Magno vs.

People of the Philippines

G. R. No. 171542, April 6, 2011

Facts: The office of the ombudsman filed an information for multiple

frustrated murder and double attempted murder against several accused
including Magno, who were public officers working under the National Bureau
of Investigation.

A decision was rendered by the Regional Trial Court and a Petition for
Certiorari was filed before the Court of Appeals.

Magno contended that the Court of appeals did not have jurisdiction over the
petition as the power to hear and decide the petition was with the
Sandiganbayan.

Issue: Whether or not the Court of appeals had jurisdiction over the petition?

Ruling:
No. The Court of Appeals erred in assuming jurisdiction over the petition. The
Sandiganbayan, and not the Court of Appeals, had appellate jurisdiction over
the Regional Trial Court's decision.

Sec. 4, Presidential Decree 1606, The Sandiganbayan shall have jurisdiction

over:

“B. Other offenses or felonies whether simple or complex with other crimes
committed by public officials and employees in relation to their office;”

Angelito Magno and his fellow officials in this case were public officers
charged with committing crimes in their capacity as investigators of the
National Bureau of Investigation.

Thus, the petition should have been filed before the Sandiganbayan which had
exclusive appellate jurisdiction over the petition in this case.