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ANACTREORGANIZINGTHEJUDICIARY,APPROPRIATINGFUNDSTHEREFOR,ANDFOROTHER
PURPOSES

PRELIMINARYCHAPTER

Section1.Title.ThisActshallbeknownas"TheJudiciaryReorganizationActof1980."

Section 2. Scope. The reorganization herein provided shall include the Court of Appeals, the Court of First
Instance,theCircuitCriminalCourts,theJuvenileandDomesticRelationsCourts,theCourtsofAgrarianRelations,
theCityCourts,theMunicipalCourts,andtheMunicipalCircuitCourts.

CHAPTERI
COURTOFAPPEALS

Section3.Organization. There is hereby created a Court of Appeals which consists of a Presiding Justice and
fiftyAssociateJusticewhoshallbeappointedbythePresidentofthePhilippines.ThePresidingJusticeshallbeso
designated in his appointment, and the Associate Justice shall have precedence according to the dates of their
respectiveappointments,orwhentheappointmentsoftwoormoreofthemshallbearthesamedate,accordingto
theorderinwhichtheirappointmentswereissuedbythePresident.AnymemberwhoisreappointedtotheCourt
afterrenderingserviceinanyotherpositioninthegovernmentshallretaintheprecedencetowhichhewasentitled
under his original appointment, and his service in the Court shall, for all intents and purposes, be considered as
continuousanduninterrupted.(asamendedbyExec.OrderNo.33,,July28,1986.)

Section4.Exerciseofpowersandfunctions.TheCourtAppealsshallexerciseitspowers,functions,andduties,
through seventeen (17) divisions, each composed of three (3) members. The Court may sit enbanc only for the
purposeofexercisingadministrative,ceremonial,orothernonadjudicatoryfunctions.(asamendedbyExec.Order
No.33,.)

Section5.SuccessiontoOfficeofPresidingJustice.Incaseofavacancyintheabsenceofinabilitytoperform
the powers, functions, and duties of his office, the associate Justice who is first in precedence shall perform his
powers, functions, and duties until such disability is removed, or another Presiding Justice is appointed and has
qualified.

Section6.Whopresidesoversessionofadivision.IfthePresidingJusticeispresentinanysessionofadivision
oftheCourt,heshallpreside.In his absence, the Associate Justice attending such session who has precedence
shallpreside.

Section7.Qualifications.ThePresidingJusticeandtheAssociateJusticeshallhavethesamequalificationsas
thoseprovidedinConstitutionforJusticeoftheSupremeCourt.

Section8.GroupingofDivisions.(ExpresslyrepealedbySection4,Exec.OrderNo.33,July28,1986.)

Section9.Jurisdiction.TheCourtofAppealsshallExercise:

1.Originaljurisdictiontoissuewritsofmandamus,prohibition,certiorari, habeas corpus, and quowarranto,

andauxiliarywritsorprocesses,whetherornotinaidofitsappellatejurisdiction

2.ExclusiveoriginaljurisdictionoveractionsforannulmentofjudgementsofRegionalTrialCourtsand

3. Exclusive appellate jurisdiction over all final judgements, resolutions, orders or awards of Regional Trial
Courts and quasijudicial agencies, instrumentalities, boards or commission, including the Securities and
ExchangeCommission,theSocialSecurityCommission,theEmployeesCompensationCommissionandthe
Civil Service Commission, Except those falling within the appellate jurisdiction of the Supreme Court in
accordancewiththeConstitution, the Labor Code of the Philippines under Presidential Decree No. 442, as
amended,theprovisionsofthisAct,andofsubparagraph(1)ofthethirdparagraphandsubparagraph4of
thefourthparagraphodSection17oftheJudiciaryActof1948.

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The court of Appeals shall have the power to try cases and conduct hearings, receive evidence and perform any
andallactsnecessarytoresolvefactualissuesraisedincasesfallingwithinitsoriginalandappellatejurisdiction,
includingthepowertograntandconductnewtrialsorAppealsmustbecontinuousandmustbecompletedwithin
three(3)months,unlessextendedbytheChiefJustice.(asamendedbyR.A.No.7902.)

Section10.Placeofholdingsessions.TheCourtofAppealsshallhaveitspermanentstationintheCityofManila.
Wheneverdemandedbypublicinterest,theSupremeCourt,uponitsowninitiativeoruponrecommendationofthe
Presiding Justice, may authorize a division of the Court to hold sessions outside Manila, periodically, or for such
periodsandatsuchplacesastheSupremeCourtmaydetermine,forthepurposeofhearinganddecidingcases.

Section11.QuorumAmajorityoftheactualmembersoftheCourtshallconstituteaquorumforitssessionen
banc. Three members shall constitute a quorum for the session of a division. The unanimous vote of the three
members of a division shall be necessary for the pronouncement of a decision of final resolution, which shall be
reachedinconsultationbeforethewritingoftheopinionbyanymembersofthedivision.Intheeventthatthethree
membersdonotreachaunanimousvote,thePresidingJusticeshallrequesttheRaffleCommitteeoftheCourtfor
thedesignationoftwoadditionalJusticetosittemporarilywiththem,formingaspecialdivisionoffivemembersand
the concurrence of a majority of such division shall be necessary for the pronouncement of a decision or final
resolution.ThedesignationofsuchadditionalJusticeshallbemadestrictlybyraffle.

AmonthforreconsiderationofitsdecisionorfinalresolutionshallberesolvedbytheCourtwithinninety(90)days
fromthetimeitissubmittedforresolution,andnosecondmotionforreconsiderationfromthesamepartyshallbe
entertainment.(asamendedbyExec.OrderNo.33,July28,1986.)

Section 12. Internal Rules. The court en banc is authorized to promulgate rules or orders governing the
constitution of the divisions and the assignment of Appellate Justices thereto, the distribution of cases, and other
matterspertainingtotheoperationsoftheCourtofitsdivisions.Copiesofsuchrulesandordersshallbefurnished
by the Supreme Court, which rules and orders shall be effective fifteen (15) days after receipt thereof, unless
directedotherwisebytheSupremeCourt.

CHAPTERII
REGIONALTRIALCOURTS

Section13.CreationofRegionalTrialCourts.Thereareherebycreatedthirteen(13)RegionalTrialCourts,one
foreachofthefollowingjudicialregions:

TheFirstJudicialRegion,consistingoftheprovincesofAbra,Benguet,IlocosNorte,IlocosSur,LaUnion,Mountain
Province,andPangasinan,andcitiesofBaguio,Dagupan,LaogandSanCarlos

The Second Judicial Region, consisting of the provinces of Batanes, Cagayan, Ifugao, KalingaApayao, Nueva
Viscaya,andQuirino

The ThirdJudicialRegion,consistingofthe provincesofBataan,Bulacan(exceptthe municipalityofvalenzuela),

NuevaEcija,Pampanga,Tarlac,andZambales,andthecitiesofAngeles,Cabanatuan,Olongapo,PalayanandSan
Jose

TheNationalCapitalJudicialRegion,consistingofthecitiesofManila,Quezon,Pasay,CaloocanandMandaluyong,
and the municipalities of Navotas, Malabon, San Juan, Makati, Pasig, Pateros, Taguig, Marikina, Paraaque, Las
Pias,Muntinlupa,andValenzuela

The Fourth Judicial Region, consisting of the provinces of Batangas, Cavite, Laguna, Marinduque, Mindoro
Occidental, Mindoro Oriental, Palawan, Quezon, Rizal (except the cities and municipalities embraced within the
NationalCapitalJudicialRegion0,Romblon,andAurora,andthecitiesofBatangas,Cavite,Lipa,Lucena,Puerto
Princessa,SanPablo,Tagaytay,andTreceMartires

The Fifth Judicial Region, consisting of the provinces of Albay, Camarines Sur, Camarines Norte, Catanduanes,
Masbate,andSorsogon,andthecitiesofLegaspi,NagaandIriga

TheSixthJudicialRegion,consistingoftheprovincesofAklan,Antique,Capiz,Iloilo,LaCalota,Roxas,SanCarlos,
andSilay,andthesubprovinceofGuimaras

The Seventh Judicial Region, consisting of the provinces of Bohol, Cebu, Negros Oriental, and Siquijor, and the
citiesofBais,Canlaon,Cebu,Danao,Dumaguete,Lapulapu,Mandaue,Tagbilaran,andToledo,

TheEighthJudicialRegion,consistingoftheprovincesorEasternSamar,Leyte,Northern,Samar,SouthernLeyte,
Ormoc,andTacloban:

The Ninth Judicial Region, consisting of the provinces of Basilan, Sulu, TawiTawi, Zamboanga del Sur, and the
citiesofDapitan,Dipolog,Pagadian,andZamboanga
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TheTenthJudicialRegion,consistingoftheprovincesofAgusandelNorte,AgusandelSur,Bukidnon,Camiguin,
MisamisOccidental,MisamisOriental,andSurigaodelNorte,andthecitiesofButuan,CagayandeOro,Gingoog,
Ozamis,Oroquieta,Surigao,andTangub

TheEleventhJudicialRegion,consistingnoftheprovincesofDavaodelNorte,DavaoOriental,DavaodelSur,South
Cotabato,andSurigaodelSur,andthecitiesofDavao,andGeneralSantosand

The Twelfth Judicial Region, consisting of the provinces of Lanao del Norte, Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao, North
Cotabato,andSultanKudarat,andthecitiesofCotabato,Iligan,andMarawi.

In case of transfer or redistribution of the provinces, subprovinces, cities or municipalities comprising the regions
establishedbylawofpurposesoftheadministrativefieldorganizationofthevariousdepartmentsandagenciesof
thegovernment,thecompositionofthejudicialregionshereinconstitutedshallbedeemedmodifiedaccordingly.

Section14.RegionalTrialCourts.

(a)FiftysevenRegionalTrialJudgesshallbecommissionedfortheFirstJudicialRegion.Thereshallbe.

Twobranches(BranchesIIIansII)fortheprovinceofAbra,withseatsatBangued

Eightbranches(BranchesIIItoX)fortheprovinceofBenguetandthecityofBaguio,BranchesIIItoVII
withseatsatBaguioCity,andBranchesVIIItoXatLaTrinidad

Ninebranches(BranchesXItoXIX)fortheprovinceofIlocosNorteandthecityofLaoag,BranchesXI
toXVIwithseatsatLaoagCity,BranchesXVIIandXVIIIatBatac,andBranchXIXatBangui

Sixbranches(BrachesXXtoXXV)fortheprovinceofIlocosSur,BranchesXXandXXIwithseatsat
Vigan,BranchXXIIatNarvacan,BranchXXIIIatCandon,BranchXXIVatCabugao,andBranchXXV
atTagudin

Nine branches (Branches XXVI to XXXIV) for the province of La Union, Branches XXVI to XXX with
seats at San Fernando, Branches XXXI and XXXII at Agoo, Branch XXXIII at Bauang, and Branch
XXXIVatBalaoan

Two branches (Branches XXXV and XXXVI) for the province of Mountain province, with seats at
Bontocand

Twentyone branches (Branches XXXVII to LVII) for the province of Pangasinan and the citie sof
dagupanandsanCarlos,BranchesXXXVIItoXXXIXwithseatsatLingayen,BranchesXLtoXLIVat
dagupan, Branches XLV to XLIX at Urdaneta, Branch L at Villasis, Branches LI and LII at Tayug,
BranchLIIIatRosalaes,BranchesLIVandLVatAlaminos,andBranchLVIandLVIIatsanCarlos.

(b)ThirtytwoRegionalTrialJudgesshallbecommissionedfortheSecondJudicialregion.Thereshallbe:

Twelve branches (Branches I to XII) for the province of Cagayan, Branches I to V with seats at
Tuguegarao,BranchesVItoXatAparri,BranchXIatTuao,andBranchXIIatSanchezMira

Onebranch(BranchXIII)fortheprovinceofBatanes,withseatatBasco

Twobranches(BranchesXIVandXV)fortheprovinceofIfugao,BranchXIVwithseatatLagawe,and
BranchXVatPotia

Ninebranches(BranchesXVItoXXIV)fortheprovinceofIsabela,BranchesXVItoXVIIIwithseatsat
Ilagan, Branches XIX and XX at cauayan, Branch XXI at Santiago, Branch XXII at Cabagan, Branch
XXIIIatRoxas,andBranchXXIVatEchague

Twobranches(BranchesXXVandXXVI)fortheprovinceofkalingaApayao,BranchXXVwithseatat
Tabuk,andBranchXXVIatLuna

Fourbranches(BranchesXXVIItoXXX)fortheprovinceofNuevaVizcaya,BranchesXXVIItoXXIX
withseatsatBayombong,andBranchXXXatBambang

Twobranches(BranchesXXXIandXXXII)fortheprovinceofQuirino,withseatsatCabarroguis.

(c)SeventyfiveRegionalTrialjudgesshallbecommissionedfortheThirdJudicialRegion.Thereshallbe:

Five branches (Branches I to V) for the province of Bataan, Branches I to III with seats at Balanga,
BranchIVatMariveles,andBranchVatDinalupihan

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Seventeen branches (Branches VI to XXII) for the province of Bulacan (except the municipality of
Valuenzuela),withseatsatMalolos

Eighteen branches (Branches XXIII to XL) for the province of Nueva Ecija and the cities of
Cabanatuan,SanJoseandPalayan,BranchesXXIIItoXXXwithseatsatCabanatuanCity,Branches
XXXI to XXXIII at Guimba, Branches XXXIV to XXXVI at Gapan, Branch XXXVII at Sto. Domingo,
BranchesXXXVIIIandXXXIXatSanJose,andBranchXLatPalayan.

Twentytwo branches (Branches XLI to LXII) for the province of Pampanga and the city of Angeles,
Branches XLI to XLVIII with seats at San Fernando, Branches XLIX to LIII at Guagua, Branches LIV
andLVatMacabebe,andBranchesLVItoLXIIatAngelesCity

Six branches (Branches LXIII to LXVIII) for the province of Tarlac, Branches LXVI at Capas, Branch
LXVIIatPaniqui,andBranchLXVIIIatCamilingand

Seven branches (Branches LXIX to LXXV) for the province of Zambales and the city of Olongapo,
BranchesLXIXtoLXXIwithseatsatIbaandBranchesLXXIItoLXXVatOlongapoCity

(d) One hundred seventytwo (172) Regional Trial Judges shall be commissioned for the National Capital
JudicialRegion.Thereshallbe:

Fiftyfivebranches(Branches1to55)fortheCityofManila,witseatsthereat

Thirtytwobranches(Branches76to107)forQuezonCity,withseatsthereat

Twelvebranches(Branches108to119)forPasayCity,withseatsthereat

Twelvebranches(Branches120to131)forCaloocanCity,withseatsthereat

Fiftyeight branches (Branches 56 to 74 and 132 to 170) for the Municipalities of Navotas, Malabon,
San Juan, Madaluyong, Makati, Pasig, Pateros, Taguig, Marikina, Paraaque, Las Pias, and
Muntinlupa Branches 67 to 71 and 151 to 168 at Pasig and Branches 72 to 74, 169 and 170 at
Malabonand

Threebranches(Branches75,171and172)forthemunicipalityofValenzuela,withseatsthereat.(As
amendedbyEONo.33,July30,1986.)

(e)EihtytwoRegionalTrialJudgesshallbecommissionedfortheFourthJudicialRegion.Thereshallbe:

Fourteen branches (Branches I to XIV) for the province of Batangas and the cities of Lipa and
Batangas, Branches I to VI with seats at Batangas City, Branch V at Lemery, Branches VI to VIII at
Tanuan,BranchesIXtoXIatBalayan,BranchesXIIandXIIIatLipa,andBranchXIVatNasugbu

Ninebranches(BranchesXVtoXXIII)fortheprovinceofCaviteandthecitiesofCavite,Tagaytayand
TreceMatires,BranchXVwithseatatNaic,BranchesXVIIatCaviteCity,BranchXVIIIatTagayatay
City,BranchXIXatBacoor,BranchesXXtoXXIIatImus,andBranchXXIIIatTreceMartires

Fourteenbranches(BranchesXXIVtoXXXVII)fortheprovinceofLagunaandthecityofSanPablo,
BranchesXXVIIIatSta.Cruz,BranchesXXIXtoXXXIIatSanPableCity,BranchXXXIIIatSiniloan,
andBranchesXXXIVtoXXXVIatCalamba

Onebranch(BranchXXXVIII)fortheprovinceofMarinduque,withseatatBoac

Fivebranches(BranchesXXXIXtoXLIII)fortheprovinceofMindoroOriental,BranchesXXXIXtoXL
withseatsatCalapan,BranchesXLIandXLIIatPinamalayan,andBranchXLIIatRoxas

Three branches (Branches XLVII to XLVI) for the province of Mindoro Occidental, Branch XLIV with
seatatMamburao,andBranchesXLVandXLVIatSanJose

Sixbranches(BranchesXLVIItoLII)fortheprovinceofPalawanandthecityofPuertoPrincesa,with
seatsatPuertoPrincesaCity

Thirteenbranches(BranchesLIIItoLXV)fortheprovinceofQuezonandthecityofLucena,Branches
LIII to LX with seats at Lucena City, Branches LXI and LXII at Gumaca, Branch LXIII at Calauag,
BranchLXIVatMauban,andBranchLXVatInfanta

Onebranchj(BranchLXVI)fortheprovinceofAurora,withseatatBaler

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Fourteen branches (Branches LXVII to LXXX) for the province of Rizal except the cities and
municipalitiesembracedwithintheNationalCapitalJudicialRegion,BranchesLXVIItoLXXwithseats
at Binangonan, Branches LXXI to LXXIV at Antipolo, Branches LXXV to LXXVII at San Mateo, and
BranchesLXXVIIItoLXXXatMorongand

Twobranches(BranchesLXXXIandLXXXII)fortheprovinceofRomblon,BranchLXXXIwithseatat
Romblon,andBranchLXXXIIatOdiongan.

(f)FiftyfiveRegionalTrialJudgesshallbecommissionedfortheFifthJudicialRegion.Thereshallbe:

Eighteenbranches(BranchesItoXVIII)fortheprovinceofAlbayandthecityofLegaspi,BranchesIto
XwithseatsatLegaspiCity,BranchesXItoXIVatLigao,andBranchesXVtoXVIIIatTabaco

Nineteenbranches(BranchesXIXtoXXXVII)fortheprovinceofCamarinesSurandthecitiesofNaga
andIriga,BranchesXIXtoXXVIIIwithseatsatNagaCity,BranchXXIXatLibmanan,BranchXXXat
Tigaon,BrachesXXXItoXXXIIIatPili,andBranchesXXXIVtoXXXVIIatIrigaCity

Fourbranches(BranchesXXXVIIItoXLII)fortheprovinceofCamarinesNorte,withseatatDaet

Twobranches(BranchesXLIIandXLII)fortheprovinceofCatanduanes,withseatsatVirac

Sevenbranches(BranchesXLIVtoL)fortheprovinceofMasbate,BranchesXLIVtoXLVIIIwithseats
atMasbate,BranchXLIXatCataingan,andBranchLatSanJacintoand

Five branches (Branches LI to LV) for the province of Sorsogon, Branches LI to LIII with seats at
Sorsogon,BranchLVIatGubat,andBranchLVatIrosin.

(g)SixtythreeRegionalTrialJudgesshallbecommissionedfortheSixthJudicialRegion.Thereshallbe:

Ninebranches(BranchesItoIX)fortheprovinceofAklan,withseatsatKalibo

Four branches (Branches X to XIII) for the province of Antique, Branches X to XII with seats at San
Jose,andBranchXIIIandCulasi

Eighrbranches(BranchesXIVtoXXI)fortheprovinceofCapizandthecityofRoxas,BranchesXIVto
XIXwithseatsatRoxasCityandBranchesXXandXXIatMambusao

Eighteenbranches(BranchesXXIIto XXXIX)forthe provinceofIloilo, the subprovince of Guimaras,

andthecityofIloilo,withseatsatIloiloCityand

Twentyfour branches (Branches XL to LXIII) for the province of Negros Occidental, and the cities of
Bacolod,Bago, Cadiz, La Carlota, San Carlos and Silay, Branch XL with seat at Silay City, Branches
XLItoLIVatBacolodCity,BranchesLVandLVIatHimamaylan,BranchesLVIItoLIXatKabankalan,
BranchLXIIatBagoCity,andBranchLXIIatLaCarlotaCity.

(h)FortysixRegionalTrialJudgesshallbecommissionedfortheSeventhJudicialRegion.Thereshallbe:

Four branches (Branches I to IV) for the province of Bohol and the city of Tagbilaran, with seats at
TagbilaranCity

Twentyfive branches (Branches V to XXIX) for the province of Cebu and the cities of Cebu, Danao,
LapuLapu,MandaueandToledo,BranchesVtoXXIVwithseatsatCebuCity,BranchXXVatDanao
City, Branch XXVI at Argao, Branch XXVII at LapuLapu City, Branch XXVIII at Mandaue City, and
BranchXXIXatToledoCity

Sixteen branches (Branches XXX to XLV) for the province of Negros Oriental and the cities of
Dumaguete,BaisandCanlaon,BranchesXXXtoXLIVwithseatsatDumagueteCity,andBranchXLV
atBaisCityand

Onebranch(BranchXLVI)fortheprovinceofSiquijor,withseatatLarena.

(i)ThirtythreeRegionalTrialJudgesshallbecommissionedfortheEighthJudicialRegion.Thereshallbe:

Five branches (Branches I to V) for the province of Eastern Samar, Branches I and II with seats at
Borongan,BranchIIIatGuiuan,BranchIVatDolores,andBranchVatOras

Thirteenbranches(BranchesVItoXVIII)fortheprovinceofLeyte,thesubprovinceofBiliran,andthe
cities of Ormoc and Tacloban, Branches VI and IX with seats at Tacloban City, Branch X at Abuyog,

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Branch XI at Calubian, Branch XII at Ormoc City, Branch XIII at Carigara, Branch XIV at Baybay,
BranchXVatBurauen,BranchXVIatNaval,BranchXVIIatPalompon,andBranchXVIIIatHilongos

Fivebranches(BranchesXIXtoXXIII)fortheprovinceofNorthernSamar,BranchesXIXandXXwith
seatsatCatarman,BranchesXXIandXXIIatLaoang,andBranchXXIIIatAllen

Threebranches(BranchesXXIVtoXXVI)fortheprovinceofSouthernLeyte,BranchesXXIVandXXV
withseatsatMaasin,andBranchXXVIatSanJuanand

Seven branches (Branches XXVII to XXXIII) for the province of Samar and the city of Calbayog,
BranchesXXVIItoXXIXwithseatsatCatbalogan,BranchXXXatBasey,BranchesXXXIandXXXIIat
CalbayogCity,andBranchXXXIIIatCalbiga.

(j)TwentyfourRegionalTrialJudgesshallbecommissionedfortheNinthJudicialRegion.Thereshallbe:

Twobranches(BranchesIandII)fortheprovinceofBasilan,withseatsatIsabela

Twobranches(BranchesIIIandIV)fortheprovinceofSulu,BranchIIIwithseatatJolo,andBranchIV
atParang

Onebranch(BranchV)fortheprovinceofTawiTawi,withseatatBongao

Six branches (Branches VI to XI) for the province of Zamboanga del Norte, and the cities of Dipolog
andDapitan,BranchesVItoXseatsatDipologCity,andBranchXIatSindanganand

Thirteen branches (Branches XII to XXIV) for the province of Zamboanga del Sur and the cities of
PagadianandZamboangaBranchesXIItoXVIIwithseatsatZamboangaCity,Branches,XVIIItoXXII
atPagadianCity,BranchXXIIIatMolave,andBranchXXIVatIpil.

(k)ThirtytwoRegionalTrialJudgesshallbecommissionedfortheTenthJudicialRegion.Thereshallbe:

Fivebranches(BranchesItoV)fortheprovinceofAgusandelNorteandthecityofButuan,withseats
atButuanCity

Two branches (Branches VI and VII) for the province of Agusan del Sur, Branches VI with seat at
ProsperidadandBranchVIIwithseatatBayugan

Four branches (Branches VIII to XI) for the province of Bukidnon, Branches VIII to X with seats at
MalaybalayandBranchXIatManaloFortich

Fivebranches(BranchesXIItoXI)fortheprovinceofMisamisOccidentalandthecitiesofOroquieta,
Ozamis,andTangub,BranchesXIItoXIVwithseatsatOroquietaCity,BranchXVatOzamisCity,and
BranchXVIatTangubCity

Eleven branches (Branches XVII to XXVII) for the province of Misamis Oriental and the cities of
CagayandeOroandGingoog,BranchesXVIItoXXVwithseatsatCagayandeOroCity,BranchXXVI
atMedina,andBranchXXVIIatGingoogCity

Onebranch(BranchXXVIII)fortheprovinceofCamiguin,withseatatMambajaoand

Fourbranches(BranchesXXIXtoXXXII)fortheprovinceofSurigaodelNorteandtheCityofSurigao,
Branches XXIX and XXX with seats at Surigao City, Branch XXXI at Dapa, and Branch XXXII at
Dinagat,DinagatIsland.

(l)TwentynineRegionalTrialJudgesshallbecommissionedfortheEleventhJudicialRegion.Thereshallbe

Fourbranches(BranchesItoIV)fortheprovinceofDavaodelNorte,BranchesIandIIwithseatsat
Tagum,BranchIIIatNabunturan,andBranchIVatPanabo

Threebranches(BranchesVtoVII)fortheprovinceofDavaoOriental,BranchesVandVIwithseatsat
MatiandBranchVIIatBanganga

Fourteen branches (Branches VIII to XXI) for the province of Davao del Sur and the city of Davao,
BranchesVIIItoXVIIwithseatsatDavaoCity,BranchesXVIIIandXIXatDigos,BranchXXatMalinta,
andBranchXXIaBansalan

Five Branches (Branches XXII to XXVI) for the province of South Cotabato and the city of General
Santos, Branches XXII and XXIII with seats at General Santos City, Branches XXIV and XXV at

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Koronadal,andBranchXXVIatSurallahand

Threebranches(BranchesXXVIItoXXIX)fortheprovinceofSurigaodelSur,BranchXXVIIwithseat
atTandag,BranchXXVIIIatLianga,andBranchXXIXatBislig.

(m)TwentyRegionalTrialJudgesshallbecommissionedfortheTwelfthJudicialRegion.Thereshallbe:

Sevenbranches(BranchesItoVII)fortheprovinceofLanaodelNorteandthecityofIligan,Branches
ItoVIwithseatsatIliganCity,andBranchVIIatTubod

Fivebranches(BranchesVIIItoXII)fortheprovinceofLanaodelSurandthecityofMarawi,Branches
VIIItoXwithseatsatMarawiCity,andBranchesXIandXIIatMalabang

Three branches (Branches XIII to XV) for the province of Maguindanao and the city of Cotabato,
BranchesXIIIandXIVwithseatsatCotabatoCity,andBranchXVatMaganoy

Three branches (Branches XVI to XVIII) for the province of North Cotabato, Branch XVI with seat at
Kabacan,BranchXVIIatKidapawan,andBranchXVIIIatMissayapand

Two branches (Branches XIX and XX) for the province of Sultan Kudarat, Branch XIX, with seat at
Isulan,andBranchXXatTacurong.

Section15.Qualifications.NopersonsshallbeappointedRegionalTrialJudgeunlessheisanaturalborncitizen
ofthePhilippines,atleastthirtyfiveyearsofage,andforatleasttenyears,hasbeenengagedinthepracticeoflaw
in the Philippines or has held a public office in the Philippines requiring admission to the practice of law as an
indispensablerequisite.

Section16.Timeanddurationofsessions.ThetimeanddurationofdailysessionsoftheRegionalTrialCourts
shallbedeterminedbytheSupremeCourt:Provided,however,Thatallmotions,exceptthoserequiringimmediate
action,shallbeheardintheafternoonofeveryFriday,unlessitfallsonaholiday,inwhichcase,thehearingshallbe
heldontheafternoonofthenextsucceedingbusinessday:Provided,further,ThattheSupremeCourtmay,forgood
reasons,fixadifferentmotiondayinspecifiedareas

Section17.AppointmentandassignmentofRegionalTrialJudges.EveryRegionalTrialJudgeshallbeappointed
to aregionwhichshallbehispermanentstation,andhisappointmentshallstatethe branchofthe courtandthe
seat thereof to which he shall be originally assigned. However, the Supreme Court may assign temporarily a
Regional Trial Judge to another region as public interest may require, provided that such temporary assignment
shallnotlastlongerthansix(6)monthswithouttheconsentoftheRegionalTrialJudgeconcerned.

ARegionalTrialJudgemaybeassignedbytheSupremeCourttoanybranchorcityormunicipalitywithinthesame
regionaspublicinterestmayrequire,andsuchassignmentshallnotbedeemedanassignmenttoanotherstation
withinthemeaningofthissection.

Section18.Authoritytodefineterritoryappurtenanttoeachbranch.TheSupremeCourtshalldefinetheterritory
over which a branch of the Regional Trial Court shall exercise its authority. The territory thus defined shall be
deemed to be the territorial area of the branch concerned for purposes of determining the venue of all suits,
proceedingsoractions,whethercivilorcriminal,aswellasdeterminingtheMetropolitanTrialCourts,MunicipalTrial
Courts,andMunicipalCircuitTrialCourtsoverthesaidbranchmayexerciseappellatejurisdiction.Thepowerherein
grantedshallbeexercisedwithaviewtomakingthecourtsreadilyaccessibletothepeopleofthedifferentpartsof
theregionandmakingtheattendanceoflitigantsandwitnessesasinexpensiveaspossible.

Section19.Jurisdictionincivilcases.RegionalTrialCourtsshallexerciseexclusiveoriginaljurisdiction:

(1)Inallcivilactionsinwhichthesubjectofthelitigationisincapableofpecuniaryestimation

(2)Inallcivilactionswhichinvolvethetitleto,orpossessionof,realproperty,oranyinteresttherein,where
theassessedvalueofthepropertyinvolvedexceedsTwentythousandpesos(P20,000.00)orforcivilactions
inMetroManila,wheresuchthevalueexceedsFiftythousandpesos(50,000.00)exceptactionsforforcible
entry into and unlawful detainer of lands or buildings, original jurisdiction over which is conferred upon
MetropolitanTrialCourts,MunicipalTrialCourts,andMunicipalCircuitTrialCourts

(3) In all actions in admiralty and maritime jurisdiction where he demand or claim exceeds One hundred
thousand pesos (P100,000.00) or , in Metro Manila, where such demand or claim exceeds Two hundred
thousandpesos(200,000.00)

(4) In all matters of probate, both testate and intestate, where the gross value of the estate exceeds One
hundred thousand pesos (P100,000.00) or, in probate matters in Metro Manila, where such gross value
exceedsTwohundredthousandpesos(200,000.00)
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(5)Inallactionsinvolvingthecontractofmarriageandmaritalrelations

(6)Inallcasesnotwithintheexclusivejurisdictionofanycourt,tribunal,personorbodyexercisingjurisdiction
oranycourt,tribunal,personorbodyexercisingjudicialorquasijudicialfunctions

(7)InallcivilactionsandspecialproceedingsfallingwithintheexclusiveoriginaljurisdictionofaJuvenileand
DomesticRelationsCourtandoftheCourtsofAgrarianRelationsasnowprovidedbylawand

(8)Inallothercasesinwhichthedemand,exclusiveofinterest,damagesofwhateverkind,attorney'sfees,
litigation expenses, and costs or the value of the property in controversy exceeds One hundred thousand
pesos (100,000.00) or, in such other abovementioned items exceeds Two hundred thousand pesos
(200,000.00).(asamendedbyR.A.No.7691*)

Section20.Jurisdictionincriminalcases.RegionalTrialCourtsshallexerciseexclusiveoriginaljurisdictioninall
criminalcasesnotwithintheexclusivejurisdictionofanycourt,tribunalorbody,exceptthosenowfallingunderthe
exclusiveandconcurrentjurisdictionoftheSandiganbayanwhichshallhereafterbeexclusivelytakencognizanceof
bythelatter.

Section21.Originaljurisdictioninothercases.RegionalTrialCourtsshallexerciseoriginaljurisdiction:

(1)Intheissuanceofwritsofcertiorari,prohibition,mandamus,quowarranto,habeascorpusandinjunction
whichmaybeenforcedinanypartoftheirrespectiveregionsand

(2)Inactionsaffectingambassadorsandotherpublicministersandconsuls.

Section22.Appellatejurisdiction.RegionalTrialCourtsshallexerciseappellatejurisdictionoverallcasesdecided
byMetropolitanTrialCourts,MunicipalTrialCourts,andMunicipalCircuitTrialCourtsintheirrespectiveterritorial
jurisdictions.Suchcasesshallbedecidedonthebasisoftheentirerecordoftheproceedingshadinthecourtof
origin and such memoranda and/or briefs as may be submitted by the parties or required by the Regional Trial
Courts.ThedecisionoftheRegionalTrialCourtsinsuchcasesshallbeappealablebypetitionforreviewtothe

CourtofAppealswhichmaygiveitduecourseonlywhenthepetitionshowsprimafaciethatthe lowercourthas
committedanerroroffactorlawthatwillwarrantareversalormodificationofthedecisionorjudgmentsoughttobe
reviewed.

Section23.Specialjurisdictiontotryspecialcases.TheSupremeCourtmaydesignatecertainbranchesofthe
Regional Trial Courts to handle exclusively criminal cases, juvenile and domestic relations cases, agrarian cases,
urbanlandreformcaseswhichdonotfallunderthejurisdictionofquasijudicialbodiesandagencies,and/orsuch
otherspecialcasesastheSupremeCourtmaydetermineintheinterestofaspeedyandefficientadministrationof
justice.

Section 24. Special Rules of Procedure. Whenever a Regional Trial Court takes cognizance of juvenile and
domesticrelationcasesand/oragrariancases,thespecialrulesofprocedureapplicableunderpresentlawstosuch
casesshallcontinuetobeapplied,unlesssubsequentlyamendedbylaworbyrulesofcourtpromulgatedbythe
SupremeCourt.

CHAPTERIII
METROPOLITANTRIALCOURTS,MUNICIPALTRIALCOURTS,ANDMUNICIPALCIRCUITTRIALCOURTS

Section25.EstablishmentofMetropolitanTrialCourts,MunicipalTrialCourtsandMunicipalCircuitTrialCourts.
There shall be created a Metropolitan Trial Court in each metropolitan area established by law, a Municipal Trial
Courtineachoftheothercitiesormunicipalities,andaMunicipalCircuitTrialCourtineachcircuitcomprisingsuch
citiesand/ormunicipalitiesasaregroupedtogetherpursuanttolaw.

Section26.Qualifications.NopersonshallbeappointedjudgeofaMetropolitanTrialCourt,MunicipalTrialCourt,
orMunicipalCircuitTrialCourtunlessheisanaturalborncitizenofthePhilippines,atleast30yearsofage,and,for
at least five years, has been engaged in the practice of law in the Philippines, or has held a public office in the
Philippinesrequiringadmissiontothepracticeoflawasanindispensablerequisite.

Section27.MetropolitanTrialCourtsoftheNationalCapitalRegion.ThereshallbeaMetropolitanTrialCourtin
theNationalCapitalRegion,tobeknownastheMetropolitanTrialCourtofMetroManila,whichshallbecomposed
ofeightytwo(82)branches.Thereshallbe:

Thirtybranches(BranchesItoXXX)forthecityofManilawithseatsthereat

Thirteenbranches(BranchesXXXItoXLIII)forQuezonCitywithseatsthereat

Fivebranches(BranchesXLIVtoXLVIII)forPasayCitywithseatsthereat
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Fivebranches(BranchesXLIXtoLIII)forCaloocanCitywithseatsthereat

Onebranch(BranchLIV)forNavotaswithseatthereat

Twobranches(BranchesLVandLVI)forMalabonwithseatsthereat

Twobranches(BranchesLVIIandLVIII)forSanJuanwithseatsthereat

Twobranches(BranchesLIXandLX)forMandaluyongwithseatsthereat

Sevenbranches(BranchesLXIandLXVII)forMakatiwithseatsthereat

Fivebranches(BranchesLXVIIItoLXXII)forPasigwithseatsthereat

Onebranch(BranchLXXIII)forPateroswithseatthereat

Onebranch(BranchLXXIV)forTaguigwithseatthereat

Twobranches(BranchesLXXVandLXXVI)forMarikinawithseatsthereat

Twobranches(BranchesLXXVIIandLXXVIII)forParaaquewithseatsthereat

Onebranch(BranchLXXIX)forLasPiaswithseatthereat

Onebranch(BranchLXXX)forMuntinlupawithseatthereat

Twobranches(BranchesLXXXIandLXXXII)forValenzuelawithseatsthereat

Section28.OtherMetropolitanTrialCourts.TheSupremeCourtshallconstituteMetropolitanTrialCourtsinsuch
othermetropolitanareasasmaybeestablishedbylawwhoseterritorialjurisdictionshallbecoextensivewiththe
citiesandmunicipalitiescomprisingthemetropolitanarea.

EveryMetropolitanTrialJudgeshallbeappointedtoametropolitanareawhichshallbehispermanentstationand
his appointment shall state branch of the court and the seat thereof to which he shall be originally assigned. A
MetropolitanTrialJudgemaybeassignedbytheSupremeCourttoanybranchwithinsaidmetropolitanareaasthe
interestofjusticemayrequire,andsuchassignmentshallnotbedeemedanassignmenttoanotherstationwithin
themeaningofthissection.

Section29.MunicipalTrialCourtsincities.Ineverycitywhichdoesnotformpartofametropolitanarea,there
shallbeaMunicipalTrialCourtwithonebranch,exceptashereunderprovided:

TwobranchesforLaoagCity

FourbranchesforBaguioCity

ThreebranchesforDagupanCity

FivebranchesforOlongapoCity

ThreebranchesforCabanatuanCity

TwobranchesforSanJoseCity

ThreebranchesforAngelesCity

TwobranchesforCaviteCity

TwobranchesforBatangasCity

TwobranchesforLucenaCity

ThreebranchesforNagaCity

TwobranchesforIrigaCity

ThreebranchesforLegaspiCity

TwobranchesforRoxasCity

FourbranchesforIloiloCity
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SevenbranchesforBacolodCity

TwobranchesforDumagueteCity

TwobranchesforTaclobanCity

EightbranchesforCebuCity

ThreebranchesforMandaueCity

TwobranchesforTagbilaranCity

TwobranchesforSurigaoCity

TwobranchesforButuanCity

FivebranchesforCagayandeOroCity

SevenbranchesforDavaoCity

ThreebranchesforGeneralSantosCity

TwobranchesforOroquietaCity

ThreebranchesforOzamisCity

TwobranchesforDipologCity

FourbranchesforZamboangaCity

TwobranchesforPagadianCityand

TwobranchesforIliganCity.

Section30.MunicipalTrialCourts.Ineachofthemunicipalitiesthatarenotcomprisedwithinametropolitanarea
and a municipal circuit there shall be a Municipal Trial Court which shall have one branch, except as hereunder
provided:

TwobranchesforSanFernando,LaUnion

FourbranchesforTuguegarao

ThreebranchesforLallo,andtwobranchesforAparri,bothofCagayan

TwobranchesforSantiago,Isabela

TwobrancheseachforMalolos,MeycauayanandBulacan,allofBulacanProvince

FourbranchesforSanFernandoandtwobranchesforGuagua,bothofPampanga

TwobranchesforTarlac,Tarlac

TwobranchesforSanPedro,Lagunaand

TwobrancheseachforAntipoloandBinangonan,bothinRizal.

Section31.MunicipalCircuitTrialCourt.ThereshallbeaMunicipalCircuitTrialCourtineachareadefinedasa
municipal circuit, comprising one or more cities and/or one or more municipalities. The municipalities comprising
municipalcircuitsasorganizedunderAdministrativeOrderNo.33,issuedonJune13,1978bytheSupremeCourt
pursuant to Presidential Decree No. 537, are hereby constituted as municipal circuits for purposes of the
establishment of the Municipal Circuit Trial Courts, and the appointment thereto of Municipal Circuit Trial Judges:
Provided,however,ThattheSupremeCourtmay,astheinterestsofjusticemayrequire,furtherreorganizethesaid
courts taking into account workload, geographical location, and such other factors as will contribute to a rational
allocation thereof, pursuant to the provisions of Presidential Decree No. 537 which shall be applicable insofar as
theyarenotinconsistentwiththisAct.

EveryMunicipalCircuitTrialJudgeshallbeappointedtoamunicipalcircuitwhichshallbehisofficialstation.

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The Supreme Court shall determine the city or municipality where the Municipal Circuit Trial Court shall hold
sessions.

Section 32. Jurisdiction of Metropolitan Trial Courts, Municipal Trial Courts and Municipal Circuit Trial Courts in
criminalcases.ExceptincasesfallingwithintheexclusiveoriginaljurisdictionofRegionalTrialCourtsandofthe
Sandiganbayan, the Metropolitan Trial Courts, Municipal Trial Courts, and Municipal Circuit Trial Courts shall
exercise:

(1) Exclusive original jurisdiction over all violations of city or municipal ordinances committed within their
respectiveterritorialjurisdictionand

(2)Exclusiveoriginaljurisdictionoveralloffensespunishablewithimprisonmentnotexceedingsix(6)years
irrespectiveoftheamountoffine,andregardlessofotherimposableaccessoryorotherpenalties,including
the civil liability arising from such offenses or predicated thereon, irrespective of kind, nature, value, or
amount thereof: Provided, however, That in offenses involving damage to property through criminal
negligencetheyshallhaveexclusiveoriginaljurisdictionthereof.(asamendedbyR.A,No.7691)

Section33.JurisdictionofMetropolitanTrialCourts,MunicipalTrialCourtsandMunicipalCircuitTrialCourtsincivil
cases.MetropolitanTrialCourts,MunicipalTrialCourts,andMunicipalCircuitTrialCourtsshallexercise:

(1)Exclusiveoriginaljurisdictionovercivilactionsandprobateproceedings,testateandintestate,including
thegrantofprovisionalremediesinpropercases,wherethevalueofthepersonalproperty,estate,oramount
ofthedemanddoesnotexceedOnehundredthousandpesos(P100,000.00)or,inMetroManilawheresuch
personal property, estate, or amount of the demand does not exceed Two hundred thousand pesos
(P200,000.00)exclusiveofinterestdamagesofwhateverkind,attorney'sfees,litigationexpenses,andcosts,
theamountofwhichmustbespecificallyalleged:Provided,Thatwherethereareseveralclaimsorcausesof
action between the same or different parties, embodied in the same complaint, the amount of the demand
shallbethetotalityoftheclaimsinallthecausesofaction,irrespectiveofwhetherthecausesofactionarose
outofthesameordifferenttransactions

(2)Exclusiveoriginaljurisdictionovercasesofforcibleentryandunlawfuldetainer:Provided,Thatwhen,in
suchcases,thedefendantraisesthequestionofownershipinhispleadingsandthequestionofpossession
cannotberesolvedwithoutdecidingtheissueofownership,theissueofownershipshallberesolvedonlyto
determinetheissueofpossession.

(3)Exclusiveoriginaljurisdictioninallcivilactionswhichinvolvetitleto,orpossessionof,realproperty,orany
interest therein where the assessed value of the property or interest therein does not exceed Twenty
thousandpesos(P20,000.00)or,incivilactionsinMetroManila,wheresuchassessedvaluedoesnotexceed
Fiftythousandpesos(P50,000.00)exclusiveofinterest,damagesofwhateverkind,attorney'sfees,litigation
expensesandcosts:Provided,Thatvalueofsuchpropertyshallbedeterminedbytheassessedvalueofthe
adjacentlots.(asamendedbyR.A.No.7691)

Section34.Delegated jurisdiction in cadastral and land registration cases. Metropolitan Trial Courts, Municipal
Trial Courts, and Municipal Circuit Trial Courts may be assigned by the Supreme Court to hear and determine
cadastralorlandregistrationcasescoveringlotswherethereisnocontroversyoropposition,orcontestedlotsthe
where the value of which does not exceed One hundred thousand pesos (P100,000.00), such value to be
ascertainedbytheaffidavitoftheclaimantorbyagreementoftherespectiveclaimantsiftherearemorethanone,
orfromthecorrespondingtaxdeclarationoftherealproperty.Theirdecisionsinthesecasesshallbeappealablein
thesamemannerasdecisionsoftheRegionalTrialCourts.(asamendedbyR.A.No.7691)

Section35.Specialjurisdictionincertaincases.IntheabsenceofalltheRegionalTrialJudgesinaprovinceor
city,anyMetropolitanTrialJudge,MunicipalTrialJudge,MunicipalCircuitTrialJudgemayhearanddecidepetitions
forawritofhabeascorpusorapplicationsforbailincriminalcasesintheprovinceorcitywheretheabsentRegional
TrialJudgessit.

Section36.Summaryproceduresinspecialcases.InMetropolitanTrialCourtsandMunicipalTrialCourtswithat
leasttwobranches,theSupremeCourtmaydesignateoneormorebranchesthereoftotryexclusivelyforcibleentry
andunlawfuldetainercases,thoseinvolvingviolationsoftrafficlaws,rulesandregulations,violationsoftherental
law,andsuchothercasesrequiringsummarydispositionastheSupremeCourtmaydetermine.TheSupremeCourt
shalladoptspecialrulesorproceduresapplicabletosuchcasesinordertoachieveanexpeditiousandinexpensive
determinationthereofwithoutregardtotechnicalrules.Suchsimplifiedproceduresmayprovidethataffidavitsand
counteraffidavits may be admitted in lieu of oral testimony and that the periods for filing pleadings shall be non
extendible.

Section37.Preliminaryinvestigation. Judges of Metropolitan Trial Courts, except those in the National Capital
Region, of Municipal Trial Courts, and Municipal Circuit Trial Courts shall have authority to conduct preliminary

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investigation of crimes alleged to have been committed within their respective territorial jurisdictions which are
cognizablebytheRegionalTrialCourts.

The preliminary investigation shall be conducted in accordance with the procedure prescribed in Section 1,
paragraphs (a), (b), (c), and (d), of Presidential Decree No. 911: Provided, however, That if after the preliminary
investigationtheJudgefindsaprimafaciecase,heshallforwardtherecordsofthecasetotheProvincial/CityFiscal
forthefilingofthecorrespondinginformationwiththepropercourt.

No warrant of arrest shall be issued by the Judge in connection with any criminal complaint filed with him for
preliminaryinvestigation,unlessafteranexaminationinwritingandunderoathoraffirmationofthecomplainantand
hiswitnesses,hefindsthataprobablecauseexists.

AnywarrantofarrestissuedinaccordanceherewithmaybeservedanywhereinthePhilippines.

Section38.Judgmentsandprocesses.

(1)Alljudgmentsdeterminingthemeritsofcasesshallbeinwriting,statingclearlythefactsandthelawon
which they were based, signed by the Judge and filed with the Clerk of Court. Such judgment shall be
appealabletotheRegionalTrialCourtsinaccordancewiththeprocedurenowprescribedbylawforappeals
to the Court of First Instance, by the provisions of this Act, and by such rules as the Supreme Court may
hereafterprescribe.

(2) All processes issued by the Metropolitan Trial Courts, Municipal Trial Courts and Municipal Circuit Trial
Courts, in cases falling within their jurisdiction, may be served anywhere in the Philippines without the
necessityofcertificationbytheJudgeoftheRegionalTrialCourt.

CHAPTERIV
GENERALPROVISIONS

Section39.Appeals.Theperiodforappealfromfinalorders,resolutions,awards,judgments,ordecisionsofany
courtinallcasesshallbefifteen(15)dayscountedfromthenoticeofthefinalorder,resolution,award,judgment,or
decisionappealedfrom:Providedhowever,Thatinhabeascorpuscases,theperiodforappealshallbefortyeight
(48)hoursfromthenoticeofthejudgmentappealedfrom.

Norecordonappealshallberequiredtotakeanappeal.Inlieuthereof,theentirerecordshallbetransmittedwithall
thepagesprominentlynumberedconsecutively,togetherwithanindexofthecontentsthereof.

This section shall not apply in appeals in special proceedings and in other cases wherein multiple appeals are
allowedunderapplicableprovisionsoftheRulesofCourt.

Section40.Formofdecisioninappealedcases.Everydecisionoffinalresolutionofacourtinappealedcases
shallclearlyanddistinctlystatethefindingsoffactandtheconclusionsoflawonwhichitisbased,whichmaybe
containedinthedecisionorfinalresolutionitself,oradoptedbyreferencefromthosesetforthinthedecision,order,
orresolutionappealedfrom.

Section41.Salaries.IntermediateAppellateJustices,RegionalTrialJudges,MetropolitanTrialJudges,Municipal
Trial Judges, and Municipal Circuit Trial Judges shall receive such compensation and allowances as may be
authorizedbythePresidentalongtheguidelinessetforthinLetterofImplementationNo.93pursuanttoPresidential
DecreeNo.985,asamendedbyPresidentialDecreeNo.1597.

Section42.Longevitypay.Amonthlylongevitypayequivalentto5%ofthemonthlybasicpayshallbepaidtothe
JusticesandJudgesofthecourtshereincreatedforeachfiveyearsofcontinuous,efficient,andmeritoriousservice
renderedinthejudiciaryProvided,ThatinnocaseshallthetotalsalaryofeachJusticeorJudgeconcerned,after
thislongevitypayisadded,exceedthesalaryoftheJusticeorJudgenextinrank.

Section43.Staffingpattern. The Supreme Court shall submit to the President, within thirty (30) days from the
dateoftheeffectivityofthisAct,astaffingpatternforallcourtsconstitutedpursuanttothisActwhichshallbethe
basis of the implementing order to be issued by the President in accordance with the immediately succeeding
section.

Section44.Transitoryprovisions.TheprovisionsofthisActshallbeimmediatelycarriedoutinaccordancewith
an Executive Order to be issued by the President. The Court of Appeals, the Courts of First Instance, the Circuit
CriminalCourts,theJuvenileandDomesticRelationsCourts,theCourtsofAgrarianRelations,theCityCourts,the
MunicipalCourts,andtheMunicipalCircuitCourtsshallcontinuetofunctionaspresentlyconstitutedandorganized,
untilthecompletionofthereorganizationprovidedinthisActasdeclaredbythePresident.Uponsuchdeclaration,
thesaidcourtsshallbedeemedautomaticallyabolishedandtheincumbentsthereofshallceasetoholdoffice.The
cases pending in the old Courts shall be transferred to the appropriate Courts constituted pursuant to this Act,
togetherwiththepertinentfunctions,records,equipment,propertyandthenecessarypersonnel.
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TheapplicableappropriationsshalllikewisebetransferredtotheappropriatecourtsconstitutedpursuanttothisAct,
tobeaugmentedasmaybenecessaryfromthefundsfororganizationalchangesasprovidedinBatasPambansa
Blg.80.SaidfundingshallthereafterbeincludedintheannualGeneralAppropriationsAct.

Section 45. Shari'a Courts. Shari'a Courts to be constituted as provided for in Presidential Decree No. 1083,
otherwise known as the "Code of Muslim Personal Laws of the Philippines," shall be included in the funding
appropriationssoprovidedinthisAct.

Section46.Gratuityofjudgesandpersonnelseparatedfromoffice.Allmembersofthejudiciaryandsubordinate
employeeswhoshallbeseparatedfromofficebyreasonofthereorganizationauthorizedherein,shallbegranteda
gratuityatarateequivalenttoonemonth'ssalaryforeveryyearofcontinuousservicerenderedinanybranchofthe
government or equivalent nearest fraction thereof favorable to them on the basis of the highest salary received:
Provided, That such member of the judiciary or employee shall have the option to retire under the Judiciary
RetirementLaworgeneralretirementlaw,ifhehasmetorsatisfiedtherequirementstherefor.

Section47.Repealingclause.TheprovisionsofRepublicActNo.296,otherwiseknownastheJudiciaryActof
1948,asamended,ofRepublicActNo.5179asamended,oftheRulesofCourt,andofallotherstatutes,lettersof
instructions and general order or parts thereof, inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed or
accordinglymodified.

Section48.DateofEffectivity.ThisActshalltakeeffectimmediately.

Approved:August14,1981

Footnotes

*OtherprovisionsoftheAct:

"Section. 5. After five(5) years from the effectivity of this Act, the jurisdictional amounts mentioned in Sec.
19(3),(4),and(8)andSec.33(1)ofBatasPambansaBlg.129asamendedbythisAct,shallbeadjustedto
Two hundred thousand pesos (P200,000.00). five (5) years thereafter, such jurisdictional amounts shall be
adjusted further to Three hundred thousand pesos (P300,000.00): Provided, however, That in the case of
Metro Manila, the abovementioned jurisdictional amounts shall be adjusted after five (5) years from the
effectivityofthisActofFourhundredthousandpesos(P400,000.00).

Section.7.TheprovisionsofthisActshallapplytoallcivilcasesthathavenotyetreachedthepretrialstage.
However,byagreementofalltheparties,civilcasescognizablebymunicipalandmetropolitancourtsbythe
provisionsofthisActmaybetransferredfromtheRegionalTrialCourtstothelatter.Theexecutivejudgeof
the appropriate Regional Trial Court shall define the administrative procedure of transferring the cases
affectedbytheredefinitionofjurisdictiontotheMetropolitanTrialCourts,MunicipalTrialCourt,andMunicipal
CircuitTrialCourt."

*CriminalcasesfallingwithinthejurisdictionofFamilyCourts(establishedbytheFamilyCourtsActof1997
[R.A.No.8369])havebeentransferredfromMetropolitantrialCourts,MunicipalTrialCourts,

MunicipaltrialCourtinCities,MunicipalTrialCourtsandMunicipalCircuitTrialCourtstoRegionaltrialCourts
underA.M.No.99113SCeffectiveMarch1,1999.

TheLawphilProjectArellanoLawFoundation

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