice 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$ for all intents
and !ur!oses$ be considered as continuous and
uninterru!ted (as amended by Exec. Order No. 33,, July 2,
!"#.$
Sec!"# %. Exercise o% po&ers and %unctions. The #ourt
A!!eals shall e+ercise its !owers$ functions$ and duties$
through se"enteen ,1-. di"isions$ each co'!osed of three
,/. 'e'bers The #ourt 'ay sit en banc only for the
!ur!ose of e+ercising ad'inistrati"e$ cere'onial$ or other
non0ad1udicatory functions (as amended by Exec. Order No.
33,.$
Sec!"# &. Succession to O%%ice o% 'residing Justice. ( &n
case of a "acancy in the absence of inability to !erfor' the
!owers$ functions$ and duties of his office$ the associate
Justice who is first in !recedence shall !erfor' his !owers$
functions$ and duties until such disability is re'o"ed$ or
another *residing Justice is a!!ointed and has 2ualified
Sec!"# '. )*o presides o+er session o% a di+ision. ( &f the
*residing Justice is !resent in any session of a di"ision of
the #ourt$ he shall !reside &n his absence$ the Associate
Justice attending such session who has !recedence shall
!reside
Sec!"# (. ,uali%ications. ( The *residing Justice and the
Associate Justice shall ha"e the sa'e 2ualifications as
those !ro"ided in #onstitution for Justice of the 3u!re'e
#ourt
Sec!"# ). -rouping o% .i+isions. ( (Expressly repealed
by Section /, Exec. Order No. 33, July 2, !"#.$
Sec!"# 9. Jurisdiction. ( The #ourt of A!!eals shall
4+ercise5
1 6riginal 1urisdiction to issue writs
of mandamus, !rohibition$ certiorari, *abeas
corpus, and 0uo &arranto,and au+iliary writs or
!rocesses$ whether or not in aid of its a!!ellate
1urisdiction7
8 4+clusi"e original 1urisdiction o"er actions for
annul'ent of 1udge'ents of Regional Trial #ourts7
and
/ 4+clusi"e a!!ellate 1urisdiction o"er all final
1udge'ents$ resolutions$ orders or awards of
Regional Trial #ourts and 2uasi01udicial agencies$
instru'entalities$ boards or co''ission$ including
the 3ecurities and 4+change #o''ission$ the
3ocial 3ecurity #o''ission$ the 4'!loyees
#o'!ensation #o''ission and the #i"il 3er"ice
#o''ission$ 4+ce!t those falling within the
a!!ellate 1urisdiction of the 3u!re'e #ourt in
accordance with the #onstitution$ the 9abor #ode of
the *hili!!ines under *residential (ecree :o ;;8$
as a'ended$ the !ro"isions of this Act$ and of
sub!aragra!h ,1. of the third !aragra!h and
sub!aragra!h ; of the fourth !aragra!h od 3ection
1- of the Judiciary Act of 19;8
The court of A!!eals 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 1urisdiction$ including
the !ower to grant and conduct new trials or A!!eals 'ust
be continuous and 'ust be co'!leted within three ,/.
'onths$ unless e+tended by the #hief Justice (as amended
by 1.2. No. 3"42.$
Sec!"# 1*. 'lace o% *olding sessions. ( The #ourt of
A!!eals shall ha"e its !er'anent station in the #ity of
)anila <hene"er de'anded by !ublic interest$ the
3u!re'e #ourt$ u!on its own initiati"e or u!on
reco''endation of the *residing 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
3u!re'e #ourt 'ay deter'ine$ for the !ur!ose of hearing
and deciding cases
Sec!"# 11. ,uorum ( A 'a1ority of the actual 'e'bers of
the #ourt shall constitute a 2uoru' for its session en
banc. Three 'e'bers shall constitute a 2uoru' for the
session of a di"ision The unani'ous "ote of the three
'e'bers of a di"ision shall be necessary for the
!ronounce'ent of a decision of final resolution$ which shall
be reached in consultation before the writing of the o!inion
by any 'e'bers of the di"ision &n the e"ent that the three
'e'bers do not reach a unani'ous "ote$ the *residing
Justice shall re2uest the Raffle #o''ittee of the #ourt for
the designation of two additional Justice to sit te'!orarily
with the'$ for'ing a s!ecial di"ision of fi"e 'e'bers and
the concurrence of a 'a1ority of such di"ision shall be
necessary for the !ronounce'ent of a decision or final
resolution The designation of such additional Justice shall
be 'ade strictly by raffle
A 'onth 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 fro' the sa'e !arty shall be
entertain'ent (as amended by Exec. Order No. 33, July 2,
!"#.$
Sec!"# 12. 5nternal 1ules. ( The court 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 of its di"isions
#o!ies of such rules and orders shall be furnished by the
3u!re'e #ourt$ which rules and orders shall be effecti"e
fifteen ,1=. days after recei!t thereof$ unless directed
otherwise by the 3u!re'e #ourt
CHAPTER II
REGIONAL TRIAL COURTS
Sec!"# 1$. 6reation o% 1egional Trial 6ourts. ( There are
hereby created thirteen ,1/. Regional Trial #ourts$ one for
each of the following 1udicial regions5
+++
Sec!"# 1%. 1egional Trial 6ourts
,a. %ifty0se"en Regional Trial Judges shall be
co''issioned for the %irst Judicial Region There
shall be
,d. 6ne hundred se"enty0two ,1-8. Regional Trial
Judges shall be co''issioned for the :ational
#a!ital Judicial Region There shall be5
%ifty0fi"e branches ,>ranches 1 to ==. for the
#ity of )anila$ wit seats thereat7
Thirty0two branches ,>ranches -? to 10-.
for @uezon #ity$ with seats thereat7
Twel"e branches ,>ranches 108 to 119. for
*asay #ity$ with seats thereat7
Twel"e branches ,>ranches 180 to 1/1. for
#aloocan #ity$ with seats thereat7
%ifty0eight branches ,>ranches =? to -; and
1/8 to 1-0. for the )unici!alities of :a"otas$
)alabon$ 3an Juan$ )adaluyong$ )akati$
*asig$ *ateros$ Taguig$ )arikina$
*araAa2ue$ 9as *iAas$ and )untinlu!a7
>ranches ?- to -1 and 1=1 to 1?8 at *asig7
and >ranches -8 to -;$ 1?9 and 1-0 at
)alabon7 and
Three branches ,>ranches -=$ 1-1 and 1-8.
for the 'unici!ality of Balenzuela$ with seats
thereat ,As a'ended by 46 :o //$ July
/0$ 198?.
Sec!"# 1&. ,uali%ications. :o !ersons shall be a!!ointed
Regional Trial Judge unless he is a natural0born citizen of
the *hili!!ines$ at least thirty0fi"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
re2uiring ad'ission to the !ractice of law as an
indis!ensable re2uisite
Sec!"# 1'. Time and duration o% sessions. The ti'e and
duration of daily sessions of the Regional Trial #ourts shall
be deter'ined by the 3u!re'e #ourt5 'ro+ided, *o&e+er$
That all 'otions$ e+ce!t those re2uiring 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 day5 'ro+ided,
%urt*er$ That the 3u!re'e #ourt 'ay$ for good reasons$ fi+ a
different 'otion day in s!ecified areas
Sec!"# 1(. 2ppointment and assignment o% 1egional Trial
Judges. 4"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 Cowe"er$
the 3u!re'e #ourt 'ay assign te'!orarily a Regional Trial
Judge to another region as !ublic interest 'ay re2uire$
!ro"ided that such te'!orary assign'ent shall not last
longer than si+ ,?. 'onths without the consent of the
Regional Trial Judge concerned
A Regional Trial Judge 'ay be assigned by the 3u!re'e
#ourt to any branch or city or 'unici!ality within the sa'e
region as !ublic interest 'ay re2uire$ and such assign'ent
shall not be dee'ed an assign'ent to another station within
the 'eaning of this section
Sec!"# 1). 2ut*ority to de%ine territory appurtenant to eac*
branc*. The 3u!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 1urisdiction 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
Sec!"# 19. Jurisdiction in civil cases. Regional Trial
#ourts shall e+ercise e+clusi"e original 1urisdiction5
,1. &n all ci"il actions in which the sub1ect of the
litigation is inca!able of !ecuniary esti'ation7
,8. &n all ci"il actions which in"ol"e the title to$ or
!ossession of$ real !ro!erty$ or any interest therein$
where the assessed "alue of the !ro!erty in"ol"ed
e+ceeds Twenty thousand !esos ,*80$00000. or for
ci"il actions in )etro )anila$ where such the "alue
e+ceeds %ifty thousand !esos ,=0$00000. e+ce!t
actions for forcible entry into and unlawful detainer of
lands or buildings$ original 1urisdiction o"er which is
conferred u!on )etro!olitan Trial #ourts$ )unici!al
Trial #ourts$ and )unici!al #ircuit Trial #ourts7
,/. &n all actions in ad'iralty and 'ariti'e
1urisdiction where he de'and or clai' e+ceeds 6ne
hundred thousand !esos ,*100$00000. or $ in )etro
)anila$ where such de'and or clai' e+ceeds Two
hundred thousand !esos ,800$00000.7
,;. &n all 'atters of !robate$ both testate and
intestate$ where the gross "alue of the estate
e+ceeds 6ne hundred thousand !esos
,*100$00000. or$ in !robate 'atters in )etro
)anila$ where such gross "alue e+ceeds Two
hundred thousand !esos ,800$00000.7
,=. &n all actions in"ol"ing the contract of 'arriage
and 'arital relations7
,?. &n all cases not within the e+clusi"e 1urisdiction of
any court$ tribunal$ !erson or body e+ercising
1urisdiction or any court$ tribunal$ !erson or body
e+ercising 1udicial or 2uasi01udicial functions7
,-. &n all ci"il actions and s!ecial !roceedings falling
within the e+clusi"e original 1urisdiction of a Ju"enile
and (o'estic Relations #ourt and of the #ourts of
Agrarian Relations as now !ro"ided by law7 and
,8. &n all other cases in which the de'and$ e+clusi"e
of interest$ da'ages of whate"er kind$ attorneyDs
fees$ litigation e+!enses$ and costs or the "alue of
the !ro!erty in contro"ersy e+ceeds 6ne hundred
thousand !esos ,100$00000. or$ in such other
abo"e'entioned ite's e+ceeds Two hundred
thousand !esos ,800$00000. ,as a'ended by RA
:o -?91E.
Sec!"# 2*. Jurisdiction in criminal cases. Regional Trial
#ourts shall e+ercise e+clusi"e original 1urisdiction in all
cri'inal cases not within the e+clusi"e 1urisdiction of any
court$ tribunal or body$ e+ce!t those now falling under the
e+clusi"e and concurrent 1urisdiction of the 3andiganbayan
which shall hereafter be e+clusi"ely taken cognizance of by
the latter
Sec!"# 21. Original jurisdiction in other cases.
Regional Trial #ourts shall e+ercise original 1urisdiction5
,1. &n the issuance of writs of certiorari$ !rohibition$
'anda'us$ 2uo warranto$ habeas cor!us and
in1unction which 'ay be enforced in any !art of their
res!ecti"e regions7 and
,8. &n actions affecting a'bassadors and other
!ublic 'inisters and consuls
Sec!"# 22. Appellate jurisdiction. Regional Trial #ourts
shall e+ercise a!!ellate 1urisdiction 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
1urisdictions 3uch cases shall be decided on the basis of the
entire record of the !roceedings had in the court of origin
and such 'e'oranda andFor briefs as 'ay be sub'itted by
the !arties or re2uired 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
#ourt of A!!eals which 'ay gi"e it due course only when
the !etition shows prima %acie 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 1udg'ent sought to be
re"iewed
Sec!"# 2$. Special 7urisdiction to try special cases. The
3u!re'e #ourt 'ay designate certain branches of the
Regional Trial #ourts to handle e+clusi"ely cri'inal cases$
1u"enile and do'estic relations cases$ agrarian cases$ urban
land refor' cases which do not fall under the 1urisdiction of
2uasi01udicial bodies and agencies$ andFor such other s!ecial
cases as the 3u!re'e #ourt 'ay deter'ine in the interest of
a s!eedy and efficient ad'inistration of 1ustice
Sec!"# 2%. Special 1ules o% 'rocedure. <hene"er a
Regional Trial #ourt takes cognizance of 1u"enile and
do'estic relation cases andFor agrarian cases$ the s!ecial
rules of !rocedure a!!licable under !resent laws to such
cases shall continue to be a!!lied$ unless subse2uently
a'ended by law or by rules of court !ro'ulgated by the
3u!re'e #ourt
CHAPTER III
METROPOLITAN TRIAL COURTS, MUNICIPAL TRIAL
COURTS, AND MUNICIPAL CIRCUIT TRIAL COURTS
Sec!"# 2&. Establis*ment o% 8etropolitan Trial 6ourts,
8unicipal Trial 6ourts and 8unicipal 6ircuit Trial 6ourts.
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
andFor 'unici!alities as are grou!ed together !ursuant to
law
Sec!"# 2'. ,uali%ications. :o !erson shall be a!!ointed
1udge of a )etro!olitan Trial #ourt$ )unici!al Trial #ourt$ or
)unici!al #ircuit Trial #ourt unless he is a natural0born
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
re2uiring ad'ission to the !ractice of law as an
indis!ensable re2uisite
Sec!"# 2(. 8etropolitan Trial 6ourts o% t*e National 6apital
1egion. There shall be a )etro!olitan Trial #ourt in the
:ational #a!ital Region$ to be known as the )etro!olitan
Trial #ourt of )etro )anila$ which shall be co'!osed of
eighty0two ,88. branches There shall be5
Thirty branches ,>ranches & to GGG. for the city of
)anila with seats thereat7
Thirteen branches ,>ranches GGG& to G9&&&. for
@uezon #ity with seats thereat7
%i"e branches ,>ranches G9&B to G9B&&&. for *asay
#ity with seats thereat7
%i"e branches ,>ranches G9&G to 9&&&. for #aloocan
#ity with seats thereat7
6ne branch ,>ranch 9&B. for :a"otas with seat
thereat7
Two branches ,>ranches 9B and 9B&. for )alabon
with seats thereat7
Two branches ,>ranches 9B&& and 9B&&&. for 3an
Juan with seats thereat7
Two branches ,>ranches 9&G and 9G. for
)andaluyong with seats thereat7
3e"en branches ,>ranches 9G& and 9GB&&. for
)akati with seats thereat7
%i"e branches ,>ranches 9GB&&& to 9GG&&. for *asig
with seats thereat7
6ne branch ,>ranch 9GG&&&. for *ateros with seat
thereat7
6ne branch ,>ranch 9GG&B. for Taguig with seat
thereat7
Two branches ,>ranches 9GGB and 9GGB&. for
)arikina with seats thereat7
Two branches ,>ranches 9GGB&& and 9GGB&&&. for
*araAa2ue with seats thereat7
6ne branch ,>ranch 9GG&G. for 9as *iAas with seat
thereat7
6ne branch ,>ranch 9GGG. for )untinlu!a with seat
thereat7
Two branches ,>ranches 9GGG& and 9GGG&&. for
Balenzuela with seats thereat7
Sec!"# 2). Ot*er 8etropolitan Trial 6ourts. The 3u!re'e
#ourt shall constitute )etro!olitan Trial #ourts in such other
'etro!olitan areas as 'ay be established by law whose
territorial 1urisdiction shall be co0e+tensi"e with the cities and
'unici!alities co'!rising the 'etro!olitan area
4"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 3u!re'e
#ourt to any branch within said 'etro!olitan area as the
interest of 1ustice 'ay re2uire$ and such assign'ent shall
not be dee'ed an assign'ent to another station within the
'eaning of this section
Sec!"# 29. 8unicipal Trial 6ourts 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"ided5
Sec!"# $*. 8unicipal Trial 6ourts. &n each of the
'unici!alities that are not co'!rised within a 'etro!olitan
area and a 'unici!al circuit there shall be a )unici!al Trial
#ourt which shall ha"e one branch$ e+ce!t as hereunder
!ro"ided5
Sec!"# $1. 8unicipal 6ircuit Trial 6ourt. There shall be a
)unici!al #ircuit Trial #ourt in each area defined as a
'unici!al circuit$ co'!rising one or 'ore cities andFor one or
'ore 'unici!alities The 'unici!alities co'!rising 'unici!al
circuits as organized under Ad'inistrati"e 6rder :o //$
issued on June 1/$ 19-8 by the 3u!re'e #ourt !ursuant to
*residential (ecree :o =/-$ 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 Judges5'ro+ided, *o&e+er$ That the
3u!re'e #ourt 'ay$ as the interests of 1ustice 'ay re2uire$
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 :o =/- which shall be
a!!licable insofar as they are not inconsistent with this Act
4"ery )unici!al #ircuit Trial Judge shall be a!!ointed to a
'unici!al circuit which shall be his official station
The 3u!re'e #ourt shall deter'ine the city or 'unici!ality
where the )unici!al #ircuit Trial #ourt shall hold sessions
Sec!"# $2. Jurisdiction o% 8etropolitan Trial 6ourts,
8unicipal Trial 6ourts and 8unicipal 6ircuit Trial 6ourts in
criminal cases. 4+ce!t in cases falling within the e+clusi"e
original 1urisdiction of Regional Trial #ourts and of the
3andiganbayan$ the )etro!olitan Trial #ourts$ )unici!al
Trial #ourts$ and )unici!al #ircuit Trial #ourts shall
e+ercise5
,1. 4+clusi"e original 1urisdiction o"er all "iolations of
city or 'unici!al ordinances co''itted within their
res!ecti"e territorial 1urisdiction7 and
,8. 4+clusi"e original 1urisdiction o"er all offenses
!unishable with i'!rison'ent not e+ceeding si+ ,?.
years irres!ecti"e of the a'ount of fine$ and
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 thereof5 'ro+ided,
*o&e+er, That in offenses in"ol"ing da'age to
!ro!erty through cri'inal negligence they shall ha"e
e+clusi"e original 1urisdiction thereof (as amended
by 1.2, No. 3#"!$
Sec!"# $$. Jurisdiction of Metropolitan Trial Courts,
Municipal Trial Courts and Municipal Circuit Trial Courts
in civil cases. )etro!olitan Trial #ourts$ )unici!al Trial
#ourts$ and )unici!al #ircuit Trial #ourts shall e+ercise5
,1. 4+clusi"e original 1urisdiction 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 "alue of the !ersonal !ro!erty$
estate$ or a'ount of the de'and does not e+ceed
6ne hundred thousand !esos ,*100$00000. or$ in
)etro )anila where such !ersonal !ro!erty$ estate$
or a'ount of the de'and does not e+ceed Two
hundred thousand !esos ,*800$00000. e+clusi"e of
interest da'ages of whate"er kind$ attorneyDs fees$
litigation e+!enses$ and costs$ the a'ount of which
'ust be s!ecifically alleged5 *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 transactions7
,8. 4+clusi"e original 1urisdiction o"er cases of
forcible entry and unlawful detainer5 *ro"ided$ That
when$ in such cases$ the defendant raises the
2uestion of ownershi! in his !leadings and the
2uestion 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
,/. 4+clusi"e original 1urisdiction in all ci"il actions
which in"ol"e title to$ or !ossession of$ real !ro!erty$
or any interest therein where the assessed "alue of
the !ro!erty or interest therein does not e+ceed
Twenty thousand !esos ,*80$00000. or$ in ci"il
actions in )etro )anila$ where such assessed "alue
does not e+ceed %ifty thousand !esos ,*=0$00000.
e+clusi"e of interest$ da'ages of whate"er kind$
attorneyDs fees$ litigation e+!enses and
costs5 'ro+ided, That "alue of such !ro!erty shall be
deter'ined by the assessed "alue of the ad1acent
lots (as amended by 1.2. No. 3#"!$
Sec!"# $%. Delegated jurisdiction in cadastral and land
registration cases. )etro!olitan Trial #ourts$ )unici!al
Trial #ourts$ and )unici!al #ircuit Trial #ourts 'ay be
assigned by the 3u!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 where
the "alue of which does not e+ceed 6ne hundred thousand
!esos ,*100$00000.$ 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 (as
amended by 1.2. No. 3#"!$
Sec!"# $&. Special jurisdiction in certain cases. &n the
absence of all the Regional Trial Judges in a !ro"ince or city$
any )etro!olitan Trial Judge$ )unici!al Trial Judge$
)unici!al #ircuit Trial Judge 'ay hear and decide !etitions
for a writ of *abeas corpus or a!!lications for bail in cri'inal
cases in the !ro"ince or city where the absent Regional Trial
Judges sit
Sec!"# $'. Summary procedures in special cases. &n
)etro!olitan Trial #ourts and )unici!al Trial #ourts with at
least two branches$ the 3u!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 re2uiring su''ary dis!osition as the
3u!re'e #ourt 'ay deter'ine The 3u!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 3uch
si'!lified !rocedures 'ay !ro"ide that affida"its and
counter0affida"its 'ay be ad'itted in lieu of oral testi'ony
and that the !eriods for filing !leadings shall be non0
e+tendible
Sec!"# $(. 'reliminary in+estigation. Judges of
)etro!olitan Trial #ourts$ e+ce!t those in the :ational
#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 1urisdictions
which are cognizable by the Regional Trial #ourts
The !reli'inary in"estigation shall be conducted in
accordance with the !rocedure !rescribed in 3ection 1$
!aragra!hs ,a.$ ,b.$ ,c.$ and ,d.$ of *residential (ecree :o
9115 'ro+ided, *o&e+er, That if after the !reli'inary
in"estigation the Judge finds a prima %acie case$ he shall
forward the records of the case to the *ro"incialF#ity %iscal
for the filing of the corres!onding infor'ation with the !ro!er
court
:o 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
Sec!"# $). Judgments and processes.
,1. All 1udg'ents deter'ining the 'erits of cases
shall be in writing$ stating clearly the facts and the
law on which they were based$ signed by the Judge
and filed with the #lerk of #ourt 3uch 1udg'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
3u!re'e #ourt 'ay hereafter !rescribe
,8. All !rocesses issued by the )etro!olitan Trial
#ourts$ )unici!al Trial #ourts and )unici!al #ircuit
Trial #ourts$ in cases falling within their 1urisdiction$
'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
Sec!"# $9. 2ppeals. The !eriod for a!!eal fro' final
orders$ resolutions$ awards$ 1udg'ents$ or decisions of any
court in all cases shall be fifteen ,1=. days counted fro' the
notice of the final order$ resolution$ award$ 1udg'ent$ or
decision a!!ealed fro'5 'ro+ided *o&e+er$ That in *abeas
corpus cases$ the !eriod for a!!eal shall be forty0eight ,;8.
hours fro' the notice of the 1udg'ent a!!ealed fro'
:o record on a!!eal shall be re2uired 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
Sec!"# %*. 9orm o% decision in appealed cases. 4"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'
Sec!"# %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 9etter of
&'!le'entation :o 9/ !ursuant to *residential (ecree :o
98=$ as a'ended by *residential (ecree :o 1=9-
Sec!"# %2. :onge+ity pay. A 'onthly longe"ity !ay
e2ui"alent to =H 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 1udiciary7 '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
Sec!"# %$. Sta%%ing pattern. The 3u!re'e #ourt shall
sub'it to the *resident$ 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
Sec!"# %%. Transitory pro+isions. The !ro"isions of this
Act shall be i''ediately carried out in accordance with an
4+ecuti"e 6rder 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 I!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$ e2ui!'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 3aid funding shall thereafter be included in the annual
Jeneral A!!ro!riations Act
Sec!"# %&. S*ari;a 6ourts. 3hariDa #ourts to be
constituted as !ro"ided for in *residential (ecree :o 108/$
otherwise known as the "#ode of )usli' *ersonal 9aws of
the *hili!!ines$" shall be included in the funding
a!!ro!riations so !ro"ided in this Act
Sec!"# %'. -ratuity o% 7udges and personnel separated
%rom o%%ice. All 'e'bers of the 1udiciary and subordinate
e'!loyees who shall be se!arated fro' office by reason of
the reorganization authorized herein$ shall be granted a
gratuity at a rate e2ui"alent to one 'onthDs salary for e"ery
year of continuous ser"ice rendered in any branch of the
go"ern'ent or e2ui"alent nearest fraction thereof fa"orable
to the' on the basis of the highest salary
recei"ed5 'ro+ided, That such 'e'ber of the 1udiciary or
e'!loyee shall ha"e the o!tion to retire under the Judiciary
Retire'ent 9aw or general retire'ent law$ if he has 'et or
satisfied the re2uire'ents therefor
Sec!"# %(. 1epealing clause. The !ro"isions of Re!ublic
Act :o 89?$ otherwise known as the Judiciary Act of 19;8$
as a'ended$ of Re!ublic Act :o =1-9 as 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
Sec!"# %). .ate o% E%%ecti+ity. This Act shall take effect
i''ediately
A!!ro"ed5 August 1;$ 1981
F""#"e,
E6ther !ro"isions of the Act5
"3ection = After fi"e,=. years fro' the effecti"ity of
this Act$ the 1urisdictional a'ounts 'entioned in 3ec
19,/.$ ,;.$ and ,8.7 and 3ec //,1. of >atas
*a'bansa >lg 189 as a'ended by this Act$ shall be
ad1usted to Two hundred thousand !esos
,*800$00000. fi"e ,=. years thereafter$ such
1urisdictional a'ounts shall be ad1usted further to
Three hundred thousand !esos
,*/00$00000.5 'ro+ided, *o&e+er, That in the case
of )etro )anila$ the abo"e'entioned 1urisdictional
a'ounts shall be ad1usted after fi"e ,=. years fro'
the effecti"ity of this Act of %our hundred thousand
!esos ,*;00$00000.
3ection - The !ro"isions of this Act shall a!!ly to
all ci"il cases that ha"e not yet reached the !re0trial
stage Cowe"er$ by agree'ent of all the !arties$ ci"il
cases cognizable by 'unici!al and 'etro!olitan
courts by the !ro"isions of this Act 'ay be
transferred fro' the Regional Trial #ourts to the
latter The e+ecuti"e 1udge of the a!!ro!riate
Regional Trial #ourt shall define the ad'inistrati"e
!rocedure of transferring the cases affected by the
redefinition of 1urisdiction to the )etro!olitan Trial
#ourts$ )unici!al Trial #ourt$ and )unici!al #ircuit
Trial #ourt"
E#ri'inal cases falling within the 1urisdiction of
%a'ily #ourts ,established by the %a'ily #ourts Act
of 199- KRA :o 8/?9L. ha"e been transferred fro'
)etro!olitan trial #ourts$ )unici!al Trial #ourts$
)unici!al trial #ourt in #ities$ )unici!al Trial #ourts
and )unici!al #ircuit Trial #ourts to Regional trial
#ourts under A) :o 990101/03# effecti"e )arch
1$ 1999
SUPREME COURT
Manila
FIRST DIVISION
G.R. No. 173915 February 22, 2010
IRENE SANTE AN RE!NA"O SANTE, Petitioners,
vs.
#ON. EI"$ERTO T. C"ARA%A"", &' (&) *a+a*&,y a)
Pre)&-&'. /u-.e o0 $ra'*( 10, Re.&o'a2 Tr&a2 Cour, o0 $a.u&o
C&,y, a'- %ITA N. 3A"AS#IAN, Respondents.
D E C I S I O N
%I""ARAMA, /R., J.:
Before this Cort is a petition for !ertiorari
"
nder Rle #$ of
the "%%& Rles of Civil Pro!edre, as a'ended, filed () petitioners
Irene and Re)naldo Sante assailin* the De!ision
+
dated ,anar) -",
+..# and the Resoltion
-
dated ,ne +-, +..# of the Seventeenth
Division of the Cort of /ppeals in C/01.R. SP No. 2&$#-. The
assailed de!ision affir'ed the orders of the Re*ional Trial Cort
3RTC4 of Ba*io Cit), Bran!h #., den)in* their 'otion to dis'iss
the !o'plaint for da'a*es filed () respondent Vita 5alashian
a*ainst the'.
The fa!ts, !lled fro' the re!ords, are as follo6s7
On /pril $, +..8, respondent filed (efore the RTC of Ba*io Cit)
a !o'plaint for da'a*es
8
a*ainst petitioners. In her !o'plaint,
do!9eted as Civil Case No. $&%80R, respondent alle*ed that 6hile
she 6as inside the Poli!e Station of Natividad, Pan*asinan, and in
the presen!e of other persons and poli!e offi!ers, petitioner Irene
Sante ttered 6ords, 6hi!h 6hen translated in En*lish are as
follo6s, :How many rounds of sex did you have last night with
your boss, Bert? You fuckin bitch!: Bert refers to /l(ert 1a!san,
respondent;s friend and one 3"4 of her hired personal se!rit)
*ards detained at the said station and 6ho is a sspe!t in the
9illin* of petitioners; !lose relative. Petitioners also alle*edl) 6ent
arond Natividad, Pan*asinan tellin* people that she is prote!tin*
and !ddlin* the sspe!ts in the aforesaid 9illin*. Ths, respondent
pra)ed that petitioners (e held lia(le to pa) 'oral da'a*es in the
a'ont of P-..,......< P$.,...... as e=e'plar)
da'a*es< P$.,...... attorne);s fees<P+.,...... liti*ation
e=penses< and !osts of sit.
Petitioners filed a Motion to Dis'iss
$
on the *rond that it 6as the
Mni!ipal Trial Cort in Cities 3MTCC4 and not the RTC of
Ba*io, that had >risdi!tion over the !ase. The) ar*ed that the
a'ont of the !lai' for 'oral da'a*es 6as not 'ore than the
>risdi!tional a'ont of P-..,......, (e!ase the !lai' for
e=e'plar) da'a*es shold (e e=!lded in !o'ptin* the total
!lai'.
On ,ne +8, +..8,
#
the trial !ort denied the 'otion to dis'iss
!itin* or rlin* in MoversBaseco !ntegrated "ort #ervices, !nc$
v$ %yborg &easing %or'oration.
&
The trial !ort held that the total
!lai' of respondent a'onted toP8+.,...... 6hi!h 6as a(ove the
>risdi!tional a'ont for MTCCs otside Metro Manila. The trial
!ort also later issed Orders on ,l) &, +..8
2
and ,l) "%,
+..8,
%
respe!tivel) reiteratin* its denial of the 'otion to dis'iss
and den)in* petitioners; 'otion for re!onsideration.
/**rieved, petitioners filed on /*st +, +..8, a Petition for
Certiorari and Prohi(ition,
".
do!9eted as CA4G.R. SP No. 55615,
(efore the Cort of /ppeals. Mean6hile, on ,l) "8, +..8,
respondent and her hs(and filed an /'ended
Co'plaint
""
in!reasin* the !lai' for 'oral da'a*es
fro' P-..,...... to P",...,....... Petitioners filed a Motion to
Dis'iss 6ith /ns6er (d %autelam and Conter!lai', (t the trial
!ort denied their 'otion in an Order
"+
dated Septe'(er "&, +..8.
?en!e, petitioners a*ain filed a Petition for Certiorari and
Prohi(ition
"-
(efore the Cort of /ppeals, do!9eted asCA4G.R. SP
No. 57513, !lai'in* that the trial !ort !o''itted *rave a(se of
dis!retion in allo6in* the a'end'ent of the !o'plaint to in!rease
the a'ont of 'oral da'a*es fro' P-..,...... to P",...,.......
The !ase 6as raffled to the Seventeenth Division of the Cort of
/ppeals.
On ,anar) +-, +..#, the Cort of /ppeals, Seventh Division,
pro'l*ated a de!ision in C/01.R. SP No. 2$8#$, as follo6s7
@?EREFORE, findin* *rave a(se of dis!retion on the part of
AtheB Re*ional Trial Cort of Ba*io, Bran!h #., in renderin* the
assailed Orders dated ,ne +8, +..8 and ,l) A"%B, +..8 in Civil
Case No. $&%80R the instant petition for !ertiorari is 1R/NTED.
The assailed Orders are here() /NNCDDED and SET /SIDE.
Civil Case No. $&%80R for da'a*es is ordered DISMISSED for
la!9 of >risdi!tion.
SO ORDERED.
"8
The Cort of /ppeals held that the !ase !learl) falls nder the
>risdi!tion of the MTCC as the alle*ations sho6 that plaintiff 6as
see9in* to re!over 'oral da'a*es in the a'ont of P-..,......,
6hi!h a'ont 6as 6ell 6ithin the >risdi!tional a'ont of the
MTCC. The Cort of /ppeals added that the totalit) of !lai' rle
sed for deter'inin* 6hi!h !ort had >risdi!tion !old not (e
applied to the instant !ase (e!ase plaintiff;s !lai' for e=e'plar)
da'a*es 6as not a separate and distin!t !ase of a!tion fro' her
!lai' of 'oral da'a*es, (t 'erel) in!idental to it. Ths, the
pra)er for e=e'plar) da'a*es shold (e e=!lded in !o'ptin*
the total a'ont of the !lai'.
On ,anar) -", +..#, the Cort of /ppeals, this ti'e in C/01.R.
SP No. 2&$#-, rendered a de!ision affir'in* the Septe'(er "&,
+..8 Order of the RTC den)in* petitioners; Motion to Dis'iss (d
%autelam. In the said de!ision, the appellate !ort held that the
total or a**re*ate a'ont de'anded in the !o'plaint !onstittes
the (asis of >risdi!tion. The Cort of /ppeals did not find 'erit in
petitioners; postre that the !lai's for e=e'plar) da'a*es and
attorne);s fees are 'erel) in!idental to the 'ain !ase and shold
not (e in!lded in the !o'ptation of the total !lai'.
The Cort of /ppeals additionall) rled that respondent !an a'end
her !o'plaint () in!reasin* the a'ont of 'oral da'a*es
fro' P-..,...... to P",...,......, on the *rond that the trial
!ort has >risdi!tion over the ori*inal !o'plaint and respondent is
entitled to a'end her !o'plaint as a 'atter of ri*ht nder the
Rles.
Cna(le to a!!ept the de!ision, petitioners are no6 (efore s raisin*
the follo6in* isses7
I.
@?ET?ER OR NOT T?ERE @/S 1R/VE /BCSE OF
DISCRETION /MOCNTIN1 TO D/C5 OR IN EECESS OF
,CRISDICTION ON T?E P/RT OF T?E 3FORMER4
SEVENTEENT? DIVISION OF T?E ?ONOR/BDE COCRT
OF /PPE/DS @?EN IT RESODVED T?/T T?E RE1ION/D
TRI/D COCRT OF B/1CIO CITF BR/NC? #. ?/S
,CRISDICTION OVER T?E SCB,ECT M/TTER OF T?E
C/SE FOR D/M/1ES /MOCNTIN1 TO P-..,......<
II.
@?ET?ER OR NOT T?ERE @/S 1R/VE /BCSE OF
DISCRETION ON T?E P/RT OF T?E ?ONOR/BDE
RESPONDENT ,CD1E OF T?E RE1ION/D TRI/D COCRT
OF B/1CIO BR/NC? #. FOR /DDO@IN1 T?E
COMPD/IN/NT TO /MEND T?E COMPD/INT
3INCRE/SIN1 T?E /MOCNT OF D/M/1ES TO
",...,...... TO CONFER ,CRISDICTION OVER T?E
SCB,ECT M/TTER OF T?E C/SE DESPITE T?E
PENDENCF OF / PETITION FOR CERTIOR/RI FIDED /T
T?E COCRT OF /PPE/DS, SEVENT? DIVISION,
DOC5ETED /S C/ 1.R. NO. 2$8#$.
"$
In essen!e, the (asi! isses for or resoltion are7
"4 Did the RTC a!Gire >risdi!tion over the !aseH and
+4 Did the RTC !o''it *rave a(se of dis!retion in
allo6in* the a'end'ent of the !o'plaintH
Petitioners insist that the !o'plaint falls nder the e=!lsive
>risdi!tion of the MTCC. The) 'aintain that the !lai' for 'oral
da'a*es, in the a'ont of P-..,...... in the ori*inal !o'plaint,
is the 'ain a!tion. The e=e'plar) da'a*es (ein* dis!retionar)
shold not (e in!lded in the !o'ptation of the >risdi!tional
a'ont. /nd havin* no >risdi!tion over the s(>e!t 'atter of the
!ase, the RTC a!ted 6ith *rave a(se of dis!retion 6hen it allo6ed
the a'end'ent of the !o'plaint to in!rease the !lai' for 'oral
da'a*es in order to !onfer >risdi!tion.
In her Co''ent,
"#
respondent averred that the natre of her
!o'plaint is for re!over) of da'a*es. /s s!h, the totalit) of the
!lai' for da'a*es, in!ldin* the e=e'plar) da'a*es as 6ell as the
other da'a*es alle*ed and pra)ed in the !o'plaint, s!h as
attorne);s fees and liti*ation e=penses, shold (e in!lded in
deter'inin* >risdi!tion. The total !lai' (ein* P8+.,......, the
RTC has >risdi!tion over the !o'plaint.
@e den) the petition, 6hi!h altho*h deno'inated as a petition for
!ertiorari, 6e treat as a petition for revie6 on !ertiorari nder Rle
8$ in vie6 of the isses raised.
Se!tion "%324 of Batas Pa'(ansa Bl*. "+%,
"&
as a'ended ()
Rep(li! /!t No. &#%",
"2
states7
SEC. "%. )urisdiction in civil cases. I Re*ional Trial Corts shall
e=er!ise e=!lsive ori*inal >risdi!tion7
= = = =
324 In all other !ases in 6hi!h the de'and, e=!lsive of interest,
da'a*es of 6hatever 9ind, attorne);s fees, liti*ation e=penses, and
!osts or the vale of the propert) in !ontrovers) e=!eeds One
hndred thosand pesos 3P"..,......4 or, in s!h other !ases in
Metro Manila, 6here the de'and, e=!lsive of the
a(ove'entioned ite's e=!eeds T6o hndred thosand pesos
3P+..,......4.
Se!tion $ of Rep. /!t No. &#%" frther provides7
SEC. $. /fter five 3$4 )ears fro' the effe!tivit) of this /!t, the
>risdi!tional a'onts 'entioned in Se!. "%3-4, 384, and 324< and
Se!. --3"4 of Batas Pa'(ansa Bl*. "+% as a'ended () this /!t,
shall (e ad>sted to T6o hndred thosand pesos 3P+..,......4.
Five 3$4 )ears thereafter, s!h >risdi!tional a'onts shall (e
ad>sted frther to Three hndred thosand pesos
3P-..,......47 "rovided, however, That in the !ase of Metro
Manila, the a(ove'entioned >risdi!tional a'onts shall (e
ad>sted after five 3$4 )ears fro' the effe!tivit) of this /!t to For
hndred thosand pesos 3P8..,......4.
Relatedl), Spre'e Cort Cir!lar No. +"0%% 6as issed de!larin*
that the first ad>st'ent in >risdi!tional a'ont of first level
!orts otside of Metro Manila fro' P"..,...... to P+..,......
too9 effe!t on Mar!h +., "%%%. Mean6hile, the se!ond ad>st'ent
fro' P+..,...... to P-..,...... (e!a'e effe!tive on Fe(rar)
++, +..8 in a!!ordan!e 6ith OC/ Cir!lar No. #$0+..8 issed ()
the Offi!e of the Cort /d'inistrator on Ma) "-, +..8.
Based on the fore*oin*, there is no Gestion that at the ti'e of the
filin* of the !o'plaint on /pril $, +..8, the MTCC;s >risdi!tional
a'ont has (een ad>sted to P-..,.......
Bt 6here da'a*es is the 'ain !ase of a!tion, shold the a'ont
of 'oral da'a*es pra)ed for in the !o'plaint (e the sole (asis for
deter'inin* 6hi!h !ort has >risdi!tion or shold the total a'ont
of all the da'a*es !lai'ed re*ardless of 9ind and natre, s!h as
e=e'plar) da'a*es, no'inal da'a*es, and attorne);s fees, et!., (e
sedH
In this re*ard, /d'inistrative Cir!lar No. .%0%8
"%
is instr!tive7
= = = =
+. The e=!lsion of the ter' :da'a*es of 6hatever 9ind: in
deter'inin* the >risdi!tional a'ont nder Se!tion "% 324 and
Se!tion -- 3"4 of B.P. Bl*. "+%, as a'ended () R./. No. &#%",
applies to !ases 6here the da'a*es are 'erel) in!idental to or a
!onseGen!e of the 'ain !ase of a!tion. ?o6ever, in !ases 6here
the !lai' for da'a*es is the 'ain !ase of a!tion, or one of the
!ases of a!tion, the a'ont of s!h !lai' shall (e !onsidered in
deter'inin* the >risdi!tion of the !ort. 3E'phasis ors.4
In the instant !ase, the !o'plaint filed in Civil Case No. $&%80R is
for the re!over) of da'a*es for the alle*ed 'ali!ios a!ts of
petitioners. The !o'plaint prin!ipall) so*ht an a6ard of 'oral
and e=e'plar) da'a*es, as 6ell as attorne);s fees and liti*ation
e=penses, for the alle*ed sha'e and in>r) sffered () respondent
() reason of petitioners; tteran!e 6hile the) 6ere at a poli!e
station in Pan*asinan. It is settled that >risdi!tion is !onferred ()
la6 (ased on the fa!ts alle*ed in the !o'plaint

sin!e the latter
!o'prises a !on!ise state'ent of the lti'ate fa!ts !onstittin* the
plaintiff;s !ases of a!tion.
+.
It is !lear, (ased on the alle*ations of
the !o'plaint, that respondent;s 'ain a!tion is for da'a*es.
?en!e, the other for's of da'a*es (ein* !lai'ed ()
respondent, e$g$, e=e'plar) da'a*es, attorne);s fees and liti*ation
e=penses, are not 'erel) in!idental to or !onseGen!es of the 'ain
a!tion (t !onstitte the pri'ar) relief pra)ed for in the
!o'plaint.*avv'hi*
In Mendo+a v$ #oriano,
+"
it 6as held that in !ases 6here the !lai'
for da'a*es is the 'ain !ase of a!tion, or one of the !ases of
a!tion, the a'ont of s!h !lai' shall (e !onsidered in
deter'inin* the >risdi!tion of the !ort. In the said !ase, the
respondent;s !lai' of P%+%,.....# in da'a*es and P+$,...
attorne);s fees pls P$.. per !ort appearan!e 6as held to
represent the 'onetar) eGivalent for !o'pensation of the alle*ed
in>r). The Cort therein held that the total a'ont of 'onetar)
!lai's in!ldin* the !lai's for da'a*es 6as the (asis to deter'ine
the >risdi!tional a'ont.
/lso, in !niego v$ "urganan,
++
the Cort has held7
The a'ont of da'a*es !lai'ed is 6ithin the >risdi!tion of the
RTC, sin!e it is the !lai' for all 9inds of da'a*es that is the (asis
of deter'inin* the >risdi!tion of !orts, 6hether the !lai's for
da'a*es arise fro' the sa'e or fro' different !ases of a!tion.
= = = =
Considerin* that the total a'ont of da'a*es !lai'ed
6as P8+.,......, the Cort of /ppeals 6as !orre!t in rlin* that
the RTC had >risdi!tion over the !ase.
Dastl), 6e find no error, '!h less *rave a(se of dis!retion, on
the part of the Cort of /ppeals in affir'in* the RTC;s order
allo6in* the a'end'ent of the ori*inal !o'plaint
fro' P-..,...... to P",...,...... despite the penden!) of a
petition for !ertiorari filed (efore the Cort of /ppeals. @hile it is
a (asi! >risprdential prin!iple that an a'end'ent !annot (e
allo6ed 6hen the !ort has no >risdi!tion over the ori*inal
!o'plaint and the prpose of the a'end'ent is to !onfer
>risdi!tion on the !ort,
+-
here, the RTC !learl) had >risdi!tion
over the ori*inal !o'plaint and a'end'ent of the !o'plaint 6as
then still a 'atter of ri*ht.
+8
@?EREFORE, the petition is DENIED, for la!9 of 'erit. The
De!ision and Resoltion of the Cort of /ppeals dated ,anar) -",
+..# and ,ne +-, +..#, respe!tivel), are /FFIRMED. The
Re*ional Trial Cort of Ba*io Cit), Bran!h #. is IRECTE to
!ontine 6ith the trial pro!eedin*s in Civil Case No. $&%80R 6ith
deli(erate dispat!h.