BATAS PAMBANSA Blg. 129 Section 7. Qualifications.

Section 7. Qualifications. – The Presiding Justice and the Associate Justice shall have the
same qualifications as those provided in Constitution for Justice of the Supreme Court.
AN ACT REORGANIZING THE JUDICIARY, APPROPRIATING FUNDS
THEREFOR, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES Section 8. Grouping of Divisions. – (Expressly repealed by Section 4, Exec. Order No.
33, July 28, 1986.)
PRELIMINARY CHAPTER
Section 9. Jurisdiction. – The Court of Appeals shall Exercise:
Section 1. Title. – This Act shall be known as "The Judiciary Reorganization Act of 1980."
1. Original jurisdiction to issue writs of mandamus, prohibition, certiorari, habeas
Section 2. Scope. – The reorganization herein provided shall include the Court of Appeals, corpus, and quo warranto, and auxiliary writs or processes, whether or not in aid
the Court of First Instance, the Circuit Criminal Courts, the Juvenile and Domestic of its appellate jurisdiction;
Relations Courts, the Courts of Agrarian Relations, the City Courts, the Municipal Courts,
and the Municipal Circuit Courts. 2. Exclusive original jurisdiction over actions for annulment of judgements of
Regional Trial Courts; and
CHAPTER I
COURT OF APPEALS 3. Exclusive appellate jurisdiction over all final judgements, resolutions, orders or
awards of Regional Trial Courts and quasi-judicial agencies, instrumentalities,
Section 3. Organization. – There is hereby created a Court of Appeals which consists of a boards or commission, including the Securities and Exchange Commission, the
Presiding Justice and fifty Associate Justice who shall be appointed by the President of the Social Security Commission, the Employees Compensation Commission and the
Philippines. The Presiding Justice shall be so designated in his appointment, and the Civil Service Commission, Except those falling within the appellate jurisdiction of
Associate Justice shall have precedence according to the dates of their respective the Supreme Court in accordance with the Constitution, the Labor Code of the
appointments, or when the appointments of two or more of them shall bear the same date, Philippines under Presidential Decree No. 442, as amended, the provisions of this
according to the order in which their appointments were issued by the President. Any Act, and of subparagraph (1) of the third paragraph and subparagraph 4 of the
member who is reappointed to the Court after rendering service in any other position in the fourth paragraph od Section 17 of the Judiciary Act of 1948.
government shall retain the precedence to which he was entitled under his original
appointment, and his service in the Court shall, for all intents and purposes, be considered The court of Appeals shall have the power to try cases and conduct hearings, receive
as continuous and uninterrupted. (as amended by Exec. Order No. 33,, July 28, 1986.) evidence and perform any and all acts necessary to resolve factual issues raised in cases
falling within its original and appellate jurisdiction, including the power to grant and
Section 4. Exercise of powers and functions. – The Court Appeals shall exercise its conduct new trials or Appeals must be continuous and must be completed within three (3)
powers, functions, and duties, through seventeen (17) divisions, each composed of three (3) months, unless extended by the Chief Justice. (as amended by R.A. No. 7902.)
members. The Court may sit en banc only for the purpose of exercising administrative,
ceremonial, or other non-adjudicatory functions. (as amended by Exec. Order No. 33,.) Section 10. Place of holding sessions. – The Court of Appeals shall have its permanent
station in the City of Manila. Whenever demanded by public interest, the Supreme Court,
Section 5. Succession to Office of Presiding Justice. – In case of a vacancy in the absence upon its own initiative or upon recommendation of the Presiding Justice, may authorize a
of inability to perform the powers, functions, and duties of his office, the associate Justice division of the Court to hold sessions outside Manila, periodically, or for such periods and
who is first in precedence shall perform his powers, functions, and duties until such at such places as the Supreme Court may determine, for the purpose of hearing and
disability is removed, or another Presiding Justice is appointed and has qualified. deciding cases.

Section 6. Who presides over session of a division. – If the Presiding Justice is present in Section 11. Quorum – A majority of the actual members of the Court shall constitute a
any session of a division of the Court, he shall preside. In his absence, the Associate Justice quorum for its session en banc. Three members shall constitute a quorum for the session of
attending such session who has precedence shall preside. a division. The unanimous vote of the three members of a division shall be necessary for
the pronouncement of a decision of final resolution, which shall be reached in consultation
before the writing of the opinion by any members of the division. In the event that the three
members do not reach a unanimous vote, the Presiding Justice shall request the Raffle and Aurora, and the cities of Batangas, Cavite, Lipa, Lucena, Puerto Princessa, San Pablo,
Committee of the Court for the designation of two additional Justice to sit temporarily with Tagaytay, and Trece Martires;
them, forming a special division of five members and the concurrence of a majority of such
division shall be necessary for the pronouncement of a decision or final resolution. The The Fifth Judicial Region, consisting of the provinces of Albay, Camarines Sur, Camarines
designation of such additional Justice shall be made strictly by raffle. Norte, Catanduanes, Masbate, and Sorsogon, and the cities of Legaspi, Naga and Iriga;

A month for reconsideration of its decision or final resolution shall be resolved by the The Sixth Judicial Region, consisting of the provinces of Aklan, Antique, Capiz, Iloilo, La
Court within ninety (90) days from the time it is submitted for resolution, and no second Calota, Roxas, San Carlos, and Silay, and the subprovince of Guimaras;
motion for reconsideration from the same party shall be entertainment. (as amended by
Exec. Order No. 33, July 28, 1986.) The Seventh Judicial Region, consisting of the provinces of Bohol, Cebu, Negros Oriental,
and Siquijor, and the cities of Bais, Canlaon, Cebu, Danao, Dumaguete, Lapu-lapu,
Section 12. Internal Rules. – The court en banc is authorized to promulgate rules or orders Mandaue, Tagbilaran, and Toledo,
governing the constitution of the divisions and the assignment of Appellate Justices thereto,
the distribution of cases, and other matters pertaining to the operations of the Court of its The Eighth Judicial Region, consisting of the provinces or Eastern Samar, Leyte, Northern,
divisions. Copies of such rules and orders shall be furnished by the Supreme Court, which Samar, Southern Leyte, Ormoc, and Tacloban:
rules and orders shall be effective fifteen (15) days after receipt thereof, unless directed
otherwise by the Supreme Court.
The Ninth Judicial Region, consisting of the provinces of Basilan, Sulu, Tawi-Tawi,
Zamboanga del Sur, and the cities of Dapitan, Dipolog, Pagadian, and Zamboanga;
CHAPTER II
REGIONAL TRIAL COURTS
The Tenth Judicial Region, consisting of the provinces of Agusan del Norte, Agusan del
Sur, Bukidnon, Camiguin, Misamis Occidental, Misamis Oriental, and Surigao del Norte,
Section 13. Creation of Regional Trial Courts. – There are hereby created thirteen (13) and the cities of Butuan, Cagayan de Oro, Gingoog, Ozamis, Oroquieta, Surigao, and
Regional Trial Courts, one for each of the following judicial regions: Tangub;

The First Judicial Region, consisting of the provinces of Abra, Benguet, Ilocos Norte, The Eleventh Judicial Region, consistingnof the provinces of Davao del Norte, Davao
Ilocos Sur, La Union, Mountain Province, and Pangasinan, and cities of Baguio, Dagupan, Oriental, Davao del Sur, South Cotabato, and Surigao del Sur, and the cities of Davao, and
Laog and San Carlos; General Santos; and

The Second Judicial Region, consisting of the provinces of Batanes, Cagayan, Ifugao, The Twelfth Judicial Region, consisting of the provinces of Lanao del Norte, Lanao del
Kalinga-Apayao, Nueva Viscaya, and Quirino; Sur, Maguindanao, North Cotabato, and Sultan Kudarat, and the cities of Cotabato, Iligan,
and Marawi.
The Third Judicial Region, consisting of the provinces of Bataan, Bulacan (except the
municipality of valenzuela), Nueva Ecija, Pampanga, Tarlac, and Zambales, and the cities In case of transfer or redistribution of the provinces, subprovinces, cities or municipalities
of Angeles, Cabanatuan, Olongapo, Palayan and San Jose; comprising the regions established by law of purposes of the administrative field
organization of the various departments and agencies of the government, the composition
The National Capital Judicial Region, consisting of the cities of Manila, Quezon, Pasay, of the judicial regions herein constituted shall be deemed modified accordingly.
Caloocan and Mandaluyong, and the municipalities of Navotas, Malabon, San Juan,
Makati, Pasig, Pateros, Taguig, Marikina, Parañaque, Las Piñas, Muntinlupa, and Section 14. Regional Trial Courts.
Valenzuela;
(a) Fifty-seven Regional Trial Judges shall be commissioned for the First Judicial
The Fourth Judicial Region, consisting of the provinces of Batangas, Cavite, Laguna, Region. There shall be.
Marinduque, Mindoro Occidental, Mindoro Oriental, Palawan, Quezon, Rizal (except the
cities and municipalities embraced within the National Capital Judicial Region0, Romblon,
 Two branches (Branches III ans II) for the province of Abra, with seats at Nine branches (Branches XVI to XXIV) for the province of Isabela,
Bangued; Branches XVI to XVIII with seats at Ilagan, Branches XIX and XX at
cauayan, Branch XXI at Santiago, Branch XXII at Cabagan, Branch
Eight branches (Branches III to X) for the province of Benguet and the XXIII at Roxas, and Branch XXIV at Echague;
city of Baguio, Branches III to VII with seats at Baguio City, and
Branches VIII to X at La Trinidad; Two branches (Branches XXV and XXVI) for the province of kalinga-
Apayao, Branch XXV with seat at Tabuk, and Branch XXVI at Luna;
Nine branches (Branches XI to XIX) for the province of Ilocos Norte and
the city of Laoag, Branches XI to XVI with seats at Laoag City, Branches Four branches (Branches XXVII to XXX) for the province of Nueva
XVII and XVIII at Batac, and Branch XIX at Bangui; Vizcaya, Branches XXVII to XXIX with seats at Bayombong, and
Branch XXX at Bambang;
Six branches (Braches XX to XXV) for the province of Ilocos Sur,
Branches XX and XXI with seats at Vigan, Branch XXII at Narvacan, Two branches (Branches XXXI and XXXII) for the province of Quirino,
Branch XXIII at Candon, Branch XXIV at Cabugao, and Branch XXV at with seats at Cabarroguis.
Tagudin;
(c) Seventy-five Regional Trial judges shall be commissioned for the Third
Nine branches (Branches XXVI to XXXIV) for the province of La Judicial Region. There shall be:
Union, Branches XXVI to XXX with seats at San Fernando, Branches
XXXI and XXXII at Agoo, Branch XXXIII at Bauang, and Branch Five branches (Branches I to V) for the province of Bataan, Branches I to
XXXIV at Balaoan; III with seats at Balanga, Branch IV at Mariveles, and Branch V at
Dinalupihan;
Two branches (Branches XXXV and XXXVI) for the province of
Mountain province, with seats at Bontoc; and Seventeen branches (Branches VI to XXII) for the province of Bulacan
(except the municipality of Valuenzuela), with seats at Malolos;
Twenty-one branches (Branches XXXVII to LVII) for the province of
Pangasinan and the citie sof dagupan and san Carlos, Branches XXXVII Eighteen branches (Branches XXIII to XL) for the province of Nueva
to XXXIX with seats at Lingayen, Branches XL to XLIV at dagupan, Ecija and the cities of Cabanatuan, San Jose and Palayan, Branches
Branches XLV to XLIX at Urdaneta, Branch L at Villasis, Branches LI XXIII to XXX with seats at Cabanatuan City, Branches XXXI to XXXIII
and LII at Tayug, Branch LIII at Rosalaes, Branches LIV and LV at at Guimba, Branches XXXIV to XXXVI at Gapan, Branch XXXVII at
Alaminos, and Branch LVI and LVII at san Carlos. Sto. Domingo, Branches XXXVIII and XXXIX at San Jose, and Branch
XL at Palayan.
(b) Thirty-two Regional Trial Judges shall be commissioned for the Second
Judicial region. There shall be: Twenty-two branches (Branches XLI to LXII) for the province of
Pampanga and the city of Angeles, Branches XLI to XLVIII with seats at
Twelve branches (Branches I to XII) for the province of Cagayan, San Fernando, Branches XLIX to LIII at Guagua, Branches LIV and LV
Branches I to V with seats at Tuguegarao, Branches VI to X at Aparri, at Macabebe, and Branches LVI to LXII at Angeles City;
Branch XI at Tuao, and Branch XII at Sanchez Mira;
Six branches (Branches LXIII to LXVIII) for the province of Tarlac,
One branch (Branch XIII) for the province of Batanes, with seat at Branches LXVI at Capas, Branch LXVII at Paniqui, and Branch LXVIII
Basco; at Camiling; and

Two branches (Branches XIV and XV) for the province of Ifugao,
Branch XIV with seat at Lagawe, and Branch XV at Potia;
 Seven branches (Branches LXIX to LXXV) for the province of Zambales Fourteen branches (Branches XXIV to XXXVII) for the province of
and the city of Olongapo, Branches LXIX to LXXI with seats at Iba and Laguna and the city of San Pablo, Branches XXVIII at Sta. Cruz,
Branches LXXII to LXXV at Olongapo City Branches XXIX to XXXII at San Pable City, Branch XXXIII at Siniloan,
and Branches XXXIV to XXXVI at Calamba;
(d) One hundred seventy-two (172) Regional Trial Judges shall be commissioned
for the National Capital Judicial Region. There shall be: One branch (Branch XXXVIII) for the province of Marinduque, with seat
at Boac;
Fifty-five branches (Branches 1 to 55) for the City of Manila, wit seats
thereat; Five branches (Branches XXXIX to XLIII) for the province of Mindoro
Oriental, Branches XXXIX to XL with seats at Calapan, Branches XLI
Thirty-two branches (Branches 76 to 107) for Quezon City, with seats and XLII at Pinamalayan, and Branch XLII at Roxas;
thereat;
Three branches (Branches XLVII to XLVI) for the province of Mindoro
Twelve branches (Branches 108 to 119) for Pasay City, with seats Occidental, Branch XLIV with seat at Mamburao, and Branches XLV
thereat; and XLVI at San Jose;

Twelve branches (Branches 120 to 131) for Caloocan City, with seats Six branches (Branches XLVII to LII) for the province of Palawan and
thereat; the city of Puerto Princesa, with seats at Puerto Princesa City;

Fifty-eight branches (Branches 56 to 74 and 132 to 170) for the Thirteen branches (Branches LIII to LXV) for the province of Quezon
Municipalities of Navotas, Malabon, San Juan, Madaluyong, Makati, and the city of Lucena, Branches LIII to LX with seats at Lucena City,
Pasig, Pateros, Taguig, Marikina, Parañaque, Las Piñas, and Muntinlupa; Branches LXI and LXII at Gumaca, Branch LXIII at Calauag, Branch
Branches 67 to 71 and 151 to 168 at Pasig; and Branches 72 to 74, 169 LXIV at Mauban, and Branch LXV at Infanta;
and 170 at Malabon; and
One branchj(Branch LXVI) for the province of Aurora, with seat at
Three branches (Branches 75, 171 and 172) for the municipality of Baler;
Valenzuela, with seats thereat. (As amended by EO No. 33, July 30,
1986.) Fourteen branches (Branches LXVII to LXXX) for the province of Rizal
except the cities and municipalities embraced within the National Capital
(e) Eihty-two Regional Trial Judges shall be commissioned for the Fourth Judicial Judicial Region, Branches LXVII to LXX with seats at Binangonan,
Region. There shall be: Branches LXXI to LXXIV at Antipolo, Branches LXXV to LXXVII at
San Mateo, and Branches LXXVIII to LXXX at Morong; and
Fourteen branches (Branches I to XIV) for the province of Batangas and
the cities of Lipa and Batangas, Branches I to VI with seats at Batangas Two branches (Branches LXXXI and LXXXII) for the province of
City, Branch V at Lemery, Branches VI to VIII at Tanuan, Branches IX Romblon, Branch LXXXI with seat at Romblon, and Branch LXXXII at
to XI at Balayan, Branches XII and XIII at Lipa, and Branch XIV at Odiongan.
Nasugbu;
(f) Fifty-five Regional Trial Judges shall be commissioned for the Fifth Judicial
Nine branches (Branches XV to XXIII) for the province of Cavite and Region. There shall be:
the cities of Cavite, Tagaytay and Trece Matires, Branch XV with seat at
Naic, Branches XVII at Cavite City, Branch XVIII at Tagayatay City, Eighteen branches (Branches I to XVIII) for the province of Albay and
Branch XIX at Bacoor, Branches XX to XXII at Imus, and Branch XXIII the city of Legaspi, Branches I to X with seats at Legaspi City, Branches
at Trece Martires; XI to XIV at Ligao, and Branches XV to XVIII at Tabaco;
 Nineteen branches (Branches XIX to XXXVII) for the province of (h) Forty-six Regional Trial Judges shall be commissioned for the Seventh
Camarines Sur and the cities of Naga and Iriga, Branches XIX to XXVIII Judicial Region. There shall be:
with seats at Naga City, Branch XXIX at Libmanan, Branch XXX at
Tigaon, Braches XXXI to XXXIII at Pili, and Branches XXXIV to Four branches (Branches I to IV) for the province of Bohol and the city
XXXVII at Iriga City; of Tagbilaran, with seats at Tagbilaran City;

Four branches (Branches XXXVIII to XLII) for the province of Twenty-five branches (Branches V to XXIX) for the province of Cebu
Camarines Norte, with seat at Daet; and the cities of Cebu, Danao, Lapu-Lapu, Mandaue and Toledo,
Branches V to XXIV with seats at Cebu City, Branch XXV at Danao
Two branches (Branches XLII and XLII) for the province of City, Branch XXVI at Argao, Branch XXVII at Lapu-Lapu City, Branch
Catanduanes, with seats at Virac; XXVIII at Mandaue City, and Branch XXIX at Toledo City;

Seven branches (Branches XLIV to L) for the province of Masbate, Sixteen branches (Branches XXX to XLV) for the province of Negros
Branches XLIV to XLVIII with seats at Masbate, Branch XLIX at Oriental and the cities of Dumaguete, Bais and Canlaon, Branches XXX
Cataingan, and Branch L at San Jacinto; and to XLIV with seats at Dumaguete City, and Branch XLV at Bais City;
and
Five branches (Branches LI to LV) for the province of Sorsogon,
Branches LI to LIII with seats at Sorsogon, Branch LVI at Gubat, and One branch (Branch XLVI) for the province of Siquijor, with seat at
Branch LV at Irosin. Larena.

(g) Sixty-three Regional Trial Judges shall be commissioned for the Sixth Judicial (i) Thirty-three Regional Trial Judges shall be commissioned for the Eighth
Region. There shall be: Judicial Region. There shall be:

Nine branches (Branches I to IX) for the province of Aklan, with seats at Five branches (Branches I to V) for the province of Eastern Samar,
Kalibo; Branches I and II with seats at Borongan, Branch III at Guiuan, Branch
IV at Dolores, and Branch V at Oras;
Four branches (Branches X to XIII) for the province of Antique,
Branches X to XII with seats at San Jose, and Branch XIII and Culasi; Thirteen branches (Branches VI to XVIII) for the province of Leyte, the
sub-province of Biliran, and the cities of Ormoc and Tacloban, Branches
Eighr branches (Branches XIV to XXI) for the province of Capiz and the VI and IX with seats at Tacloban City, Branch X at Abuyog, Branch XI
city of Roxas, Branches XIV to XIX with seats at Roxas City and at Calubian, Branch XII at Ormoc City, Branch XIII at Carigara, Branch
Branches XX and XXI at Mambusao; XIV at Baybay, Branch XV at Burauen, Branch XVI at Naval, Branch
XVII at Palompon, and Branch XVIII at Hilongos;
Eighteen branches (Branches XXII to XXXIX) for the province of Iloilo,
the subprovince of Guimaras, and the city of Iloilo, with seats at Iloilo Five branches (Branches XIX to XXIII) for the province of Northern
City; and Samar, Branches XIX and XX with seats at Catarman, Branches XXI and
XXII at Laoang, and Branch XXIII at Allen;
Twenty-four branches (Branches XL to LXIII) for the province of
Negros Occidental, and the cities of Bacolod,Bago, Cadiz, La Carlota, Three branches (Branches XXIV to XXVI) for the province of Southern
San Carlos and Silay, Branch XL with seat at Silay City, Branches XLI Leyte, Branches XXIV and XXV with seats at Maasin, and Branch
to LIV at Bacolod City, Branches LV and LVI at Himamaylan, Branches XXVI at San Juan; and
LVII to LIX at Kabankalan, Branch LXII at Bago City, and Branch LXII
at La Carlota City.
 Seven branches (Branches XXVII to XXXIII) for the province of Samar XII to XIV with seats at Oroquieta City, Branch XV at Ozamis City, and
and the city of Calbayog, Branches XXVII to XXIX with seats at Branch XVI at Tangub City;
Catbalogan, Branch XXX at Basey, Branches XXXI and XXXII at
Calbayog City, and Branch XXXIII at Calbiga. Eleven branches (Branches XVII to XXVII) for the province of Misamis
Oriental and the cities of Cagayan de Oro and Gingoog, Branches XVII
(j) Twenty-four Regional Trial Judges shall be commissioned for the Ninth to XXV with seats at Cagayan de Oro City, Branch XXVI at Medina, and
Judicial Region. There shall be: Branch XXVII at Gingoog City;

Two branches (Branches I and II) for the province of Basilan, with seats One branch (Branch XXVIII) for the province of Camiguin, with seat at
at Isabela; Mambajao; and

Two branches (Branches III and IV) for the province of Sulu, Branch III Four branches (Branches XXIX to XXXII) for the province of Surigao
with seat at Jolo, and Branch IV at Parang; del Norte and the City of Surigao, Branches XXIX and XXX with seats
at Surigao City, Branch XXXI at Dapa, and Branch XXXII at Dinagat,
One branch (Branch V) for the province of Tawi-Tawi, with seat at Dinagat Island.
Bongao;
(l) Twenty-nine Regional Trial Judges shall be commissioned for the Eleventh
Six branches (Branches VI to XI) for the province of Zamboanga del Judicial Region. There shall be
Norte, and the cities of Dipolog and Dapitan, Branches VI to X seats at
Dipolog City, and Branch XI at Sindangan; and Four branches (Branches I to IV) for the province of Davao del Norte,
Branches I and II with seats at Tagum, Branch III at Nabunturan, and
Thirteen branches (Branches XII to XXIV) for the province of Branch IV at Panabo;
Zamboanga del Sur and the cities of Pagadian and Zamboanga Branches
XII to XVII with seats at Zamboanga City, Branches, XVIII to XXII at Three branches (Branches V to VII) for the province of Davao Oriental,
Pagadian City, Branch XXIII at Molave, and Branch XXIV at Ipil. Branches V and VI with seats at Mati and Branch VII at Banganga;

(k) Thirty-two Regional Trial Judges shall be commissioned for the Tenth Judicial Fourteen branches (Branches VIII to XXI) for the province of Davao del
Region. There shall be: Sur and the city of Davao, Branches VIII to XVII with seats at Davao
City, Branches XVIII and XIX at Digos, Branch XX at Malinta, and
Five branches (Branches I to V) for the province of Agusan del Norte and Branch XXI a Bansalan;
the city of Butuan, with seats at Butuan City;
Five Branches (Branches XXII to XXVI) for the province of South
Two branches (Branches VI and VII) for the province of Agusan del Sur, Cotabato and the city of General Santos, Branches XXII and XXIII with
Branches VI with seat at Prosperidad and Branch VII with seat at seats at General Santos City, Branches XXIV and XXV at Koronadal,
Bayugan; and Branch XXVI at Surallah; and

Four branches (Branches VIII to XI) for the province of Bukidnon, Three branches (Branches XXVII to XXIX) for the province of Surigao
Branches VIII to X with seats at Malaybalay and Branch XI at Manalo del Sur, Branch XXVII with seat at Tandag, Branch XXVIII at Lianga,
Fortich; and Branch XXIX at Bislig.

Five branches (Branches XII to XI) for the province of Misamis (m) Twenty Regional Trial Judges shall be commissioned for the Twelfth Judicial
Occidental and the cities of Oroquieta, Ozamis, and Tangub, Branches Region. There shall be:
 Seven branches (Branches I to VII) for the province of Lanao del Norte Section 18. Authority to define territory appurtenant to each branch. – The Supreme Court
and the city of Iligan, Branches I to VI with seats at Iligan City, and shall define the territory over which a branch of the Regional Trial Court shall exercise its
Branch VII at Tubod; authority. The territory thus defined shall be deemed to be the territorial area of the branch
concerned for purposes of determining the venue of all suits, proceedings or actions,
Five branches (Branches VIII to XII) for the province of Lanao del Sur whether civil or criminal, as well as determining the Metropolitan Trial Courts, Municipal
and the city of Marawi, Branches VIII to X with seats at Marawi City, Trial Courts, and Municipal Circuit Trial Courts over the said branch may exercise
and Branches XI and XII at Malabang; appellate jurisdiction. The power herein granted shall be exercised with a view to making
the courts readily accessible to the people of the different parts of the region and making
Three branches (Branches XIII to XV) for the province of Maguindanao the attendance of litigants and witnesses as inexpensive as possible.
and the city of Cotabato, Branches XIII and XIV with seats at Cotabato
City, and Branch XV at Maganoy; Section 19. Jurisdiction in civil cases. – Regional Trial Courts shall exercise exclusive
original jurisdiction:
Three branches (Branches XVI to XVIII) for the province of North
Cotabato, Branch XVI with seat at Kabacan, Branch XVII at Kidapawan, (1) In all civil actions in which the subject of the litigation is incapable of
and Branch XVIII at Missayap; and pecuniary estimation;

Two branches (Branches XIX and XX) for the province of Sultan (2) In all civil actions which involve the title to, or possession of, real property, or
Kudarat, Branch XIX, with seat at Isulan, and Branch XX at Tacurong. any interest therein, where the assessed value of the property involved exceeds
Twenty thousand pesos (P20,000.00) or for civil actions in Metro Manila, where
Section 15. Qualifications. – No persons shall be appointed Regional Trial Judge unless he such the value exceeds Fifty thousand pesos (50,000.00) except actions for
is a natural-born citizen of the Philippines, at least thirty-five years of age, and for at least forcible entry into and unlawful detainer of lands or buildings, original jurisdiction
ten years, has been engaged in the practice of law in the Philippines or has held a public over which is conferred upon Metropolitan Trial Courts, Municipal Trial Courts,
office in the Philippines requiring admission to the practice of law as an indispensable and Municipal Circuit Trial Courts;
requisite.
(3) In all actions in admiralty and maritime jurisdiction where he demand or claim
Section 16. Time and duration of sessions. – The time and duration of daily sessions of the exceeds One hundred thousand pesos (P100,000.00) or , in Metro Manila, where
Regional Trial Courts shall be determined by the Supreme Court: Provided, however, That such demand or claim exceeds Two hundred thousand pesos (200,000.00);
all motions, except those requiring immediate action, shall be heard in the afternoon of
every Friday, unless it falls on a holiday, in which case, the hearing shall be held on the (4) In all matters of probate, both testate and intestate, where the gross value of
afternoon of the next succeeding business day: Provided, further, That the Supreme Court the estate exceeds One hundred thousand pesos (P100,000.00) or, in probate
may, for good reasons, fix a different motion day in specified areas matters in Metro Manila, where such gross value exceeds Two hundred thousand
pesos (200,000.00);
Section 17. Appointment and assignment of Regional Trial Judges. – Every Regional Trial
Judge shall be appointed to a region which shall be his permanent station, and his (5) In all actions involving the contract of marriage and marital relations;
appointment shall state the branch of the court and the seat thereof to which he shall be
originally assigned. However, the Supreme Court may assign temporarily a Regional Trial (6) In all cases not within the exclusive jurisdiction of any court, tribunal, person
Judge to another region as public interest may require, provided that such temporary or body exercising jurisdiction or any court, tribunal, person or body exercising
assignment shall not last longer than six (6) months without the consent of the Regional judicial or quasi-judicial functions;
Trial Judge concerned.
(7) In all civil actions and special proceedings falling within the exclusive original
A Regional Trial Judge may be assigned by the Supreme Court to any branch or city or jurisdiction of a Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court and of the Courts of
municipality within the same region as public interest may require, and such assignment Agrarian Relations as now provided by law; and
shall not be deemed an assignment to another station within the meaning of this section.
 (8) In all other cases in which the demand, exclusive of interest, damages of unless subsequently amended by law or by rules of court promulgated by the Supreme
whatever kind, attorney's fees, litigation expenses, and costs or the value of the Court.
property in controversy exceeds One hundred thousand pesos (100,000.00) or, in
such other abovementioned items exceeds Two hundred thousand pesos CHAPTER III
(200,000.00). (as amended by R.A. No. 7691*) METROPOLITAN TRIAL COURTS, MUNICIPAL TRIAL COURTS, AND
MUNICIPAL CIRCUIT TRIAL COURTS
Section 20. Jurisdiction in criminal cases. – Regional Trial Courts shall exercise exclusive
original jurisdiction in all criminal cases not within the exclusive jurisdiction of any court, Section 25. Establishment of Metropolitan Trial Courts, Municipal Trial Courts and
tribunal or body, except those now falling under the exclusive and concurrent jurisdiction Municipal Circuit Trial Courts. – There shall be created a Metropolitan Trial Court in each
of the Sandiganbayan which shall hereafter be exclusively taken cognizance of by the metropolitan area established by law, a Municipal Trial Court in each of the other cities or
latter. municipalities, and a Municipal Circuit Trial Court in each circuit comprising such cities
and/or municipalities as are grouped together pursuant to law.
Section 21. Original jurisdiction in other cases. – Regional Trial Courts shall exercise
original jurisdiction: Section 26. Qualifications. – No person shall be appointed judge of a Metropolitan Trial
Court, Municipal Trial Court, or Municipal Circuit Trial Court unless he is a natural-born
(1) In the issuance of writs of certiorari, prohibition, mandamus, quo warranto, citizen of the Philippines, at least 30 years of age, and, for at least five years, has been
habeas corpus and injunction which may be enforced in any part of their engaged in the practice of law in the Philippines, or has held a public office in the
respective regions; and Philippines requiring admission to the practice of law as an indispensable requisite.

(2) In actions affecting ambassadors and other public ministers and consuls. Section 27. Metropolitan Trial Courts of the National Capital Region. – There shall be a
Metropolitan Trial Court in the National Capital Region, to be known as the Metropolitan
Section 22. Appellate jurisdiction. – Regional Trial Courts shall exercise appellate Trial Court of Metro Manila, which shall be composed of eighty-two (82) branches. There
jurisdiction over all cases decided by Metropolitan Trial Courts, Municipal Trial Courts, shall be:
and Municipal Circuit Trial Courts in their respective territorial jurisdictions. Such cases
shall be decided on the basis of the entire record of the proceedings had in the court of Thirty branches (Branches I to XXX) for the city of Manila with seats thereat;
origin and such memoranda and/or briefs as may be submitted by the parties or required by
the Regional Trial Courts. The decision of the Regional Trial Courts in such cases shall be Thirteen branches (Branches XXXI to XLIII) for Quezon City with seats thereat;
appealable by petition for review to the
Five branches (Branches XLIV to XLVIII) for Pasay City with seats thereat;
Court of Appeals which may give it due course only when the petition shows prima
facie that the lower court has committed an error of fact or law that will warrant a reversal Five branches (Branches XLIX to LIII) for Caloocan City with seats thereat;
or modification of the decision or judgment sought to be reviewed.
One branch (Branch LIV) for Navotas with seat thereat;
Section 23. Special jurisdiction to try special cases. – The Supreme Court may designate
certain branches of the Regional Trial Courts to handle exclusively criminal cases, juvenile
and domestic relations cases, agrarian cases, urban land reform cases which do not fall Two branches (Branches LV and LVI) for Malabon with seats thereat;
under the jurisdiction of quasi-judicial bodies and agencies, and/or such other special cases
as the Supreme Court may determine in the interest of a speedy and efficient administration Two branches (Branches LVII and LVIII) for San Juan with seats thereat;
of justice.
Two branches (Branches LIX and LX) for Mandaluyong with seats thereat;
Section 24. Special Rules of Procedure. – Whenever a Regional Trial Court takes
cognizance of juvenile and domestic relation cases and/or agrarian cases, the special rules Seven branches (Branches LXI and LXVII) for Makati with seats thereat;
of procedure applicable under present laws to such cases shall continue to be applied,
 Five branches (Branches LXVIII to LXXII) for Pasig with seats thereat; Two branches for San Jose City;

One branch (Branch LXXIII) for Pateros with seat thereat; Three branches for Angeles City;

One branch (Branch LXXIV) for Taguig with seat thereat; Two branches for Cavite City;

Two branches (Branches LXXV and LXXVI) for Marikina with seats thereat; Two branches for Batangas City;

Two branches (Branches LXXVII and LXXVIII) for Parañaque with seats thereat; Two branches for Lucena City;

One branch (Branch LXXIX) for Las Piñas with seat thereat; Three branches for Naga City;

One branch (Branch LXXX) for Muntinlupa with seat thereat; Two branches for Iriga City;

Two branches (Branches LXXXI and LXXXII) for Valenzuela with seats thereat; Three branches for Legaspi City;

Section 28. Other Metropolitan Trial Courts. – The Supreme Court shall constitute Two branches for Roxas City;
Metropolitan Trial Courts in such other metropolitan areas as may be established by law
whose territorial jurisdiction shall be co-extensive with the cities and municipalities Four branches for Iloilo City;
comprising the metropolitan area.
Seven branches for Bacolod City;
Every Metropolitan Trial Judge shall be appointed to a metropolitan area which shall be his
permanent station and his appointment shall state branch of the court and the seat thereof to Two branches for Dumaguete City;
which he shall be originally assigned. A Metropolitan Trial Judge may be assigned by the
Supreme Court to any branch within said metropolitan area as the interest of justice may
require, and such assignment shall not be deemed an assignment to another station within Two branches for Tacloban City;
the meaning of this section.
Eight branches for Cebu City;
Section 29. Municipal Trial Courts in cities. – In every city which does not form part of a
metropolitan area, there shall be a Municipal Trial Court with one branch, except as Three branches for Mandaue City;
hereunder provided:
Two branches for Tagbilaran City;
Two branches for Laoag City;
Two branches for Surigao City;
Four branches for Baguio City;
Two branches for Butuan City;
Three branches for Dagupan City;
Five branches for Cagayan de Oro City;
Five branches for Olongapo City;
Seven branches for Davao City;
Three branches for Cabanatuan City;
Three branches for General Santos City;
 Two branches for Oroquieta City; Municipal Circuit Trial Judges: Provided, however, That the Supreme Court may, as the
interests of justice may require, further reorganize the said courts taking into account
Three branches for Ozamis City; workload, geographical location, and such other factors as will contribute to a rational
allocation thereof, pursuant to the provisions of Presidential Decree No. 537 which shall be
Two branches for Dipolog City; applicable insofar as they are not inconsistent with this Act.

Four branches for Zamboanga City; Every Municipal Circuit Trial Judge shall be appointed to a municipal circuit which shall
be his official station.
Two branches for Pagadian City; and
The Supreme Court shall determine the city or municipality where the Municipal Circuit
Trial Court shall hold sessions.
Two branches for Iligan City.
Section 32. Jurisdiction of Metropolitan Trial Courts, Municipal Trial Courts and
Section 30. Municipal Trial Courts. – In each of the municipalities that are not comprised Municipal Circuit Trial Courts in criminal cases. – Except in cases falling within the
within a metropolitan area and a municipal circuit there shall be a Municipal Trial Court exclusive original jurisdiction of Regional Trial Courts and of the Sandiganbayan, the
which shall have one branch, except as hereunder provided: Metropolitan Trial Courts, Municipal Trial Courts, and Municipal Circuit Trial Courts shall
exercise:
Two branches for San Fernando, La Union;
(1) Exclusive original jurisdiction over all violations of city or municipal
Four branches for Tuguegarao; ordinances committed within their respective territorial jurisdiction; and

Three branches for Lallo, and two branches for Aparri, both of Cagayan; (2) Exclusive original jurisdiction over all offenses punishable with imprisonment
not exceeding six (6) years irrespective of the amount of fine, and regardless of
Two branches for Santiago, Isabela; other imposable accessory or other penalties, including the civil liability arising
from such offenses or predicated thereon, irrespective of kind, nature, value, or
Two branches each for Malolos, Meycauayan and Bulacan, all of Bulacan amount thereof: Provided, however, That in offenses involving damage to
Province; property through criminal negligence they shall have exclusive original
jurisdiction thereof. (as amended by R.A, No. 7691)
Four branches for San Fernando and two branches for Guagua, both of Pampanga;
Section 33. Jurisdiction of Metropolitan Trial Courts, Municipal Trial Courts and
Municipal Circuit Trial Courts in civil cases. – Metropolitan Trial Courts, Municipal Trial
Two branches for Tarlac, Tarlac;
Courts, and Municipal Circuit Trial Courts shall exercise:
Two branches for San Pedro, Laguna; and

Two branches each for Antipolo and Binangonan, both in Rizal.

Section 31. Municipal Circuit Trial Court. – There shall be a Municipal Circuit Trial Court
in each area defined as a municipal circuit, comprising one or more cities and/or one or
more municipalities. The municipalities comprising municipal circuits as organized under
Administrative Order No. 33, issued on June 13, 1978 by the Supreme Court pursuant to
Presidential Decree No. 537, are hereby constituted as municipal circuits for purposes of
the establishment of the Municipal Circuit Trial Courts, and the appointment thereto of
 (1) Exclusive original jurisdiction over civil actions and probate proceedings, Section 36. Summary procedures in special cases. – In Metropolitan Trial Courts and
testate and intestate, including the grant of provisional remedies in proper cases, Municipal Trial Courts with at least two branches, the Supreme Court may designate one or
where the value of the personal property, estate, or amount of the demand does not more branches thereof to try exclusively forcible entry and unlawful detainer cases, those
exceed One hundred thousand pesos (P100,000.00) or, in Metro Manila where involving violations of traffic laws, rules and regulations, violations of the rental law, and
such personal property, estate, or amount of the demand does not exceed Two such other cases requiring summary disposition as the Supreme Court may determine. The
hundred thousand pesos (P200,000.00) exclusive of interest damages of whatever Supreme Court shall adopt special rules or procedures applicable to such cases in order to
kind, attorney's fees, litigation expenses, and costs, the amount of which must be achieve an expeditious and inexpensive determination thereof without regard to technical
specifically alleged: Provided, That where there are several claims or causes of rules. Such simplified procedures may provide that affidavits and counter-affidavits may be
action between the same or different parties, embodied in the same complaint, the admitted in lieu of oral testimony and that the periods for filing pleadings shall be non-
amount of the demand shall be the totality of the claims in all the causes of action, extendible.
irrespective of whether the causes of action arose out of the same or different
transactions; Section 37. Preliminary investigation. – Judges of Metropolitan Trial Courts, except those
in the National Capital Region, of Municipal Trial Courts, and Municipal Circuit Trial
(2) Exclusive original jurisdiction over cases of forcible entry and unlawful Courts shall have authority to conduct preliminary investigation of crimes alleged to have
detainer: Provided, That when, in such cases, the defendant raises the question of been committed within their respective territorial jurisdictions which are cognizable by the
ownership in his pleadings and the question of possession cannot be resolved Regional Trial Courts.
without deciding the issue of ownership, the issue of ownership shall be resolved
only to determine the issue of possession. The preliminary investigation shall be conducted in accordance with the procedure
prescribed in Section 1, paragraphs (a), (b), (c), and (d), of Presidential Decree No.
(3) Exclusive original jurisdiction in all civil actions which involve title to, or 911: Provided, however, That if after the preliminary investigation the Judge finds a prima
possession of, real property, or any interest therein where the assessed value of the facie case, he shall forward the records of the case to the Provincial/City Fiscal for the
property or interest therein does not exceed Twenty thousand pesos (P20,000.00) filing of the corresponding information with the proper court.
or, in civil actions in Metro Manila, where such assessed value does not exceed
Fifty thousand pesos (P50,000.00) exclusive of interest, damages of whatever No warrant of arrest shall be issued by the Judge in connection with any criminal complaint
kind, attorney's fees, litigation expenses and costs: Provided, That value of such filed with him for preliminary investigation, unless after an examination in writing and
property shall be determined by the assessed value of the adjacent lots. (as under oath or affirmation of the complainant and his witnesses, he finds that a probable
amended by R.A. No. 7691) cause exists.

Section 34. Delegated jurisdiction in cadastral and land registration cases. – Metropolitan Any warrant of arrest issued in accordance herewith may be served anywhere in the
Trial Courts, Municipal Trial Courts, and Municipal Circuit Trial Courts may be assigned Philippines.
by the Supreme Court to hear and determine cadastral or land registration cases covering
lots where there is no controversy or opposition, or contested lots the where the value of Section 38. Judgments and processes. –
which does not exceed One hundred thousand pesos (P100,000.00), such value to be
ascertained by the affidavit of the claimant or by agreement of the respective claimants if
there are more than one, or from the corresponding tax declaration of the real property. (1) All judgments determining the merits of cases shall be in writing, stating
Their decisions in these cases shall be appealable in the same manner as decisions of the clearly the facts and the law on which they were based, signed by the Judge and
Regional Trial Courts. (as amended by R.A. No. 7691) filed with the Clerk of Court. Such judgment shall be appealable to the Regional
Trial Courts in accordance with the procedure now prescribed by law for appeals
to the Court of First Instance, by the provisions of this Act, and by such rules as
Section 35. Special jurisdiction in certain cases. – In the absence of all the Regional Trial the Supreme Court may hereafter prescribe.
Judges in a province or city, any Metropolitan Trial Judge, Municipal Trial Judge,
Municipal Circuit Trial Judge may hear and decide petitions for a writ of habeas corpus or
applications for bail in criminal cases in the province or city where the absent Regional
Trial Judges sit.
 (2) All processes issued by the Metropolitan Trial Courts, Municipal Trial Courts constituted pursuant to this Act which shall be the basis of the implementing order to be
and Municipal Circuit Trial Courts, in cases falling within their jurisdiction, may issued by the President in accordance with the immediately succeeding section.
be served anywhere in the Philippines without the necessity of certification by the
Judge of the Regional Trial Court. Section 44. Transitory provisions. – The provisions of this Act shall be immediately
carried out in accordance with an Executive Order to be issued by the President. The Court
CHAPTER IV of Appeals, the Courts of First Instance, the Circuit Criminal Courts, the Juvenile and
GENERAL PROVISIONS Domestic Relations Courts, the Courts of Agrarian Relations, the City Courts, the
Municipal Courts, and the Municipal Circuit Courts shall continue to function as presently
Section 39. Appeals. – The period for appeal from final orders, resolutions, awards, constituted and organized, until the completion of the reorganization provided in this Act as
judgments, or decisions of any court in all cases shall be fifteen (15) days counted from the declared by the President. Upon such declaration, the said courts shall be deemed
notice of the final order, resolution, award, judgment, or decision appealed from: Provided automatically abolished and the incumbents thereof shall cease to hold office. The cases
however, That in habeas corpus cases, the period for appeal shall be forty-eight (48) hours pending in the old Courts shall be transferred to the appropriate Courts constituted pursuant
from the notice of the judgment appealed from. to this Act, together with the pertinent functions, records, equipment, property and the
necessary personnel.
No record on appeal shall be required to take an appeal. In lieu thereof, the entire record
shall be transmitted with all the pages prominently numbered consecutively, together with The applicable appropriations shall likewise be transferred to the appropriate courts
an index of the contents thereof. constituted pursuant to this Act, to be augmented as may be necessary from the funds for
organizational changes as provided in Batas Pambansa Blg. 80. Said funding shall
This section shall not apply in appeals in special proceedings and in other cases wherein thereafter be included in the annual General Appropriations Act.
multiple appeals are allowed under applicable provisions of the Rules of Court.
Section 45. Shari'a Courts. – Shari'a Courts to be constituted as provided for in
Section 40. Form of decision in appealed cases. – Every decision of final resolution of a Presidential Decree No. 1083, otherwise known as the "Code of Muslim Personal Laws of
court in appealed cases shall clearly and distinctly state the findings of fact and the the Philippines," shall be included in the funding appropriations so provided in this Act.
conclusions of law on which it is based, which may be contained in the decision or final
resolution itself, or adopted by reference from those set forth in the decision, order, or Section 46. Gratuity of judges and personnel separated from office. – All members of the
resolution appealed from. judiciary and subordinate employees who shall be separated from office by reason of the
reorganization authorized herein, shall be granted a gratuity at a rate equivalent to one
Section 41. Salaries. – Intermediate Appellate Justices, Regional Trial Judges, month's salary for every year of continuous service rendered in any branch of the
Metropolitan Trial Judges, Municipal Trial Judges, and Municipal Circuit Trial Judges government or equivalent nearest fraction thereof favorable to them on the basis of the
shall receive such compensation and allowances as may be authorized by the President highest salary received: Provided, That such member of the judiciary or employee shall
along the guidelines set forth in Letter of Implementation No. 93 pursuant to Presidential have the option to retire under the Judiciary Retirement Law or general retirement law, if
Decree No. 985, as amended by Presidential Decree No. 1597. he has met or satisfied the requirements therefor.

Section 42. Longevity pay. – A monthly longevity pay equivalent to 5% of the monthly Section 47. Repealing clause. – The provisions of Republic Act No. 296, otherwise known
basic pay shall be paid to the Justices and Judges of the courts herein created for each five as the Judiciary Act of 1948, as amended, of Republic Act No. 5179 as amended, of the
years of continuous, efficient, and meritorious service rendered in the Rules of Court, and of all other statutes, letters of instructions and general order or parts
judiciary; Provided, That in no case shall the total salary of each Justice or Judge thereof, inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed or accordingly
concerned, after this longevity pay is added, exceed the salary of the Justice or Judge next modified.
in rank.
Section 48. Date of Effectivity. – This Act shall take effect immediately.
Section 43. Staffing pattern. – The Supreme Court shall submit to the President, within
thirty (30) days from the date of the effectivity of this Act, a staffing pattern for all courts Approved: August 14, 1981
Footnotes

*Other provisions of the Act:

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

Section. 7. The provisions of this Act shall apply to all civil cases that have not yet
reached the pre-trial stage. However, by agreement of all the parties, civil cases
cognizable by municipal and metropolitan courts by the provisions of this Act
may be transferred from the Regional Trial Courts to the latter. The executive
judge of the appropriate Regional Trial Court shall define the administrative
procedure of transferring the cases affected by the redefinition of jurisdiction to
the Metropolitan Trial Courts, Municipal Trial Court, and Municipal Circuit Trial
Court."

*Criminal cases falling within the jurisdiction of Family Courts (established by

Municipal trial Court in Cities, Municipal Trial Courts and Municipal Circuit Trial
Courts to Regional trial Courts under A.M. No. 99-1-13-SC effective March 1,
1999.