BATASPAMBANSABlg.

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ANACTREORGANIZINGTHEJUDICIARY,APPROPRIATINGFUNDSTHEREFOR,ANDFOROTHERPURPOSES
PRELIMINARYCHAPTER
Section1.Title.ThisActshallbeknownas"TheJudiciaryReorganizationActof1980."
Section 2. Scope. The reorganization herein provided shall include the Court of Appeals, the Court of First
Instance,theCircuitCriminalCourts,theJuvenileandDomesticRelationsCourts,theCourtsofAgrarianRelations,
theCityCourts,theMunicipalCourts,andtheMunicipalCircuitCourts.
CHAPTERICOURTOFAPPEALS
Section 3. Organization. There is hereby created a Court of Appeals which consists of a Presiding Justice and
fiftyAssociateJusticewhoshallbeappointedbythePresidentofthePhilippines.ThePresidingJusticeshallbeso
designated in his appointment, and the Associate Justice shall have precedence according to the dates of their
respectiveappointments,orwhentheappointmentsoftwoormoreofthemshallbearthesamedate,according
totheorderinwhichtheirappointmentswereissuedbythePresident.Anymemberwhoisreappointedtothe
Courtafterrenderingserviceinanyotherpositioninthegovernmentshallretaintheprecedencetowhichhewas
entitled under his original appointment, and his service in the Court shall, for all intents and purposes, be
consideredascontinuousanduninterrupted.(asamendedbyExec.OrderNo.33,,July28,1986.)
Section4.Exerciseofpowersandfunctions.TheCourtAppealsshallexerciseitspowers,functions,andduties,
throughseventeen(17)divisions,eachcomposedofthree(3)members.TheCourtmaysitenbanconlyforthe
purpose of exercising administrative, ceremonial, or other nonadjudicatory functions. (as amended by Exec.
OrderNo.33,.)
Section5.SuccessiontoOfficeofPresidingJustice.Incaseofavacancyintheabsenceofinabilitytoperformthe
powers, functions, and duties of his office, the associate Justice who is first in precedence shall perform his
powers,functions,anddutiesuntilsuchdisabilityisremoved,oranotherPresidingJusticeisappointedandhas
qualified.
Section6.Whopresidesoversessionofadivision.IfthePresidingJusticeispresentinanysessionofadivision
oftheCourt,heshallpreside.Inhisabsence,theAssociateJusticeattendingsuchsessionwhohasprecedence
shallpreside.
Section7.Qualifications.ThePresidingJusticeandtheAssociateJusticeshallhavethesamequalificationsas
thoseprovidedinConstitutionforJusticeoftheSupremeCourt.
Section8.GroupingofDivisions.(ExpresslyrepealedbySection4,Exec.OrderNo.33,July28,1986.)
Section9.Jurisdiction.TheCourtofAppealsshallExercise:
1.Originaljurisdictiontoissuewritsofmandamus,prohibition,certiorari,habeascorpus,andquowarranto,and
auxiliarywritsorprocesses,whetherornotinaidofitsappellatejurisdiction;
2.ExclusiveoriginaljurisdictionoveractionsforannulmentofjudgementsofRegionalTrialCourts;and
3.Exclusiveappellatejurisdictionoverallfinaljudgements,resolutions,ordersorawardsofRegionalTrialCourts
and quasijudicial agencies, instrumentalities, boards or commission, including the Securities and Exchange
Commission, the Social Security Commission, the Employees Compensation Commission and the Civil Service
Commission,ExceptthosefallingwithintheappellatejurisdictionoftheSupremeCourtinaccordancewiththe
Constitution,theLaborCodeofthePhilippinesunderPresidentialDecreeNo.442,asamended,theprovisionsof
thisAct,andofsubparagraph(1)ofthethirdparagraphandsubparagraph4ofthefourthparagraphodSection
17oftheJudiciaryActof1948.
ThecourtofAppealsshallhavethepowertotrycasesandconducthearings,receiveevidenceandperformany
andallactsnecessarytoresolvefactualissuesraisedincasesfallingwithinitsoriginalandappellatejurisdiction,
including the power to grant and conduct new trials or Appeals must be continuous and must be completed
withinthree(3)months,unlessextendedbytheChiefJustice.(asamendedbyR.A.No.7902.)

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, upon its own initiative or upon
recommendationofthePresidingJustice,mayauthorizeadivisionoftheCourttoholdsessionsoutsideManila,
periodically, or for such periods and at such places as the Supreme Court may determine, for the purpose of
hearinganddecidingcases.
Section11.QuorumAmajorityoftheactualmembersoftheCourtshallconstituteaquorumforitssessionen
banc. Three members shall constitute a quorum for the session of a division. The unanimous vote of the three
membersofadivisionshallbenecessaryforthepronouncementofadecisionoffinalresolution,whichshallbe
reachedinconsultationbeforethewritingoftheopinionbyanymembersofthedivision.Intheeventthatthe
threemembersdonotreachaunanimousvote,thePresidingJusticeshallrequesttheRaffleCommitteeofthe
CourtforthedesignationoftwoadditionalJusticetosittemporarilywiththem,formingaspecialdivisionoffive
members and the concurrence of a majority of such division shall be necessary for the pronouncement of a
decisionorfinalresolution.ThedesignationofsuchadditionalJusticeshallbemadestrictlybyraffle.
A month for reconsideration of its decision or final resolution shall be resolved by the Court within ninety (90)
daysfromthetimeitissubmittedforresolution,andnosecondmotionforreconsiderationfromthesameparty
shallbeentertainment.(asamendedbyExec.OrderNo.33,July28,1986.)
Section 12. Internal Rules. The court en banc is authorized to promulgate rules or orders governing the
constitutionofthedivisionsandtheassignmentofAppellateJusticesthereto,thedistributionofcases,andother
matters pertaining to the operations of the Court of its divisions. Copies of such rules and orders shall be
furnishedbytheSupremeCourt,whichrulesandordersshallbeeffectivefifteen(15)daysafterreceiptthereof,
unlessdirectedotherwisebytheSupremeCourt.
CHAPTERIIREGIONALTRIALCOURTS
Section13.CreationofRegionalTrialCourts.Thereareherebycreatedthirteen(13)RegionalTrialCourts,one
foreachofthefollowingjudicialregions:
The First Judicial Region, consisting of the provinces of Abra, Benguet, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union,
MountainProvince,andPangasinan,andcitiesofBaguio,Dagupan,LaogandSanCarlos;
The Second Judicial Region, consisting of the provinces of Batanes, Cagayan, Ifugao, KalingaApayao, Nueva
Viscaya,andQuirino;
TheThirdJudicialRegion,consistingoftheprovincesofBataan,Bulacan(exceptthemunicipalityofvalenzuela),
NuevaEcija,Pampanga,Tarlac,andZambales,andthecitiesofAngeles,Cabanatuan,Olongapo,PalayanandSan
Jose;
The National Capital Judicial Region, consisting of the cities of Manila, Quezon, Pasay, Caloocan and
Mandaluyong, and the municipalities of Navotas, Malabon, San Juan, Makati, Pasig, Pateros, Taguig, Marikina,
Paraaque,LasPias,Muntinlupa,andValenzuela;
The Fourth Judicial Region, consisting of the provinces of Batangas, Cavite, Laguna, Marinduque, Mindoro
Occidental,MindoroOriental,Palawan,Quezon,Rizal(exceptthecitiesandmunicipalitiesembracedwithinthe
NationalCapitalJudicialRegion0,Romblon,andAurora,andthecitiesofBatangas,Cavite,Lipa,Lucena,Puerto
Princessa,SanPablo,Tagaytay,andTreceMartires;
The Fifth Judicial Region, consisting of the provinces of Albay, Camarines Sur, Camarines Norte, Catanduanes,
Masbate,andSorsogon,andthecitiesofLegaspi,NagaandIriga;
TheSixthJudicialRegion,consistingoftheprovincesofAklan,Antique,Capiz,Iloilo,LaCalota,Roxas,SanCarlos,
andSilay,andthesubprovinceofGuimaras;
The Seventh Judicial Region, consisting of the provinces of Bohol, Cebu, Negros Oriental, and Siquijor, and the
citiesofBais,Canlaon,Cebu,Danao,Dumaguete,Lapulapu,Mandaue,Tagbilaran,andToledo,
TheEighthJudicialRegion,consistingoftheprovincesorEasternSamar,Leyte,Northern,Samar,SouthernLeyte,
Ormoc,andTacloban:
The Ninth Judicial Region, consisting of the provinces of Basilan, Sulu, TawiTawi, Zamboanga del Sur, and the

citiesofDapitan,Dipolog,Pagadian,andZamboanga;
TheTenthJudicialRegion,consistingoftheprovincesofAgusandelNorte,AgusandelSur,Bukidnon,Camiguin,
MisamisOccidental,MisamisOriental,andSurigaodelNorte,andthecitiesofButuan,CagayandeOro,Gingoog,
Ozamis,Oroquieta,Surigao,andTangub;
The Eleventh Judicial Region, consistingnof the provinces of Davao del Norte, Davao Oriental, Davao del Sur,
SouthCotabato,andSurigaodelSur,andthecitiesofDavao,andGeneralSantos;and
TheTwelfthJudicialRegion,consistingoftheprovincesofLanaodelNorte,LanaodelSur,Maguindanao,North
Cotabato,andSultanKudarat,andthecitiesofCotabato,Iligan,andMarawi.
Incaseoftransferorredistributionoftheprovinces,subprovinces,citiesormunicipalitiescomprisingtheregions
establishedbylawofpurposesoftheadministrativefieldorganizationofthevariousdepartmentsandagencies
of the government, the composition of the judicial regions herein constituted shall be deemed modified
accordingly.
Section14.RegionalTrialCourts.
(a)FiftysevenRegionalTrialJudgesshallbecommissionedfortheFirstJudicialRegion.Thereshallbe.
Twobranches(BranchesIIIansII)fortheprovinceofAbra,withseatsatBangued;
Eightbranches(BranchesIIItoX)fortheprovinceofBenguetandthecityofBaguio,BranchesIIItoVIIwithseats
atBaguioCity,andBranchesVIIItoXatLaTrinidad;
Ninebranches(BranchesXItoXIX)fortheprovinceofIlocosNorteandthecityofLaoag,BranchesXItoXVIwith
seatsatLaoagCity,BranchesXVIIandXVIIIatBatac,andBranchXIXatBangui;
Sixbranches(BrachesXXtoXXV)fortheprovinceofIlocosSur,BranchesXXandXXIwithseatsatVigan,Branch
XXIIatNarvacan,BranchXXIIIatCandon,BranchXXIVatCabugao,andBranchXXVatTagudin;
Nine branches (Branches XXVI to XXXIV) for the province of La Union, Branches XXVI to XXX with seats at San
Fernando,BranchesXXXIandXXXIIatAgoo,BranchXXXIIIatBauang,andBranchXXXIVatBalaoan;
Twobranches(BranchesXXXVandXXXVI)fortheprovinceofMountainprovince,withseatsatBontoc;and
Twentyonebranches(BranchesXXXVIItoLVII)fortheprovinceofPangasinanandthecitiesofdagupanandsan
Carlos,BranchesXXXVIItoXXXIXwithseatsatLingayen,BranchesXLtoXLIVatdagupan,BranchesXLVtoXLIXat
Urdaneta, Branch L at Villasis, Branches LI and LII at Tayug, Branch LIII at Rosalaes, Branches LIV and LV at
Alaminos,andBranchLVIandLVIIatsanCarlos.
(b)ThirtytwoRegionalTrialJudgesshallbecommissionedfortheSecondJudicialregion.Thereshallbe:
Twelve branches (Branches I to XII) for the province of Cagayan, Branches I to V with seats at Tuguegarao,
BranchesVItoXatAparri,BranchXIatTuao,andBranchXIIatSanchezMira;
Onebranch(BranchXIII)fortheprovinceofBatanes,withseatatBasco;
Twobranches(BranchesXIVandXV)fortheprovinceofIfugao,BranchXIVwithseatatLagawe,andBranchXVat
Potia;
Nine branches (Branches XVI to XXIV) for the province of Isabela, Branches XVI to XVIII with seats at Ilagan,
Branches XIX and XX at cauayan, Branch XXI at Santiago, Branch XXII at Cabagan, Branch XXIII at Roxas, and
BranchXXIVatEchague;
Twobranches(BranchesXXVandXXVI)fortheprovinceofkalingaApayao,BranchXXVwithseatatTabuk,and
BranchXXVIatLuna;
Four branches (Branches XXVII to XXX) for the province of Nueva Vizcaya, Branches XXVII to XXIX with seats at
Bayombong,andBranchXXXatBambang;

Twobranches(BranchesXXXIandXXXII)fortheprovinceofQuirino,withseatsatCabarroguis.
(c)SeventyfiveRegionalTrialjudgesshallbecommissionedfortheThirdJudicialRegion.Thereshallbe:
Five branches (Branches I to V) for the province of Bataan, Branches I to III with seats at Balanga, Branch IV at
Mariveles,andBranchVatDinalupihan;
Seventeen branches (Branches VI to XXII) for the province of Bulacan (except the municipality of Valuenzuela),
withseatsatMalolos;
Eighteenbranches(BranchesXXIIItoXL)fortheprovinceofNuevaEcijaandthecitiesofCabanatuan,SanJose
andPalayan,BranchesXXIIItoXXXwithseatsatCabanatuanCity,BranchesXXXItoXXXIIIatGuimba,Branches
XXXIVtoXXXVIatGapan,BranchXXXVIIatSto.Domingo,BranchesXXXVIIIandXXXIXatSanJose,andBranchXL
atPalayan.
Twentytwobranches(BranchesXLItoLXII)fortheprovinceofPampangaandthecityofAngeles,BranchesXLIto
XLVIII with seats at San Fernando, Branches XLIX to LIII at Guagua, Branches LIV and LV at Macabebe, and
BranchesLVItoLXIIatAngelesCity;
Sixbranches(BranchesLXIIItoLXVIII)fortheprovinceofTarlac,BranchesLXVIatCapas,BranchLXVIIatPaniqui,
andBranchLXVIIIatCamiling;and
Sevenbranches(BranchesLXIXtoLXXV)fortheprovinceofZambalesandthecityofOlongapo,BranchesLXIXto
LXXIwithseatsatIbaandBranchesLXXIItoLXXVatOlongapoCity
(d)Onehundredseventytwo(172)RegionalTrialJudgesshallbecommissionedfortheNationalCapitalJudicial
Region.Thereshallbe:
Fiftyfivebranches(Branches1to55)fortheCityofManila,witseatsthereat;
Thirtytwobranches(Branches76to107)forQuezonCity,withseatsthereat;
Twelvebranches(Branches108to119)forPasayCity,withseatsthereat;
Twelvebranches(Branches120to131)forCaloocanCity,withseatsthereat;
Fiftyeight branches (Branches 56 to 74 and 132 to 170) for the Municipalities of Navotas, Malabon, San Juan,
Madaluyong,Makati,Pasig,Pateros,Taguig,Marikina,Paraaque,LasPias,andMuntinlupa;Branches67to71
and151to168atPasig;andBranches72to74,169and170atMalabon;and
Threebranches(Branches75,171and172)forthemunicipalityofValenzuela,withseatsthereat.(Asamended
byEONo.33,July30,1986.)
(e)EihtytwoRegionalTrialJudgesshallbecommissionedfortheFourthJudicialRegion.Thereshallbe:
Fourteenbranches(BranchesItoXIV)fortheprovinceofBatangasandthecitiesofLipaandBatangas,BranchesI
toVIwithseatsatBatangasCity,BranchVatLemery,BranchesVItoVIIIatTanuan,BranchesIXtoXIatBalayan,
BranchesXIIandXIIIatLipa,andBranchXIVatNasugbu;
Nine branches (Branches XV to XXIII) for the province of Cavite and the cities of Cavite, Tagaytay and Trece
Matires,BranchXVwithseatatNaic,BranchesXVIIatCaviteCity,BranchXVIIIatTagayatayCity,BranchXIXat
Bacoor,BranchesXXtoXXIIatImus,andBranchXXIIIatTreceMartires;
Fourteenbranches(BranchesXXIVtoXXXVII)fortheprovinceofLagunaandthecityofSanPablo,BranchesXXVIII
atSta.Cruz,BranchesXXIXtoXXXIIatSanPableCity,BranchXXXIIIatSiniloan,andBranchesXXXIVtoXXXVIat
Calamba;
Onebranch(BranchXXXVIII)fortheprovinceofMarinduque,withseatatBoac;
Fivebranches(BranchesXXXIXtoXLIII)fortheprovinceofMindoroOriental,BranchesXXXIXtoXLwithseatsat
Calapan,BranchesXLIandXLIIatPinamalayan,andBranchXLIIatRoxas;

Three branches (Branches XLVII to XLVI) for the province of Mindoro Occidental, Branch XLIV with seat at
Mamburao,andBranchesXLVandXLVIatSanJose;
Six branches (Branches XLVII to LII) for the province of Palawan and the city of Puerto Princesa, with seats at
PuertoPrincesaCity;
Thirteen branches (Branches LIII to LXV) for the province of Quezon and the city of Lucena, Branches LIII to LX
withseatsatLucenaCity,BranchesLXIandLXIIatGumaca,BranchLXIIIatCalauag,BranchLXIVatMauban,and
BranchLXVatInfanta;
Onebranchj(BranchLXVI)fortheprovinceofAurora,withseatatBaler;
Fourteen branches (Branches LXVII to LXXX) for the province of Rizal except the cities and municipalities
embracedwithintheNationalCapitalJudicialRegion,BranchesLXVIItoLXXwithseatsatBinangonan,Branches
LXXItoLXXIVatAntipolo,BranchesLXXVtoLXXVIIatSanMateo,andBranchesLXXVIIItoLXXXatMorong;and
Twobranches(BranchesLXXXIandLXXXII)fortheprovinceofRomblon,BranchLXXXIwithseatatRomblon,and
BranchLXXXIIatOdiongan.
(f)FiftyfiveRegionalTrialJudgesshallbecommissionedfortheFifthJudicialRegion.Thereshallbe:
Eighteenbranches(BranchesItoXVIII)fortheprovinceofAlbayandthecityofLegaspi,BranchesItoXwithseats
atLegaspiCity,BranchesXItoXIVatLigao,andBranchesXVtoXVIIIatTabaco;
Nineteen branches (Branches XIX to XXXVII) for the province of Camarines Sur and the cities of Naga and Iriga,
BranchesXIXtoXXVIIIwithseatsatNagaCity,BranchXXIXatLibmanan,BranchXXXatTigaon,BrachesXXXIto
XXXIIIatPili,andBranchesXXXIVtoXXXVIIatIrigaCity;
Fourbranches(BranchesXXXVIIItoXLII)fortheprovinceofCamarinesNorte,withseatatDaet;
Twobranches(BranchesXLIIandXLII)fortheprovinceofCatanduanes,withseatsatVirac;
Sevenbranches(BranchesXLIVtoL)fortheprovinceofMasbate,BranchesXLIVtoXLVIIIwithseatsatMasbate,
BranchXLIXatCataingan,andBranchLatSanJacinto;and
Fivebranches(BranchesLItoLV)fortheprovinceofSorsogon,BranchesLItoLIIIwithseatsatSorsogon,Branch
LVIatGubat,andBranchLVatIrosin.
(g)SixtythreeRegionalTrialJudgesshallbecommissionedfortheSixthJudicialRegion.Thereshallbe:
Ninebranches(BranchesItoIX)fortheprovinceofAklan,withseatsatKalibo;
Four branches (Branches X to XIII) for the province of Antique, Branches X to XII with seats at San Jose, and
BranchXIIIandCulasi;
Eighrbranches(BranchesXIVtoXXI)fortheprovinceofCapizandthecityofRoxas,BranchesXIVtoXIXwithseats
atRoxasCityandBranchesXXandXXIatMambusao;
Eighteenbranches(BranchesXXIItoXXXIX)fortheprovinceofIloilo,thesubprovinceofGuimaras,andthecityof
Iloilo,withseatsatIloiloCity;and
Twentyfourbranches(BranchesXLtoLXIII)fortheprovinceofNegrosOccidental,andthecitiesofBacolod,Bago,
Cadiz, La Carlota, San Carlos and Silay, Branch XL with seat at Silay City, Branches XLI to LIV at Bacolod City,
BranchesLVandLVIatHimamaylan,BranchesLVIItoLIXatKabankalan,BranchLXIIatBagoCity,andBranchLXII
atLaCarlotaCity.
(h)FortysixRegionalTrialJudgesshallbecommissionedfortheSeventhJudicialRegion.Thereshallbe:
Fourbranches(BranchesItoIV)fortheprovinceofBoholandthecityofTagbilaran,withseatsatTagbilaranCity;
Twentyfive branches (Branches V to XXIX) for the province of Cebu and the cities of Cebu, Danao, LapuLapu,
Mandaue and Toledo, Branches V to XXIV with seats at Cebu City, Branch XXV at Danao City, Branch XXVI at

Argao,BranchXXVIIatLapuLapuCity,BranchXXVIIIatMandaueCity,andBranchXXIXatToledoCity;
Sixteenbranches(BranchesXXXtoXLV)fortheprovinceofNegrosOrientalandthecitiesofDumaguete,Baisand
Canlaon,BranchesXXXtoXLIVwithseatsatDumagueteCity,andBranchXLVatBaisCity;and
Onebranch(BranchXLVI)fortheprovinceofSiquijor,withseatatLarena.
(i)ThirtythreeRegionalTrialJudgesshallbecommissionedfortheEighthJudicialRegion.Thereshallbe:
Five branches (Branches I to V) for the province of Eastern Samar, Branches I and II with seats at Borongan,
BranchIIIatGuiuan,BranchIVatDolores,andBranchVatOras;
Thirteen branches (Branches VI to XVIII) for the province of Leyte, the subprovince of Biliran, and the cities of
OrmocandTacloban,BranchesVIandIXwithseatsatTaclobanCity,BranchXatAbuyog,BranchXIatCalubian,
Branch XII at Ormoc City, Branch XIII at Carigara, Branch XIV at Baybay, Branch XV at Burauen, Branch XVI at
Naval,BranchXVIIatPalompon,andBranchXVIIIatHilongos;
Five branches (Branches XIX to XXIII) for the province of Northern Samar, Branches XIX and XX with seats at
Catarman,BranchesXXIandXXIIatLaoang,andBranchXXIIIatAllen;
Threebranches(BranchesXXIVtoXXVI)fortheprovinceofSouthernLeyte,BranchesXXIVandXXVwithseatsat
Maasin,andBranchXXVIatSanJuan;and
Sevenbranches(BranchesXXVIItoXXXIII)fortheprovinceofSamarandthecityofCalbayog,BranchesXXVIIto
XXIXwithseatsatCatbalogan,BranchXXXatBasey,BranchesXXXIandXXXIIatCalbayogCity,andBranchXXXIII
atCalbiga.
(j)TwentyfourRegionalTrialJudgesshallbecommissionedfortheNinthJudicialRegion.Thereshallbe:
Twobranches(BranchesIandII)fortheprovinceofBasilan,withseatsatIsabela;
Twobranches(BranchesIIIandIV)fortheprovinceofSulu,BranchIIIwithseatatJolo,andBranchIVatParang;
Onebranch(BranchV)fortheprovinceofTawiTawi,withseatatBongao;
Sixbranches(BranchesVItoXI)fortheprovinceofZamboangadelNorte,andthecitiesofDipologandDapitan,
BranchesVItoXseatsatDipologCity,andBranchXIatSindangan;and
Thirteen branches (Branches XII to XXIV) for the province of Zamboanga del Sur and the cities of Pagadian and
Zamboanga Branches XII to XVII with seats at Zamboanga City, Branches, XVIII to XXII at Pagadian City, Branch
XXIIIatMolave,andBranchXXIVatIpil.
(k)ThirtytwoRegionalTrialJudgesshallbecommissionedfortheTenthJudicialRegion.Thereshallbe:
Fivebranches(BranchesItoV)fortheprovinceofAgusandelNorteandthecityofButuan,withseatsatButuan
City;
Twobranches(BranchesVIandVII)fortheprovinceofAgusandelSur,BranchesVIwithseatatProsperidadand
BranchVIIwithseatatBayugan;
Fourbranches(BranchesVIIItoXI)fortheprovinceofBukidnon,BranchesVIIItoXwithseatsatMalaybalayand
BranchXIatManaloFortich;
Fivebranches(BranchesXIItoXI)fortheprovinceofMisamisOccidentalandthecitiesofOroquieta,Ozamis,and
Tangub,BranchesXIItoXIVwithseatsatOroquietaCity,BranchXVatOzamisCity,andBranchXVIatTangubCity;
Elevenbranches(BranchesXVIItoXXVII)fortheprovinceofMisamisOrientalandthecitiesofCagayandeOro
andGingoog,BranchesXVIItoXXVwithseatsatCagayandeOroCity,BranchXXVIatMedina,andBranchXXVIIat
GingoogCity;
Onebranch(BranchXXVIII)fortheprovinceofCamiguin,withseatatMambajao;and

Four branches (Branches XXIX to XXXII) for the province of Surigao del Norte and the City of Surigao, Branches
XXIXandXXXwithseatsatSurigaoCity,BranchXXXIatDapa,andBranchXXXIIatDinagat,DinagatIsland.
(l)TwentynineRegionalTrialJudgesshallbecommissionedfortheEleventhJudicialRegion.Thereshallbe
Four branches (Branches I to IV) for the province of Davao del Norte, Branches I and II with seats at Tagum,
BranchIIIatNabunturan,andBranchIVatPanabo;
Threebranches(BranchesVtoVII)fortheprovinceofDavaoOriental,BranchesVandVIwithseatsatMatiand
BranchVIIatBanganga;
Fourteenbranches(BranchesVIIItoXXI)fortheprovinceofDavaodelSurandthecityofDavao,BranchesVIIIto
XVIIwithseatsatDavaoCity,BranchesXVIIIandXIXatDigos,BranchXXatMalinta,andBranchXXIaBansalan;
FiveBranches(BranchesXXIItoXXVI)fortheprovinceofSouthCotabatoandthecityofGeneralSantos,Branches
XXIIandXXIIIwithseatsatGeneralSantosCity,BranchesXXIVandXXVatKoronadal,andBranchXXVIatSurallah;
and
Three branches (Branches XXVII to XXIX) for the province of Surigao del Sur, Branch XXVII with seat at Tandag,
BranchXXVIIIatLianga,andBranchXXIXatBislig.
(m)TwentyRegionalTrialJudgesshallbecommissionedfortheTwelfthJudicialRegion.Thereshallbe:
Sevenbranches(BranchesItoVII)fortheprovinceofLanaodelNorteandthecityofIligan,BranchesItoVIwith
seatsatIliganCity,andBranchVIIatTubod;
Fivebranches(BranchesVIIItoXII)fortheprovinceofLanaodelSurandthecityofMarawi,BranchesVIIItoX
withseatsatMarawiCity,andBranchesXIandXIIatMalabang;
Threebranches(BranchesXIIItoXV)fortheprovinceofMaguindanaoandthecityofCotabato,BranchesXIIIand
XIVwithseatsatCotabatoCity,andBranchXVatMaganoy;
Three branches (Branches XVI to XVIII) for the province of North Cotabato, Branch XVI with seat at Kabacan,
BranchXVIIatKidapawan,andBranchXVIIIatMissayap;and
Two branches (Branches XIX and XX) for the province of Sultan Kudarat, Branch XIX, with seat at Isulan, and
BranchXXatTacurong.
Section15.Qualifications.NopersonsshallbeappointedRegionalTrialJudgeunlessheisanaturalborncitizen
ofthePhilippines,atleastthirtyfiveyearsofage,andforatleasttenyears,hasbeenengagedinthepracticeof
lawinthePhilippinesorhasheldapublicofficeinthePhilippinesrequiringadmissiontothepracticeoflawasan
indispensablerequisite.
Section16.Timeanddurationofsessions.ThetimeanddurationofdailysessionsoftheRegionalTrialCourts
shall be determined by the Supreme Court: Provided, however, That all motions, except those requiring
immediateaction,shallbeheardintheafternoonofeveryFriday,unlessitfallsonaholiday,inwhichcase,the
hearingshallbeheldontheafternoonofthenextsucceedingbusinessday:Provided,further,ThattheSupreme
Courtmay,forgoodreasons,fixadifferentmotiondayinspecifiedareas
Section17.AppointmentandassignmentofRegionalTrialJudges.EveryRegionalTrialJudgeshallbeappointed
toaregionwhichshallbehispermanentstation,andhisappointmentshallstatethebranchofthecourtandthe
seat thereof to which he shall be originally assigned. However, the Supreme Court may assign temporarily a
RegionalTrialJudgetoanotherregionaspublicinterestmayrequire,providedthatsuchtemporaryassignment
shallnotlastlongerthansix(6)monthswithouttheconsentoftheRegionalTrialJudgeconcerned.
A Regional Trial Judge may be assigned by the Supreme Court to any branch or city or municipality within the
sameregionaspublicinterestmayrequire,andsuchassignmentshallnotbedeemedanassignmenttoanother
stationwithinthemeaningofthissection.
Section 18. Authority to define territory appurtenant to each branch. The Supreme Court shall define the
territory over which a branch of the Regional Trial Court shall exercise its authority. The territory thus defined
shallbedeemedtobetheterritorialareaofthebranchconcernedforpurposesofdeterminingthevenueofall

suits, proceedings or actions, whether civil or criminal, as well as determining the Metropolitan Trial Courts,
MunicipalTrialCourts,andMunicipalCircuitTrialCourtsoverthesaidbranchmayexerciseappellatejurisdiction.
Thepowerhereingrantedshallbeexercisedwithaviewtomakingthecourtsreadilyaccessibletothepeopleof
thedifferentpartsoftheregionandmakingtheattendanceoflitigantsandwitnessesasinexpensiveaspossible.
Section19.Jurisdictionincivilcases.RegionalTrialCourtsshallexerciseexclusiveoriginaljurisdiction:
(1)Inallcivilactionsinwhichthesubjectofthelitigationisincapableofpecuniaryestimation;
(2)Inallcivilactionswhichinvolvethetitleto,orpossessionof,realproperty,oranyinteresttherein,wherethe
assessedvalueofthepropertyinvolvedexceedsTwentythousandpesos(P20,000.00)orforcivilactionsinMetro
Manila,wheresuchthevalueexceedsFiftythousandpesos(50,000.00)exceptactionsforforcibleentryintoand
unlawful detainer of lands or buildings, original jurisdiction over which is conferred upon Metropolitan Trial
Courts,MunicipalTrialCourts,andMunicipalCircuitTrialCourts;
(3)InallactionsinadmiraltyandmaritimejurisdictionwherehedemandorclaimexceedsOnehundredthousand
pesos (P100,000.00) or , in Metro Manila, where such demand or claim exceeds Two hundred thousand pesos
(200,000.00);
(4)Inallmattersofprobate,bothtestateandintestate,wherethegrossvalueoftheestateexceedsOnehundred
thousand pesos (P100,000.00) or, in probate matters in Metro Manila, where such gross value exceeds Two
hundredthousandpesos(200,000.00);
(5)Inallactionsinvolvingthecontractofmarriageandmaritalrelations;
(6)Inallcasesnotwithintheexclusivejurisdictionofanycourt,tribunal,personorbodyexercisingjurisdictionor
anycourt,tribunal,personorbodyexercisingjudicialorquasijudicialfunctions;
(7) In all civil actions and special proceedings falling within the exclusive original jurisdiction of a Juvenile and
DomesticRelationsCourtandoftheCourtsofAgrarianRelationsasnowprovidedbylaw;and
(8) In all other cases in which the demand, exclusive of interest, damages of whatever kind, attorney's fees,
litigationexpenses,andcostsorthevalueofthepropertyincontroversyexceedsOnehundredthousandpesos
(100,000.00) or, in such other abovementioned items exceeds Two hundred thousand pesos (200,000.00). (as
amendedbyR.A.No.7691*)
Section20.Jurisdictionincriminalcases.RegionalTrialCourtsshallexerciseexclusiveoriginaljurisdictioninall
criminalcasesnotwithintheexclusivejurisdictionofanycourt,tribunalorbody,exceptthosenowfallingunder
the exclusive and concurrent jurisdiction of the Sandiganbayan which shall hereafter be exclusively taken
cognizanceofbythelatter.
Section21.Originaljurisdictioninothercases.RegionalTrialCourtsshallexerciseoriginaljurisdiction:
(1) In the issuance of writs of certiorari, prohibition, mandamus, quo warranto, habeas corpus and injunction
whichmaybeenforcedinanypartoftheirrespectiveregions;and
(2)Inactionsaffectingambassadorsandotherpublicministersandconsuls.
Section 22. Appellate jurisdiction. Regional Trial Courts shall exercise appellate jurisdiction over all cases
decidedbyMetropolitanTrialCourts,MunicipalTrialCourts,andMunicipalCircuitTrialCourtsintheirrespective
territorialjurisdictions.Suchcasesshallbedecidedonthebasisoftheentirerecordoftheproceedingshadinthe
courtoforiginandsuchmemorandaand/orbriefsasmaybesubmittedbythepartiesorrequiredbytheRegional
TrialCourts.ThedecisionoftheRegionalTrialCourtsinsuchcasesshallbeappealablebypetitionforreviewto
the
CourtofAppealswhichmaygiveitduecourseonlywhenthepetitionshowsprimafaciethatthelowercourthas
committedanerroroffactorlawthatwillwarrantareversalormodificationofthedecisionorjudgmentsought
tobereviewed.
Section23.Specialjurisdictiontotryspecialcases.TheSupremeCourtmaydesignatecertainbranchesofthe
Regional Trial Courtstohandleexclusivelycriminalcases,juvenileanddomesticrelationscases,agrarian cases,
urbanlandreformcaseswhichdonotfallunderthejurisdictionofquasijudicialbodiesandagencies,and/orsuch

otherspecialcasesastheSupremeCourtmaydetermineintheinterestofaspeedyandefficientadministration
ofjustice.
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 of procedure applicable under present laws to
suchcasesshallcontinuetobeapplied,unlesssubsequentlyamendedbylaworbyrulesofcourtpromulgatedby
theSupremeCourt.
CHAPTERIIIMETROPOLITANTRIALCOURTS,MUNICIPALTRIALCOURTS,ANDMUNICIPALCIRCUITTRIAL
COURTS
Section25.EstablishmentofMetropolitanTrialCourts,MunicipalTrialCourtsandMunicipalCircuitTrialCourts.
ThereshallbecreatedaMetropolitanTrialCourtineachmetropolitanareaestablishedbylaw,aMunicipalTrial
Courtineachoftheothercitiesormunicipalities,andaMunicipalCircuitTrialCourtineachcircuitcomprising
suchcitiesand/ormunicipalitiesasaregroupedtogetherpursuanttolaw.
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 naturalborn citizen of the Philippines, at least 30 years of
age,and,foratleastfiveyears,hasbeenengagedinthepracticeoflawinthePhilippines,orhasheldapublic
officeinthePhilippinesrequiringadmissiontothepracticeoflawasanindispensablerequisite.
Section27.MetropolitanTrialCourtsoftheNationalCapitalRegion.ThereshallbeaMetropolitanTrialCourtin
the National Capital Region, to be known as the Metropolitan Trial Court of Metro Manila, which shall be
composedofeightytwo(82)branches.Thereshallbe:
Thirtybranches(BranchesItoXXX)forthecityofManilawithseatsthereat;
Thirteenbranches(BranchesXXXItoXLIII)forQuezonCitywithseatsthereat;
Fivebranches(BranchesXLIVtoXLVIII)forPasayCitywithseatsthereat;
Fivebranches(BranchesXLIXtoLIII)forCaloocanCitywithseatsthereat;
Onebranch(BranchLIV)forNavotaswithseatthereat;
Twobranches(BranchesLVandLVI)forMalabonwithseatsthereat;
Twobranches(BranchesLVIIandLVIII)forSanJuanwithseatsthereat;
Twobranches(BranchesLIXandLX)forMandaluyongwithseatsthereat;
Sevenbranches(BranchesLXIandLXVII)forMakatiwithseatsthereat;
Fivebranches(BranchesLXVIIItoLXXII)forPasigwithseatsthereat;
Onebranch(BranchLXXIII)forPateroswithseatthereat;
Onebranch(BranchLXXIV)forTaguigwithseatthereat;
Twobranches(BranchesLXXVandLXXVI)forMarikinawithseatsthereat;
Twobranches(BranchesLXXVIIandLXXVIII)forParaaquewithseatsthereat;
Onebranch(BranchLXXIX)forLasPiaswithseatthereat;
Onebranch(BranchLXXX)forMuntinlupawithseatthereat;
Twobranches(BranchesLXXXIandLXXXII)forValenzuelawithseatsthereat;
Section 28. Other Metropolitan Trial Courts. The Supreme Court shall constitute Metropolitan Trial Courts in
such other metropolitan areas as may be established by law whose territorial jurisdiction shall be coextensive
withthecitiesandmunicipalitiescomprisingthemetropolitanarea.
Every Metropolitan Trial Judge shall be appointed to a metropolitan area which shall be his permanent station
andhisappointmentshallstatebranchofthecourtandtheseatthereoftowhichheshallbeoriginallyassigned.
AMetropolitanTrialJudgemaybeassignedbytheSupremeCourttoanybranchwithinsaidmetropolitanareaas
theinterestofjusticemayrequire,andsuchassignmentshallnotbedeemedanassignmenttoanotherstation
withinthemeaningofthissection.
Section29.MunicipalTrialCourtsincities.Ineverycitywhichdoesnotformpartofametropolitanarea,there
shallbeaMunicipalTrialCourtwithonebranch,exceptashereunderprovided:
TwobranchesforLaoagCity;
FourbranchesforBaguioCity;
ThreebranchesforDagupanCity;
FivebranchesforOlongapoCity;

ThreebranchesforCabanatuanCity;
TwobranchesforSanJoseCity;
ThreebranchesforAngelesCity;
TwobranchesforCaviteCity;
TwobranchesforBatangasCity;
TwobranchesforLucenaCity;
ThreebranchesforNagaCity;
TwobranchesforIrigaCity;
ThreebranchesforLegaspiCity;
TwobranchesforRoxasCity;
FourbranchesforIloiloCity;
SevenbranchesforBacolodCity;
TwobranchesforDumagueteCity;
TwobranchesforTaclobanCity;
EightbranchesforCebuCity;
ThreebranchesforMandaueCity;
TwobranchesforTagbilaranCity;
TwobranchesforSurigaoCity;
TwobranchesforButuanCity;
FivebranchesforCagayandeOroCity;
SevenbranchesforDavaoCity;
ThreebranchesforGeneralSantosCity;
TwobranchesforOroquietaCity;
ThreebranchesforOzamisCity;
TwobranchesforDipologCity;
FourbranchesforZamboangaCity;
TwobranchesforPagadianCity;and
TwobranchesforIliganCity.

Section30.MunicipalTrialCourts.Ineachofthemunicipalitiesthatarenotcomprisedwithinametropolitan
area and a municipal circuit there shall be a Municipal Trial Court which shall have one branch, except as
hereunderprovided:
TwobranchesforSanFernando,LaUnion;
FourbranchesforTuguegarao;
ThreebranchesforLallo,andtwobranchesforAparri,bothofCagayan;
TwobranchesforSantiago,Isabela;
TwobrancheseachforMalolos,MeycauayanandBulacan,allofBulacanProvince;
FourbranchesforSanFernandoandtwobranchesforGuagua,bothofPampanga;
TwobranchesforTarlac,Tarlac;
TwobranchesforSanPedro,Laguna;and
TwobrancheseachforAntipoloandBinangonan,bothinRizal.
Section31.MunicipalCircuitTrialCourt.ThereshallbeaMunicipalCircuitTrialCourtineachareadefinedasa
municipalcircuit,comprisingoneormorecitiesand/oroneormoremunicipalities.Themunicipalitiescomprising
municipalcircuitsasorganizedunderAdministrativeOrderNo.33,issuedonJune13,1978bytheSupremeCourt
pursuant to Presidential Decree No. 537, are hereby constituted as municipal circuits for purposes of the
establishmentoftheMunicipalCircuitTrialCourts,andtheappointmenttheretoofMunicipalCircuitTrialJudges:
Provided,however,ThattheSupremeCourtmay,astheinterestsofjusticemayrequire,furtherreorganizethe
said courts taking into account 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 applicable
insofarastheyarenotinconsistentwiththisAct.
EveryMunicipalCircuitTrialJudgeshallbeappointedtoamunicipalcircuitwhichshallbehisofficialstation.
The Supreme Court shall determine the city or municipality where the Municipal Circuit Trial Court shall hold

sessions.
Section 32. Jurisdiction of Metropolitan Trial Courts, Municipal Trial Courts and Municipal Circuit Trial Courts in
criminalcases.ExceptincasesfallingwithintheexclusiveoriginaljurisdictionofRegionalTrialCourtsandofthe
Sandiganbayan, the Metropolitan Trial Courts, Municipal Trial Courts, and Municipal Circuit Trial Courts shall
exercise:
(1) Exclusive original jurisdiction over all violations of city or municipal ordinances committed within their
respectiveterritorialjurisdiction;and
(2) Exclusive original jurisdiction over all offenses punishable with imprisonment not exceeding six (6) years
irrespectiveoftheamountoffine,andregardlessofotherimposableaccessoryorotherpenalties,includingthe
civil liability arising from such offenses or predicated thereon, irrespective of kind, nature, value, or amount
thereof:Provided,however,Thatinoffensesinvolvingdamagetopropertythroughcriminalnegligencetheyshall
haveexclusiveoriginaljurisdictionthereof.(asamendedbyR.A,No.7691)
Section 33. Jurisdiction of Metropolitan Trial Courts, Municipal Trial Courts and Municipal Circuit Trial Courts in
civilcases.MetropolitanTrialCourts,MunicipalTrialCourts,andMunicipalCircuitTrialCourtsshallexercise:
(1)Exclusiveoriginaljurisdictionovercivilactionsandprobateproceedings,testateandintestate,includingthe
grantofprovisionalremediesinpropercases,wherethevalueofthepersonalproperty,estate,oramountofthe
demanddoesnotexceedOnehundredthousandpesos(P100,000.00)or,inMetroManilawheresuchpersonal
property, estate, or amount of the demand does not exceed Two hundred thousand pesos (P200,000.00)
exclusive of interest damages of whatever kind, attorney's fees, litigation expenses, and costs, the amount of
whichmustbespecificallyalleged:Provided,Thatwherethereareseveralclaimsorcausesofactionbetweenthe
sameordifferentparties,embodiedinthesamecomplaint,theamountofthedemandshallbethetotalityofthe
claimsinallthecausesofaction,irrespectiveofwhetherthecausesofactionaroseoutofthesameordifferent
transactions;
(2)Exclusiveoriginaljurisdictionovercasesofforcibleentryandunlawfuldetainer:Provided,Thatwhen,insuch
cases,thedefendantraisesthequestionofownershipinhispleadingsandthequestionofpossessioncannotbe
resolvedwithoutdecidingtheissueofownership,theissueofownershipshallberesolvedonlytodeterminethe
issueofpossession.
(3)Exclusiveoriginaljurisdictioninallcivilactionswhichinvolvetitleto,orpossessionof,realproperty,orany
interestthereinwheretheassessedvalueofthepropertyorinterestthereindoesnotexceedTwentythousand
pesos(P20,000.00)or,incivilactionsinMetroManila,wheresuchassessedvaluedoesnotexceedFiftythousand
pesos(P50,000.00)exclusiveofinterest,damagesofwhateverkind,attorney'sfees,litigationexpensesandcosts:
Provided,Thatvalueofsuchpropertyshallbedeterminedbytheassessedvalueoftheadjacentlots.(asamended
byR.A.No.7691)
Section34.Delegatedjurisdictionincadastralandlandregistrationcases.MetropolitanTrialCourts,Municipal
Trial Courts, and Municipal Circuit Trial Courts may be assigned by the Supreme Court to hear and determine
cadastralorlandregistrationcasescoveringlotswherethereisnocontroversyoropposition,orcontestedlots
the where the value of which does not exceed One hundred thousand pesos (P100,000.00), such value to be
ascertainedbytheaffidavitoftheclaimantorbyagreementoftherespectiveclaimantsiftherearemorethan
one, or from the corresponding tax declaration of the real property. Their decisions in these cases shall be
appealableinthesamemannerasdecisionsoftheRegionalTrialCourts.(asamendedbyR.A.No.7691)
Section35.Specialjurisdictionincertaincases.IntheabsenceofalltheRegionalTrialJudgesinaprovinceor
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
absentRegionalTrialJudgessit.
Section36.Summaryproceduresinspecialcases.InMetropolitanTrialCourtsandMunicipalTrialCourtswithat
leasttwobranches, the Supreme Court may designateone ormorebranchesthereoftotryexclusively forcible
entryandunlawfuldetainercases,thoseinvolvingviolationsoftrafficlaws,rulesandregulations,violationsofthe
rental law, and such other cases requiring summary disposition as the Supreme Court may determine. The
SupremeCourtshalladoptspecialrulesorproceduresapplicabletosuchcasesinordertoachieveanexpeditious
andinexpensivedeterminationthereofwithoutregardtotechnicalrules.Suchsimplifiedproceduresmayprovide
that affidavits and counteraffidavits may be admitted in lieu of oral testimony and that the periods for filing
pleadingsshallbenonextendible.

Section37.Preliminaryinvestigation.JudgesofMetropolitanTrialCourts,exceptthoseintheNationalCapital
Region,ofMunicipalTrialCourts,andMunicipalCircuitTrialCourtsshallhaveauthoritytoconductpreliminary
investigationofcrimesallegedtohavebeencommittedwithintheirrespectiveterritorialjurisdictionswhichare
cognizablebytheRegionalTrialCourts.
The preliminary investigation shall be conducted in accordance with the procedure prescribed in Section 1,
paragraphs(a),(b),(c),and(d),ofPresidentialDecreeNo.911:Provided,however,Thatifafterthepreliminary
investigation the Judge finds a prima facie case, he shall forward the records of the case to the Provincial/City
Fiscalforthefilingofthecorrespondinginformationwiththepropercourt.
No warrant of arrest shall be issued by the Judge in connection with any criminal complaint filed with him for
preliminaryinvestigation,unlessafteranexaminationinwritingandunderoathoraffirmationofthecomplainant
andhiswitnesses,hefindsthataprobablecauseexists.
AnywarrantofarrestissuedinaccordanceherewithmaybeservedanywhereinthePhilippines.
Section38.Judgmentsandprocesses.
(1)Alljudgmentsdeterminingthemeritsofcasesshallbeinwriting,statingclearlythefactsandthelawonwhich
theywerebased,signedbytheJudgeandfiledwiththeClerkofCourt.Suchjudgmentshallbeappealabletothe
RegionalTrialCourtsinaccordancewiththeprocedurenowprescribedbylawforappealstotheCourtofFirst
Instance,bytheprovisionsofthisAct,andbysuchrulesastheSupremeCourtmayhereafterprescribe.
(2)AllprocessesissuedbytheMetropolitanTrialCourts,MunicipalTrialCourtsandMunicipalCircuitTrialCourts,
in cases falling within their jurisdiction, may be served anywhere in the Philippines without the necessity of
certificationbytheJudgeoftheRegionalTrialCourt.
CHAPTERIVGENERALPROVISIONS
Section39.Appeals.Theperiodforappealfromfinalorders,resolutions,awards,judgments,ordecisionsofany
court in all cases shall be fifteen (15) days counted from the notice of the final order, resolution, award,
judgment,ordecisionappealedfrom:Providedhowever,Thatinhabeascorpuscases,theperiodforappealshall
befortyeight(48)hoursfromthenoticeofthejudgmentappealedfrom.
Norecordonappealshallberequiredtotakeanappeal.Inlieuthereof,theentirerecordshallbetransmitted
withallthepagesprominentlynumberedconsecutively,togetherwithanindexofthecontentsthereof.
This section shall not apply in appeals in special proceedings and in other cases wherein multiple appeals are
allowedunderapplicableprovisionsoftheRulesofCourt.
Section40.Formofdecisioninappealedcases.Everydecisionoffinalresolutionofacourtinappealedcases
shallclearlyanddistinctlystatethefindingsoffactandtheconclusionsoflawonwhichitisbased,whichmaybe
containedinthedecisionorfinalresolutionitself,oradoptedbyreferencefromthosesetforthinthedecision,
order,orresolutionappealedfrom.
Section41.Salaries.IntermediateAppellateJustices,RegionalTrialJudges,MetropolitanTrialJudges,Municipal
Trial Judges, and Municipal Circuit Trial Judges shall receive such compensation and allowances as may be
authorized by the President along the guidelines set forth in Letter of Implementation No. 93 pursuant to
PresidentialDecreeNo.985,asamendedbyPresidentialDecreeNo.1597.
Section42.Longevitypay.Amonthlylongevitypayequivalentto5%ofthemonthlybasicpayshallbepaidto
theJusticesandJudgesofthecourtshereincreatedforeachfiveyearsofcontinuous,efficient,andmeritorious
service rendered in the judiciary; Provided, That in no case shall the total salary of each Justice or Judge
concerned,afterthislongevitypayisadded,exceedthesalaryoftheJusticeorJudgenextinrank.
Section43.Staffingpattern.TheSupremeCourtshallsubmittothePresident,withinthirty(30)daysfromthe
dateoftheeffectivityofthisAct,astaffingpatternforallcourtsconstitutedpursuanttothisActwhichshallbe
thebasisoftheimplementingordertobeissuedbythePresidentinaccordancewiththeimmediatelysucceeding
section.
Section44.Transitoryprovisions.TheprovisionsofthisActshallbeimmediatelycarriedoutinaccordancewith
anExecutiveOrdertobeissuedbythePresident.TheCourtofAppeals,theCourtsofFirstInstance,theCircuit

CriminalCourts,theJuvenileandDomesticRelationsCourts,theCourtsofAgrarianRelations,theCityCourts,the
Municipal Courts, and the Municipal Circuit Courts shall continue to function as presently constituted and
organized,untilthecompletionofthereorganizationprovidedinthisActasdeclaredbythePresident.Uponsuch
declaration,thesaidcourtsshallbedeemedautomaticallyabolishedandtheincumbentsthereofshallceaseto
hold office. The cases pending in the old Courts shall be transferred to the appropriate Courts constituted
pursuant to this Act, together with the pertinent functions, records, equipment, property and the necessary
personnel.
Theapplicableappropriationsshalllikewisebetransferredtotheappropriatecourtsconstitutedpursuanttothis
Act, to be augmented as may be necessary from the funds for organizational changes as provided in Batas
PambansaBlg.80.SaidfundingshallthereafterbeincludedintheannualGeneralAppropriationsAct.
Section 45. Shari'a Courts. Shari'a Courts to be constituted as provided for in Presidential Decree No. 1083,
otherwise known as the "Code of Muslim Personal Laws of the Philippines," shall be included in the funding
appropriationssoprovidedinthisAct.
Section 46. Gratuity of judges and personnel separated from office. All members of the 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 month's salary for every year of continuous service
renderedinanybranchofthegovernmentorequivalentnearestfractionthereoffavorabletothemonthebasis
ofthehighestsalaryreceived:Provided,Thatsuchmemberofthejudiciaryoremployeeshallhavetheoptionto
retireundertheJudiciaryRetirementLaworgeneralretirementlaw,ifhehasmetorsatisfiedtherequirements
therefor.
Section47.Repealingclause.TheprovisionsofRepublicActNo.296,otherwiseknownastheJudiciaryActof
1948,asamended,ofRepublicActNo.5179asamended,oftheRulesofCourt,andofallotherstatutes,letters
ofinstructionsandgeneralorderorpartsthereof,inconsistentwiththeprovisionsofthisActareherebyrepealed
oraccordinglymodified.
Section48.DateofEffectivity.ThisActshalltakeeffectimmediately.
Approved:August14,1981

Footnotes
*OtherprovisionsoftheAct:
"Section.5.Afterfive(5)yearsfromtheeffectivityofthisAct,thejurisdictionalamountsmentionedinSec.19(3),
(4),and(8);andSec.33(1)ofBatasPambansaBlg.129asamendedbythisAct,shallbeadjustedtoTwohundred
thousandpesos(P200,000.00).five(5)yearsthereafter,suchjurisdictionalamountsshallbeadjustedfurtherto
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
Fourhundredthousandpesos(P400,000.00).
Section. 7. The provisions of this Act shall apply to all civil cases that have not yet reached the pretrial stage.
However, by agreement of all the parties, civil cases cognizable by municipal and metropolitan courts by the
provisionsofthisActmaybetransferredfromtheRegionalTrialCourtstothelatter.Theexecutivejudgeofthe
appropriate Regional Trial Court shall define the administrative procedure of transferring the cases affected by
theredefinitionofjurisdictiontotheMetropolitanTrialCourts,MunicipalTrialCourt,andMunicipalCircuitTrial
Court."
*CriminalcasesfallingwithinthejurisdictionofFamilyCourts(establishedbytheFamilyCourtsActof1997[R.A.
No.8369])havebeentransferredfromMetropolitantrialCourts,MunicipalTrialCourts,
Municipal trial Court in Cities, Municipal Trial Courts and Municipal Circuit Trial Courts to Regional trial Courts
underA.M.No.99113SCeffectiveMarch1,1999.