4 kinds of Regular Courts

1. Supreme Court
2. Court of Appeals
3. RTC
4. MTC

4 Kinds of MTC

1. MeTC – Manila only

2. MTCC – Municipal Trial Courts in the Cities
3. MTC – If the town is very big, there’s only one trial court (called Municipal Trial Court of that
town)
4. MCTC – Municipal Circuit Trial Court (court handles two or more municipalities)

Special Courts: These courts don’t belong to the judiciary.

D. Administrative Powers of the Supreme Court

1. Assign temporarily judges of lower courts to other stations as public interest may require.

2. Order change of venue or place of trial to avoid a miscarriage of justice.

3. Promulgate rules concerning the protection and enforcement of constitutional rights, pleadings,
practice, and procedure in all courts, the admission to the practice of law, the Integrated Bar, and legal
assistance to the underprivileged. Such rules shall provide a simplified and inexpensive procedure for
the speedy disposition of cases, shall be uniform for all courts of the same grade, and shall not diminish,
increase or modify substantive rights.

4. Appoint all officials and employees of the Judiciary in accordance with the Civil Service Law (Art. VIII,
Sec. 5, par. 3,4,5, & 6 of the 1987 Constitution).

E. Constitutional Limitations Involving Supreme Court

- Article VIII, Sec 2

The congress shall have the power to define, prescribe, and apportion the jurisdiction of the
various courts but may not deprive the Supreme Court of its jurisdiction over cases
enumerated in Section 5 thereof.
- Article VI, Sec. 30
No law shall be passed increasing the appellate jurisdiction of the Supreme Court as
provided in this Constitution without its advice and concurrence (See: Fabian v. Desierto,
G.R. No. 129742, Sept. 16, 1998)

Jurisdiction of the Court of Appeals

RA 7902 (March 18, 1995) – Appeal from the decision of the Civil Service Commission
Jurisdiction of the RTC