A.

Philippine Courts

1. Judicial Power

Article VIII, Sec. 1, Secs. 1, 5 par. 5, 1987 Constitution

Article VIII, Section 1 of the 1987 Constitution of the Philippines establishes the Judicial Power in the
country. This section grants the authority to interpret and apply the laws, as well as to resolve disputes, to
the judicial branch of the government.

Section 1 of Article VIII reads as follows:

"Section 1. The judicial power shall be vested in one Supreme Court and in such lower courts as may be
established by law."

This provision sets the foundation for the judicial system in the Philippines, with the Supreme Court as the
highest authority in matters of law. It also allows for the creation of lower courts as deemed necessary by
legislation.

In addition, Section 5, paragraph 5 of Article VIII further delineates the powers and responsibilities of the
Supreme Court. While the full text of this paragraph is not provided, it typically covers matters related to
the rule-making authority of the Supreme Court, the administration of the judiciary, and its role in
disciplining judges and court personnel.

Overall, Article VIII of the 1987 Constitution of the Philippines outlines the fundamental principles and
structure of the judicial branch, ensuring the separation of powers and the rule of law in the country.

Article VIII of the 1987 Constitution of the Philippines provides for the Judicial Branch of the government.
Section 1 of this Article states that the judicial power shall be vested in one Supreme Court and in such
lower courts as may be established by law.

Judicial power is the power to interpret and apply the laws of the land. It is the power to settle disputes
between individuals or entities, or between individuals or entities and the government. The Supreme
Court is the highest court in the land and has the power to review the decisions of lower courts.

Section 1 of Article VIII also states that judicial power includes the duty of the courts of justice to settle
actual controversies involving rights which are legally demandable and enforceable. This means that the
courts can only decide cases where there is a real dispute between the parties, and where the rights
involved are enforceable by law.

Paragraph 5 of Section 5 of Article VIII gives the Supreme Court the power to review, revise, reverse,
modify, or affirm on appeal or certiorari, as the law or the Rules of Court may provide, final judgments and
orders of lower courts in all cases, civil, criminal, and administrative, involving the constitutionality of a
treaty, law, ordinance, or executive order, or the validity of any public or official act.

This means that the Supreme Court has the power to check the constitutionality of laws and other
government acts. It can also review the decisions of lower courts to ensure that they are in accordance
with the Constitution.
The judicial power is an important part of the checks and balances system in the Philippines. It helps to
ensure that the government does not abuse its power and that the rights of the people are protected.

Here are some of the specific powers of the Supreme Court:

 Decide cases involving the constitutionality of laws and other government acts.
 Review the decisions of lower courts.
 Resolve conflicts between different branches of government.
 Interpret the laws of the land.
 Protect the rights of the people.

The Supreme Court is composed of a Chief Justice and sixteen Associate Justices. They are appointed
by the President with the consent of the Commission on Appointments. The Justices hold office during
good behavior until they reach the age of seventy years or become incapacitated to discharge the duties
of their office.

The Supreme Court is located in Manila. It has a number of divisions, each of which is headed by a
Justice. The divisions hear cases from different parts of the country.

The Supreme Court is an important institution in the Philippines. It plays a vital role in upholding the rule
of law and protecting the rights of the people.

B. Nature

The Philippine court system is characterized by several key features that define its nature and
operation:

1. Adversarial System: The Philippines follows an adversarial system of justice, where

legal disputes are resolved through the presentation of evidence and arguments by
opposing parties. In this system, the judge acts as a neutral arbiter, and the burden of
proof lies with the parties involved.
2. Hierarchy of Courts: The Philippine court system is hierarchical, with the Supreme
Court at the apex. Below the Supreme Court, there are lower courts, including the Court
of Appeals, Regional Trial Courts, and Municipal and Metropolitan Trial Courts. Each
court has specific jurisdiction and authority over different types of cases.
3. Bifurcated Judiciary: The judiciary in the Philippines is divided into two branches: the
regular courts and the special courts. The regular courts, as mentioned above, handle
various civil, criminal, and administrative cases. Special courts, such as the
Sandiganbayan (anti-graft court) and the Sharia courts (for Muslim personal laws), have
specialized jurisdictions.
4. Independence: The judiciary is designed to be independent from the executive and
legislative branches of government. Judges and justices are appointed based on merit and
are expected to make decisions impartially, without political influence.
5. Rule of Law: The Philippine court system upholds the rule of law, which means that all
individuals, including government officials, are subject to and accountable under the law.
Courts play a crucial role in ensuring that laws are enforced and applied fairly and
consistently.
 6. Protection of Human Rights: The courts in the Philippines are responsible for
upholding and protecting the constitutional rights and liberties of citizens. This includes
safeguarding individual freedoms and ensuring due process in legal proceedings.
7. Judicial Review: The Philippine Supreme Court has the authority to exercise judicial
review, which allows it to examine the constitutionality of laws and government actions.
This power helps maintain the balance of powers among the branches of government.
8. Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR): In addition to traditional litigation, the
Philippines also encourages the use of ADR methods like mediation and arbitration to
settle disputes more efficiently and amicably.
9. Legal Profession: The practice of law in the Philippines is highly regulated, and lawyers
must pass the bar examination to become members of the legal profession. The legal
community plays a significant role in advocating for justice and upholding the law.

Overall, the nature of the Philippine court system is rooted in principles of justice, fairness, and
the rule of law. It is designed to provide a forum for the resolution of disputes and the protection
of individual rights while maintaining its independence from political influence.

The nature of the Philippine court system is that it is a hierarchical system with the Supreme
Court at the top. The Supreme Court has original jurisdiction over certain cases, such as those
involving ambassadors, public ministers, and consuls. It also has appellate jurisdiction over cases
decided by lower courts.

The lower courts in the Philippines are the Court of Appeals, the Sandiganbayan, the Regional
Trial Courts, the Metropolitan Trial Courts, the Municipal Trial Courts, and the Municipal
Circuit Trial Courts. The Court of Appeals has appellate jurisdiction over cases decided by the
Regional Trial Courts. The Sandiganbayan has jurisdiction over criminal and civil cases
involving graft and corrupt practices.

The Regional Trial Courts have original jurisdiction over a wide range of cases, including
criminal cases, civil cases, and cases involving family law. The Metropolitan Trial Courts have
original jurisdiction over criminal cases and civil cases involving small claims. The Municipal
Trial Courts have original jurisdiction over criminal cases and civil cases involving even smaller
claims. The Municipal Circuit Trial Courts have original jurisdiction over criminal cases and
civil cases involving the smallest claims.

The Philippine court system is a hybrid system that combines elements of both the adversarial
system and the inquisitorial system. In the adversarial system, the parties to a case are
responsible for presenting their own evidence and arguments to the court. In the inquisitorial
system, the judge is more actively involved in the case and may take steps to gather evidence and
investigate the facts.

The Philippine court system is still evolving, and there are a number of challenges that it faces.
One challenge is the high volume of cases that the courts have to deal with. Another challenge is
the lack of resources, such as judges and lawyers, to handle the caseload.
Despite these challenges, the Philippine court system is an important institution that plays a vital
role in upholding the rule of law and protecting the rights of the people.

Here are some of the key features of the Philippine court system:

 It is a hierarchical system with the Supreme Court at the top.

 The lower courts have original jurisdiction over certain cases, while the Supreme Court
has appellate jurisdiction over cases decided by lower courts.
 The court system is a hybrid system that combines elements of both the adversarial
system and the inquisitorial system.
 The Philippine court system is still evolving, and there are a number of challenges that it
faces.

3. The classification of the Philippines court system can be discussed based on several
dimensions:

a) Constitutional and Statutory Courts:

 Constitutional Courts: These are courts specifically established and defined by the
Philippine Constitution. The primary example is the Supreme Court, which is the highest
judicial authority in the country. The Constitution grants the Supreme Court its powers,
authority, and jurisdiction.
 Statutory Courts: Statutory courts are created by laws or statutes enacted by the
legislative branch of government. Examples include the Court of Appeals, Regional Trial
Courts, and Municipal and Metropolitan Trial Courts. Their jurisdiction and authority are
determined by legislation rather than the Constitution.

b) Civil and Criminal Courts:

 Civil Courts: Civil courts handle cases related to civil matters, such as disputes between
individuals, corporations, or government entities over issues like contracts, property,
family law, and personal injury. The Regional Trial Courts and Municipal and
Metropolitan Trial Courts, among others, deal with civil cases.
 Criminal Courts: Criminal courts, on the other hand, are responsible for hearing cases
involving criminal offenses, where the government prosecutes individuals or entities for
violating the law. The Regional Trial Courts and Municipal and Metropolitan Trial
Courts also handle criminal cases, depending on their severity.

c) Inferior and Superior Courts:

 Inferior Courts: These courts are typically lower in the judicial hierarchy and handle
less complex cases. Examples of inferior courts in the Philippines include the Municipal
and Metropolitan Trial Courts. They have limited jurisdiction and deal with cases of
relatively lower importance and lesser gravity.
  Superior Courts: Superior courts are higher in the hierarchy and have broader
jurisdiction. The Court of Appeals and the Supreme Court are considered superior courts
in the Philippines. They handle appeals, constitutional issues, and cases of national
significance. The decisions of superior courts often have precedent-setting value.

In summary, the classification of the Philippine court system can be based on whether they are
constitutional or statutory, whether they handle civil or criminal matters, and whether they are
considered inferior or superior in terms of their position in the judicial hierarchy. These
classifications help provide a structured and organized framework for the administration of
justice in the Philippines.

The Philippine court system can be classified into three main categories: constitutional, statutory,
and inferior.

 Constitutional courts are those that are specifically created by the Constitution. The
Supreme Court is the only constitutional court in the Philippines. It has original
jurisdiction over certain cases, such as those involving ambassadors, public ministers, and
consuls. It also has appellate jurisdiction over cases decided by lower courts.
 Statutory courts are those that are created by law. The lower courts in the Philippines
are statutory courts. They include the Court of Appeals, the Sandiganbayan, the Regional
Trial Courts, the Metropolitan Trial Courts, the Municipal Trial Courts, and the
Municipal Circuit Trial Courts.
 Inferior courts are those that have limited jurisdiction. The Municipal Circuit Trial
Courts are considered inferior courts. They have original jurisdiction over criminal cases
and civil cases involving the smallest claims.

The Philippine court system can also be classified into civil and criminal courts.

 Civil courts are those that hear cases involving private disputes between individuals or
entities. The Regional Trial Courts are the main civil courts in the Philippines. They have
original jurisdiction over a wide range of civil cases, including cases involving contracts,
torts, and family law.
 Criminal courts are those that hear cases involving offenses against the state. The
Regional Trial Courts are also the main criminal courts in the Philippines. They have
original jurisdiction over a wide range of criminal cases, including murder, robbery, and
theft.

The Philippine court system is a complex and ever-evolving system. The classifications
mentioned above are just some of the ways that the courts can be classified. The specific
jurisdiction of each court will depend on the law that created it.

4. The hierarchy of courts in the Philippines is structured in a tiered system, with each level
having specific jurisdiction and authority. Here's an overview of the hierarchy of courts in the
Philippines, from the highest to the lowest:
1. Supreme Court:
o The Supreme Court is the highest judicial authority in the Philippines.
o It has the power of judicial review, meaning it can review the constitutionality of
laws and government actions.
o The Supreme Court consists of one Chief Justice and several Associate Justices.
o It primarily deals with cases of national significance, constitutional issues, and
appeals from lower courts.
2. Court of Appeals:
o The Court of Appeals is an intermediate appellate court in the Philippines.
o It reviews decisions and judgments of lower courts, including Regional Trial
Courts.
o It is divided into divisions, each consisting of several justices.
o The Court of Appeals handles various types of cases, including civil, criminal,
and special cases.
3. Sandiganbayan:
o The Sandiganbayan is a special court that primarily handles cases of graft and
corruption involving public officials.
o It is divided into several divisions, each with specific jurisdiction over particular
types of cases.
o The Sandiganbayan plays a crucial role in holding public officials accountable for
their actions.
4. Court of Tax Appeals (CTA):
o The Court of Tax Appeals specializes in cases related to taxation.
o It has jurisdiction over disputes involving taxes, duties, and other revenue-related
matters.
o The CTA ensures the fair application of tax laws and regulations.
5. Regional Trial Courts (RTC):
o The Regional Trial Courts are the primary trial courts in the Philippines.
o They handle a wide range of cases, including civil, criminal, family, and probate
matters.
o RTCs are distributed across different regions and cities in the country.
6. Metropolitan Trial Courts (MeTC) and Municipal Trial Courts (MTC):
o These are the lowest-level trial courts in the Philippines.
o MeTCs are found in metropolitan areas, while MTCs are located in
municipalities.
o They handle less complex cases, including small claims cases and cases with
lower monetary values.
7. Sharia District Courts:
o In certain areas with Muslim populations, Sharia District Courts handle cases
related to Muslim personal laws.
o These courts have jurisdiction over matters such as marriage, divorce, and
inheritance for Muslims.
8. Sharia Circuit Courts:
o Below the Sharia District Courts, Sharia Circuit Courts handle cases in specific
geographical areas.
 o They primarily address Muslim personal law issues within their designated
regions.

The hierarchy of courts in the Philippines ensures that cases are heard at the appropriate level,
with higher courts having the authority to review decisions made by lower courts. This tiered
system allows for a structured and organized administration of justice in the country.

A. Jurisdiction of Different Courts in the Philippines: Key Principles

i. Jurisdiction - Definition:

 Jurisdiction in the context of Philippine courts refers to the legal authority and power of a
court to hear and decide cases of specific types or categories. It defines the scope of a
court's authority and determines whether it has the legal competence to adjudicate a
particular case.

ii. Jurisdiction vs. Venue:

 Jurisdiction and venue are distinct legal concepts in the Philippines.

 Jurisdiction pertains to a court's authority to hear a case based on factors such as the
nature of the case, the amount in controversy, or the parties involved. It answers the
question of which court can legally handle a particular type of case.
 Venue, on the other hand, concerns the geographic location within the jurisdiction where
the case should be filed. It is determined based on factors like the residence of the parties
or where the events giving rise to the dispute occurred.

iii. Determined by the Allegations in the Complaint:

 Jurisdiction is typically determined by the allegations stated in the complaint filed by the
plaintiff. The court assesses whether the claims made in the complaint fall within its
jurisdictional authority.
 If the complaint's allegations meet the criteria for the court's jurisdiction, the court
proceeds with the case. If not, the court may dismiss the case for lack of jurisdiction.

iv. Residual Power/Jurisdiction:

 Residual power or jurisdiction refers to the inherent authority of a court to hear matters
that are not explicitly covered by specific jurisdictional statutes or rules.
 It enables a court to address legal issues that may not have been foreseen or addressed by
existing laws.
 Residual jurisdiction ensures that the court system can provide justice in cases that do not
fit neatly into established categories.

v. Doctrine of Primary Jurisdiction:

  The Doctrine of Primary Jurisdiction recognizes that certain disputes involve both legal
and specialized technical or administrative issues.
 In such cases, the court may defer to administrative agencies or specialized tribunals that
possess the expertise to address the technical aspects of the dispute.
 This doctrine helps ensure that complex matters are resolved by authorities with the
necessary knowledge and experience.

Understanding these key principles of jurisdiction is crucial for navigating the Philippine legal
system effectively. It helps parties determine which court has the authority to hear their case and
ensures that cases are heard by the appropriate judicial bodies in accordance with the law.

Sure, here are the key principles of jurisdiction of different courts in the Philippines:

i. Jurisdiction- Definition

Jurisdiction is the power of a court to hear and decide a case. It is the authority of the court to act
in a particular matter.

ii. Jurisdiction v. Venue

Jurisdiction is different from venue. Jurisdiction refers to the power of the court to hear and
decide a case, while venue refers to the place where the case should be filed.

iii. Determined by the allegations in the complaint

The jurisdiction of a court is determined by the allegations in the complaint. The complaint is the
document that is filed with the court to initiate a case. The allegations in the complaint must state
the facts that give the court jurisdiction over the case.

iv. Residual power/jurisdiction

The residual power/jurisdiction is the power of the Supreme Court to decide cases that are not
specifically assigned to any other court.

v. Doctrine of primary jurisdiction

The doctrine of primary jurisdiction is a principle that states that a court should not decide a case
if there is another government agency that is better equipped to resolve the dispute.

Here are some additional details about each of these principles:

 Jurisdiction: There are two main types of jurisdiction: original jurisdiction and appellate
jurisdiction. Original jurisdiction is the power of a court to hear and decide a case for the
first time. Appellate jurisdiction is the power of a court to review the decision of a lower
court.
 Venue: The venue of a case is the place where the case should be filed. The venue is
usually determined by the residence of the defendant or the location of the property that
is involved in the case.
 Allegations in the complaint: The allegations in the complaint must state the facts that
give the court jurisdiction over the case. For example, if the complaint alleges that a
crime was committed in Manila, then the case must be filed in a court in Manila.
 Residual power/jurisdiction: The residual power/jurisdiction of the Supreme Court is
the power to decide cases that are not specifically assigned to any other court. This power
is usually used to decide cases that involve important constitutional issues.
 Doctrine of primary jurisdiction: The doctrine of primary jurisdiction is a principle that
states that a court should not decide a case if there is another government agency that is
better equipped to resolve the dispute. For example, if a case involves a dispute between
a consumer and a business, the court may refer the case to the Department of Trade and
Industry (DTI) for resolution.