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!"# $. Organization. There is hereby created a #ourt of A!!eals which consists of a *residing Justice and +fty Associate
Justice who shall be a!!ointed by the *resident of the *hili!!ines The *residing Justice shall be so designated in his a!!oint'ent$
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 -0/ 'e'bers The #ourt 'ay sit en banc only for the !ur!ose of e,ercising
ad'inistrati"e$ cere'onial$ or other non1ad2udicatory functions (as amended by Exec. Order No. 33,.$
Sec!"# &. Succession to O'ce o% (residing Justice. ) &n case of a "acancy in the absence of inability to !erfor' the !owers$
functions$ and duties of his o3ce$ the associate Justice who is +rst 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 4uali+ed
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.cations. ) The *residing Justice and the Associate Justice shall ha"e the sa'e 4uali+cations as those !ro"ided in
#onstitution for Justice of the 5u!re'e #ourt
Sec!"# ). /rouping o% 0i,isions. ) (Expressly repealed by Section 1, Exec. Order No. 33, July 2, !"#.$
Sec!"# 9. Jurisdiction. ) The #ourt of A!!eals shall 6,ercise7
1 8riginal 2urisdiction to issue writs of mandamus, !rohibition$ certiorari, +abeas corpus, and 2uo &arranto,and au,iliary
writs or !rocesses$ whether or not in aid of its a!!ellate 2urisdiction9
: 6,clusi"e original 2urisdiction o"er actions for annul'ent of 2udge'ents of Regional Trial #ourts9 and
0 6,clusi"e a!!ellate 2urisdiction o"er all +nal 2udge'ents$ resolutions$ orders or awards of Regional Trial #ourts and
4uasi12udicial agencies$ instru'entalities$ boards or co''ission$ including the 5ecurities and 6,change #o''ission$ the
5ocial 5ecurity #o''ission$ the 6'!loyees #o'!ensation #o''ission and the #i"il 5er"ice #o''ission$ 6,ce!t those
falling within the a!!ellate 2urisdiction of the 5u!re'e #ourt in accordance with the #onstitution$ the ;abor #ode of the
*hili!!ines under *residential (ecree <o ==:$ 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 5ection 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 2urisdiction$ including the !ower to
grant and conduct new trials or A!!eals 'ust be continuous and 'ust be co'!leted within three -0/ 'onths$ unless e,tended by
the #hief Justice (as amended by 3.4. No. 5"62.$
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 5u!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
5u!re'e #ourt 'ay deter'ine$ for the !ur!ose of hearing and deciding cases
Sec!"# 11. -uorum ) A 'a2ority of the actual 'e'bers of the #ourt shall constitute a 4uoru' for its session en banc. Three
'e'bers shall constitute a 4uoru' 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 +nal 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 re4uest the Ra?e #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 +"e 'e'bers and the concurrence of a 'a2ority of such di"ision shall be necessary for the
!ronounce'ent of a decision or +nal resolution The designation of such additional Justice shall be 'ade strictly by ra?e
A 'onth for reconsideration of its decision or +nal 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. 7nternal 3ules. ) 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 5u!re'e #ourt$ which rules and
orders shall be e@ecti"e +fteen -1A/ days after recei!t thereof$ unless directed otherwise by the 5u!re'e #ourt
CHAPTER II
REGIONAL TRIAL COURTS
Sec!"# 1$. 8reation o% 3egional Trial 8ourts. ) There are hereby created thirteen -10/ Regional Trial #ourts$ one for each of the
following 2udicial regions7
The %irst Judicial Region$ consisting of the !ro"inces of Abra$ Benguet$ &locos <orte$ &locos 5ur$ ;a Cnion$ )ountain *ro"ince$ and
*angasinan$ and cities of Baguio$ (agu!an$ ;aog and 5an #arlos9
The 5econd Judicial Region$ consisting of the !ro"inces of Batanes$ #agayan$ &fugao$ Dalinga1A!ayao$ <ue"a Eiscaya$ and Fuirino9
The Third Judicial Region$ consisting of the !ro"inces of Bataan$ Bulacan -e,ce!t the 'unici!ality of "alenzuela/$ <ue"a 6ci2a$
*a'!anga$ Tarlac$ and Ga'bales$ and the cities of Angeles$ #abanatuan$ 8longa!o$ *alayan and 5an Jose9
The <ational #a!ital Judicial Region$ consisting of the cities of )anila$ Fuezon$ *asay$ #aloocan and )andaluyong$ and the
'unici!alities of <a"otas$ )alabon$ 5an Juan$ )akati$ *asig$ *ateros$ Taguig$ )arikina$ *araHa4ue$ ;as *iHas$ )untinlu!a$ and
Ealenzuela9
The %ourth Judicial Region$ consisting of the !ro"inces of Batangas$ #a"ite$ ;aguna$ )arindu4ue$ )indoro 8ccidental$ )indoro
8riental$ *alawan$ Fuezon$ Rizal -e,ce!t the cities and 'unici!alities e'braced within the <ational #a!ital Judicial Region0$
Ro'blon$ and Aurora$ and the cities of Batangas$ #a"ite$ ;i!a$ ;ucena$ *uerto *rincessa$ 5an *ablo$ Tagaytay$ and Trece )artires9
The %ifth Judicial Region$ consisting of the !ro"inces of Albay$ #a'arines 5ur$ #a'arines <orte$ #atanduanes$ )asbate$ and
5orsogon$ and the cities of ;egas!i$ <aga and &riga9
The 5i,th Judicial Region$ consisting of the !ro"inces of Aklan$ Anti4ue$ #a!iz$ &loilo$ ;a #alota$ Ro,as$ 5an #arlos$ and 5ilay$ and
the sub!ro"ince of Iui'aras9
The 5e"enth Judicial Region$ consisting of the !ro"inces of Bohol$ #ebu$ <egros 8riental$ and 5i4ui2or$ and the cities of Bais$
#anlaon$ #ebu$ (anao$ (u'aguete$ ;a!u1la!u$ )andaue$ Tagbilaran$ and Toledo$
The 6ighth Judicial Region$ consisting of the !ro"inces or 6astern 5a'ar$ ;eyte$ <orthern$ 5a'ar$ 5outhern ;eyte$ 8r'oc$ and
Tacloban7
The <inth Judicial Region$ consisting of the !ro"inces of Basilan$ 5ulu$ Tawi1Tawi$ Ga'boanga del 5ur$ and the cities of (a!itan$
(i!olog$ *agadian$ and Ga'boanga9
The Tenth Judicial Region$ consisting of the !ro"inces of Agusan del <orte$ Agusan del 5ur$ Bukidnon$ #a'iguin$ )isa'is
8ccidental$ )isa'is 8riental$ and 5urigao del <orte$ and the cities of Butuan$ #agayan de 8ro$ Iingoog$ 8za'is$ 8ro4uieta$
5urigao$ and Tangub9
The 6le"enth Judicial Region$ consistingnof the !ro"inces of (a"ao del <orte$ (a"ao 8riental$ (a"ao del 5ur$ 5outh #otabato$ and
5urigao del 5ur$ and the cities of (a"ao$ and Ieneral 5antos9 and
The Twelfth Judicial Region$ consisting of the !ro"inces of ;anao del <orte$ ;anao del 5ur$ )aguindanao$ <orth #otabato$ and
5ultan Dudarat$ and the cities of #otabato$ &ligan$ and )arawi
&n case of transfer or redistribution of the !ro"inces$ sub!ro"inces$ cities or 'unici!alities co'!rising the regions established by
law of !ur!oses of the ad'inistrati"e +eld organization of the "arious de!art'ents and agencies of the go"ern'ent$ the
co'!osition of the 2udicial regions herein constituted shall be dee'ed 'odi+ed accordingly
Sec!"# 1%. 3egional Trial 8ourts
-a/ %ifty1se"en Regional Trial Judges shall be co''issioned for the %irst Judicial Region There shall be
Two branches -Branches &&& ans &&/ for the !ro"ince of Abra$ with seats at Bangued9
6ight branches -Branches &&& to J/ for the !ro"ince of Benguet and the city of Baguio$ Branches &&& to E&& with
seats at Baguio #ity$ and Branches E&&& to J at ;a Trinidad9
<ine branches -Branches J& to J&J/ for the !ro"ince of &locos <orte and the city of ;aoag$ Branches J& to JE&
with seats at ;aoag #ity$ Branches JE&& and JE&&& at Batac$ and Branch J&J at Bangui9
5i, branches -Braches JJ to JJE/ for the !ro"ince of &locos 5ur$ Branches JJ and JJ& with seats at Eigan$
Branch JJ&& at <ar"acan$ Branch JJ&&& at #andon$ Branch JJ&E at #abugao$ and Branch JJE at Tagudin9
<ine branches -Branches JJE& to JJJ&E/ for the !ro"ince of ;a Cnion$ Branches JJE& to JJJ with seats at 5an
%ernando$ Branches JJJ& and JJJ&& at Agoo$ Branch JJJ&&& at Bauang$ and Branch JJJ&E at Balaoan9
Two branches -Branches JJJE and JJJE&/ for the !ro"ince of )ountain !ro"ince$ with seats at Bontoc9 and
Twenty1one branches -Branches JJJE&& to ;E&&/ for the !ro"ince of *angasinan and the citie sof dagu!an and san
#arlos$ Branches JJJE&& to JJJ&J with seats at ;ingayen$ Branches J; to J;&E at dagu!an$ Branches J;E to
J;&J at Crdaneta$ Branch ; at Eillasis$ Branches ;& and ;&& at Tayug$ Branch ;&&& at Rosalaes$ Branches ;&E and ;E
at Ala'inos$ and Branch ;E& and ;E&& at san #arlos
-b/ Thirty1two Regional Trial Judges shall be co''issioned for the 5econd Judicial region There shall be7
Twel"e branches -Branches & to J&&/ for the !ro"ince of #agayan$ Branches & to E with seats at Tuguegarao$
Branches E& to J at A!arri$ Branch J& at Tuao$ and Branch J&& at 5anchez )ira9
8ne branch -Branch J&&&/ for the !ro"ince of Batanes$ with seat at Basco9
Two branches -Branches J&E and JE/ for the !ro"ince of &fugao$ Branch J&E with seat at ;agawe$ and Branch JE
at *otia9
<ine branches -Branches JE& to JJ&E/ for the !ro"ince of &sabela$ Branches JE& to JE&&& with seats at &lagan$
Branches J&J and JJ at cauayan$ Branch JJ& at 5antiago$ Branch JJ&& at #abagan$ Branch JJ&&& at Ro,as$ and
Branch JJ&E at 6chague9
Two branches -Branches JJE and JJE&/ for the !ro"ince of kalinga1A!ayao$ Branch JJE with seat at Tabuk$ and
Branch JJE& at ;una9
%our branches -Branches JJE&& to JJJ/ for the !ro"ince of <ue"a Eizcaya$ Branches JJE&& to JJ&J with seats at
Bayo'bong$ and Branch JJJ at Ba'bang9
Two branches -Branches JJJ& and JJJ&&/ for the !ro"ince of Fuirino$ with seats at #abarroguis
-c/ 5e"enty1+"e Regional Trial 2udges shall be co''issioned for the Third Judicial Region There shall be7
%i"e branches -Branches & to E/ for the !ro"ince of Bataan$ Branches & to &&& with seats at Balanga$ Branch &E at
)ari"eles$ and Branch E at (inalu!ihan9
5e"enteen branches -Branches E& to JJ&&/ for the !ro"ince of Bulacan -e,ce!t the 'unici!ality of Ealuenzuela/$
with seats at )alolos9
6ighteen branches -Branches JJ&&& to J;/ for the !ro"ince of <ue"a 6ci2a and the cities of #abanatuan$ 5an Jose
and *alayan$ Branches JJ&&& to JJJ with seats at #abanatuan #ity$ Branches JJJ& to JJJ&&& at Iui'ba$
Branches JJJ&E to JJJE& at Ia!an$ Branch JJJE&& at 5to (o'ingo$ Branches JJJE&&& and JJJ&J at 5an Jose$
and Branch J; at *alayan
Twenty1two branches -Branches J;& to ;J&&/ for the !ro"ince of *a'!anga and the city of Angeles$ Branches J;&
to J;E&&& with seats at 5an %ernando$ Branches J;&J to ;&&& at Iuagua$ Branches ;&E and ;E at )acabebe$ and
Branches ;E& to ;J&& at Angeles #ity9
5i, branches -Branches ;J&&& to ;JE&&&/ for the !ro"ince of Tarlac$ Branches ;JE& at #a!as$ Branch ;JE&& at
*ani4ui$ and Branch ;JE&&& at #a'iling9 and
5e"en branches -Branches ;J&J to ;JJE/ for the !ro"ince of Ga'bales and the city of 8longa!o$ Branches ;J&J
to ;JJ& with seats at &ba and Branches ;JJ&& to ;JJE at 8longa!o #ity
-d/ 8ne hundred se"enty1two -1.:/ Regional Trial Judges shall be co''issioned for the <ational #a!ital Judicial Region
There shall be7
%ifty1+"e branches -Branches 1 to AA/ for the #ity of )anila$ wit seats thereat9
Thirty1two branches -Branches .K to 10./ for Fuezon #ity$ with seats thereat9
Twel"e branches -Branches 108 to 119/ for *asay #ity$ with seats thereat9
Twel"e branches -Branches 1:0 to 101/ for #aloocan #ity$ with seats thereat9
%ifty1eight branches -Branches AK to .= and 10: to 1.0/ for the )unici!alities of <a"otas$ )alabon$ 5an Juan$
)adaluyong$ )akati$ *asig$ *ateros$ Taguig$ )arikina$ *araHa4ue$ ;as *iHas$ and )untinlu!a9 Branches K. to .1
and 1A1 to 1K8 at *asig9 and Branches .: to .=$ 1K9 and 1.0 at )alabon9 and
Three branches -Branches .A$ 1.1 and 1.:/ for the 'unici!ality of Ealenzuela$ with seats thereat -As a'ended
by 68 <o 00$ July 00$ 198K/
-e/ 6ihty1two Regional Trial Judges shall be co''issioned for the %ourth Judicial Region There shall be7
%ourteen branches -Branches & to J&E/ for the !ro"ince of Batangas and the cities of ;i!a and Batangas$
Branches & to E& with seats at Batangas #ity$ Branch E at ;e'ery$ Branches E& to E&&& at Tanuan$ Branches &J to
J& at Balayan$ Branches J&& and J&&& at ;i!a$ and Branch J&E at <asugbu9
<ine branches -Branches JE to JJ&&&/ for the !ro"ince of #a"ite and the cities of #a"ite$ Tagaytay and Trece
)atires$ Branch JE with seat at <aic$ Branches JE&& at #a"ite #ity$ Branch JE&&& at Tagayatay #ity$ Branch J&J at
Bacoor$ Branches JJ to JJ&& at &'us$ and Branch JJ&&& at Trece )artires9
%ourteen branches -Branches JJ&E to JJJE&&/ for the !ro"ince of ;aguna and the city of 5an *ablo$ Branches
JJE&&& at 5ta #ruz$ Branches JJ&J to JJJ&& at 5an *able #ity$ Branch JJJ&&& at 5iniloan$ and Branches JJJ&E to
JJJE& at #ala'ba9
8ne branch -Branch JJJE&&&/ for the !ro"ince of )arindu4ue$ with seat at Boac9
%i"e branches -Branches JJJ&J to J;&&&/ for the !ro"ince of )indoro 8riental$ Branches JJJ&J to J; with seats at
#ala!an$ Branches J;& and J;&& at *ina'alayan$ and Branch J;&& at Ro,as9
Three branches -Branches J;E&& to J;E&/ for the !ro"ince of )indoro 8ccidental$ Branch J;&E with seat at
)a'burao$ and Branches J;E and J;E& at 5an Jose9
5i, branches -Branches J;E&& to ;&&/ for the !ro"ince of *alawan and the city of *uerto *rincesa$ with seats at
*uerto *rincesa #ity9
Thirteen branches -Branches ;&&& to ;JE/ for the !ro"ince of Fuezon and the city of ;ucena$ Branches ;&&& to ;J
with seats at ;ucena #ity$ Branches ;J& and ;J&& at Iu'aca$ Branch ;J&&& at #alauag$ Branch ;J&E at )auban$
and Branch ;JE at &nfanta9
8ne branch2-Branch ;JE&/ for the !ro"ince of Aurora$ with seat at Baler9
%ourteen branches -Branches ;JE&& to ;JJJ/ for the !ro"ince of Rizal e,ce!t the cities and 'unici!alities
e'braced within the <ational #a!ital Judicial Region$ Branches ;JE&& to ;JJ with seats at Binangonan$ Branches
;JJ& to ;JJ&E at Anti!olo$ Branches ;JJE to ;JJE&& at 5an )ateo$ and Branches ;JJE&&& to ;JJJ at )orong9 and
Two branches -Branches ;JJJ& and ;JJJ&&/ for the !ro"ince of Ro'blon$ Branch ;JJJ& with seat at Ro'blon$
and Branch ;JJJ&& at 8diongan
-f/ %ifty1+"e Regional Trial Judges shall be co''issioned for the %ifth Judicial Region There shall be7
6ighteen branches -Branches & to JE&&&/ for the !ro"ince of Albay and the city of ;egas!i$ Branches & to J with
seats at ;egas!i #ity$ Branches J& to J&E at ;igao$ and Branches JE to JE&&& at Tabaco9
<ineteen branches -Branches J&J to JJJE&&/ for the !ro"ince of #a'arines 5ur and the cities of <aga and &riga$
Branches J&J to JJE&&& with seats at <aga #ity$ Branch JJ&J at ;ib'anan$ Branch JJJ at Tigaon$ Braches JJJ&
to JJJ&&& at *ili$ and Branches JJJ&E to JJJE&& at &riga #ity9
%our branches -Branches JJJE&&& to J;&&/ for the !ro"ince of #a'arines <orte$ with seat at (aet9
Two branches -Branches J;&& and J;&&/ for the !ro"ince of #atanduanes$ with seats at Eirac9
5e"en branches -Branches J;&E to ;/ for the !ro"ince of )asbate$ Branches J;&E to J;E&&& with seats at
)asbate$ Branch J;&J at #ataingan$ and Branch ; at 5an Jacinto9 and
%i"e branches -Branches ;& to ;E/ for the !ro"ince of 5orsogon$ Branches ;& to ;&&& with seats at 5orsogon$
Branch ;E& at Iubat$ and Branch ;E at &rosin
-g/ 5i,ty1three Regional Trial Judges shall be co''issioned for the 5i,th Judicial Region There shall be7
<ine branches -Branches & to &J/ for the !ro"ince of Aklan$ with seats at Dalibo9
%our branches -Branches J to J&&&/ for the !ro"ince of Anti4ue$ Branches J to J&& with seats at 5an Jose$ and
Branch J&&& and #ulasi9
6ighr branches -Branches J&E to JJ&/ for the !ro"ince of #a!iz and the city of Ro,as$ Branches J&E to J&J with
seats at Ro,as #ity and Branches JJ and JJ& at )a'busao9
6ighteen branches -Branches JJ&& to JJJ&J/ for the !ro"ince of &loilo$ the sub!ro"ince of Iui'aras$ and the city
of &loilo$ with seats at &loilo #ity9 and
Twenty1four branches -Branches J; to ;J&&&/ for the !ro"ince of <egros 8ccidental$ and the cities of
Bacolod$Bago$ #adiz$ ;a #arlota$ 5an #arlos and 5ilay$ Branch J; with seat at 5ilay #ity$ Branches J;& to ;&E at
Bacolod #ity$ Branches ;E and ;E& at Li'a'aylan$ Branches ;E&& to ;&J at Dabankalan$ Branch ;J&& at Bago #ity$
and Branch ;J&& at ;a #arlota #ity
-h/ %orty1si, Regional Trial Judges shall be co''issioned for the 5e"enth Judicial Region There shall be7
%our branches -Branches & to &E/ for the !ro"ince of Bohol and the city of Tagbilaran$ with seats at Tagbilaran
#ity9
Twenty1+"e branches -Branches E to JJ&J/ for the !ro"ince of #ebu and the cities of #ebu$ (anao$ ;a!u1;a!u$
)andaue and Toledo$ Branches E to JJ&E with seats at #ebu #ity$ Branch JJE at (anao #ity$ Branch JJE& at
Argao$ Branch JJE&& at ;a!u1;a!u #ity$ Branch JJE&&& at )andaue #ity$ and Branch JJ&J at Toledo #ity9
5i,teen branches -Branches JJJ to J;E/ for the !ro"ince of <egros 8riental and the cities of (u'aguete$ Bais
and #anlaon$ Branches JJJ to J;&E with seats at (u'aguete #ity$ and Branch J;E at Bais #ity9 and
8ne branch -Branch J;E&/ for the !ro"ince of 5i4ui2or$ with seat at ;arena
-i/ Thirty1three Regional Trial Judges shall be co''issioned for the 6ighth Judicial Region There shall be7
%i"e branches -Branches & to E/ for the !ro"ince of 6astern 5a'ar$ Branches & and && with seats at Borongan$
Branch &&& at Iuiuan$ Branch &E at (olores$ and Branch E at 8ras9
Thirteen branches -Branches E& to JE&&&/ for the !ro"ince of ;eyte$ the sub1!ro"ince of Biliran$ and the cities of
8r'oc and Tacloban$ Branches E& and &J with seats at Tacloban #ity$ Branch J at Abuyog$ Branch J& at #alubian$
Branch J&& at 8r'oc #ity$ Branch J&&& at #arigara$ Branch J&E at Baybay$ Branch JE at Burauen$ Branch JE& at
<a"al$ Branch JE&& at *alo'!on$ and Branch JE&&& at Lilongos9
%i"e branches -Branches J&J to JJ&&&/ for the !ro"ince of <orthern 5a'ar$ Branches J&J and JJ with seats at
#atar'an$ Branches JJ& and JJ&& at ;aoang$ and Branch JJ&&& at Allen9
Three branches -Branches JJ&E to JJE&/ for the !ro"ince of 5outhern ;eyte$ Branches JJ&E and JJE with seats
at )aasin$ and Branch JJE& at 5an Juan9 and
5e"en branches -Branches JJE&& to JJJ&&&/ for the !ro"ince of 5a'ar and the city of #albayog$ Branches JJE&&
to JJ&J with seats at #atbalogan$ Branch JJJ at Basey$ Branches JJJ& and JJJ&& at #albayog #ity$ and Branch
JJJ&&& at #albiga
-2/ Twenty1four Regional Trial Judges shall be co''issioned for the <inth Judicial Region There shall be7
Two branches -Branches & and &&/ for the !ro"ince of Basilan$ with seats at &sabela9
Two branches -Branches &&& and &E/ for the !ro"ince of 5ulu$ Branch &&& with seat at Jolo$ and Branch &E at *arang9
8ne branch -Branch E/ for the !ro"ince of Tawi1Tawi$ with seat at Bongao9
5i, branches -Branches E& to J&/ for the !ro"ince of Ga'boanga del <orte$ and the cities of (i!olog and
(a!itan$ Branches E& to J seats at (i!olog #ity$ and Branch J& at 5indangan9 and
Thirteen branches -Branches J&& to JJ&E/ for the !ro"ince of Ga'boanga del 5ur and the cities of *agadian and
Ga'boanga Branches J&& to JE&& with seats at Ga'boanga #ity$ Branches$ JE&&& to JJ&& at *agadian #ity$ Branch
JJ&&& at )ola"e$ and Branch JJ&E at &!il
-k/ Thirty1two Regional Trial Judges shall be co''issioned for the Tenth Judicial Region There shall be7
%i"e branches -Branches & to E/ for the !ro"ince of Agusan del <orte and the city of Butuan$ with seats at
Butuan #ity9
Two branches -Branches E& and E&&/ for the !ro"ince of Agusan del 5ur$ Branches E& with seat at *ros!eridad and
Branch E&& with seat at Bayugan9
%our branches -Branches E&&& to J&/ for the !ro"ince of Bukidnon$ Branches E&&& to J with seats at )alaybalay and
Branch J& at )analo %ortich9
%i"e branches -Branches J&& to J&/ for the !ro"ince of )isa'is 8ccidental and the cities of 8ro4uieta$ 8za'is$
and Tangub$ Branches J&& to J&E with seats at 8ro4uieta #ity$ Branch JE at 8za'is #ity$ and Branch JE& at
Tangub #ity9
6le"en branches -Branches JE&& to JJE&&/ for the !ro"ince of )isa'is 8riental and the cities of #agayan de 8ro
and Iingoog$ Branches JE&& to JJE with seats at #agayan de 8ro #ity$ Branch JJE& at )edina$ and Branch
JJE&& at Iingoog #ity9
8ne branch -Branch JJE&&&/ for the !ro"ince of #a'iguin$ with seat at )a'ba2ao9 and
%our branches -Branches JJ&J to JJJ&&/ for the !ro"ince of 5urigao del <orte and the #ity of 5urigao$ Branches
JJ&J and JJJ with seats at 5urigao #ity$ Branch JJJ& at (a!a$ and Branch JJJ&& at (inagat$ (inagat &sland
-l/ Twenty1nine Regional Trial Judges shall be co''issioned for the 6le"enth Judicial Region There shall be
%our branches -Branches & to &E/ for the !ro"ince of (a"ao del <orte$ Branches & and && with seats at Tagu'$
Branch &&& at <abunturan$ and Branch &E at *anabo9
Three branches -Branches E to E&&/ for the !ro"ince of (a"ao 8riental$ Branches E and E& with seats at )ati and
Branch E&& at Banganga9
%ourteen branches -Branches E&&& to JJ&/ for the !ro"ince of (a"ao del 5ur and the city of (a"ao$ Branches E&&&
to JE&& with seats at (a"ao #ity$ Branches JE&&& and J&J at (igos$ Branch JJ at )alinta$ and Branch JJ& a
Bansalan9
%i"e Branches -Branches JJ&& to JJE&/ for the !ro"ince of 5outh #otabato and the city of Ieneral 5antos$
Branches JJ&& and JJ&&& with seats at Ieneral 5antos #ity$ Branches JJ&E and JJE at Doronadal$ and Branch
JJE& at 5urallah9 and
Three branches -Branches JJE&& to JJ&J/ for the !ro"ince of 5urigao del 5ur$ Branch JJE&& with seat at Tandag$
Branch JJE&&& at ;ianga$ and Branch JJ&J at Bislig
-'/ Twenty Regional Trial Judges shall be co''issioned for the Twelfth Judicial Region There shall be7
5e"en branches -Branches & to E&&/ for the !ro"ince of ;anao del <orte and the city of &ligan$ Branches & to E&
with seats at &ligan #ity$ and Branch E&& at Tubod9
%i"e branches -Branches E&&& to J&&/ for the !ro"ince of ;anao del 5ur and the city of )arawi$ Branches E&&& to J
with seats at )arawi #ity$ and Branches J& and J&& at )alabang9
Three branches -Branches J&&& to JE/ for the !ro"ince of )aguindanao and the city of #otabato$ Branches J&&&
and J&E with seats at #otabato #ity$ and Branch JE at )aganoy9
Three branches -Branches JE& to JE&&&/ for the !ro"ince of <orth #otabato$ Branch JE& with seat at Dabacan$
Branch JE&& at Dida!awan$ and Branch JE&&& at )issaya!9 and
Two branches -Branches J&J and JJ/ for the !ro"ince of 5ultan Dudarat$ Branch J&J$ with seat at &sulan$ and
Branch JJ at Tacurong
Sec!"# 1&. -uali.cations. <o !ersons shall be a!!ointed Regional Trial Judge unless he is a natural1born citizen of the
*hili!!ines$ at least thirty1+"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 o3ce in the *hili!!ines re4uiring ad'ission to the !ractice of law as an indis!ensable re4uisite
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 5u!re'e #ourt7 (ro,ided, +o&e,er$ That all 'otions$ e,ce!t those re4uiring 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 day7 (ro,ided, %urt+er$ That the 5u!re'e #ourt 'ay$ for good reasons$ +, a di@erent 'otion day in s!eci+ed
areas
Sec!"# 1(. 4ppointment and assignment o% 3egional Trial Judges. 6"ery Regional Trial Judge shall be a!!ointed to a region
which shall be his !er'anent station$ and his a!!oint'ent shall state the branch of the court and the seat thereof to which he
shall be originally assigned Lowe"er$ the 5u!re'e #ourt 'ay assign te'!orarily a Regional Trial Judge to another region as
!ublic interest 'ay re4uire$ !ro"ided that such te'!orary assign'ent shall not last longer than si, -K/ 'onths without the
consent of the Regional Trial Judge concerned
A Regional Trial Judge 'ay be assigned by the 5u!re'e #ourt to any branch or city or 'unici!ality within the sa'e region as
!ublic interest 'ay re4uire$ and such assign'ent shall not be dee'ed an assign'ent to another station within the 'eaning of
this section
Sec!"# 1). 4ut+ority to de.ne territory appurtenant to eac+ branc+. The 5u!re'e #ourt shall de+ne the territory o"er which a
branch of the Regional Trial #ourt shall e,ercise its authority The territory thus de+ned 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 2urisdiction The !ower herein granted shall be e,ercised with a "iew to 'aking the courts readily
accessible to the !eo!le of the di@erent !arts of the region and 'aking the attendance of litigants and witnesses as ine,!ensi"e
as !ossible
Sec!"# 19. Jurisdiction in ci,il cases. Regional Trial #ourts shall e,ercise e,clusi"e original 2urisdiction7
-1/ &n all ci"il actions in which the sub2ect of the litigation is inca!able of !ecuniary esti'ation9
-:/ &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 -*:0$00000/ or for ci"il actions in )etro )anila$
where such the "alue e,ceeds %ifty thousand !esos -A0$00000/ e,ce!t actions for forcible entry into and unlawful
detainer of lands or buildings$ original 2urisdiction o"er which is conferred u!on )etro!olitan Trial #ourts$ )unici!al Trial
#ourts$ and )unici!al #ircuit Trial #ourts9
-0/ &n all actions in ad'iralty and 'ariti'e 2urisdiction where he de'and or clai' e,ceeds 8ne hundred thousand !esos
-*100$00000/ or $ in )etro )anila$ where such de'and or clai' e,ceeds Two hundred thousand !esos -:00$00000/9
-=/ &n all 'atters of !robate$ both testate and intestate$ where the gross "alue of the estate e,ceeds 8ne hundred
thousand !esos -*100$00000/ or$ in !robate 'atters in )etro )anila$ where such gross "alue e,ceeds Two hundred
thousand !esos -:00$00000/9
-A/ &n all actions in"ol"ing the contract of 'arriage and 'arital relations9
-K/ &n all cases not within the e,clusi"e 2urisdiction of any court$ tribunal$ !erson or body e,ercising 2urisdiction or any
court$ tribunal$ !erson or body e,ercising 2udicial or 4uasi12udicial functions9
-./ &n all ci"il actions and s!ecial !roceedings falling within the e,clusi"e original 2urisdiction of a Ju"enile and (o'estic
Relations #ourt and of the #ourts of Agrarian Relations as now !ro"ided by law9 and
-8/ &n all other cases in which the de'and$ e,clusi"e of interest$ da'ages of whate"er kind$ attorneyMs fees$ litigation
e,!enses$ and costs or the "alue of the !ro!erty in contro"ersy e,ceeds 8ne hundred thousand !esos -100$00000/ or$
in such other abo"e'entioned ite's e,ceeds Two hundred thousand !esos -:00$00000/ -as a'ended by RA <o
.K91N/
Sec!"# 2*. Jurisdiction in criminal cases. Regional Trial #ourts shall e,ercise e,clusi"e original 2urisdiction in all cri'inal cases
not within the e,clusi"e 2urisdiction of any court$ tribunal or body$ e,ce!t those now falling under the e,clusi"e and concurrent
2urisdiction of the 5andiganbayan which shall hereafter be e,clusi"ely taken cognizance of by the latter
Sec!"# 21. Original 9urisdiction in ot+er cases. Regional Trial #ourts shall e,ercise original 2urisdiction7
-1/ &n the issuance of writs of certiorari$ !rohibition$ 'anda'us$ 4uo warranto$ habeas cor!us and in2unction which 'ay
be enforced in any !art of their res!ecti"e regions9 and
-:/ &n actions a@ecting a'bassadors and other !ublic 'inisters and consuls
Sec!"# 22. 4ppellate 9urisdiction. Regional Trial #ourts shall e,ercise a!!ellate 2urisdiction 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 2urisdictions 5uch
cases shall be decided on the basis of the entire record of the !roceedings had in the court of origin and such 'e'oranda andOor
briefs as 'ay be sub'itted by the !arties or re4uired 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 'odi+cation of the decision or 2udg'ent sought to be re"iewed
Sec!"# 2$. Special 9urisdiction to try special cases. The 5u!re'e #ourt 'ay designate certain branches of the Regional Trial
#ourts to handle e,clusi"ely cri'inal cases$ 2u"enile and do'estic relations cases$ agrarian cases$ urban land refor' cases which
do not fall under the 2urisdiction of 4uasi12udicial bodies and agencies$ andOor such other s!ecial cases as the 5u!re'e #ourt 'ay
deter'ine in the interest of a s!eedy and e3cient ad'inistration of 2ustice
Sec!"# 2%. Special 3ules o% (rocedure. >hene"er a Regional Trial #ourt takes cognizance of 2u"enile and do'estic relation
cases andOor agrarian cases$ the s!ecial rules of !rocedure a!!licable under !resent laws to such cases shall continue to be
a!!lied$ unless subse4uently a'ended by law or by rules of court !ro'ulgated by the 5u!re'e #ourt
CHAPTER III
METROPOLITAN TRIAL COURTS, MUNICIPAL TRIAL COURTS, AND MUNICIPAL CIRCUIT TRIAL COURTS
Sec!"# 2&. Establis+ment o% :etropolitan Trial 8ourts, :unicipal Trial 8ourts and :unicipal 8ircuit Trial 8ourts. 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 andOor 'unici!alities as are grou!ed
together !ursuant to law
Sec!"# 2'. -uali.cations. <o !erson shall be a!!ointed 2udge of a )etro!olitan Trial #ourt$ )unici!al Trial #ourt$ or )unici!al
#ircuit Trial #ourt unless he is a natural1born citizen of the *hili!!ines$ at least 00 years of age$ and$ for at least +"e years$ has
been engaged in the !ractice of law in the *hili!!ines$ or has held a !ublic o3ce in the *hili!!ines re4uiring ad'ission to the
!ractice of law as an indis!ensable re4uisite
Sec!"# 2(. :etropolitan Trial 8ourts o% t+e National 8apital 3egion. 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 eighty1two -8:/ branches
There shall be7
Thirty branches -Branches & to JJJ/ for the city of )anila with seats thereat9
Thirteen branches -Branches JJJ& to J;&&&/ for Fuezon #ity with seats thereat9
%i"e branches -Branches J;&E to J;E&&&/ for *asay #ity with seats thereat9
%i"e branches -Branches J;&J to ;&&&/ for #aloocan #ity with seats thereat9
8ne branch -Branch ;&E/ for <a"otas with seat thereat9
Two branches -Branches ;E and ;E&/ for )alabon with seats thereat9
Two branches -Branches ;E&& and ;E&&&/ for 5an Juan with seats thereat9
Two branches -Branches ;&J and ;J/ for )andaluyong with seats thereat9
5e"en branches -Branches ;J& and ;JE&&/ for )akati with seats thereat9
%i"e branches -Branches ;JE&&& to ;JJ&&/ for *asig with seats thereat9
8ne branch -Branch ;JJ&&&/ for *ateros with seat thereat9
8ne branch -Branch ;JJ&E/ for Taguig with seat thereat9
Two branches -Branches ;JJE and ;JJE&/ for )arikina with seats thereat9
Two branches -Branches ;JJE&& and ;JJE&&&/ for *araHa4ue with seats thereat9
8ne branch -Branch ;JJ&J/ for ;as *iHas with seat thereat9
8ne branch -Branch ;JJJ/ for )untinlu!a with seat thereat9
Two branches -Branches ;JJJ& and ;JJJ&&/ for Ealenzuela with seats thereat9
Sec!"# 2). Ot+er :etropolitan Trial 8ourts. The 5u!re'e #ourt shall constitute )etro!olitan Trial #ourts in such other
'etro!olitan areas as 'ay be established by law whose territorial 2urisdiction shall be co1e,tensi"e with the cities and
'unici!alities co'!rising the 'etro!olitan area
6"ery )etro!olitan Trial Judge shall be a!!ointed to a 'etro!olitan area which shall be his !er'anent station and his
a!!oint'ent shall state branch of the court and the seat thereof to which he shall be originally assigned A )etro!olitan Trial
Judge 'ay be assigned by the 5u!re'e #ourt to any branch within said 'etro!olitan area as the interest of 2ustice 'ay re4uire$
and such assign'ent shall not be dee'ed an assign'ent to another station within the 'eaning of this section
Sec!"# 29. :unicipal Trial 8ourts 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"ided7
Two branches for ;aoag #ity9
%our branches for Baguio #ity9
Three branches for (agu!an #ity9
%i"e branches for 8longa!o #ity9
Three branches for #abanatuan #ity9
Two branches for 5an Jose #ity9
Three branches for Angeles #ity9
Two branches for #a"ite #ity9
Two branches for Batangas #ity9
Two branches for ;ucena #ity9
Three branches for <aga #ity9
Two branches for &riga #ity9
Three branches for ;egas!i #ity9
Two branches for Ro,as #ity9
%our branches for &loilo #ity9
5e"en branches for Bacolod #ity9
Two branches for (u'aguete #ity9
Two branches for Tacloban #ity9
6ight branches for #ebu #ity9
Three branches for )andaue #ity9
Two branches for Tagbilaran #ity9
Two branches for 5urigao #ity9
Two branches for Butuan #ity9
%i"e branches for #agayan de 8ro #ity9
5e"en branches for (a"ao #ity9
Three branches for Ieneral 5antos #ity9
Two branches for 8ro4uieta #ity9
Three branches for 8za'is #ity9
Two branches for (i!olog #ity9
%our branches for Ga'boanga #ity9
Two branches for *agadian #ity9 and
Two branches for &ligan #ity
Sec!"# $*. :unicipal Trial 8ourts. &n each of the 'unici!alities that are not co'!rised within a 'etro!olitan area and a
'unici!al circuit there shall be a )unici!al Trial #ourt which shall ha"e one branch$ e,ce!t as hereunder !ro"ided7
Two branches for 5an %ernando$ ;a Cnion9
%our branches for Tuguegarao9
Three branches for ;allo$ and two branches for A!arri$ both of #agayan9
Two branches for 5antiago$ &sabela9
Two branches each for )alolos$ )eycauayan and Bulacan$ all of Bulacan *ro"ince9
%our branches for 5an %ernando and two branches for Iuagua$ both of *a'!anga9
Two branches for Tarlac$ Tarlac9
Two branches for 5an *edro$ ;aguna9 and
Two branches each for Anti!olo and Binangonan$ both in Rizal
Sec!"# $1. :unicipal 8ircuit Trial 8ourt. There shall be a )unici!al #ircuit Trial #ourt in each area de+ned as a 'unici!al
circuit$ co'!rising one or 'ore cities andOor one or 'ore 'unici!alities The 'unici!alities co'!rising 'unici!al circuits as
organized under Ad'inistrati"e 8rder <o 00$ issued on June 10$ 19.8 by the 5u!re'e #ourt !ursuant to *residential (ecree <o
A0.$ 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 Judges7(ro,ided, +o&e,er$ That the 5u!re'e #ourt 'ay$ as the interests of 2ustice
'ay re4uire$ 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 A0. which shall be a!!licable
insofar as they are not inconsistent with this Act
6"ery )unici!al #ircuit Trial Judge shall be a!!ointed to a 'unici!al circuit which shall be his o3cial station
The 5u!re'e #ourt shall deter'ine the city or 'unici!ality where the )unici!al #ircuit Trial #ourt shall hold sessions
Sec!"# $2. Jurisdiction o% :etropolitan Trial 8ourts, :unicipal Trial 8ourts and :unicipal 8ircuit Trial 8ourts in criminal cases.
6,ce!t in cases falling within the e,clusi"e original 2urisdiction of Regional Trial #ourts and of the 5andiganbayan$ the
)etro!olitan Trial #ourts$ )unici!al Trial #ourts$ and )unici!al #ircuit Trial #ourts shall e,ercise7
-1/ 6,clusi"e original 2urisdiction o"er all "iolations of city or 'unici!al ordinances co''itted within their res!ecti"e
territorial 2urisdiction9 and
-:/ 6,clusi"e original 2urisdiction o"er all o@enses !unishable with i'!rison'ent not e,ceeding si, -K/ years irres!ecti"e
of the a'ount of +ne$ and regardless of other i'!osable accessory or other !enalties$ including the ci"il liability arising
fro' such o@enses or !redicated thereon$ irres!ecti"e of kind$ nature$ "alue$ or a'ount thereof7 (ro,ided, +o&e,er, That
in o@enses in"ol"ing da'age to !ro!erty through cri'inal negligence they shall ha"e e,clusi"e original 2urisdiction
thereof (as amended by 3.4, No. 5#"!$
Sec!"# $$. Jurisdiction o% :etropolitan Trial 8ourts, :unicipal Trial 8ourts and :unicipal 8ircuit Trial 8ourts in ci,il cases.
)etro!olitan Trial #ourts$ )unici!al Trial #ourts$ and )unici!al #ircuit Trial #ourts shall e,ercise7
-1/ 6,clusi"e original 2urisdiction 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 8ne 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 -*:00$00000/ e,clusi"e of interest da'ages of
whate"er kind$ attorneyMs fees$ litigation e,!enses$ and costs$ the a'ount of which 'ust be s!eci+cally alleged7
*ro"ided$ That where there are se"eral clai's or causes of action between the sa'e or di@erent !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 di@erent transactions9
-:/ 6,clusi"e original 2urisdiction o"er cases of forcible entry and unlawful detainer7 *ro"ided$ That when$ in such cases$
the defendant raises the 4uestion of ownershi! in his !leadings and the 4uestion 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
-0/ 6,clusi"e original 2urisdiction 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
-*:0$00000/ or$ in ci"il actions in )etro )anila$ where such assessed "alue does not e,ceed %ifty thousand !esos
-*A0$00000/ e,clusi"e of interest$ da'ages of whate"er kind$ attorneyMs fees$ litigation e,!enses and
costs7 (ro,ided, That "alue of such !ro!erty shall be deter'ined by the assessed "alue of the ad2acent lots (as
amended by 3.4. No. 5#"!$
Sec!"# $%. 0elegated 9urisdiction in cadastral and land registration cases. )etro!olitan Trial #ourts$ )unici!al Trial #ourts$ and
)unici!al #ircuit Trial #ourts 'ay be assigned by the 5u!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 8ne
hundred thousand !esos -*100$00000/$ such "alue to be ascertained by the a3da"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 3.4. No. 5#"!$
Sec!"# $&. Special 9urisdiction in certain cases. &n the absence of all the Regional Trial Judges in a !ro"ince or city$ 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 5u!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 tra3c laws$ rules and regulations$ "iolations of the rental law$ and such other cases re4uiring
su''ary dis!osition as the 5u!re'e #ourt 'ay deter'ine The 5u!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 5uch
si'!li+ed !rocedures 'ay !ro"ide that a3da"its and counter1a3da"its 'ay be ad'itted in lieu of oral testi'ony and that the
!eriods for +ling !leadings shall be non1e,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 2urisdictions which are cognizable by the Regional Trial #ourts
The !reli'inary in"estigation shall be conducted in accordance with the !rocedure !rescribed in 5ection 1$ !aragra!hs -a/$ -b/$
-c/$ and -d/$ of *residential (ecree <o 9117 (ro,ided, +o&e,er, That if after the !reli'inary in"estigation the Judge +nds a prima
%acie case$ he shall forward the records of the case to the *ro"incialO#ity %iscal for the +ling 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 +led with hi' for !reli'inary
in"estigation$ unless after an e,a'ination in writing and under oath or a3r'ation of the co'!lainant and his witnesses$ he +nds
that a !robable cause e,ists
Any warrant of arrest issued in accordance herewith 'ay be ser"ed anywhere in the *hili!!ines
Sec!"# $). Judgments and processes.
-1/ All 2udg'ents deter'ining the 'erits of cases shall be in writing$ stating clearly the facts and the law on which they
were based$ signed by the Judge and +led with the #lerk of #ourt 5uch 2udg'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 5u!re'e #ourt 'ay hereafter !rescribe
-:/ All !rocesses issued by the )etro!olitan Trial #ourts$ )unici!al Trial #ourts and )unici!al #ircuit Trial #ourts$ in cases
falling within their 2urisdiction$ 'ay be ser"ed anywhere in the *hili!!ines without the necessity of certi+cation by the
Judge of the Regional Trial #ourt
CHAPTER I+
GENERAL PRO+ISIONS
Sec!"# $9. 4ppeals. The !eriod for a!!eal fro' +nal orders$ resolutions$ awards$ 2udg'ents$ or decisions of any court in all
cases shall be +fteen -1A/ days counted fro' the notice of the +nal order$ resolution$ award$ 2udg'ent$ or decision a!!ealed
fro'7 (ro,ided +o&e,er$ That in +abeas corpus cases$ the !eriod for a!!eal shall be forty1eight -=8/ hours fro' the notice of the
2udg'ent a!!ealed fro'
<o record on a!!eal shall be re4uired 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!"# %*. ;orm o% decision in appealed cases. 6"ery decision of +nal resolution of a court in a!!ealed cases shall clearly and
distinctly state the +ndings of fact and the conclusions of law on which it is based$ which 'ay be contained in the decision or +nal
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 ;etter of &'!le'entation <o 90 !ursuant to *residential (ecree <o 98A$ as a'ended by *residential
(ecree <o 1A9.
Sec!"# %2. <onge,ity pay. A 'onthly longe"ity !ay e4ui"alent to AP of the 'onthly basic !ay shall be !aid to the Justices and
Judges of the courts herein created for each +"e years of continuous$ e3cient$ and 'eritorious ser"ice rendered in the
2udiciary9 (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!"# %$. Sta'ng pattern. The 5u!re'e #ourt shall sub'it to the *resident$ within thirty -00/ days fro' the date of the
e@ecti"ity of this Act$ a sta3ng !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 6,ecuti"e
8rder 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 C!on such declaration$ the said courts shall be dee'ed auto'atically abolished and the
incu'bents thereof shall cease to hold o3ce 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$ e4ui!'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 Batas *a'bansa Blg 80 5aid funding
shall thereafter be included in the annual Ieneral A!!ro!riations Act
Sec!"# %&. S+ari=a 8ourts. 5hariMa #ourts to be constituted as !ro"ided for in *residential (ecree <o 1080$ otherwise known
as the "#ode of )usli' *ersonal ;aws of the *hili!!ines$" shall be included in the funding a!!ro!riations so !ro"ided in this Act
Sec!"# %'. /ratuity o% 9udges and personnel separated %rom o'ce. All 'e'bers of the 2udiciary and subordinate e'!loyees
who shall be se!arated fro' o3ce by reason of the reorganization authorized herein$ shall be granted a gratuity at a rate
e4ui"alent to one 'onthMs salary for e"ery year of continuous ser"ice rendered in any branch of the go"ern'ent or e4ui"alent
nearest fraction thereof fa"orable to the' on the basis of the highest salary recei"ed7 (ro,ided, That such 'e'ber of the
2udiciary or e'!loyee shall ha"e the o!tion to retire under the Judiciary Retire'ent ;aw or general retire'ent law$ if he has 'et
or satis+ed the re4uire'ents therefor
Sec!"# %(. 3epealing clause. The !ro"isions of Re!ublic Act <o :9K$ otherwise known as the Judiciary Act of 19=8$ as
a'ended$ of Re!ublic Act <o A1.9 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 'odi+ed
Sec!"# %). 0ate o% E>ecti,ity. This Act shall take e@ect i''ediately
A!!ro"ed7 August 1=$ 1981
F""#"e,
N8ther !ro"isions of the Act7
"5ection A After +"e-A/ years fro' the e@ecti"ity of this Act$ the 2urisdictional a'ounts 'entioned in 5ec 19-0/$ -=/$
and -8/9 and 5ec 00-1/ of Batas *a'bansa Blg 1:9 as a'ended by this Act$ shall be ad2usted to Two hundred thousand
!esos -*:00$00000/ +"e -A/ years thereafter$ such 2urisdictional a'ounts shall be ad2usted further to Three hundred
thousand !esos -*000$00000/7 (ro,ided, +o&e,er, That in the case of )etro )anila$ the abo"e'entioned 2urisdictional
a'ounts shall be ad2usted after +"e -A/ years fro' the e@ecti"ity of this Act of %our hundred thousand !esos
-*=00$00000/
5ection . The !ro"isions of this Act shall a!!ly to all ci"il cases that ha"e not yet reached the !re1trial stage Lowe"er$
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 2udge of the a!!ro!riate Regional Trial
#ourt shall de+ne the ad'inistrati"e !rocedure of transferring the cases a@ected by the rede+nition of 2urisdiction to the
)etro!olitan Trial #ourts$ )unici!al Trial #ourt$ and )unici!al #ircuit Trial #ourt"
N#ri'inal cases falling within the 2urisdiction of %a'ily #ourts -established by the %a'ily #ourts Act of 199. QRA <o
80K9R/ 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 991111015# e@ecti"e )arch 1$ 1999