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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 of Appeals, the Court of First
Instance,theCircuitCriminalCourts,theJuvenileandDomesticRelationsCourts,theCourtsofAgrarianRelations,
theCityCourts,theMunicipalCourts,andtheMunicipalCircuitCourts.
CHAPTERI
COURTOFAPPEALS
Section3.Organization. There is hereby created a Court of Appeals which consists of a Presiding Justice and
fiftyAssociateJusticewhoshallbeappointedbythePresidentofthePhilippines.ThePresidingJusticeshallbeso
designated in his appointment, and the Associate Justice shall have precedence according to the dates of their
respectiveappointments,orwhentheappointmentsoftwoormoreofthemshallbearthesamedate,accordingto
theorderinwhichtheirappointmentswereissuedbythePresident.AnymemberwhoisreappointedtotheCourt
afterrenderingserviceinanyotherpositioninthegovernmentshallretaintheprecedencetowhichhewasentitled
under his original appointment, and his service in the Court shall, for all intents and purposes, be considered as
continuousanduninterrupted.(asamendedbyExec.OrderNo.33,,July28,1986.)
Section4.Exerciseofpowersandfunctions.TheCourtAppealsshallexerciseitspowers,functions,andduties,
through seventeen (17) divisions, each composed of three (3) members. The Court may sit enbanc only for the
purposeofexercisingadministrative,ceremonial,orothernonadjudicatoryfunctions.(asamendedbyExec.Order
No.33,.)
Section5.SuccessiontoOfficeofPresidingJustice.Incaseofavacancyintheabsenceofinabilitytoperform
the powers, functions, and duties of his office, the associate Justice who is first in precedence shall perform his
powers, functions, and duties until such disability is removed, or another Presiding Justice is appointed and has
qualified.
Section6.Whopresidesoversessionofadivision.IfthePresidingJusticeispresentinanysessionofadivision
oftheCourt,heshallpreside.In his absence, the Associate Justice attending such session who has precedence
shallpreside.
Section7.Qualifications.ThePresidingJusticeandtheAssociateJusticeshallhavethesamequalificationsas
thoseprovidedinConstitutionforJusticeoftheSupremeCourt.
Section8.GroupingofDivisions.(ExpresslyrepealedbySection4,Exec.OrderNo.33,July28,1986.)
Section9.Jurisdiction.TheCourtofAppealsshallExercise:
1.Originaljurisdictiontoissuewritsofmandamus,prohibition,certiorari, habeas corpus, and quowarranto,
andauxiliarywritsorprocesses,whetherornotinaidofitsappellatejurisdiction
2.ExclusiveoriginaljurisdictionoveractionsforannulmentofjudgementsofRegionalTrialCourtsand
3. Exclusive appellate jurisdiction over all final judgements, resolutions, orders or awards of Regional Trial
Courts and quasijudicial agencies, instrumentalities, boards or commission, including the Securities and
ExchangeCommission,theSocialSecurityCommission,theEmployeesCompensationCommissionandthe
Civil Service Commission, Except those falling within the appellate jurisdiction of the Supreme Court in
accordancewiththeConstitution, the Labor Code of the Philippines under Presidential Decree No. 442, as
amended,theprovisionsofthisAct,andofsubparagraph(1)ofthethirdparagraphandsubparagraph4of
thefourthparagraphodSection17oftheJudiciaryActof1948.
The court of Appeals shall have the power to try cases and conduct hearings, receive evidence and perform any

andallactsnecessarytoresolvefactualissuesraisedincasesfallingwithinitsoriginalandappellatejurisdiction,
includingthepowertograntandconductnewtrialsorAppealsmustbecontinuousandmustbecompletedwithin
three(3)months,unlessextendedbytheChiefJustice.(asamendedbyR.A.No.7902.)
Section10.Placeofholdingsessions.TheCourtofAppealsshallhaveitspermanentstationintheCityofManila.
Wheneverdemandedbypublicinterest,theSupremeCourt,uponitsowninitiativeoruponrecommendationofthe
Presiding Justice, may authorize a division of the Court to hold sessions outside Manila, periodically, or for such
periodsandatsuchplacesastheSupremeCourtmaydetermine,forthepurposeofhearinganddecidingcases.
Section11.QuorumAmajorityoftheactualmembersoftheCourtshallconstituteaquorumforitssessionen
banc. Three members shall constitute a quorum for the session of a division. The unanimous vote of the three
members of a division shall be necessary for the pronouncement of a decision of final resolution, which shall be
reachedinconsultationbeforethewritingoftheopinionbyanymembersofthedivision.Intheeventthatthethree
membersdonotreachaunanimousvote,thePresidingJusticeshallrequesttheRaffleCommitteeoftheCourtfor
thedesignationoftwoadditionalJusticetosittemporarilywiththem,formingaspecialdivisionoffivemembersand
the concurrence of a majority of such division shall be necessary for the pronouncement of a decision or final
resolution.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
constitution of the divisions and the assignment of Appellate Justices thereto, the distribution of cases, and other
matterspertainingtotheoperationsoftheCourtofitsdivisions.Copiesofsuchrulesandordersshallbefurnished
by the Supreme Court, which rules and orders shall be effective fifteen (15) days after receipt thereof, unless
directedotherwisebytheSupremeCourt.
CHAPTERII
REGIONALTRIALCOURTS
Section13.CreationofRegionalTrialCourts.Thereareherebycreatedthirteen(13)RegionalTrialCourts,one
foreachofthefollowingjudicialregions:
TheFirstJudicialRegion,consistingoftheprovincesofAbra,Benguet,IlocosNorte,IlocosSur,LaUnion,Mountain
Province,andPangasinan,andcitiesofBaguio,Dagupan,LaogandSanCarlos
The Second Judicial Region, consisting of the provinces of Batanes, Cagayan, Ifugao, KalingaApayao, Nueva
Viscaya,andQuirino
The ThirdJudicialRegion,consisting oftheprovinces ofBataan, Bulacan (except the municipality of valenzuela),
Nueva Ecija, Pampanga, Tarlac, and Zambales, and the cities of Angeles, Cabanatuan, Olongapo, Palayan and
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
The Fifth Judicial Region, consisting of the provinces of Albay, Camarines Sur, Camarines Norte, Catanduanes,
Masbate,andSorsogon,andthecitiesofLegaspi,NagaandIriga
TheSixthJudicialRegion,consistingoftheprovincesofAklan,Antique,Capiz,Iloilo,LaCalota,Roxas,SanCarlos,
andSilay,andthesubprovinceofGuimaras
The Seventh Judicial Region, consisting of the provinces of Bohol, Cebu, Negros Oriental, and Siquijor, and the
citiesofBais,Canlaon,Cebu,Danao,Dumaguete,Lapulapu,Mandaue,Tagbilaran,andToledo,
TheEighthJudicialRegion,consistingoftheprovincesorEasternSamar,Leyte,Northern,Samar,SouthernLeyte,
Ormoc,andTacloban:
The Ninth Judicial Region, consisting of the provinces of Basilan, Sulu, TawiTawi, Zamboanga del Sur, and the
citiesofDapitan,Dipolog,Pagadian,andZamboanga

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
The Twelfth Judicial Region, consisting of the provinces of Lanao del Norte, Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao, North
Cotabato,andSultanKudarat,andthecitiesofCotabato,Iligan,andMarawi.
In case of transfer or redistribution of the provinces, subprovinces, cities or municipalities comprising the regions
establishedbylawofpurposesoftheadministrativefieldorganizationofthevariousdepartmentsandagenciesof
thegovernment,thecompositionofthejudicialregionshereinconstitutedshallbedeemedmodifiedaccordingly.
Section14.RegionalTrialCourts.
(a)FiftysevenRegionalTrialJudgesshallbecommissionedfortheFirstJudicialRegion.Thereshallbe.
Twobranches(BranchesIIIansII)fortheprovinceofAbra,withseatsatBangued
Eightbranches(BranchesIIItoX)fortheprovinceofBenguetandthecityofBaguio,BranchesIIItoVII
withseatsatBaguioCity,andBranchesVIIItoXatLaTrinidad
Ninebranches(BranchesXItoXIX)fortheprovinceofIlocosNorteandthecityofLaoag,BranchesXI
toXVIwithseatsatLaoagCity,BranchesXVIIandXVIIIatBatac,andBranchXIXatBangui
Sixbranches(BrachesXXtoXXV)fortheprovinceofIlocosSur,BranchesXXandXXIwithseatsat
Vigan,BranchXXIIatNarvacan,BranchXXIIIatCandon,BranchXXIVatCabugao,andBranchXXV
atTagudin
Nine branches (Branches XXVI to XXXIV) for the province of La Union, Branches XXVI to XXX with
seats at San Fernando, Branches XXXI and XXXII at Agoo, 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
Twobranches(BranchesXIVandXV)fortheprovinceofIfugao,BranchXIVwithseatatLagawe,and
BranchXVatPotia
Ninebranches(BranchesXVItoXXIV)fortheprovinceofIsabela,BranchesXVItoXVIIIwithseatsat
Ilagan, Branches XIX and XX at cauayan, Branch XXI at Santiago, Branch XXII at Cabagan, Branch
XXIIIatRoxas,andBranchXXIVatEchague
Twobranches(BranchesXXVandXXVI)fortheprovinceofkalingaApayao,BranchXXVwithseatat
Tabuk,andBranchXXVIatLuna
Fourbranches(BranchesXXVIItoXXX)fortheprovinceofNuevaVizcaya,BranchesXXVIItoXXIX
withseatsatBayombong,andBranchXXXatBambang
Twobranches(BranchesXXXIandXXXII)fortheprovinceofQuirino,withseatsatCabarroguis.
(c)SeventyfiveRegionalTrialjudgesshallbecommissionedfortheThirdJudicialRegion.Thereshallbe:
Five branches (Branches I to V) for the province of Bataan, Branches I to III with seats at Balanga,
BranchIVatMariveles,andBranchVatDinalupihan

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.
Twentytwo branches (Branches XLI to LXII) for the province of Pampanga and the city of Angeles,
BranchesXLItoXLVIIIwithseatsatSanFernando,BranchesXLIXtoLIIIatGuagua,BranchesLIV
andLVatMacabebe,andBranchesLVItoLXIIatAngelesCity
Six branches (Branches LXIII to LXVIII) for the province of Tarlac, Branches LXVI at Capas, Branch
LXVIIatPaniqui,andBranchLXVIIIatCamilingand
Seven branches (Branches LXIX to LXXV) for the province of Zambales and the city of Olongapo,
BranchesLXIXtoLXXIwithseatsatIbaandBranchesLXXIItoLXXVatOlongapoCity
(d) One hundred seventytwo (172) Regional Trial Judges shall be commissioned for the National Capital
JudicialRegion.Thereshallbe:
Fiftyfivebranches(Branches1to55)fortheCityofManila,witseatsthereat
Thirtytwobranches(Branches76to107)forQuezonCity,withseatsthereat
Twelvebranches(Branches108to119)forPasayCity,withseatsthereat
Twelvebranches(Branches120to131)forCaloocanCity,withseatsthereat
Fiftyeight branches (Branches 56 to 74 and 132 to 170) for the Municipalities of Navotas, 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
Threebranches(Branches75,171and172)forthemunicipalityofValenzuela,withseatsthereat.(As
amendedbyEONo.33,July30,1986.)
(e)EihtytwoRegionalTrialJudgesshallbecommissionedfortheFourthJudicialRegion.Thereshallbe:
Fourteen branches (Branches I to XIV) for the province of Batangas and the cities of Lipa and
Batangas, Branches I to VI with seats at Batangas City, Branch V at Lemery, Branches VI to VIII at
Tanuan,BranchesIXtoXIatBalayan,BranchesXIIandXIIIatLipa,andBranchXIVatNasugbu
Ninebranches(BranchesXVtoXXIII)fortheprovinceofCaviteandthecitiesofCavite,Tagaytayand
TreceMatires,BranchXVwithseatatNaic,BranchesXVIIatCaviteCity,BranchXVIIIatTagayatay
City,BranchXIXatBacoor,BranchesXXtoXXIIatImus,andBranchXXIIIatTreceMartires
Fourteenbranches(BranchesXXIVtoXXXVII)fortheprovinceofLagunaandthecityofSanPablo,
BranchesXXVIIIatSta.Cruz,BranchesXXIXtoXXXIIatSanPableCity,BranchXXXIIIatSiniloan,
andBranchesXXXIVtoXXXVIatCalamba
Onebranch(BranchXXXVIII)fortheprovinceofMarinduque,withseatatBoac
Fivebranches(BranchesXXXIXtoXLIII)fortheprovinceofMindoroOriental,BranchesXXXIXtoXL
withseatsatCalapan,BranchesXLIandXLIIatPinamalayan,andBranchXLIIatRoxas
Three branches (Branches XLVII to XLVI) for the province of Mindoro Occidental, Branch XLIV with
seatatMamburao,andBranchesXLVandXLVIatSanJose
Sixbranches(BranchesXLVIItoLII)fortheprovinceofPalawanandthecityofPuertoPrincesa,with
seatsatPuertoPrincesaCity
Thirteenbranches(BranchesLIIItoLXV)fortheprovinceofQuezonandthecityofLucena,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

Fourteen branches (Branches LXVII to LXXX) for the province of Rizal except the cities and
municipalitiesembracedwithintheNationalCapitalJudicialRegion,BranchesLXVIItoLXXwithseats
at Binangonan, Branches LXXI to LXXIV at Antipolo, Branches LXXV to LXXVII at San Mateo, and
BranchesLXXVIIItoLXXXatMorongand
Twobranches(BranchesLXXXIandLXXXII)fortheprovinceofRomblon,BranchLXXXIwithseatat
Romblon,andBranchLXXXIIatOdiongan.
(f)FiftyfiveRegionalTrialJudgesshallbecommissionedfortheFifthJudicialRegion.Thereshallbe:
Eighteenbranches(BranchesItoXVIII)fortheprovinceofAlbayandthecityofLegaspi,BranchesIto
XwithseatsatLegaspiCity,BranchesXItoXIVatLigao,andBranchesXVtoXVIIIatTabaco
Nineteenbranches(BranchesXIXtoXXXVII)fortheprovinceofCamarinesSurandthecitiesofNaga
andIriga,BranchesXIXtoXXVIIIwithseatsatNagaCity,BranchXXIXatLibmanan,BranchXXXat
Tigaon,BrachesXXXItoXXXIIIatPili,andBranchesXXXIVtoXXXVIIatIrigaCity
Fourbranches(BranchesXXXVIIItoXLII)fortheprovinceofCamarinesNorte,withseatatDaet
Twobranches(BranchesXLIIandXLII)fortheprovinceofCatanduanes,withseatsatVirac
Sevenbranches(BranchesXLIVtoL)fortheprovinceofMasbate,BranchesXLIVtoXLVIIIwithseats
atMasbate,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
Four branches (Branches X to XIII) for the province of Antique, Branches X to XII with seats at San
Jose,andBranchXIIIandCulasi
Eighrbranches(BranchesXIVtoXXI)fortheprovinceofCapizandthecityofRoxas,BranchesXIVto
XIXwithseatsatRoxasCityandBranchesXXandXXIatMambusao
Eighteenbranches(BranchesXXIIto XXXIX)for theprovince of Iloilo, the subprovince of Guimaras,
andthecityofIloilo,withseatsatIloiloCityand
Twentyfour branches (Branches XL to LXIII) for the province of Negros Occidental, and the cities of
Bacolod,Bago,Cadiz, La Carlota,SanCarlosand Silay,Branch XLwithseat atSilayCity, Branches
XLItoLIVatBacolodCity,BranchesLVandLVIatHimamaylan,BranchesLVIItoLIXatKabankalan,
BranchLXIIatBagoCity,andBranchLXIIatLaCarlotaCity.
(h)FortysixRegionalTrialJudgesshallbecommissionedfortheSeventhJudicialRegion.Thereshallbe:
Four branches (Branches I to IV) for the province of Bohol and the city of Tagbilaran, with seats at
TagbilaranCity
Twentyfive branches (Branches V to XXIX) for the province of Cebu and the cities of Cebu, Danao,
LapuLapu,MandaueandToledo,BranchesVtoXXIVwithseatsatCebuCity,BranchXXVatDanao
City, Branch XXVI at Argao, 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,BaisandCanlaon,BranchesXXXtoXLIVwithseatsatDumagueteCity,andBranchXLV
atBaisCityand
Onebranch(BranchXLVI)fortheprovinceofSiquijor,withseatatLarena.
(i)ThirtythreeRegionalTrialJudgesshallbecommissionedfortheEighthJudicialRegion.Thereshallbe:
Five branches (Branches I to V) for the province of Eastern Samar, Branches I and II with seats at
Borongan,BranchIIIatGuiuan,BranchIVatDolores,andBranchVatOras
Thirteenbranches(BranchesVItoXVIII)fortheprovinceofLeyte,thesubprovinceofBiliran,andthe
citiesofOrmocandTacloban,BranchesVIandIXwithseatsatTaclobanCity,BranchXatAbuyog,

Branch XI at Calubian, Branch XII at Ormoc City, Branch XIII at Carigara, Branch XIV at Baybay,
BranchXVatBurauen,BranchXVIatNaval,BranchXVIIatPalompon,andBranchXVIIIatHilongos
Fivebranches(BranchesXIXtoXXIII)fortheprovinceofNorthernSamar,BranchesXIXandXXwith
seatsatCatarman,BranchesXXIandXXIIatLaoang,andBranchXXIIIatAllen
Threebranches(BranchesXXIVtoXXVI)fortheprovinceofSouthernLeyte,BranchesXXIVandXXV
withseatsatMaasin,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,andBranchIV
atParang
Onebranch(BranchV)fortheprovinceofTawiTawi,withseatatBongao
Six branches (Branches VI to XI) for the province of Zamboanga del Norte, and the cities of Dipolog
andDapitan,BranchesVItoXseatsatDipologCity,andBranchXIatSindanganand
Thirteen branches (Branches XII to XXIV) for the province of Zamboanga del Sur and the cities of
PagadianandZamboangaBranchesXIItoXVIIwithseatsatZamboangaCity,Branches,XVIIItoXXII
atPagadianCity,BranchXXIIIatMolave,andBranchXXIVatIpil.
(k)ThirtytwoRegionalTrialJudgesshallbecommissionedfortheTenthJudicialRegion.Thereshallbe:
Fivebranches(BranchesItoV)fortheprovinceofAgusandelNorteandthecityofButuan,withseats
atButuanCity
Two branches (Branches VI and VII) for the province of Agusan 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,andTangub,BranchesXIItoXIVwithseatsatOroquietaCity,BranchXVatOzamisCity,and
BranchXVIatTangubCity
Eleven branches (Branches XVII to XXVII) for the province of Misamis Oriental and the cities of
CagayandeOroandGingoog,BranchesXVIItoXXVwithseatsatCagayandeOroCity,BranchXXVI
atMedina,andBranchXXVIIatGingoogCity
Onebranch(BranchXXVIII)fortheprovinceofCamiguin,withseatatMambajaoand
Fourbranches(BranchesXXIXtoXXXII)fortheprovinceofSurigaodelNorteandtheCityofSurigao,
Branches XXIX and XXX with seats at Surigao City, Branch XXXI at Dapa, and Branch XXXII at
Dinagat,DinagatIsland.
(l)TwentynineRegionalTrialJudgesshallbecommissionedfortheEleventhJudicialRegion.Thereshallbe
Fourbranches(BranchesItoIV)fortheprovinceofDavaodelNorte,BranchesIandIIwithseatsat
Tagum,BranchIIIatNabunturan,andBranchIVatPanabo
Threebranches(BranchesVtoVII)fortheprovinceofDavaoOriental,BranchesVandVIwithseatsat
MatiandBranchVIIatBanganga
Fourteen branches (Branches VIII to XXI) for the province of Davao del Sur and the city of Davao,
BranchesVIIItoXVIIwithseatsatDavaoCity,BranchesXVIIIandXIXatDigos,BranchXXatMalinta,
andBranchXXIaBansalan
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:
Sevenbranches(BranchesItoVII)fortheprovinceofLanaodelNorteandthecityofIligan,Branches
ItoVIwithseatsatIliganCity,andBranchVIIatTubod
Fivebranches(BranchesVIIItoXII)fortheprovinceofLanaodelSurandthecityofMarawi,Branches
VIIItoXwithseatsatMarawiCity,andBranchesXIandXIIatMalabang
Three branches (Branches XIII to XV) for the province of Maguindanao and the city of Cotabato,
BranchesXIIIandXIVwithseatsatCotabatoCity,andBranchXVatMaganoy
Three branches (Branches XVI to XVIII) for the province of North Cotabato, Branch XVI with seat at
Kabacan,BranchXVIIatKidapawan,andBranchXVIIIatMissayapand
Two branches (Branches XIX and XX) for the province of Sultan Kudarat, Branch XIX, with seat at
Isulan,andBranchXXatTacurong.
Section15.Qualifications.NopersonsshallbeappointedRegionalTrialJudgeunlessheisanaturalborncitizen
ofthePhilippines,atleastthirtyfiveyearsofage,andforatleasttenyears,hasbeenengagedinthepracticeoflaw
in the Philippines or has held a public office in the Philippines requiring admission to the practice of law as an
indispensablerequisite.
Section16.Timeanddurationofsessions.ThetimeanddurationofdailysessionsoftheRegionalTrialCourts
shallbedeterminedbytheSupremeCourt:Provided,however,Thatallmotions,exceptthoserequiringimmediate
action,shallbeheardintheafternoonofeveryFriday,unlessitfallsonaholiday,inwhichcase,thehearingshallbe
held on the afternoon of the next succeeding business day: Provided, further, That the Supreme Court may, for
goodreasons,fixadifferentmotiondayinspecifiedareas
Section17.AppointmentandassignmentofRegionalTrialJudges.EveryRegionalTrialJudgeshallbeappointed
toaregionwhich shall behispermanentstation, andhisappointment shall state the branch of thecourtand the
seat thereof to which he shall be originally assigned. However, the Supreme Court may assign temporarily a
Regional Trial Judge to another region as public interest may require, provided that such temporary assignment
shallnotlastlongerthansix(6)monthswithouttheconsentoftheRegionalTrialJudgeconcerned.
ARegionalTrialJudgemaybeassignedbytheSupremeCourttoanybranchorcityormunicipalitywithinthesame
regionaspublicinterestmayrequire,andsuchassignmentshallnotbedeemedanassignmenttoanotherstation
withinthemeaningofthissection.
Section18.Authoritytodefineterritoryappurtenanttoeachbranch.TheSupremeCourtshalldefinetheterritory
over which a branch of the Regional Trial Court shall exercise its authority. The territory thus defined shall be
deemed to be the territorial area of the branch concerned for purposes of determining the venue of all suits,
proceedingsoractions,whethercivilorcriminal,aswellasdeterminingtheMetropolitanTrialCourts,MunicipalTrial
Courts,andMunicipalCircuitTrialCourtsoverthesaidbranchmayexerciseappellatejurisdiction.Thepowerherein
grantedshallbeexercisedwithaviewtomakingthecourtsreadilyaccessibletothepeopleofthedifferentpartsof
theregionandmakingtheattendanceoflitigantsandwitnessesasinexpensiveaspossible.
Section19.Jurisdictionincivilcases.RegionalTrialCourtsshallexerciseexclusiveoriginaljurisdiction:
(1)Inallcivilactionsinwhichthesubjectofthelitigationisincapableofpecuniaryestimation
(2)Inallcivilactionswhichinvolvethetitleto,orpossessionof,realproperty,oranyinteresttherein,where
theassessedvalueofthepropertyinvolvedexceedsTwentythousandpesos(P20,000.00)orforcivilactions
inMetroManila,wheresuchthevalueexceedsFiftythousandpesos(50,000.00)exceptactionsforforcible
entry into and unlawful detainer of lands or buildings, original jurisdiction over which is conferred upon
MetropolitanTrialCourts,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 exceeds Two hundred
thousandpesos(200,000.00)
(4) In all matters of probate, both testate and intestate, where the gross value of the estate exceeds One
hundred thousand pesos (P100,000.00) or, in probate matters in Metro Manila, where such gross value
exceedsTwohundredthousandpesos(200,000.00)

(5)Inallactionsinvolvingthecontractofmarriageandmaritalrelations
(6)Inallcasesnotwithintheexclusivejurisdictionofanycourt,tribunal,personorbodyexercisingjurisdiction
oranycourt,tribunal,personorbodyexercisingjudicialorquasijudicialfunctions
(7)InallcivilactionsandspecialproceedingsfallingwithintheexclusiveoriginaljurisdictionofaJuvenileand
DomesticRelationsCourtandoftheCourtsofAgrarianRelationsasnowprovidedbylawand
(8)Inallothercasesinwhichthedemand,exclusiveofinterest,damagesofwhateverkind,attorney'sfees,
litigation expenses, and costs or the value of the property in controversy exceeds One hundred thousand
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
criminalcasesnotwithintheexclusivejurisdictionofanycourt,tribunalorbody,exceptthosenowfallingunderthe
exclusiveandconcurrentjurisdictionoftheSandiganbayanwhichshallhereafterbeexclusivelytakencognizanceof
bythelatter.
Section21.Originaljurisdictioninothercases.RegionalTrialCourtsshallexerciseoriginaljurisdiction:
(1)Intheissuanceofwritsofcertiorari,prohibition,mandamus,quowarranto,habeascorpusandinjunction
whichmaybeenforcedinanypartoftheirrespectiveregionsand
(2)Inactionsaffectingambassadorsandotherpublicministersandconsuls.
Section22.Appellatejurisdiction.RegionalTrialCourtsshallexerciseappellatejurisdictionoverallcasesdecided
byMetropolitanTrialCourts,MunicipalTrialCourts,andMunicipalCircuitTrialCourtsintheirrespectiveterritorial
jurisdictions.Suchcasesshallbedecidedonthebasisoftheentirerecordoftheproceedingshadinthecourtof
origin and such memoranda and/or briefs as may be submitted by the parties or required by the Regional Trial
Courts.ThedecisionoftheRegionalTrialCourtsinsuchcasesshallbeappealablebypetitionforreviewtothe
CourtofAppealswhichmaygiveitduecourseonlywhenthepetitionshowsprimafacie thatthe lowercourthas
committedanerroroffactorlawthatwillwarrantareversalormodificationofthedecisionorjudgmentsoughttobe
reviewed.
Section23.Specialjurisdictiontotryspecialcases.TheSupremeCourtmaydesignatecertainbranchesofthe
RegionalTrialCourtstohandleexclusivelycriminalcases,juvenileanddomesticrelationscases,agrariancases,
urbanlandreformcaseswhichdonotfallunderthejurisdictionofquasijudicialbodiesandagencies,and/orsuch
otherspecialcasesastheSupremeCourtmaydetermineintheinterestofaspeedyandefficientadministrationof
justice.
Section 24. Special Rules of Procedure. Whenever a Regional Trial Court takes cognizance of juvenile and
domesticrelationcasesand/oragrariancases,thespecialrulesofprocedureapplicableunderpresentlawstosuch
casesshallcontinuetobeapplied,unlesssubsequentlyamendedbylaworbyrulesofcourtpromulgatedbythe
SupremeCourt.
CHAPTERIII
METROPOLITANTRIALCOURTS,MUNICIPALTRIALCOURTS,ANDMUNICIPALCIRCUITTRIALCOURTS
Section25.EstablishmentofMetropolitanTrialCourts,MunicipalTrialCourtsandMunicipalCircuitTrialCourts.
There shall be created a Metropolitan Trial Court in each metropolitan area established by law, a Municipal Trial
Courtineachoftheothercitiesormunicipalities,andaMunicipalCircuitTrialCourtineachcircuitcomprisingsuch
citiesand/ormunicipalitiesasaregroupedtogetherpursuanttolaw.
Section26.Qualifications.NopersonshallbeappointedjudgeofaMetropolitanTrialCourt,MunicipalTrialCourt,
orMunicipalCircuitTrialCourtunlessheisanaturalborncitizenofthePhilippines,atleast30yearsofage,and,for
at least five years, has been engaged in the practice of law in the Philippines, or has held a public office in the
Philippinesrequiringadmissiontothepracticeoflawasanindispensablerequisite.
Section27.MetropolitanTrialCourtsoftheNationalCapitalRegion.ThereshallbeaMetropolitanTrialCourtin
theNationalCapitalRegion,tobeknownastheMetropolitanTrialCourtofMetroManila,whichshallbecomposed
ofeightytwo(82)branches.Thereshallbe:
Thirtybranches(BranchesItoXXX)forthecityofManilawithseatsthereat
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.OtherMetropolitanTrialCourts.TheSupremeCourtshallconstituteMetropolitanTrialCourtsinsuch
othermetropolitanareasasmaybeestablishedbylawwhoseterritorialjurisdictionshallbecoextensivewiththe
citiesandmunicipalitiescomprisingthemetropolitanarea.
EveryMetropolitanTrialJudgeshallbeappointedtoametropolitanareawhichshallbehispermanentstationand
his appointment shall state branch of the court and the seat thereof to which he shall be originally assigned. A
MetropolitanTrialJudgemaybeassignedbytheSupremeCourttoanybranchwithinsaidmetropolitanareaasthe
interestofjusticemayrequire,andsuchassignmentshallnotbedeemedanassignmenttoanotherstationwithin
themeaningofthissection.
Section29.MunicipalTrialCourtsincities.Ineverycitywhichdoesnotformpartofametropolitanarea,there
shallbeaMunicipalTrialCourtwithonebranch,exceptashereunderprovided:
TwobranchesforLaoagCity
FourbranchesforBaguioCity
ThreebranchesforDagupanCity
FivebranchesforOlongapoCity
ThreebranchesforCabanatuanCity
TwobranchesforSanJoseCity
ThreebranchesforAngelesCity
TwobranchesforCaviteCity
TwobranchesforBatangasCity
TwobranchesforLucenaCity
ThreebranchesforNagaCity
TwobranchesforIrigaCity
ThreebranchesforLegaspiCity
TwobranchesforRoxasCity
FourbranchesforIloiloCity

SevenbranchesforBacolodCity
TwobranchesforDumagueteCity
TwobranchesforTaclobanCity
EightbranchesforCebuCity
ThreebranchesforMandaueCity
TwobranchesforTagbilaranCity
TwobranchesforSurigaoCity
TwobranchesforButuanCity
FivebranchesforCagayandeOroCity
SevenbranchesforDavaoCity
ThreebranchesforGeneralSantosCity
TwobranchesforOroquietaCity
ThreebranchesforOzamisCity
TwobranchesforDipologCity
FourbranchesforZamboangaCity
TwobranchesforPagadianCityand
TwobranchesforIliganCity.
Section30.MunicipalTrialCourts.Ineachofthemunicipalitiesthatarenotcomprisedwithinametropolitanarea
and a municipal circuit there shall be a Municipal Trial Court which shall have one branch, except as hereunder
provided:
TwobranchesforSanFernando,LaUnion
FourbranchesforTuguegarao
ThreebranchesforLallo,andtwobranchesforAparri,bothofCagayan
TwobranchesforSantiago,Isabela
TwobrancheseachforMalolos,MeycauayanandBulacan,allofBulacanProvince
FourbranchesforSanFernandoandtwobranchesforGuagua,bothofPampanga
TwobranchesforTarlac,Tarlac
TwobranchesforSanPedro,Lagunaand
TwobrancheseachforAntipoloandBinangonan,bothinRizal.
Section31.MunicipalCircuitTrialCourt.ThereshallbeaMunicipalCircuitTrialCourtineachareadefinedasa
municipal circuit, comprising one or more cities and/or one or more municipalities. The municipalities comprising
municipalcircuitsasorganizedunderAdministrativeOrderNo.33,issuedonJune13,1978bytheSupremeCourt
pursuant to Presidential Decree No. 537, are hereby constituted as municipal circuits for purposes of the
establishment of the Municipal Circuit Trial Courts, and the appointment thereto of Municipal Circuit Trial Judges:
Provided,however,ThattheSupremeCourtmay,astheinterestsofjusticemayrequire,furtherreorganizethesaid
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 insofar as
theyarenotinconsistentwiththisAct.
EveryMunicipalCircuitTrialJudgeshallbeappointedtoamunicipalcircuitwhichshallbehisofficialstation.

The Supreme Court shall determine the city or municipality where the Municipal Circuit Trial Court shall hold
sessions.
Section 32. 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.JurisdictionofMetropolitanTrialCourts,MunicipalTrialCourtsandMunicipalCircuitTrialCourtsincivil
cases.MetropolitanTrialCourts,MunicipalTrialCourts,andMunicipalCircuitTrialCourtsshallexercise:
(1)Exclusiveoriginaljurisdictionovercivilactionsandprobateproceedings,testateandintestate,including
thegrantofprovisionalremediesinpropercases,wherethevalueofthepersonalproperty,estate,oramount
ofthedemanddoesnotexceedOnehundredthousandpesos(P100,000.00)or,inMetroManilawheresuch
personal property, estate, or amount of the demand does not exceed Two hundred thousand pesos
(P200,000.00)exclusiveofinterestdamagesofwhateverkind,attorney'sfees,litigationexpenses,andcosts,
theamountofwhichmustbespecificallyalleged:Provided,Thatwherethereareseveralclaimsorcausesof
action between the same or different parties, embodied in the same complaint, the amount of the demand
shallbethetotalityoftheclaimsinallthecausesofaction,irrespectiveofwhetherthecausesofactionarose
outofthesameordifferenttransactions
(2)Exclusiveoriginaljurisdictionovercasesofforcibleentryandunlawfuldetainer:Provided,Thatwhen,in
suchcases,thedefendantraisesthequestionofownershipinhispleadingsandthequestionofpossession
cannotberesolvedwithoutdecidingtheissueofownership,theissueofownershipshallberesolvedonlyto
determinetheissueofpossession.
(3)Exclusiveoriginaljurisdictioninallcivilactionswhichinvolvetitleto,orpossessionof,realproperty,orany
interest therein where the assessed value of the property or interest therein does not exceed Twenty
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,
litigation expenses and costs: Provided, That value of such property shall be determined by the assessed
valueoftheadjacentlots.(asamendedbyR.A.No.7691)
Section34.Delegated jurisdiction in cadastral and land registration cases. Metropolitan Trial Courts, Municipal
Trial Courts, and Municipal Circuit Trial Courts may be assigned by the Supreme Court to hear and determine
cadastralorlandregistrationcasescoveringlotswherethereisnocontroversyoropposition,orcontestedlotsthe
where the value of which does not exceed One hundred thousand pesos (P100,000.00), such value to be
ascertainedbytheaffidavitoftheclaimantorbyagreementoftherespectiveclaimantsiftherearemorethanone,
orfromthecorrespondingtaxdeclarationoftherealproperty.Theirdecisionsinthesecasesshallbeappealablein
thesamemannerasdecisionsoftheRegionalTrialCourts.(asamendedbyR.A.No.7691)
Section35.Specialjurisdictionincertaincases.IntheabsenceofalltheRegionalTrialJudgesinaprovinceor
city,anyMetropolitanTrialJudge,MunicipalTrialJudge,MunicipalCircuitTrialJudgemayhearanddecidepetitions
forawritofhabeascorpusorapplicationsforbailincriminalcasesintheprovinceorcitywheretheabsentRegional
TrialJudgessit.
Section36.Summaryproceduresinspecialcases.InMetropolitanTrialCourtsandMunicipalTrialCourtswithat
leasttwobranches,theSupremeCourtmaydesignateoneormorebranchesthereoftotryexclusivelyforcibleentry
andunlawfuldetainercases,thoseinvolvingviolationsoftrafficlaws,rulesandregulations,violationsoftherental
law,andsuchothercasesrequiringsummarydispositionastheSupremeCourtmaydetermine.TheSupremeCourt
shalladoptspecialrulesorproceduresapplicabletosuchcasesinordertoachieveanexpeditiousandinexpensive
determinationthereofwithoutregardtotechnicalrules.Suchsimplifiedproceduresmayprovidethataffidavitsand
counteraffidavits may be admitted in lieu of oral testimony and that the periods for filing pleadings shall be non
extendible.
Section37.Preliminaryinvestigation. Judges of Metropolitan Trial Courts, except those in the National Capital
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), of Presidential Decree No. 911: Provided,however, That if after the preliminary
investigationtheJudgefindsaprimafaciecase,heshallforwardtherecordsofthecasetotheProvincial/CityFiscal
forthefilingofthecorrespondinginformationwiththepropercourt.
No warrant of arrest shall be issued by the Judge in connection with any criminal complaint filed with him for
preliminaryinvestigation,unlessafteranexaminationinwritingandunderoathoraffirmationofthecomplainantand
hiswitnesses,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
appealabletotheRegionalTrialCourtsinaccordancewiththeprocedurenowprescribedbylawforappeals
to the Court of First Instance, by the provisions of this Act, and by such rules as the Supreme Court may
hereafterprescribe.
(2) All processes issued by the Metropolitan Trial Courts, Municipal Trial Courts and Municipal Circuit Trial
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,ordecisionsofany
courtinallcasesshallbefifteen(15)dayscountedfromthenoticeofthefinalorder,resolution,award,judgment,or
decisionappealedfrom:Providedhowever,Thatinhabeascorpuscases,theperiodforappealshallbefortyeight
(48)hoursfromthenoticeofthejudgmentappealedfrom.
Norecordonappealshallberequiredtotakeanappeal.Inlieuthereof,theentirerecordshallbetransmittedwithall
thepagesprominentlynumberedconsecutively,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
containedinthedecisionorfinalresolutionitself,oradoptedbyreferencefromthosesetforthinthedecision,order,
orresolutionappealedfrom.
Section41.Salaries.IntermediateAppellateJustices,RegionalTrialJudges,MetropolitanTrialJudges,Municipal
Trial Judges, and Municipal Circuit Trial Judges shall receive such compensation and allowances as may be
authorizedbythePresidentalongtheguidelinessetforthinLetterofImplementationNo.93pursuanttoPresidential
DecreeNo.985,asamendedbyPresidentialDecreeNo.1597.
Section42.Longevitypay.Amonthlylongevitypayequivalentto5%ofthemonthlybasicpayshallbepaidtothe
JusticesandJudgesofthecourtshereincreatedforeachfiveyearsofcontinuous,efficient,andmeritoriousservice
renderedinthejudiciaryProvided,ThatinnocaseshallthetotalsalaryofeachJusticeorJudgeconcerned,after
thislongevitypayisadded,exceedthesalaryoftheJusticeorJudgenextinrank.
Section43.Staffingpattern. The Supreme Court shall submit to the President, within thirty (30) days from the
dateoftheeffectivityofthisAct,astaffingpatternforallcourtsconstitutedpursuanttothisActwhichshallbethe
basis of the implementing order to be issued by the President in accordance with the immediately succeeding
section.
Section44.Transitoryprovisions.TheprovisionsofthisActshallbeimmediatelycarriedoutinaccordancewith
an Executive Order to be issued by the President. The Court of Appeals, the Courts of First Instance, the Circuit
CriminalCourts,theJuvenileandDomesticRelationsCourts,theCourtsofAgrarianRelations,theCityCourts,the
MunicipalCourts,andtheMunicipalCircuitCourtsshallcontinuetofunctionaspresentlyconstitutedandorganized,
untilthecompletionofthereorganizationprovidedinthisActasdeclaredbythePresident.Uponsuchdeclaration,
thesaidcourtsshallbedeemedautomaticallyabolishedandtheincumbentsthereofshallceasetoholdoffice.The
cases pending in the old Courts shall be transferred to the appropriate Courts constituted pursuant to this Act,
togetherwiththepertinentfunctions,records,equipment,propertyandthenecessarypersonnel.

TheapplicableappropriationsshalllikewisebetransferredtotheappropriatecourtsconstitutedpursuanttothisAct,
tobeaugmentedasmaybenecessaryfromthefundsfororganizationalchangesasprovidedinBatasPambansa
Blg.80.SaidfundingshallthereafterbeincludedintheannualGeneralAppropriationsAct.
Section 45. Shari'a Courts. 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.
Section46.Gratuityofjudgesandpersonnelseparatedfromoffice.Allmembersofthejudiciaryandsubordinate
employeeswhoshallbeseparatedfromofficebyreasonofthereorganizationauthorizedherein,shallbegranteda
gratuityatarateequivalenttoonemonth'ssalaryforeveryyearofcontinuousservicerenderedinanybranchofthe
government or equivalent nearest fraction thereof favorable to them on the basis of the highest salary received:
Provided, That such member of the judiciary or employee shall have the option to retire under the Judiciary
RetirementLaworgeneralretirementlaw,ifhehasmetorsatisfiedtherequirementstherefor.
Section47.Repealingclause.TheprovisionsofRepublicActNo.296,otherwiseknownastheJudiciaryActof
1948,asamended,ofRepublicActNo.5179asamended,oftheRulesofCourt,andofallotherstatutes,lettersof
instructions and general order or parts thereof, inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed or
accordinglymodified.
Section48.DateofEffectivity.ThisActshalltakeeffectimmediately.
Approved:August14,1981

Footnotes
*OtherprovisionsoftheAct:
"Section. 5. After five(5) years from the effectivity of this Act, the jurisdictional amounts mentioned in Sec.
19(3),(4),and(8)andSec.33(1)ofBatasPambansaBlg.129asamendedbythisAct,shallbeadjustedto
Two hundred thousand pesos (P200,000.00). five (5) years thereafter, such jurisdictional amounts shall be
adjusted further to Three hundred thousand pesos (P300,000.00): Provided, however, That in the case of
Metro Manila, the abovementioned jurisdictional amounts shall be adjusted after five (5) years from the
effectivityofthisActofFourhundredthousandpesos(P400,000.00).
Section.7.TheprovisionsofthisActshallapplytoallcivilcasesthathavenotyetreachedthepretrialstage.
However,byagreementofalltheparties,civilcasescognizablebymunicipalandmetropolitancourtsbythe
provisionsofthisActmaybetransferredfromtheRegionalTrialCourtstothelatter.Theexecutivejudgeof
the appropriate Regional Trial Court shall define the administrative procedure of transferring the cases
affectedbytheredefinitionofjurisdictiontotheMetropolitanTrialCourts,MunicipalTrialCourt,andMunicipal
CircuitTrialCourt."
*CriminalcasesfallingwithinthejurisdictionofFamilyCourts(establishedbytheFamilyCourtsActof1997
[R.A.No.8369])havebeentransferredfromMetropolitantrialCourts,MunicipalTrialCourts,
MunicipaltrialCourtinCities,MunicipalTrialCourtsandMunicipalCircuitTrialCourtstoRegionaltrialCourts
underA.M.No.99113SCeffectiveMarch1,1999.
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