Remedial Law, Legal and Judicial Ethics, with Practical Exercises › Jurisdiction › Jurisdiction of Philippine Courts › Statutory Collegiate Courts

a. Court of Appeals (BP 129, as amended by RA 7902)

Collegiate Courts (part 1 of 2)

Court of Appeals – B.P. Blg. 129, as amended by R.A. No. 7902

COURT OF APPEALS
ORIGINAL JURISDICTION
Original and Exclusive
With the SC 1. Petitions for the issuance of writs of certiorari, prohibition and mandamus against:
1. NLRC (However, the petitions should be filed with the CA; otherwise, they shall be dismissed)
2. CSC
3. Quasi-Judicial Agencies (However, the petitions should be filed with the CA)
4. RTC and lower courts
2. Petitions for the issuance of a writ of kalikasan
With the SC, SB, and RTC 1. Petition for writ of amparo
2. Petition for writ of habeas data
With the SC and RTC 1. Petitions for habeas corpus and quo warranto
2. Petitions for the issuance of writs of certiorari, prohibition and mandamus against lower court or bodies
3. Petitions for the issuance of writ of continuing mandamus in environmental cases.
APPELLATE JURISDICTION
Exclusive Appellate
Ordinary Appeal by Notice of Appeal or Record on Appeal Appeals from:
1. RTC in the exercise of its original jurisdiction, except in all cases where only questions of law are raised or involved, which are appealable to the SC by petitioner for review on certiorari in accordance with Rule 45.
2. RTC on constitutional and jurisdictional questions which involves questions of fact.
3. Family Courts.
Appeal by Petition for Review An appeal may be taken to the CA whether the appeal involves questions of fact and law, or questions of law, in the following cases:Regular:
1. Appeals from RTC in the exercise of its appellate jurisdictionSpecial
1. Appeals from CSC
2. Appeals from Quasi-Judicial Agencies:
1. Securities and Exchange Commission
2. Office of the President
3. Land Registration Authority
4. Social Security Commission
5. Civil and Aeronautics Board
6. Intellectual Property Office
7. National Electrification Administration
8. Energy Regulatory Commission
9. National Telecommunications Commission
10. Department of Agrarian Reform under RA 6657
11. Government Service Insurance System
12. Employee’s Compensation Commission
13. Insurance Commission
14. Philippine Atomic Energy Commission
15. Voluntary Arbitrators authorized by law
16. Ombudsman, in administrative disciplinary cases
17. National Commission on Indigenous PeoplesFrom the judgments or final orders or resolutions of the CA, the aggrieved party may appeal by certiorari to the SC as provided in Rule 45. Judgements and final orders of the CTA en banc are now appealable to the SC through a petition for review under Rule 45, pursuant to RA 9282.

Sandiganbayan – P.D. No. 1606, as amended by R.A. No. 7975, R.A. No. 8249 and R.A. No. 10660

SANDIGANBAYAN

(as amended by Section 4, RA 10660, promulgated April 16, 2015)

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EXCLUSIVE ORIGINAL

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  • Violates of Republic Act No. 3019, as amended, otherwise known as the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, Republic Act No. 1379, otherwise known as An Act Declaring Forfeiture in favor of the State any Property Found to have been Unlawfully Acquired by any Public Officer or Employee and Providing for the Proceedings therefor, and Chapter II, Section 2, Title VII, Book II of the Revised Penal Code, 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 the executive branch occupying the positions of regional director and higher, otherwise classified as Grade ‘27’ and higher, of the Compensation and Position Classification Act of 1989 (Republic Act No. 6758), 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;
  • Officer of the Philippine National Police while occupying the position of provincial director and those holding the rank of senior superintendent and 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 under the Compensation and Position Classification Act of 1989;
  • Members of the Judiciary without prejudice to the provisions of the Constitution;
  • Chairmen and members of the Constitutional Commissions, without prejudice to the provisions of the Constitution; and
  • All other national and local officials classified as Grade ‘27’ or higher under the Compensation and Position Classification Act of 1989.

NOTE: In case a private individuals are charged as co-principals, accomplices or accessories with the public officers or employees, including those employed in government-owned or controlled corporations, they shall be tried jointly with said public officers and employees in the proper courts which shall exercise exclusive jurisdiction over them.

NOTE: In cases where none of the accused are occupying positions corresponding to Salary Grade ‘27’ or higher as prescribed in the said Republic Act No. 6758, or military and PNP officer mentioned above, exclusive and original jurisdiction thereof shall be vested in the proper regional trial court, metropolitan trial court, municipal trial court, and municipal circuit trial court, as the case may be, pursuant to their respective jurisdictions as provided in Batas Pambansa Blg. 129, as amended.

  • Other offenses or felonies whether simple or complexed with crimes committed by the public officials and employees mentioned in subsection a. of this section to their office.
  • Civil and criminal cases filed pursuant to and in connection with Executive Order Nos. 1, 2, 14 and 14-A, issued in 1986.

NOTE: 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 shall at all times be simultaneously instituted with, and jointly determined in, the same proceeding by the Sandiganbayan or the appropriate courts, the filing of the criminal action being deemed to necessarily carry with it the filing of the civil action, and no right to reserve the filing of such civil action separately from the criminal action shall be recognized.

NOTE: Where the civil action had heretofore been filed separately but judgment therein has not yet been rendered, and the criminal case is hereafter filed with the Sandiganbayan or the appropriate court, said civil action shall be transferred to the Sandiganbayan or the appropriate court, as the case may be, for consolidation and joint determination with the criminal action, otherwise the separate civil action shall be deemed abandoned.

  • 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 and over petitions of similar nature, including quo warranto, arising or that may arise in cases filed or which may be filed under Executive Order Nos. 1, 2, 14 and 14-A, issued in 1986. Note that the jurisdiction over these petitions shall not be exclusive of the Supreme Court.

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EXCLUSIVE APPELLATE

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The Sandiganbayan shall exercise exclusive appellate jurisdiction over final judgments, resolutions or orders of Regional Trial Courts whether in the exercise of their own original jurisdiction or of their appellate jurisdiction as provided in R.A. 10660.

NOTE: The procedure prescribed in Batas Pambansa 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. In all cases elevated to the Sandiganbayan and from the Sandiganbayan to the Supreme Court, the Office of the Ombudsman, through its special prosecutor, shall represent the People of the Philippines, except in cases filed pursuant to Executive Order Nos. 1, 2, 14 and 14-A, issued in 1986.

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Court of Tax Appeals – R.A. No. 1125, as amended by R.A. No. 9282 and R.A. No. 9503

COURT OF TAX APPEALS
EXCLUSIVE APPELLATE JURISDICTION: By APPEAL
1. Decisions from the COMMISSIONER OF INTERNAL REVENUE
◦ In cases involving disputed assessments, refunds of internal revenue taxes, fees or other charges, penalties in relation thereto, or other matters arising under the National Internal Revenue Code (NIRC) or other laws administered by the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR).
2. Inactions by the COMMISSIONER OF INTERNAL REVENUE
◦ In cases involving disputed assessments, refunds of internal revenue taxes, fees or other charges, penalties in relation thereto, or other matters arising under the NIRC or other laws administered by the BIR, where the NIRC provides a specific period of action, in which case the inaction shall be deemed a denial.
3. Decisions, orders or resolutions of REGIONAL TRIAL COURTS
◦ In local tax cases originally decided or resolved by them in the exercise of their original and appellate jurisdiction.
4. Decisions of the COMMISSIONER OF CUSTOMS
◦ Over cases involving the assessment and taxation of real property originally decided by the provincial or city board of assessment appeals.
5. Decisions of the CENTRAL BOARD OF ASSESSMENT APPEALS in the exercise of its appellate jurisdiction
◦ Over cases involving the assessment and taxation of real property originally decided by the provincial or city board of assessment appeals.
6. Decisions of the SECRETARY OF FINANCE
◦ On customs cases elevated to him/her automatically for review from decisions of the Commissioner of Customs which are adverse to the Government under Section 2315 of the Tariff and Customs Code.
7. Decisions of the SECRETARY OF TRADE AND INDUSTRY
◦ In the case of non-agricultural product, commodity or article; and
8. Decisions of the SECRETARY OF AGRICULTURE
◦ In the case of agricultural product, commodity or article involving dumping and countervailing duties under Sections 301 and 302, respectively, of the Tariff and Customs Code and safeguard measures under the RA 8800, where either party may appeal the decision to impose or not to impose said duties.
CRIMINAL CASES
Exclusive Appellate Jurisdiction Criminal cases arising from violations of the:
1. National Internal Revenue Code
2. Tariff and Customs Code
3. Other laws administered by the BIR or the Bureau of CustomsProvided, however, that offenses or felonies mentioned in this paragraph where the principal amount of taxes and fees, exclusive of charges and penalties, claimed in less than P1M or where there is no specified amount claimed shall be tried by the regular courts and the jurisdiction of the CTA shall be appellate.Any provision of law or the Rules of Court to the contrary notwithstanding, the criminal action and the corresponding civil action for the recovery of civil liability for taxes and penalties shall be at all times be simultaneously instituted with, and jointly determined in the same proceeding by the CTA, the filing of the criminal action being deemed to necessarily carry with it the finding of the civil action, and no right to reserve the filing of such civil action separately from the criminal action will be recognized.
Exclusive Appellate Jurisdiction 1. Over appeals from the judgments, resolutions or orders of the RTC in tax cases originally decided by them, in their respective territorial jurisdiction.
2. Over petitions for review of the judgments, resolutions or orders of the RTC in the exercise of their appellate jurisdiction over tax cases originally decided by the MeTC, MTC and MCTC in their respective jurisdiction.
TAX COLLECTION CASES
Exclusive Original Jurisdiction Cases involving final and executory assessment for taxes, fees, charges and penalties: Provided, however, that collection cases where the principal amount of taxes and fees, exclusive charges and penalties, claimed is less than P1M shall be tried by the proper MTC, MeTC and RTC.
Exclusive Appellate Jurisdiction In tax collection cases:
1. Over appeals from the judgments, resolutions or orders of the RTC in tax collection cases originally decided by them in their respective territorial jurisdiction.
2. Over petitions for review of judgments, resolutions or orders of the RTC in the exercise of their appellate jurisdiction over tax collection cases originally decided the MeTC, MTC and MCTC in their respective jurisdiction.

Second-Level Courts – B.P. Blg. 129 as amended by R.A. No. 7691, R.A. No. 11576 and R.A. No. 8369; A.M. No. 22-04-06-SC, A.M. No. 03-03-03- SC, November 9, 2021

REGIONAL TRIAL COURTS
ORIGINAL JURISDICTION
Original and Exclusive
CIVIL CASES 1. Civil actions in which the subject of litigation is incapable of pecuniary estimation
2. Civil actions which involve the title to, or possession of, REAL property, or any interest therein, where the assessed value of the property involved exceeds P20K, or P50K if in Metro Manila, except actions forcible entry and unlawful detainer which are cognizable by the MeTC, MTC, MCTC
3. Actions in admiralty and maritime jurisdiction where the demand or claim exceeds P300K, or P400K if in Metro Manila.
4. Matters of probate, both testate and intestate, where the gross value of the estate 
5. Cases not within the exclusive jurisdiction of any court tribunal, person or body exercising judicial or quasi-judicial functions.
6. Actions involving the contract of marriage and marital relations.
7. Civil actions and special proceedings falling within the exclusive original jurisdiction of a Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court and the Special Agrarian Courts as now provided by law.
8. Other cases in which the demand, exclusive interest, damages of whatever kind, attorney’s fees, litigation expenses, and costs or the value of the property in controversy, exceeds P300K, or P400K if in Metro Manila.IMPORTANT: If the claim for damages is the main cause of action, the amount thereof shall be considered in determining the jurisdiction of the court.
CRIMINAL CASES Criminal cases not within the exclusive jurisdiction of any court, tribunal or body such as the following:
1. Penalty provided by law exceeds 6 years imprisonment, irrespective of fine.
2. Under (a) above not falling under the original jurisdiction of the Sandiganbayan where none of the principal accused are occupying positions corresponding to salary grade “27” or higher, or military and PNP officers occupying the rank of superintendent or higher, or their equivalent.
3. Only penalty provided by law is a fine exceeding P4K.
4. Violations of the:
1. Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
2. Anti-Violence against Women and their Children Act of 2004 (specifically, those involving violence against women and children as defined under Section 5).
3. Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Law
4. Omnibus Election CodeN.B.: Family Courts have exclusive original jurisdiction over criminal cases where one or more of the accused is below 18 years old, or when one or more of the victims is a minor at the time of the commission of the offense. However, if the victim has already died, such as in homicide cases, the regular courts can have jurisdiction. (People v Dela Torre-Yadao, G.R. Nos. 162144-54, 2012).
OTHER CASES 1. Actions for recognition and enforcement of an arbitration agreement or for vacation, setting aside, correction or modification of an arbitral award, and any application with a court for arbitration assistance and supervision.
2. Actions for determination of just compensation to land under the CARL.
3. R.A. 10660 (promulgated April 16, 2015);The REGIONAL TRIAL COURT shall have exclusive original jurisdiction where the information involving civil and criminal cases filed pursuant to and in connection with Executive Order Nos. 1, 2, 14 and 14-A (1986):
1. Does not allege any damage to the government or any bribery; or
2. Alleges damage to the government or bribery arising from the same or closely related transactions or acts in an amount not exceeding One Millions Pesos (P1,000,000.00)NOTE: Subject to the rules promulgated by the Supreme Court, the cases falling under the jurisdiction of the Regional Trial Court under Section 4 of R.A. 10660 shall be tried in a judicial region other than where the official holds office.
Original and Concurrent
With the SC Actions affecting ambassadors and other public ministers and consuls
With the SC and CA 1. Issuance of writs of certiorari, prohibition, mandamus, quo warranto, habeas corpus, and injunction which may be enforced in any part of their respective regions.
2. Petition for the issuance of writ of continuing mandamus in environmental cases.
With the SC, CA and SB 1. Petition for writ of amparo
2. Petition for writ of habeas data
With the Insurance Commissioner Claims not exceeding P100K. This is applicable if subject of the action is incapable of pecuniary estimation; otherwise, jurisdiction is concurrent with the MeTC.
APPELLATE JURISDICTION
Cases decided by the MeTC, MTC, MTCC and MCTC in their respective jurisdiction.
SPECIAL JURISDICTION
The SC may designate certain branches of the RTC to handle exclusively criminal cases, juvenile and domestic relations cases, agrarian cases, urban land reform cases which do not fall under the jurisdiction of quasi-judicial bodies and agencies, and/or such other special cases as the SC may decide in the interest of a speedy and efficient administration of justice.
FAMILY COURTS
ORIGINAL AND EXCLUSIVE JURISDICTION
1. Criminal cases where one or more of the accused is 15≤x<18 years old, or where 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 liability which the accused may have incurred. The sentence, however, shall be suspended without need of application pursuant to the Child and Youth Welfare Code (PD 603).
2. Petitions for guardianship, custody of children, habeas corpus in relation to the latter.
3. Petitions for adoption of children and revocation thereof.
4. Complaints for annulment of marriage, declaration of nullity of marriage and 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.
5. Petitions for support and/or acknowledgement.
6. Summary judicial proceedings brought under the provisions of the Family Code of the Philippines (E.O. No. 209)
7. Petitions for declaration of status of children as abandoned, dependent or neglected children; petitions for voluntary or involuntary commitment of children; the suspension, termination, or restoration of parental authority and other cases cognizable under the Child and Youth Welfare Code (PD 603), Authorizing the Ministry of Social Services and Development to Take Protective Custody of Child Prostitutes and Sexually Exploited Children, and for Other Purposes (E.O. 56), and other related laws.
8. Petition for constitution of the family home.
9. Cases against minors cognizable under the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2005.
10. Violations of Special Protection of Children against Child Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act (RA 7610), as amended by RA 7658 and RA 9231.
11. Cases of domestic violence against:
1. Women - which are 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
2. Children - which include the commission of all forms of abuse, neglect, cruelty, exploitation, violence, and discrimination and all other condiitions prejudicial to their development.If an act constitutes a criminal offense, the accused or batterer 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.

Certification or Appeal of Case to the SC

  • If the CA finds that the death penalty should be imposed, it shall render judgment but refrain from making an entry of judgment and forthwith certify the case and elevate its entire record to the SC for review;
  • Where the judgment also imposes a lesser penalty for offenses committed on the same occasion or which arose out of the same occurrence that gave rise to the more severe offense for which the penalty of death is imposed, and the accused appeals, the appeal shall be included in the case certified for review to the SC;
  • In cases where the Court of Appeals imposes reclusion perpetua, life imprisonment or a lesser penalty, it shall render and enter judgment imposing such penalty. The judgment may be appealed to the Supreme Court by notice of appeal filed with the Court of Appeals (Rule 124, Sec.13; People v. Abon, G.R. No. 169245, Feb. 15, 2008).

Appeals in Criminal Cases

Where the RTC imposes the death penalty, CA automatically reviews the judgment (Rule 122, Sec. 3[d]). If CA finds that the death penalty shall be imposed, it shall not render judgment but certify and elevate the case to the SC for review. (Rule 124, Sec. 13[a])

Action on the petition

The Court of Appeals may:

  • Require the respondent to file a comment on the petition, not a motion to dismiss, within 10 days from notice; or
  • Dismiss the petition if it finds it to be:
  • Patently without merit.
  • Prosecuted manifestly for delay; or
  • The questions raised therein are too unsubstantial to require consideration. (Rule 43, Sec.😎

Submission for decision

If the petition is given due course, the Court of Appeals may:

  • Set the case for oral argument; and/or
  • Require the parties to submit memoranda within 15 days from notice.

The case shall be deemed submitted for decision upon the filing of the last pleading or memorandum required by these Rules or by the Court of Appeals. (Rule 43, Section 13)

Procedure in Criminal Cases Where the Penalty is Death, Reclusion Perpetua, or Life Imprisonment

If only to ensure utmost circumspection before the penalty of death, reclusion perpetua or life imprisonment is imposed, the Court now deems it wise and compelling to provide in these cases a review by the Court of Appeals before the case is elevated to the Supreme Court.

If the Court of Appeals should affirm the penalty of death, reclusion perpetua or life imprisonment, it could then render judgment imposing the corresponding penalty as the circumstances so warrant, refrain from entering the judgment and elevate the entire records of the case to the SC for its final disposition. (People v. Mateo, G.R. Nos. 147678-87, 2004)

Authorities

  • Batas Pambansa Blg. 129
  • Executive Order Nos. 1, 2, 14, 14-A
  • Presidential Decree No. 1606
  • Republic Act No. 10660, Sec. 4
  • Republic Act No. 1379
  • Republic Act No. 3019
  • Republic Act No. 6758
  • Republic Act No. 7902
  • Republic Act No. 7975
  • Republic Act No. 8249
  • Republic Act No. 9282
  • Revised Penal Code, Sec. 2
  • Rule 45, Rules of Court