JURISDICTION OF THE COURTS

JURISDICTION OF THE SUPREME COURT

1. ORIGINAL jurisdiction over cases involving ambassadors, other public ministers and
consuls;
petitions
for certiorari,
prohibition, mandamus, quo
warranto and habeas
corpus(concurrent with RTC).
2. Review, revise, reverse, modify, or affirm on appeal or certiorari, final judgments of lower
courts in:
Cases in which the constitutionality or validity of any treaty, international or executive
agreement, law, decree,proclamation, order, instruction, ordinance or regulation is in question;
Cases involving the legality of any tax, impost, assessment, or toll, or any penalty imposed
thereto;
Cases involving the jurisdiction of lower courts;
All criminal cases in which the penalty imposed isreclusion perpetua or higher;
All cases in which only an error or question of law is involved.

JURISDICTION OF THE COURT OF APPEALS

1. ORIGINAL

jurisdiction to

issue

writs

of mandamus,

prohibition, certiorari, habeas

corpus, and quo warranto, and auxiliary writs or processes, whether or not in aid of its
appellate jurisdiction (concurrent with SC and RTCs)
2. EXCLUSIVE original jurisdiction over actions for annulment of judgments of RTCs.
3. EXCLUSIVE appellate jurisdiction over all final judgments, decisions, resolutions, orders
or awards of RTCs and quasi-judicial agencies, bodies, or commissions,
EXCEPT those which fall within the appellate jurisdiction of the SC, namely:
a. COMELEC;
b. Commission on Audit;
c. Sandiganbayan.

JURISDICTION OF THE REGIONAL TRIAL COURTS

I. EXCLUSIVE ORIGINAL
A. CIVIL CASES
Cases where the subject of the litigation is incapable of pecuniary estimation;
Involving the title to, or possession of, real property, or any interest therein, where
the assessedvalue of the property involved exceeds P20,000/ P50,000, EXCEPT actions
for forcible entry and unlawful detainer;
All actions in admiralty and maritime jurisdiction where the demand or claim
exceeds P200,000/P400,000;
Probate proceedings, both testate and intestate, where the gross value of the
estate P200,000/P400,000;
In all actions involving the contract of marriage and marital relations;
In all cases not within the exclusive jurisdiction of any court, tribunal, person or
body exercising jurisdiction;
In all civil actions and special proceedings falling within the exclusive original
jurisdiction of a Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court and of the Court of Agrarian
Relations as now provided by law; and
In all other cases in which the demand, exclusive of interest, damages of
whatever kind, attorney's fees, litigation expenses, and costs or thevalue of the
property in controversy exceeds P200,000/P400,000;
B. CRIMINAL CASES
All criminal cases not within the exclusive jurisdiction of any court, tribunal, or
body EXCEPTthose within the jurisdiction of the Sandiganbayan.
N.B. RTC has jurisdiction over criminal cases where the penalty imposable:
Exceeds 4 years 2 mos 1 day imprisonment, irrespective of fine

Exceeds fine of P4000, if only a fine is imposable

Manzano vs. Valera
Libel is punishable by prision correcional in its minimum and medium periods.
R.A. 7691 places jurisdiction over criminal cases where the penalty is 6 years or less with
the MTCs. However, Art. 360 of the RPC gives jurisdiction over libel cases to the
RTC. Special law (RPC) must prevail over general laws (RA 7691). Also, from the
provisions of R.A. 7691, there is no manifest intent to repeal or alter the jurisdiction in
libel cases.
II. ORIGINAL
*

Issuance of writs of certiorari, prohibition,mandamus, quo warranto, habeas

corpus and injunction which may be enforced in any part of their respective regions
(concurrent with SC and CA).
*

In

actions

affecting

ambassadors

and

other

public

ministers

and

consuls (concurrent with SC).

*

Over offenses committed NOT in relation with public office with imprisonment

exceeding 6 years committed by public officers classified as salary grade 27 or higher

*

Over election contests for municipal offices.

Pre-week reviewer in remedial law,

III. APPELLATE
All cases decided by the lower courts (MTCs) in their respective territorial
jurisdictions.
NOTE: no trial de novo; case is decided on the basis of decision and supporting
affidavits.

JURISDICTION
8369)

OF

THE

FAMILY COURTS (R.A.

Family Courts shall have exclusive original jurisdiction to hear and decide the
following cases:
Criminal cases where:
One or more of the accused is below eighteen (18) years of age but not less than nine (9)
years of age, OR
One or more of the victims is a minor at the time of the commission of the offense.
Provided, That if the minor is found guilty, the court shall promulgate sentence and
ascertain any civil liabilitywhich the accused may have incurred. The sentence, however,
shall be suspended without need of application pursuant to the "Child and Youth Welfare
Code";
Petitions for guardianship, custody of children, habeas corpus in relation to the latter;
Petitions for adoption of children and the revocation thereof;
Complaints [for]:
Annulment of marriage
Declaration of nullity of marriage
Those relating to marital status and property relations of:
Husband and wife OR
Those living together under different status and agreements, AND
Petitions for dissolution of conjugal partnership of gains;
Petitions for support and/or acknowledgment;
Summary judicial proceedings brought under the provisions of the "Family Code of the
Philippines";
Petitions for:
Declaration of status of children as
Abandoned
Dependent OR

Neglected children
Voluntary or involuntary commitment of children;
The suspension, termination, or restoration of parental authority and other cases
cognizable under "Child and Youth Welfare Code", Executive Order No. 56, (Series of
1986), and other related laws;
Petitions for the constitution of the family home;
Cases against minors cognizable under the Dangerous Drugs Act, as amended;
Violations of Republic Act No. 7610, otherwise known as the "Special Protection of
Children Against Child Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act," as amended by
Republic Act No. 7658; and
Cases of domestic violence against:
Women
Acts of gender based violence that results, or are likely to result in physical, sexual or
psychological harm or suffering to women; and other forms of physical abuse such as
battering or threats and coercion which violate a woman's personhood, integrity and
freedom of movement; AND
Children
Includes the commission of all forms of abuse, neglect, cruelty, exploitation, violence, and
discrimination and all other conditions prejudicial to their development.
If an act constitutes a criminal offense, the accused shall be subject to criminal
proceedings and the corresponding penalties.
If any question involving any of the above matters should arise as an incident in any
case pending in the regular courts, said incident shall be determined in that court.
Decisions and orders of the court shall be appealed in the same manner and subject to
the same conditions as appeals from the ordinary Regional Trial Courts.

JURISDICTION OF THE MUNICIPAL TRIAL COURTS,

METROPOLITAN TRIAL COURTS AND THE
MUNICIPAL CIRCUIT TRIAL COURTS
A. EXCLUSIVE ORIGINAL
1. CIVIL CASES
Civil actions and probate proceedings, testate and intestate, including the grant of
provisional remedies where the demand, exclusive of interest, damages, attorneys fees
and costs, does not exceed P100,000/200,000.
Exclusive original jurisdiction over cases of forcible entry and unlawful detainer; issue of
ownership resolved only to determine issue of possession.
After lapse of 1 year, MTC loses jurisdiction, and case becomes one for recovery of
possession de jure (accion publicicana), although MTC may still have jurisdiction if value
of property does not exceed P20,000/50,000.
Actions involving personal property valued at not more than P100,000/200,000.
Actions involving title or possession of real property where the assessed value does not
exceed P20,000/50,000.
2. CRIMINAL CASES
*

Violations of city or municipal ordinances.

*
All offenses punishable with not more than 4 years 2 mos 1 day imprisonment,
irrespective of fine.
*

All offenses punishable by only a fine of not more than P4,000.

Offenses involving damage to property through criminal negligence.

3. ELECTION CASES
Offense of failure to register or failure to vote.
Election contests for barangay offices.

B. DELEGATED JURISDICTION in cadastral and land registration cases covering:

1. Lots where there is no controversy or opposition; OR
2. Contested lots the value of which does not exceed P100,000.
decisions of the MTC in these cases are appealable to the CA
Summary Procedure
Cases Applicable
A. CIVIL CASES
All cases of forcible entry and unlawful detainer irrespective of amount of damages
or unpaid rentals; without question of ownership; attorneys fees not exceeding P20,000
if quieting of ownership; resolved to determine question of possession.
Other civil cases EXCEPT probate proceedings, where the total amount of the claim
does not exceed P10,000, exclusive of interest and cost.
B. CRIMINAL CASES
*Violation of traffic laws, rules, regulations
*Violation of rental laws
*Violations of city or municipality ordinances
*All other criminal cases where the penalty does not exceed 6 months or a fine of P1000
or both, irrespective of other imposable penalties or of the amount of civil liability
*Damage to property through criminal negligence where the fine does not exceed
P10,000.
Prohibited pleadings and motions
*

Motion to dismiss or quash EXCEPT for lack of jurisdiction over subject

matter or
*

failure to comply with Katarungang Pambarangay (LGC) requirements

Motion for bill of particulars

Motions for new trial, reconsideration, re-opening

Petition for relief from judgment

Motion for extension of time to file pleadings, affidavits

Memoranda

Petition for certiorari, mandamus, and prohibition against any interlocutory

order issued by the court

*

Motion to declare defendant in default

Dilatory motion for postponement

Reply

Third-party complaints

Motion for intervention

JURISDICTION OF THE SANDIGANBAYAN

ORIGINAL
Violations of:
Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act;
R.A. 1379 (An Act Declaring Forfeiture in Favor of the State of Any Property Found
to Have Been Unlawfully Acquired By Any Public Officer or Employee and Providing for
the Proceedings Therefor); or
Title VII, Chapter II, 2 of the RPC (i.e.,Articles 210-212 of RPC)
Where one or more of the accused are officials occupying the following positions in
the government, whether in a permanent, acting or interim capacity, at the time of the
commission of the offense:

Officials of executive branch occupying positions classified as Grade 27 or

higher, specifically including:

*

Provincial governors, vice-governors, members of the sangguniang panlalawigan and

provincial treasurers, assessors, engineers and other provincial department heads;

City mayors, vice-mayors, members of the sangguniang panlungsod, city treasurers,

assessors, engineers and other city department heads;

Officials of the diplomatic service occupying the position of consul and higher;

Philippine army and air force colonels, naval captains, and all officers of higher rank;

Officers of the Philippine National Police while occupying the position of provincial
director and those holding the rank of senior superintendent or higher;

City and provincial prosecutors and their assistants, and officials and prosecutors in
the Office of the Ombudsman and special prosecutor;

Presidents, directors or trustees, or managers of government-owned or controlled

corporations, state universities or educational institutions or foundations;
*

Members of Congress and officials thereof classified as Grade 27 or higher

Members of the Judiciary, without prejudice to the provisions of the

Constitution (on impeachment)

*

Chairmen and members of the Constitutional Commissions, without prejudice

to the provisions of the Constitution

*

All other national and local officials classified as Grade 27 or higher; or

Other offenses or felonies, committed by public officials and employees

mentioned in #1, in relation to their office, whether simple or complexed with other
crimes
Civil and criminal cases filed pursuant to and in connection with Executive
Order Nos. 1, 2, 14 and 14-A series of 1986.

Petitions for the issuance of the writs of mandamus,prohibition, certiorari, habeas

corpus, injunctions and other ancillary writs and processes in aid of its appellate
jurisdiction: provided, that the jurisdiction over these petitions shall not be exclusive of
the Supreme Court and over petitions of similar nature, including quo warranto, arising
or that may arise in cases failed or which may be filed under Executive Order Nos. 1, 2,
14 and 14-A (concurrent with SC)
If the last element, namely, in relation to his office is absent or is not alleged in the
information, the crime committed falls within the exclusive original jurisdiction of
ordinary courts and not the SB.
The offense is committed in relation to the office if the offense is intimately connected
with the office of the offender and perpetuated while he was in the performance of his
official functions, or when the crime cannot exist without the office, or the office is a
constituent element of the crime as defined in the statute.

B. EXCLUSIVE APPELLATE
If none of the principal accused are occupying positions of grade 27 or higher, original
jurisdiction will be with either the MTC or RTC; SB will exercise exclusive appellate
jurisdiction on said cases.
The procedure prescribed in BP Blg. 129, as well as the implementing rules that the
Supreme Court has promulgated and may hereafter promulgate, relative to
appeals/petitions for review to the Court of Appeals shall apply to appeals and petitions
for review filed with the Sandiganbayan.
C. NOTES:
*

Private individuals charged as co-principals, accomplices or accessories with

the public officers or employees, including those employed in GOCCs, shall be tried
jointly with said public officers and employees in the proper courts which shall exercise
exclusive jurisdiction over them.
*

Any provisions of law or Rules of Court to the contrary notwithstanding, the

criminal action and the corresponding civil action for the recovery of civil liability arising
from the offense charged shall at all times be simultaneously instituted with, and jointly
determined in, the same proceeding by the Sandiganbayan or the appropriate court, and

no right to reserve the filing of such civil action separately from the criminal action shall
be recognized.
*

Decisions of the Sandiganbayan:

a. Appealable to the SC by petition for review on certiorari raising pure questions of law
in accordance with Rule 45 of the Rules of Court;
b. If SB imposes penalty of reclusion perpetua or higher, the decision shall be appealable
to the SC by Notice of Appeal;
c. If penalty imposed is death, review by the Supreme Court shall be automatic, whether
or not the accused filed an appeal.
JURISDICTION OF THE COURT OF TAX APPEALS
EXCLUSIVE APPELLATE JURISDICTION over:
*

Decisions of the Collector of Internal Revenue in cases involving disputed

assessments, refunds of taxes, fees or other charges, penalties imposed in relation

thereto, or other matters arising under the NIRC;
*

Decisions of the Commissioner of Customs in cases involving liability for customs

duties, fees or other money charges; seizure, detention or release of property affected;
fines, forfeitures, or other matters arising penalties imposed in relation thereto; and other
matters arising under the Customs Law; and
*

Decisions of provincial or city Boards of Assessment Appeals in cases involving the

assessment and taxation of real property or other matters arising under the Assessment
Law.
Jao v. CA (reiterated in Bureau of Customs v. Ogario, March 2000)
RTCs are devoid of any competence to pass upon the validity or regularity of seizure and
forfeiture proceedings conducted by the Bureau of Customs and to enjoin or otherwise
interfere with these proceedings. The Collector of Customs sitting in seizure and
forfeiture proceedings hasexclusive jurisdiction to hear and determine all questions
touching on the seizure and forfeiture of dutiable goods.The Regional Trial Courts are
precluded from assuming cognizance over such matters even through petitions of

certiorari,

prohibition

or mandamus. The

proper

remedy is

to

Commissioner of Customs and thereafter to the Court of Tax Appeals.

appeal

to

the