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BATASPAMBANSABlg.129
ANACTREORGANIZINGTHEJUDICIARY,APPROPRIATINGFUNDSTHEREFOR,ANDFOROTHER
PURPOSES
PRELIMINARYCHAPTER
Section1.Title.ThisActshallbeknownas"TheJudiciaryReorganizationActof1980."
Section 2. Scope. The reorganization herein provided shall include the Court ofAppeals, the Court of First
Instance, the Circuit Criminal Courts, the Juvenile and Domestic Relations Courts, the Courts of Agrarian
Relations,theCityCourts,theMunicipalCourts,andtheMunicipalCircuitCourts.
CHAPTERI
COURTOFAPPEALS
Section3.Organization.ThereisherebycreatedaCourtofAppealswhichconsistsofaPresidingJusticeand
fiftyAssociateJusticewhoshallbeappointedbythePresidentofthePhilippines.ThePresidingJusticeshallbeso
designated in his appointment, and theAssociate Justice shall have precedence according to the dates of their
respectiveappointments,orwhentheappointmentsoftwoormoreofthemshallbearthesamedate,according
to the order in which their appointments were issued by the President. Any member who is reappointed to the
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.)
Section 4. Exercise of powers and functions. The Court Appeals shall exercise its powers, functions, and
duties,throughseventeen(17)divisions,eachcomposedofthree(3)members.TheCourtmaysitenbanconly
for the purpose of exercising administrative, ceremonial, or other nonadjudicatory functions. (as amended by
Exec.OrderNo.33,.)
Section5.SuccessiontoOfficeofPresidingJustice.Incaseofavacancyintheabsenceofinabilitytoperform
thepowers,functions,anddutiesofhisoffice,theassociateJusticewhoisfirstinprecedenceshallperformhis
powers,functions,anddutiesuntilsuchdisabilityisremoved,oranotherPresidingJusticeisappointedandhas
qualified.
Section 6. Who presides over session of a division. If the Presiding Justice is present in any session of a
division of the Court, he shall preside. In his absence, the Associate Justice attending such session who has
precedenceshallpreside.
Section7.Qualifications.ThePresidingJusticeandtheAssociateJusticeshallhavethesamequalificationsas
thoseprovidedinConstitutionforJusticeoftheSupremeCourt.
Section8.GroupingofDivisions.(ExpresslyrepealedbySection4,Exec.OrderNo.33,July28,1986.)
Section9.Jurisdiction.TheCourtofAppealsshallExercise:
1.Originaljurisdictiontoissuewritsofmandamus,prohibition,certiorari,habeascorpus,andquowarranto,
andauxiliarywritsorprocesses,whetherornotinaidofitsappellatejurisdiction
2.ExclusiveoriginaljurisdictionoveractionsforannulmentofjudgementsofRegionalTrialCourtsand
3.Exclusiveappellatejurisdictionoverallfinaljudgements,resolutions,ordersorawardsofRegionalTrial
Courts and quasijudicial agencies, instrumentalities, boards or commission, including the Securities and
Exchange Commission, the Social Security Commission, the Employees Compensation Commission and
theCivilServiceCommission,ExceptthosefallingwithintheappellatejurisdictionoftheSupremeCourtin
accordancewiththeConstitution,theLaborCodeofthePhilippinesunderPresidentialDecreeNo.442,as
amended,theprovisionsofthisAct,andofsubparagraph(1)ofthethirdparagraphandsubparagraph4of
thefourthparagraphodSection17oftheJudiciaryActof1948.
ThecourtofAppealsshallhavethepowertotrycasesandconducthearings,receiveevidenceandperformany
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andallactsnecessarytoresolvefactualissuesraisedincasesfallingwithinitsoriginalandappellatejurisdiction,
includingthepowertograntandconductnewtrialsorAppealsmustbecontinuousandmustbecompletedwithin
three(3)months,unlessextendedbytheChiefJustice.(asamendedbyR.A.No.7902.)
Section10. Place of holding sessions. The Court ofAppeals 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.QuorumAmajorityoftheactualmembersoftheCourtshallconstituteaquorumforitssession en
banc.Three members shall constitute a quorum for the session of a division. The unanimous vote of the three
membersofadivisionshallbenecessaryforthepronouncementofadecisionoffinalresolution,whichshallbe
reached in consultation before the writing of the opinion by any members of the division. In the event that the
threemembersdonotreachaunanimousvote,thePresidingJusticeshallrequesttheRaffleCommitteeofthe
Court for the designation of two additional Justice to sit temporarily with 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
decisionorfinalresolution.ThedesignationofsuchadditionalJusticeshallbemadestrictlybyraffle.
AmonthforreconsiderationofitsdecisionorfinalresolutionshallberesolvedbytheCourtwithinninety(90)days
fromthetimeitissubmittedforresolution,andnosecondmotionforreconsiderationfromthesamepartyshallbe
entertainment.(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.
CHAPTERII
REGIONALTRIALCOURTS
Section13.Creation of Regional Trial Courts. There are hereby created thirteen (13) Regional Trial Courts,
oneforeachofthefollowingjudicialregions:
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,Palayanand
SanJose
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, Mindoro Oriental, Palawan, Quezon, Rizal (except the cities and municipalities embraced within the
NationalCapitalJudicialRegion0,Romblon,andAurora,andthecitiesofBatangas,Cavite,Lipa,Lucena,Puerto
Princessa,SanPablo,Tagaytay,andTreceMartires
TheFifthJudicialRegion,consistingoftheprovincesofAlbay,CamarinesSur,CamarinesNorte,Catanduanes,
Masbate,andSorsogon,andthecitiesofLegaspi,NagaandIriga
The Sixth Judicial Region, consisting of the provinces of Aklan, Antique, Capiz, Iloilo, La Calota, Roxas, San
Carlos,andSilay,andthesubprovinceofGuimaras
TheSeventhJudicialRegion,consistingoftheprovincesofBohol,Cebu,NegrosOriental,andSiquijor,andthe
citiesofBais,Canlaon,Cebu,Danao,Dumaguete,Lapulapu,Mandaue,Tagbilaran,andToledo,
The Eighth Judicial Region, consisting of the provinces or Eastern Samar, Leyte, Northern, Samar, Southern
Leyte,Ormoc,andTacloban:
TheNinthJudicialRegion,consistingoftheprovincesofBasilan,Sulu,TawiTawi,ZamboangadelSur,andthe
citiesofDapitan,Dipolog,Pagadian,andZamboanga
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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,andGeneralSantosand
TheTwelfthJudicialRegion,consistingoftheprovincesofLanaodelNorte,LanaodelSur,Maguindanao,North
Cotabato,andSultanKudarat,andthecitiesofCotabato,Iligan,andMarawi.
Incaseoftransferorredistributionoftheprovinces,subprovinces,citiesormunicipalitiescomprisingtheregions
establishedbylawofpurposesoftheadministrativefieldorganizationofthevariousdepartmentsandagenciesof
thegovernment,thecompositionofthejudicialregionshereinconstitutedshallbedeemedmodifiedaccordingly.
Section14.RegionalTrialCourts.
(a)FiftysevenRegionalTrialJudgesshallbecommissionedfortheFirstJudicialRegion.Thereshallbe.
Twobranches(BranchesIIIansII)fortheprovinceofAbra,withseatsatBangued
Eightbranches(BranchesIIItoX)fortheprovinceofBenguetandthecityofBaguio,BranchesIIIto
VIIwithseatsatBaguioCity,andBranchesVIIItoXatLaTrinidad
Ninebranches(BranchesXItoXIX)fortheprovinceofIlocosNorteandthecityofLaoag,Branches
XItoXVIwithseatsatLaoagCity,BranchesXVIIandXVIIIatBatac,andBranchXIXatBangui
Sixbranches(BrachesXXtoXXV)fortheprovinceofIlocosSur,BranchesXXandXXIwithseatsat
Vigan,BranchXXIIatNarvacan,BranchXXIIIatCandon,BranchXXIVatCabugao,andBranchXXV
atTagudin
Ninebranches(BranchesXXVItoXXXIV)fortheprovinceofLaUnion,BranchesXXVItoXXXwith
seats at San Fernando, Branches XXXI and XXXII atAgoo, Branch XXXIII at Bauang, and Branch
XXXIVatBalaoan
Two branches (Branches XXXV and XXXVI) for the province of Mountain province, with seats at
Bontocand
Twentyone branches (Branches XXXVII to LVII) for the province of Pangasinan and the citie sof
dagupanandsanCarlos,BranchesXXXVIItoXXXIXwithseatsatLingayen,BranchesXLtoXLIVat
dagupan, Branches XLV to XLIX at Urdaneta, Branch L at Villasis, Branches LI and LII at Tayug,
BranchLIIIatRosalaes,BranchesLIVandLVatAlaminos,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
Two branches (Branches XIV and XV) for the province of Ifugao, Branch XIV with seat at Lagawe,
andBranchXVatPotia
Ninebranches(BranchesXVItoXXIV)fortheprovinceofIsabela,BranchesXVItoXVIIIwithseatsat
Ilagan,BranchesXIXandXXatcauayan,BranchXXIatSantiago,BranchXXIIatCabagan,Branch
XXIIIatRoxas,andBranchXXIVatEchague
Twobranches(BranchesXXVandXXVI)fortheprovinceofkalingaApayao,BranchXXVwithseatat
Tabuk,andBranchXXVIatLuna
Fourbranches(BranchesXXVIItoXXX)fortheprovinceofNuevaVizcaya,BranchesXXVIItoXXIX
withseatsatBayombong,andBranchXXXatBambang
Twobranches(BranchesXXXIandXXXII)fortheprovinceofQuirino,withseatsatCabarroguis.
(c)SeventyfiveRegionalTrialjudgesshallbecommissionedfortheThirdJudicialRegion.Thereshallbe:
Fivebranches(BranchesItoV)fortheprovinceofBataan,BranchesItoIIIwithseatsatBalanga,
BranchIVatMariveles,andBranchVatDinalupihan
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Seventeen branches (Branches VI to XXII) for the province of Bulacan (except the municipality of
Valuenzuela),withseatsatMalolos
Eighteen branches (Branches XXIII to XL) for the province of Nueva Ecija and the cities of
Cabanatuan,SanJoseandPalayan,BranchesXXIIItoXXXwithseatsatCabanatuanCity,Branches
XXXI to XXXIII at Guimba, Branches XXXIV to XXXVI at Gapan, Branch XXXVII at Sto. Domingo,
BranchesXXXVIIIandXXXIXatSanJose,andBranchXLatPalayan.
Twentytwobranches(BranchesXLItoLXII)fortheprovinceofPampangaandthecityofAngeles,
BranchesXLItoXLVIIIwithseatsatSanFernando,BranchesXLIXtoLIIIatGuagua,BranchesLIV
andLVatMacabebe,andBranchesLVItoLXIIatAngelesCity
Sixbranches(BranchesLXIIItoLXVIII)fortheprovinceofTarlac,BranchesLXVIatCapas,Branch
LXVIIatPaniqui,andBranchLXVIIIatCamilingand
Seven branches (Branches LXIX to LXXV) for the province of Zambales and the city of Olongapo,
BranchesLXIXtoLXXIwithseatsatIbaandBranchesLXXIItoLXXVatOlongapoCity
(d)Onehundredseventytwo(172)RegionalTrialJudgesshallbecommissionedfortheNationalCapital
JudicialRegion.Thereshallbe:
Fiftyfivebranches(Branches1to55)fortheCityofManila,witseatsthereat
Thirtytwobranches(Branches76to107)forQuezonCity,withseatsthereat
Twelvebranches(Branches108to119)forPasayCity,withseatsthereat
Twelvebranches(Branches120to131)forCaloocanCity,withseatsthereat
Fiftyeightbranches(Branches56to74and132to170)fortheMunicipalitiesofNavotas,Malabon,
San Juan, Madaluyong, Makati, Pasig, Pateros, Taguig, Marikina, Paraaque, Las Pias, and
Muntinlupa Branches 67 to 71 and 151 to 168 at Pasig and Branches 72 to 74, 169 and 170 at
Malabonand
Three branches (Branches 75, 171 and 172) for the municipality of Valenzuela, with seats thereat.
(AsamendedbyEONo.33,July30,1986.)
(e)EihtytwoRegionalTrialJudgesshallbecommissionedfortheFourthJudicialRegion.Thereshallbe:
Fourteen branches (Branches I to XIV) for the province of Batangas and the cities of Lipa and
Batangas,BranchesItoVIwithseatsatBatangasCity,BranchVatLemery,BranchesVItoVIIIat
Tanuan,BranchesIXtoXIatBalayan,BranchesXIIandXIIIatLipa,andBranchXIVatNasugbu
Nine branches (Branches XV to XXIII) for the province of Cavite and the cities of Cavite, Tagaytay
and Trece Matires, Branch XV with seat at Naic, Branches XVII at Cavite City, Branch XVIII at
Tagayatay City, Branch XIX at Bacoor, Branches XX to XXII at Imus, and Branch XXIII at Trece
Martires
Fourteenbranches(BranchesXXIVtoXXXVII)fortheprovinceofLagunaandthecityofSanPablo,
BranchesXXVIIIatSta.Cruz,BranchesXXIXtoXXXIIatSanPableCity,BranchXXXIIIatSiniloan,
andBranchesXXXIVtoXXXVIatCalamba
Onebranch(BranchXXXVIII)fortheprovinceofMarinduque,withseatatBoac
Fivebranches(BranchesXXXIXtoXLIII)fortheprovinceofMindoroOriental,BranchesXXXIXtoXL
withseatsatCalapan,BranchesXLIandXLIIatPinamalayan,andBranchXLIIatRoxas
Threebranches(BranchesXLVIItoXLVI)fortheprovinceofMindoroOccidental,BranchXLIVwith
seatatMamburao,andBranchesXLVandXLVIatSanJose
Sixbranches(BranchesXLVIItoLII)fortheprovinceofPalawanandthecityofPuertoPrincesa,with
seatsatPuertoPrincesaCity
Thirteen branches (Branches LIII to LXV) for the province of Quezon and the city of Lucena,
Branches LIII to LX with seats at Lucena City, Branches LXI and LXII at Gumaca, Branch LXIII at
Calauag,BranchLXIVatMauban,andBranchLXVatInfanta
Onebranchj(BranchLXVI)fortheprovinceofAurora,withseatatBaler
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Fourteen branches (Branches LXVII to LXXX) for the province of Rizal except the cities and
municipalitiesembracedwithintheNationalCapitalJudicialRegion,BranchesLXVIItoLXXwithseats
at Binangonan, Branches LXXI to LXXIV atAntipolo, Branches LXXV to LXXVII at San Mateo, and
BranchesLXXVIIItoLXXXatMorongand
Twobranches(BranchesLXXXIandLXXXII)fortheprovinceofRomblon,BranchLXXXIwithseatat
Romblon,andBranchLXXXIIatOdiongan.
(f)FiftyfiveRegionalTrialJudgesshallbecommissionedfortheFifthJudicialRegion.Thereshallbe:
Eighteenbranches(BranchesItoXVIII)fortheprovinceofAlbayandthecityofLegaspi,BranchesI
toXwithseatsatLegaspiCity,BranchesXItoXIVatLigao,andBranchesXVtoXVIIIatTabaco
Nineteen branches (Branches XIX to XXXVII) for the province of Camarines Sur and the cities of
Naga and Iriga, Branches XIX to XXVIII with seats at Naga City, Branch XXIX at Libmanan, Branch
XXXatTigaon,BrachesXXXItoXXXIIIatPili,andBranchesXXXIVtoXXXVIIatIrigaCity
Fourbranches(BranchesXXXVIIItoXLII)fortheprovinceofCamarinesNorte,withseatatDaet
Twobranches(BranchesXLIIandXLII)fortheprovinceofCatanduanes,withseatsatVirac
Seven branches (Branches XLIV to L) for the province of Masbate, Branches XLIV to XLVIII with
seatsatMasbate,BranchXLIXatCataingan,andBranchLatSanJacintoand
Five branches (Branches LI to LV) for the province of Sorsogon, Branches LI to LIII with seats at
Sorsogon,BranchLVIatGubat,andBranchLVatIrosin.
(g)SixtythreeRegionalTrialJudgesshallbecommissionedfortheSixthJudicialRegion.Thereshallbe:
Ninebranches(BranchesItoIX)fortheprovinceofAklan,withseatsatKalibo
Fourbranches(BranchesXtoXIII)fortheprovinceofAntique,BranchesXtoXIIwithseatsatSan
Jose,andBranchXIIIandCulasi
Eighrbranches(BranchesXIVtoXXI)fortheprovinceofCapizandthecityofRoxas,BranchesXIV
toXIXwithseatsatRoxasCityandBranchesXXandXXIatMambusao
Eighteenbranches(BranchesXXIItoXXXIX)fortheprovinceofIloilo,thesubprovinceofGuimaras,
andthecityofIloilo,withseatsatIloiloCityand
Twentyfourbranches(BranchesXLtoLXIII)fortheprovinceofNegrosOccidental,andthecitiesof
Bacolod,Bago,Cadiz,LaCarlota,SanCarlosandSilay,BranchXLwithseatatSilayCity,Branches
XLItoLIVatBacolodCity,BranchesLVandLVIatHimamaylan,BranchesLVIItoLIXatKabankalan,
BranchLXIIatBagoCity,andBranchLXIIatLaCarlotaCity.
(h)FortysixRegionalTrialJudgesshallbecommissionedfortheSeventhJudicialRegion.Thereshallbe:
Fourbranches(BranchesItoIV)fortheprovinceofBoholandthecityofTagbilaran,withseatsat
TagbilaranCity
Twentyfivebranches(BranchesVtoXXIX)fortheprovinceofCebuandthecitiesofCebu,Danao,
LapuLapu,MandaueandToledo,BranchesVtoXXIVwithseatsatCebuCity,BranchXXVatDanao
City, Branch XXVI atArgao, Branch XXVII at LapuLapu City, Branch XXVIII at Mandaue City, and
BranchXXIXatToledoCity
Sixteen branches (Branches XXX to XLV) for the province of Negros Oriental and the cities of
Dumaguete, Bais and Canlaon, Branches XXX to XLIV with seats at Dumaguete City, and Branch
XLVatBaisCityand
Onebranch(BranchXLVI)fortheprovinceofSiquijor,withseatatLarena.
(i)ThirtythreeRegionalTrialJudgesshallbecommissionedfortheEighthJudicialRegion.Thereshallbe:
Fivebranches(BranchesItoV)fortheprovinceofEasternSamar,BranchesIandIIwithseatsat
Borongan,BranchIIIatGuiuan,BranchIVatDolores,andBranchVatOras
Thirteen branches (Branches VI to XVIII) for the province of Leyte, the subprovince of Biliran, and
the cities of Ormoc and Tacloban, Branches VI and IX with seats at Tacloban City, Branch X at
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Abuyog, Branch XI at Calubian, Branch XII at Ormoc City, Branch XIII at Carigara, Branch XIV at
Baybay,BranchXVatBurauen,BranchXVIatNaval,BranchXVIIatPalompon,andBranchXVIIIat
Hilongos
Fivebranches(BranchesXIXtoXXIII)fortheprovinceofNorthernSamar,BranchesXIXandXXwith
seatsatCatarman,BranchesXXIandXXIIatLaoang,andBranchXXIIIatAllen
Three branches (Branches XXIV to XXVI) for the province of Southern Leyte, Branches XXIV and
XXVwithseatsatMaasin,andBranchXXVIatSanJuanand
Seven branches (Branches XXVII to XXXIII) for the province of Samar and the city of Calbayog,
BranchesXXVIItoXXIXwithseatsatCatbalogan,BranchXXXatBasey,BranchesXXXIandXXXIIat
CalbayogCity,andBranchXXXIIIatCalbiga.
(j)TwentyfourRegionalTrialJudgesshallbecommissionedfortheNinthJudicialRegion.Thereshallbe:
Twobranches(BranchesIandII)fortheprovinceofBasilan,withseatsatIsabela
Twobranches(BranchesIIIandIV)fortheprovinceofSulu,BranchIIIwithseatatJolo,andBranch
IVatParang
Onebranch(BranchV)fortheprovinceofTawiTawi,withseatatBongao
Sixbranches(BranchesVItoXI)fortheprovinceofZamboangadelNorte,andthecitiesofDipolog
andDapitan,BranchesVItoXseatsatDipologCity,andBranchXIatSindanganand
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
XXIIatPagadianCity,BranchXXIIIatMolave,andBranchXXIVatIpil.
(k)ThirtytwoRegionalTrialJudgesshallbecommissionedfortheTenthJudicialRegion.Thereshallbe:
Five branches (Branches I to V) for the province ofAgusan del Norte and the city of Butuan, with
seatsatButuanCity
Two branches (Branches VI and VII) for the province ofAgusan del Sur, Branches VI with seat at
ProsperidadandBranchVIIwithseatatBayugan
Four branches (Branches VIII to XI) for the province of Bukidnon, Branches VIII to X with seats at
MalaybalayandBranchXIatManaloFortich
Fivebranches(BranchesXIItoXI)fortheprovinceofMisamisOccidentalandthecitiesofOroquieta,
Ozamis, and Tangub, Branches XII to XIV with seats at Oroquieta City, Branch XV at Ozamis City,
andBranchXVIatTangubCity
Eleven branches (Branches XVII to XXVII) for the province of Misamis Oriental and the cities of
Cagayan de Oro and Gingoog, Branches XVII to XXV with seats at Cagayan de Oro City, Branch
XXVIatMedina,andBranchXXVIIatGingoogCity
Onebranch(BranchXXVIII)fortheprovinceofCamiguin,withseatatMambajaoand
Four branches (Branches XXIX to XXXII) for the province of Surigao del Norte and the City of
Surigao,BranchesXXIXandXXXwithseatsatSurigaoCity,BranchXXXIatDapa,andBranchXXXII
atDinagat,DinagatIsland.
(l)TwentynineRegionalTrialJudgesshallbecommissionedfortheEleventhJudicialRegion.Thereshall
be
Fourbranches(BranchesItoIV)fortheprovinceofDavaodelNorte,BranchesIandIIwithseatsat
Tagum,BranchIIIatNabunturan,andBranchIVatPanabo
Threebranches(BranchesVtoVII)fortheprovinceofDavaoOriental,BranchesVandVIwithseats
atMatiandBranchVIIatBanganga
Fourteen branches (Branches VIII to XXI) for the province of Davao del 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,andBranchXXIaBansalan

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Five Branches (Branches XXII to XXVI) for the province of South Cotabato and the city of General
Santos, Branches XXII and XXIII with seats at General Santos City, Branches XXIV and XXV at
Koronadal,andBranchXXVIatSurallahand
Threebranches(BranchesXXVIItoXXIX)fortheprovinceofSurigaodelSur,BranchXXVIIwithseat
atTandag,BranchXXVIIIatLianga,andBranchXXIXatBislig.
(m)TwentyRegionalTrialJudgesshallbecommissionedfortheTwelfthJudicialRegion.Thereshallbe:
Seven branches (Branches I to VII) for the province of Lanao del Norte and the city of Iligan,
BranchesItoVIwithseatsatIliganCity,andBranchVIIatTubod
Five branches (Branches VIII to XII) for the province of Lanao del Sur and the city of Marawi,
BranchesVIIItoXwithseatsatMarawiCity,andBranchesXIandXIIatMalabang
Three branches (Branches XIII to XV) for the province of Maguindanao and the city of Cotabato,
BranchesXIIIandXIVwithseatsatCotabatoCity,andBranchXVatMaganoy
Threebranches(BranchesXVItoXVIII)fortheprovinceofNorthCotabato,BranchXVIwithseatat
Kabacan,BranchXVIIatKidapawan,andBranchXVIIIatMissayapand
Two branches (Branches XIX and XX) for the province of Sultan Kudarat, Branch XIX, with seat at
Isulan,andBranchXXatTacurong.
Section 15. Qualifications. No persons shall be appointed Regional Trial Judge unless he is a naturalborn
citizen of the Philippines, at least thirtyfive years of age, and for at least ten years, has been engaged in the
practiceoflawinthePhilippinesorhasheldapublicofficeinthePhilippinesrequiringadmissiontothepracticeof
lawasanindispensablerequisite.
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
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 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
temporarilyaRegionalTrialJudgetoanotherregionaspublicinterestmayrequire,providedthatsuchtemporary
assignmentshallnotlastlongerthansix(6)monthswithouttheconsentoftheRegionalTrialJudgeconcerned.
A RegionalTrial 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
territoryoverwhichabranchoftheRegionalTrialCourtshallexerciseitsauthority.Theterritorythusdefinedshall
bedeemedtobetheterritorialareaofthebranchconcernedforpurposesofdeterminingthevenueofallsuits,
proceedingsoractions,whethercivilorcriminal,aswellasdeterminingtheMetropolitanTrialCourts,Municipal
Trial Courts, and Municipal Circuit Trial Courts over the said branch may exercise appellate jurisdiction. The
powerhereingrantedshallbeexercisedwithaviewtomakingthecourtsreadilyaccessibletothepeopleofthe
differentpartsoftheregionandmakingtheattendanceoflitigantsandwitnessesasinexpensiveaspossible.
Section19.Jurisdictionincivilcases.RegionalTrialCourtsshallexerciseexclusiveoriginaljurisdiction:
(1)Inallcivilactionsinwhichthesubjectofthelitigationisincapableofpecuniaryestimation
(2)Inallcivilactionswhichinvolvethetitleto,orpossessionof,realproperty,oranyinteresttherein,where
the assessed value of the property involved exceeds Twenty thousand pesos (P20,000.00) or for civil
actionsinMetroManila,wheresuchthevalueexceedsFiftythousandpesos(50,000.00)exceptactionsfor
forcible entry into and unlawful detainer of lands or buildings, original jurisdiction over which is conferred
uponMetropolitanTrialCourts,MunicipalTrialCourts,andMunicipalCircuitTrialCourts
(3) In all actions in admiralty and maritime jurisdiction where he demand or claim exceeds One hundred
thousand pesos (P100,000.00) or , in Metro Manila, where such demand or claim exceedsTwo hundred
thousandpesos(200,000.00)
(4)Inallmattersofprobate,bothtestateandintestate,wherethegrossvalueoftheestateexceedsOne
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hundred thousand pesos (P100,000.00) or, in probate matters in Metro Manila, where such gross value
exceedsTwohundredthousandpesos(200,000.00)
(5)Inallactionsinvolvingthecontractofmarriageandmaritalrelations
(6) In all cases not within the exclusive jurisdiction of any court, tribunal, person or body exercising
jurisdictionoranycourt,tribunal,personorbodyexercisingjudicialorquasijudicialfunctions
(7) In all civil actions and special proceedings falling within the exclusive original jurisdiction of a Juvenile
andDomesticRelationsCourtandoftheCourtsofAgrarianRelationsasnowprovidedbylawand
(8)Inallothercasesinwhichthedemand,exclusiveofinterest,damagesofwhateverkind,attorney'sfees,
litigationexpenses,andcostsorthevalueofthepropertyincontroversyexceedsOnehundredthousand
pesos (100,000.00) or, in such other abovementioned items exceeds Two hundred thousand pesos
(200,000.00).(asamendedbyR.A.No.7691*)
Section20.Jurisdictionincriminalcases.RegionalTrialCourtsshallexerciseexclusiveoriginaljurisdictioninall
criminal cases not within the exclusive jurisdiction of any court, tribunal or body, except those now falling under
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
injunctionwhichmaybeenforcedinanypartoftheirrespectiveregionsand
(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
CourtofAppealswhichmaygiveitduecourseonlywhenthepetitionshows primafaciethatthelowercourthas
committedanerroroffactorlawthatwillwarrantareversalormodificationofthedecisionorjudgmentsoughtto
bereviewed.
Section23.Specialjurisdictiontotryspecialcases.TheSupremeCourtmaydesignatecertainbranchesofthe
RegionalTrialCourtstohandleexclusivelycriminalcases,juvenileanddomesticrelationscases,agrariancases,
urbanlandreformcaseswhichdonotfallunderthejurisdictionofquasijudicialbodiesandagencies,and/orsuch
otherspecialcasesastheSupremeCourtmaydetermineintheinterestofaspeedyandefficientadministration
ofjustice.
Section24.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.
CHAPTERIII
METROPOLITANTRIALCOURTS,MUNICIPALTRIALCOURTS,ANDMUNICIPALCIRCUITTRIALCOURTS
Section25.EstablishmentofMetropolitanTrialCourts,MunicipalTrialCourtsandMunicipalCircuitTrialCourts.
ThereshallbecreatedaMetropolitanTrialCourtineachmetropolitanareaestablishedbylaw,aMunicipalTrial
Court in each of the other cities or municipalities, and a Municipal Circuit Trial Court in each circuit comprising
suchcitiesand/ormunicipalitiesasaregroupedtogetherpursuanttolaw.
Section26.Qualifications. No person shall be appointed judge of a Metropolitan Trial Court, Municipal Trial
Court, or Municipal CircuitTrial Court unless he is a naturalborn citizen of the Philippines, at least 30 years of
age,and,foratleastfiveyears,hasbeenengagedinthepracticeoflawinthePhilippines,orhasheldapublic
officeinthePhilippinesrequiringadmissiontothepracticeoflawasanindispensablerequisite.
Section27.MetropolitanTrialCourtsoftheNationalCapitalRegion.ThereshallbeaMetropolitanTrialCourt
in 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
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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
Section28.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.
EveryMetropolitanTrialJudgeshallbeappointedtoametropolitanareawhichshallbehispermanentstationand
his appointment shall state branch of the court and the seat thereof to which he shall be originally assigned.A
MetropolitanTrialJudgemaybeassignedbytheSupremeCourttoanybranchwithinsaidmetropolitanareaas
theinterestofjusticemayrequire,andsuchassignmentshallnotbedeemedanassignmenttoanotherstation
withinthemeaningofthissection.
Section29.MunicipalTrialCourtsincities.Ineverycitywhichdoesnotformpartofametropolitanarea,there
shallbeaMunicipalTrialCourtwithonebranch,exceptashereunderprovided:
TwobranchesforLaoagCity
FourbranchesforBaguioCity
ThreebranchesforDagupanCity
FivebranchesforOlongapoCity
ThreebranchesforCabanatuanCity
TwobranchesforSanJoseCity
ThreebranchesforAngelesCity
TwobranchesforCaviteCity
TwobranchesforBatangasCity
TwobranchesforLucenaCity
ThreebranchesforNagaCity
TwobranchesforIrigaCity
ThreebranchesforLegaspiCity
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TwobranchesforRoxasCity
FourbranchesforIloiloCity
SevenbranchesforBacolodCity
TwobranchesforDumagueteCity
TwobranchesforTaclobanCity
EightbranchesforCebuCity
ThreebranchesforMandaueCity
TwobranchesforTagbilaranCity
TwobranchesforSurigaoCity
TwobranchesforButuanCity
FivebranchesforCagayandeOroCity
SevenbranchesforDavaoCity
ThreebranchesforGeneralSantosCity
TwobranchesforOroquietaCity
ThreebranchesforOzamisCity
TwobranchesforDipologCity
FourbranchesforZamboangaCity
TwobranchesforPagadianCityand
TwobranchesforIliganCity.
Section30.Municipal Trial Courts. In each of the municipalities that are not comprised within a metropolitan
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,Lagunaand
TwobrancheseachforAntipoloandBinangonan,bothinRizal.
Section31.MunicipalCircuitTrialCourt.ThereshallbeaMunicipalCircuitTrialCourtineachareadefinedas
amunicipalcircuit,comprisingoneormorecitiesand/oroneormoremunicipalities.Themunicipalitiescomprising
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
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.
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EveryMunicipalCircuitTrialJudgeshallbeappointedtoamunicipalcircuitwhichshallbehisofficialstation.
The Supreme Court shall determine the city or municipality where the Municipal Circuit Trial Court shall hold
sessions.
Section32.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
respectiveterritorialjurisdictionand
(2)Exclusiveoriginaljurisdictionoveralloffensespunishablewithimprisonmentnotexceedingsix(6)years
irrespectiveoftheamountoffine,andregardlessofotherimposableaccessoryorotherpenalties,including
the civil liability arising from such offenses or predicated thereon, irrespective of kind, nature, value, or
amount thereof: Provided, however, That in offenses involving damage to property through criminal
negligencetheyshallhaveexclusiveoriginaljurisdictionthereof.(asamendedbyR.A,No.7691)
Section33.Jurisdiction of Metropolitan Trial Courts, Municipal Trial Courts and Municipal Circuit Trial Courts in
civilcases.MetropolitanTrialCourts,MunicipalTrialCourts,andMunicipalCircuitTrialCourtsshallexercise:
(1)Exclusiveoriginaljurisdictionovercivilactionsandprobateproceedings,testateandintestate,including
the grant of provisional remedies in proper cases, where the value of the personal property, estate, or
amountofthedemanddoesnotexceedOnehundredthousandpesos(P100,000.00)or,inMetroManila
wheresuchpersonalproperty,estate,oramountofthedemanddoesnotexceedTwohundredthousand
pesos (P200,000.00) exclusive of interest damages of whatever kind, attorney's fees, litigation expenses,
andcosts,theamountofwhichmustbespecificallyalleged:Provided,Thatwherethereareseveralclaims
orcausesofactionbetweenthesameordifferentparties,embodiedinthesamecomplaint,theamountof
thedemandshallbethetotalityoftheclaimsinallthecausesofaction,irrespectiveofwhetherthecauses
ofactionaroseoutofthesameordifferenttransactions
(2)Exclusiveoriginaljurisdictionovercasesofforcibleentryandunlawfuldetainer:Provided,Thatwhen,in
suchcases,thedefendantraisesthequestionofownershipinhispleadingsandthequestionofpossession
cannotberesolvedwithoutdecidingtheissueofownership,theissueofownershipshallberesolvedonlyto
determinetheissueofpossession.
(3)Exclusiveoriginaljurisdictioninallcivilactionswhichinvolvetitleto,orpossessionof,realproperty,or
anyinterestthereinwheretheassessedvalueofthepropertyorinterestthereindoesnotexceedTwenty
thousand pesos (P20,000.00) or, in civil actions in Metro Manila, where such assessed value does not
exceedFiftythousandpesos(P50,000.00)exclusiveofinterest,damagesofwhateverkind,attorney'sfees,
litigationexpensesandcosts:Provided,Thatvalueofsuchpropertyshallbedeterminedbytheassessed
valueoftheadjacentlots.(asamendedbyR.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
cadastral or land registration cases covering lots where there is no controversy or opposition, or contested lots
the where the value of 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. 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 habeascorpus or applications for bail in criminal cases in the province or city where the
absentRegionalTrialJudgessit.
Section36.Summaryproceduresinspecialcases.InMetropolitanTrialCourtsandMunicipalTrialCourtswith
atleasttwobranches,theSupremeCourtmaydesignateoneormorebranchesthereoftotryexclusivelyforcible
entryandunlawfuldetainercases,thoseinvolvingviolationsoftrafficlaws,rulesandregulations,violationsofthe
rental law, and such other cases requiring summary disposition as the Supreme Court may determine. The
Supreme Court shall adopt special rules or procedures applicable to such cases in order to achieve an
expeditious and inexpensive determination thereof without regard to technical rules. Such simplified procedures
mayprovidethataffidavitsandcounteraffidavitsmaybeadmittedinlieuoforaltestimonyandthattheperiodsfor
filingpleadingsshallbenonextendible.
Section37.Preliminaryinvestigation.JudgesofMetropolitanTrialCourts,exceptthoseintheNationalCapital
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Region, of Municipal Trial Courts, and Municipal Circuit Trial Courts shall have authority to conduct preliminary
investigation of crimes alleged to have been committed within their respective territorial jurisdictions which are
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 primafacie 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,statingclearlythefactsandthelawon
which they were based, signed by the Judge and 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
appealstotheCourtofFirstInstance,bytheprovisionsofthisAct,andbysuchrulesastheSupremeCourt
mayhereafterprescribe.
(2)AllprocessesissuedbytheMetropolitanTrialCourts,MunicipalTrialCourtsandMunicipalCircuitTrial
Courts, in cases falling within their jurisdiction, may be served anywhere in the Philippines without the
necessityofcertificationbytheJudgeoftheRegionalTrialCourt.
CHAPTERIV
GENERALPROVISIONS
Section39.Appeals.Theperiodforappealfromfinalorders,resolutions,awards,judgments,ordecisionsof
any 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,theentirerecordshallbetransmittedwith
allthepagesprominentlynumberedconsecutively,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
contained in the decision or final resolution itself, or adopted by reference from those set forth in the decision,
order,orresolutionappealedfrom.
Section 41. Salaries. Intermediate Appellate Justices, Regional Trial Judges, Metropolitan Trial Judges,
Municipal Trial Judges, and Municipal Circuit Trial Judges shall receive such compensation and allowances as
maybeauthorizedbythePresidentalongtheguidelinessetforthinLetterofImplementationNo.93pursuantto
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,astaffingpatternforallcourtsconstitutedpursuanttothisActwhichshallbethe
basis of the implementing order to be issued by the President in accordance with the immediately succeeding
section.
Section44.Transitoryprovisions.TheprovisionsofthisActshallbeimmediatelycarriedoutinaccordancewith
anExecutiveOrdertobeissuedbythePresident.TheCourtofAppeals,theCourtsofFirstInstance,theCircuit
Criminal Courts, the Juvenile and Domestic Relations Courts, the Courts ofAgrarian Relations, the City Courts,
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
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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.
Section45.Shari'aCourts. 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
renderedinanybranchofthegovernmentorequivalentnearestfractionthereoffavorabletothemonthebasisof
the highest salary received: Provided, That such member of the judiciary or employee shall have the option to
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)yearsfromthe effectivityofthisAct,thejurisdictionalamountsmentionedinSec.
19(3),(4),and(8)andSec.33(1)ofBatasPambansaBlg.129asamendedbythisAct, shallbeadjusted
toTwohundredthousandpesos(P200,000.00).five(5)yearsthereafter,suchjurisdictionalamountsshall
beadjustedfurthertoThreehundredthousandpesos(P300,000.00):Provided,however,Thatinthecase
ofMetroManila,theabovementionedjurisdictionalamountsshallbeadjustedafterfive(5)yearsfromthe
effectivityofthisActofFourhundredthousandpesos(P400,000.00).
Section. 7. The provisions of thisAct 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 provisions of thisAct 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
transferringthecasesaffectedbytheredefinitionofjurisdictiontotheMetropolitanTrialCourts,Municipal
TrialCourt,andMunicipalCircuitTrialCourt."
*CriminalcasesfallingwithinthejurisdictionofFamilyCourts(establishedbytheFamilyCourtsActof1997
[R.A.No.8369])havebeentransferredfromMetropolitantrialCourts,MunicipalTrialCourts,
Municipal trial Court in Cities, Municipal Trial Courts and Municipal Circuit Trial Courts to Regional trial
CourtsunderA.M.No.99113SCeffectiveMarch1,1999.
TheLawphilProjectArellanoLawFoundation

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