JURISDICTION OF COURTS IN CIVIL CASES

SUPREME COURT

CIVIL CASES SUPREME COURT

Exclusive Petitions for CPM against appellate courts, namely:
Original 1. CA
2. COMELEC
3. COA
4. SB
5. CTA, not en banc; if en banc, SC in appellate jurisdiction
Disciplinary proceedings against members of the Bar and court personnel
Concurrent With CA
1. Petitions for CPM against first-level courts and bodies, namely:
NOTE: While a. RTC
the Rules b. CSC
provide for c. CBAA
concurrent d. NLRC
jurisdiction e. Other Quasi-Judicial Agencies
among the NOTE: Although there is concurrent jurisdiction as the Constitution grants this to
RTC, CA, and the SC, SC A.M. No. 07-7-12 issued on 4 December 2007 provides that if the
SC, the same petition involves an act/omission of a Quasi-Judicial Agency, the petition
is still subject shall only be cognizable by the CA and must be filed there
to the doctrine 2. Writ of Kalikasan
of Hierarchy
of Courts With RTC
1. Cases affecting ambassadors, public ministers, and consuls

With CA and RTC

1. Petitions for CPM against lower courts
2. Writ of Habeas Corpus petitions
3. Quo Warranto petitions
4. Continuing mandamus petitions

4. With CA, RTC & Sandiganbayan

1. Writ of Amparo petitions
2. Writ of Habeas Data petitions
Appellate By way of petition for review on certiorari (Appeal by Certiorari under Rule 45)
against:
1. CA
2. SB
3. RTC on: 1. Pure questions of law and 2. Cases falling under Sec. 5 (1 & 2),
Art. VIII, Constitution
4. CTA En Banc
5. MTC in the exercise of their delegated jurisdiction, where the decision, had it
been rendered by RTC, would be appealable directly to the SC. Such is the case
because the MTC, when acting under delegated jurisdiction, is deemed to be acting
as an RTC.

Note that the SC has held that appeals from
a question of law alone – may be brought
constitutes an exception to the general
of law are brought to the SC (also see
CA with the SC)
quasi-judicial agencies – even only on
to the CA, via Rule 43 of the ROC. This
rule that appeals on pure questions
(1)(1)(e) under concurrent jurisdiction of

COURT OF APPEALS

CIVIL CASES COURT OF APPEALS

Exclusive Actions for annulment of judgments of the RTC
Original
NOTE: The CA may act as a trial court in the following instances:
1. Annulment of judgments R47, S5&6)
2. When a MNT is granted by the CA (R53, S4)
3. Habeas Corpus petition shall be set for hearing (R102, S12)
4. To resolve factual issues in cases within its original and appellate jurisdiction (R124,
S12)
 5. New trial based on NDE (R124, S14)
6. Claims for damages arising from provisional remedies
7. Writ of Amparo proceedings
8. Writ of Kalikasan proceedings
9. Writ of Habeas Data proceedings
Original & With SC
Concurrent 1. Petitions for CPM against first-level courts and bodies, namely:
a. RTC
b. CSC
c. CBAA
d. NLRC
e. Other Quasi-Judicial Agencies.
2. Writ of Kalikasan

With SC & RTC

1. Petitions for CPM against lower courts and bodies
2. Writ of Habeas Corpus petitions
3. Quo Warranto petitions
4. Continuing mandamus petitions

With CA, RTC, & Sandiganbayan

1. Writ of Amparo petitions
2. Writ of Habeas Data petitions
Appellate 1. By way of ordinary appeal
a. from judgments of RTC and Family Courts; and b. over decisions of the MTCs in
cadastral or land registration cases pursuant to its delegated jurisdiction.
2. By way of petition for review
a. from the RTC rendered in its appellate jurisdiction; and b. from decisions,
resolutions, orders or awards of the CSC, Office of the Ombudsman in administrative
disciplinary cases, and other quasi-judicial bodies mentioned in Rule 43. Note: The
enumeration of quasi-judicial agencies under Sec. 1, Rule 43 is not exclusive.

COURT OF TAX APPEALS

(See Table in Taxation Law)

SANDIGANBAYAN

CIVIL CASES SANDIGANBAYAN

Exclusive Cases involving violations of:
Original 1. E.O. No. 1 (Creating PCGG)
2. E.O. No. 2 (Illegal Acquisition and Misappropriations of Ferdinand Marcos, Imelda
Marcos, their close relatives, subordinates, business associates, dummies, agents or
nominees)
3. E.O. No. 14 (Cases involving the ill-gotten wealth of the immediately mentioned
persons)
4. E.O. No. 14-A (amendments to E.O. No. 14; R.A. No. 10660, otherwise known as
An Act Strengthening Further the Functional and Structural Organization of the
Sandiganbayan, Sec. 2 )
Concurrent With SC
1. Petitions for CPM whether or not in aid of its appellate jurisdiction
2. Writ of Habeas Corpus petitions, including ancillary writs in aid of its appellate
jurisdiction, including Quo Warranto arising in cases falling under E.O. Nos. 1, 2, 14,
and 14-A

With SC CA & RTC

1. Writ of Amparo petitions
2. Writ of Habeas Data petitions

REGIONAL TRIAL COURTS & MUNICIPAL TRIAL COURTS

CIVIL CASES REGIONAL TRIAL COURTS MUNICIPAL TRIAL COURTS

Exclusive If the gross value, claim, or demand
Original exceeds P300,000 (outside Metro
Manila), or exceeds P400,000 (Metro
Manila): NOW 2M [RA 11576]
If the gross value, claim, or demand
does not exceed P300,000 (outside
Metro Manila), or does not exceed
P400,000 (Metro Manila): NOW 2M [RA
11576]
1. Actions involving personal property depending on the value of the property
2. Admiralty and maritime cases depending on the amount of demand or claim BAR
2010
3. Probate proceedings (testate or intestate) depending on the gross value of the
estate
4. Demand for money depending on the amount

NOTE: Exclusive of Interest, Damages of whatever kind, Attorney’s fees, Litigation

expenses, and Costs (“IDALeC”), the amount of which must be specifically alleged;
but shall be included in the determination of filing fees.

NOTE: The exclusion of the term “damages of whatever kind” in determining

jurisdictional amount under Sec. 19, par. (8) and 33 par. (1) of B.P. Blg. 129, as
amended by R.A. No. 7691 applies to cases where the damages are merely incidental
to or a consequence of the main cause of action. However, in cases where the claim
for damages is the main cause of action, or one of the causes of action, the amount
of such claim shall be considered in determining the jurisdiction of the court.

NOTE: The totality of ALL claims embodied in one complaint shall be the test in
determining jurisdiction whether the claims arise out of the same or different
transactions, or the whether they belong to the same or different persons.
If the assessed value or interest in the If the assessed value or interest in the
real property exceeds P20,000 (outside real property does not exceed P20,000
Metro Manila), or exceeds P50,000 (Metro (outside Metro Manila), or does not
Manila): NOW 400k [RA 11576] exceed P50,000 (Metro Manila): NOW
400K [RA 11576]
5. Actions involving title to or possession of real property, or any interest therein
depending on the assessed value
6. Actions where the subject matter of 6. Inclusion and exclusion of voters
which is incapable of pecuniary estimation
(See discussion on R1, S3) 7. Cases falling under 1991 Revised Rules
on Summary Procedure
Where the basic issue is something other i. Forcible Entry and Unlawful Detainer
than the right to recover a sum of money, – irrespective of the amount of
or the money claim is merely incidental to damages or unpaid rentals sought to
the principal relief, the action is incapable be recovered
of pecuniary estimation. NOTE: Where attorney’s fees are
awarded, the same shall not exceed
NOTE: All actions which are incapable of P20,000.
pecuniary estimation are cognizable by ii. Other civil cases, except probate
the RTC, except the annulment of proceedings, where the total amount
judgments of the RTC, which is of the plaintiff’s claim does not
cognizable by the CA. exceed P100,000 (outside Metro
Manila) or does not exceed P200,000
7. Cases not within the exclusive (Metro Manila), exclusive of interests
jurisdiction of any court, tribunal, person and costs
or body exercising judicial or quasi-
judicial functions (General jurisdiction of 8. Cases falling under the 2016 Revised
RTC) Rules of Procedure for Small Claims Cases
– These Rules shall govern the procedure
8. Under Section 5.2 of the SRC to hear for payment of money where the value of
and decide: the claim does not exceed *P200,000
a. Cases involving devices or schemes exclusive of interests and costs
employed by or any acts of the (effective Feb. 21, 2016)
board of directors, business
associates, its officers or partnership, *P300,000 – effective August 1, 2018
amounting to fraud and *P400,000 – effective April 1, 2019
misrepresentation
b. Intra-corporate disputes NOTE: Applicable in all actions that are
c. Controversies in the elections or purely civil in nature where the claim or
appointments of directors, trustees, relief prayed for by the plaintiff is solely
officers, or managers of for payment or reimbursement of sum of
corporations, partnerships, or money.
associations
d. Petitions of corporations, The claim or demand may be:
partnerships or associations to be a. For money owed under the following:
declared in the state of suspension i. Contract of Lease
 of payments ii. Contract of Loan
iii. Contract of Services
NOTE: If an ordinary civil case filed iv. Contract of Sale
before the proper RTC is wrongfully filed v. Contract of Mortgage
to its branch designated as a Special b. For damages from fault or negligence,
Commercial Court, then the case shall be quasi-contract or contract
referred to the Executive Judge for re- c. The enforcement of barangay amicable
docketing as an ordinary civil case rather settlement or an arbitration award
than dismissing the same (Gonzales v. involving a money claim covered by this
GJH Land, Inc., G.R. No. 202664, Rule pursuant to Section 417 of R.A. No.
November 20, 2015). This overturns 7160, The Local Government Code of
Home Guaranty Corp. v. R-II Builders, 1991
Inc., G.R. No. 192649, June 22, 2011.

Special The SC may designate certain branches
of RTC to handle exclusively criminal
cases, juvenile and domestic relations
cases, agrarian cases, urban land reform
cases not falling under the jurisdiction of
any quasi-judicial bodies and agencies,
and/or such other special cases as the SC
may determine in the interest of speedy
and efficient administration of justice.
Concurrent With SC
Actions affecting ambassadors, public
ministers and consuls.
Petition for writ of Habeas Corpus or
application or bail in criminal cases in the
absence of all RTC judges in the province
or city.
NOTE: In the absence of all the RTC
judges, any MTC judge in the province or
city where the absent RTC judges sit,
may hear and decide: Writ of Habeas
Corpus petitions or applications for bail in
criminal cases.

With SC &CA
1. Petitions for CPM against lower
courts and bodies
2. Writ of Habeas Corpus petitions
3. Quo Warranto petitions
4. Continuing mandamus petitions

With SC, CA, & Sandiganbayan

1. Writ of Amparo petitions
2. Writ of Habeas Data petitions

With Insurance Commissioner

Single claim not exceeding P5,000,000
Appellate All cases decided by the MTCs in their
respective territorial jurisdiction except
decisions of lower courts in the exercise
of delegated jurisdiction.
Delegated May be assigned by the SC to hear
cadastral land registration cases where:
1. There is no controversy or opposition
over the land; or
2. In case of contested lands, the value
does not exceed P100,000.

FAMILY COURTS

CIVIL CASES FAMILY COURTS

NOTE: In areas where there are no Family Courts, the enumerated cases shall be
adjudicated by the RTC.
Original Family Courts have exclusive original jurisdiction over:
1. Petitions for guardianship, custody of children, habeas corpus involving children
2. Petitions for adoption of children and the revocation thereof
3. Complaints for annulment of marriage, declaration of nullity of marriage, and
those relating to status and property relations of husband and wife or those living
together under different status or agreement, and petitions for dissolution of
conjugal partnership of gains
4. Petitions for Support and/or acknowledgment
 5. Summary judicial proceedings brought under the provisions of the Family Code
6. Petition for declaration of status of children as abandoned, dependent or
neglected children, petitions for voluntary or involuntary commitment of children,
the suspension, termination, or restoration of parental authority and other cases
cognizable under P.D. No. 603, E.O. No. 56 (1996), and other related laws.

NOTE: The provisions of R.A. No. 8369 must be read in harmony (no conflict) with
R.A. No. 7092 and B.P. Blg. 129 – that Family Courts have concurrent jurisdiction
with the CA and SC in petitions for habeas corpus where the custody of minors is at
issue.

Special Provisional Remedies:

1. In cases of violence among the family members living in the same domicile or
household, the Family Court may issue a restraining order against the accused or
defendant upon verified application by the complainant or the victim, for relief from
abuse.
2. The Court may order the temporary custody of children in all civil actions for their
custody. The Court may also order support pendent lite, including deduction from
the salary, and use of conjugal home and other properties in all civil actions for
support.

JURISDICTION OF COURTS IN CRIMINAL CASES

SUPREME COURT

CRIMINAL SUPREME COURT

CASES
Exclusive Petition for CPM against the CA and SB
Original
Concurrent With CA
Petitions for CPM against the RTCs

With CA & RTC

Petitions or CPM against the MTCs
Appellate By Petition for Review on Certiorari:
1. From the CA
2. From the SB
3. From the RTC where only an error or question of law is involved

NOTE: Where the penalty imposed is reclusion perpetua or life imprisonment, appeal
should be made to the CA, not the SC

COURT OF APPEALS

CRIMINAL COURT OF APPEALS

CASES
Concurrent With SC
Petitions for CPM against RTCs

With SC & RTC

Petitions for CPM against MTCs
Appellate By Notice of Appeal:
1. From the RTC in the exercise of its original jurisdiction, except those appealable
to SB
2. From the RTC where penalty imposed is reclusion perpetua or life imprisonment
or where a lesser penalty is imposed but for offenses committed on the same
occasion or which arose out of the same occurrence that give rise to the more
serious offense for which the penalty of death, reclusion perpetua or life
imprisonment is imposed [R122, S3]

By Automatic Review (no notice of appeal is necessary):

From the RTC, in cases where death penalty is imposed

By Petition for Review under Rule 42:

From the RTC in cases appealed thereto from lower courts and not appealable to the
 SB

COURT OF TAX APPEALS

(See Table in Taxation Law)

SANDIGANBAYAN

CRIMINAL SANDIGANBAYAN
CASES
Exclusive 1. Violations of:
Original a. R.A. No. 3019 (Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act)
b. R.A. No. 1379 (Forfeiture of Ill-Gotten Wealth Act)
c. Chapter 2, Section 2, Title 7, Book 2 of the Revised Penal Code (Direct Bribery,
Indirect Bribery, Qualified Bribery, Corruption of Public Officials)

Where one or more of the accused are, whether permanent, acting or interim
capacity, at the time of the commission of the offense:
a. Officials of the executive branch occupying the positions of regional director and
higher, otherwise classified as Grade 27 and higher, of the Compensation and
Position Classification Act of 1989 (R.A. 6758)
b. Members of Congress and officials thereof classified as Grade 27 and up under
R.A. 6758
c. Members of the Judiciary without prejudice to the provisions of the Constitution
d. Chairmen and Members of the Constitutional Commissions without prejudice to
the provisions of the Constitution
e. All other national and local officials classified as Grade 27 and higher under R.A.
6758
NOTE: It is only the salary grade that determines the jusridiction of the SB. The
salary grade has no reference, for example, to provincial governors, vice governors
or members of GOCCs, city mayors, vice mayors, city treasurers, assessors,
engineers, trustees of state universities, and other officials enumerated in Sec. 4 (1)
(a) from letter “a” to “g” of P.D. No. 1606, as amended.

2. Other offenses or felonies whether simple or complexed with other crimes

committed by the public officials and employees mentioned in subsection a in
relation to their office
3. Civil and criminal cases filed pursuant to and in connection with E.O. Nos. 1, 2, 14,
14-A in sequestration cases
4. Money laundering cases committed by public officers and private persons who are
in conspiracy with such public officers

Appellate 1. Appeals from the final judgments, resolutions or orders of RTCs whether in the
exercise of their own jurisdiction or of their appellate jurisdiction where all the
accused are occupying positions lower than salary grade 27 or not otherwise covered
by the preceding enumeration.
2. Petitions for the issuance of the writs of CPM whether or not in aid of its appellate
jurisdiction.
NOTE: R.A. No. 7975 as amended by R.A. No. 8249, conferred certiorari jurisdiction
in the SB only in aid of its appellate jurisdiction, concerning cases filed
pursuant to the Sequestration Cases, contrary to A.M. No. 07-12-SC
3. Petitions for the issuance of writ of habeas corpus, injunction and other ancillary
writs and processes in aid of its appellate jurisdiction and over petitions of similar
nature, including quo warranto, arising or that may arise in cases filed or which may
be filed under E.O. No. 1, 2, 14, and 14-A: Provided, that the jurisdiction over these
petitions shall not be exclusive to the Supreme Court.

REGIONAL TRIAL COURTS & MUNICIPAL TRIAL COURTS

CRIMINAL REGIONAL TRIAL COURTS MUNICIPAL TRIAL COURTS

CASES
Exclusive 1. Criminal cases not within the exclusive 1. Offenses punishable by imprisonment
Original jurisdiction of any court, tribunal or body, not exceeding 6 years irrespective of
 except those falling under the exclusive
and concurrent jurisdiction of the SB.
2. Offenses the imposable penalty for
which exceeds 6 years of imprisonment
3. In cases where the only penalty is
fine, the amount thereof shall determine
jurisdiction. If the amount exceeds
P4,000, RTCs have jurisdiction.
3. Criminal cases under specific laws:
a. Libel cases even though punishable
by PC
b. Jurisdiction of designated courts over
cases in violation of the Comprehensive
Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 as
provided in Section 90 thereof
c. Violation of IP rights under IPC, Sec.
163
5. All cases on money laundering except
those falling under the jurisdiction of the
SB
6. Election offenses
the amount of fine, and regardless of
other imposable accessory or other
penalties, including the civil liability
arising from such offenses or predicated
thereon, irrespective of kind, nature,
value or amount thereof.
NOTE: The rule disregarding the
amount of the fine and other accessory
penalties applies where the offense is
punishable by imprisonment or fine or
both, but not when the offense is
punishable by fine only.
NOTE: The jurisdiction of the MTC is
qualified by the phrase “Except in cases
falling within the exclusive jurisdiction of
the RTC and of the SB.” This indicates
that the MTC does not at all times have
jurisdiction over offenses punishable
with imprisonment not exceeding 6
years, if jurisdiction is vested by law
either in the RTC (e.g., libel) or the SB
(e.g., bribery)

3. Where the only penalty provided for by

Appellate All cases decided by the MTCs in their
respective territorial jurisdiction
Special To handle exclusively criminal cases as
designated by the SC
law is a fine of not more than P4,000.
4. Offenses involving damage to property
through criminal negligence.
5. Those covered by the Rule on
Summary Procedure:
a. Violations of traffic laws, rules and
regulations
b. Violations of the rental law
c. Violations of municipal or city
ordinances
d. Violations of B.P. Blg. 22
e. All other criminal case where the
penalty is imprisonment not exceeding 6
months and/or P1,000 fine irrespective
of other penalties or civil liabilities
arising therefrom
f. Offenses involving damage to property
through criminal negligence where the
imposable fine does not exceed P10,000
Applications for bail in criminal cases in
the absence of all RTC judges in a
province or city

FAMILY COURTS

CRIMINAL FAMILY COURTS

CASES
Exclusive Criminal cases where:
Original 1. One or more of the accused is/are below 18 years of age but not less than 9 years
of age
2. Where one of the victims is a minor at the time of the commission of the offense
3. Cases against minors cognizable under the Dangerous Drugs Act
4. Violations of R.A. No. 7610, as amended by R.A. No. 7658
5. Cases of domestic violence against women and children