Regional Trial Court (RTC) : Second Level Courts
Regional Trial Court (RTC) : Second Level Courts
Regional Trial Court (RTC) : Second Level Courts
“From the point view of rank, the Justice of the Peace (MTC judges were then
called Justices of the peace) may be the lowest in the judiciary. But from the
standpoint of maintaining the people’s faith in the administration of justice,
theirs is the most important job. It is to them that the people look for redress.
With wise decisions they bring the concept of good government to the
understanding of the people. With unfair decisions, they destroy the people’s
faith in their government and democracy.”
- Pres. Diosdado Macapagal
(January 7, 1962)
Jurisdictions of First Level Courts
Batas Pambansa Blg. 129, Section 32
Except in cases falling within the exclusive original jurisdiction of
Regional Trial Courts and of the Sandiganbayan, the Metropolitan Trial
Courts, Municipal Trial Courts, and Municipal Circuit Trial Courts shall
exercise:
(2) All offenses punishable with imprisonment not exceeding six (6)
years:
Jurisdictions of First Level Courts
Batas Pambansa Blg. 129, Section 33
3. All civil actions which involve title to, or possession of, real property, or
any interest therein where the assessed value of the property or interest
therein does not exceed P20,000.00 (P50,000.00 in Metro Manila)
Jurisdictions of First Level Courts
Batas Pambansa Blg. 129, Section 34
A.M. No. 08-8-7-SC or The 2016 Revised Rules of Procedure for Small Claims.
- Payment of money where the value of the claim does not exceed
P200,000.00 exclusive of interest and costs.
(b) All other personal and real actions not mentioned in paragraph 1(d)
wherein the parties involved are Muslims except those for forcible
entry and unlawful detainer, which shall fall under the
exclusive original jurisdiction of the Municipal Circuit Court; and
(c) All special civil actions for interpleader or declaratory relief wherein
the parties are Muslims or the property involved belongs
exclusively to Muslims.
Shari’a Circuit Courts Jurisdictions
PD No. 1083, Article 155
The Shari'a Circuit Courts shall have exclusive original jurisdiction over;
(1) All cases involving offenses defined and punished under this Code.
(2) All civil actions and proceedings between parties who are Muslims or have
been married in accordance with Article 13 involving disputes relating to:
(a) Marriage;
(b) Divorce recognized under this Code;
(c) Betrothal or breach of contract to marry;
(d) Customary dower (mahr);
(e) Disposition and distribution of property upon divorce;
(f) Maintenance and support, and consolatory gifts, (mut'a); and
(g) Restitution of marital rights.
(3) All cases involving disputes relative to communal properties.