BATAS PAMBANSA Blg. 129 Section 9. Jurisdiction.

– The Court of Appeals shall Exercise:

AN ACT REORGANIZING THE JUDICIARY, APPROPRIATING FUNDS 1. Original jurisdiction to issue writs of mandamus, prohibition, certiorari, habeas
THEREFOR, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES corpus, and quo warranto, and auxiliary writs or processes, whether or not in aid of
its appellate jurisdiction;
PRELIMINARY CHAPTER
2. Exclusive original jurisdiction over actions for annulment of judgements of
Section 1. Title. – This Act shall be known as "The Judiciary Reorganization Act of 1980." Regional Trial Courts; and

Section 2. Scope. – The reorganization herein provided shall include the Court of Appeals, the 3. Exclusive appellate jurisdiction over all final judgements, resolutions, orders or
Court of First Instance, the Circuit Criminal Courts, the Juvenile and Domestic Relations awards of Regional Trial Courts and quasi-judicial agencies, instrumentalities,
Courts, the Courts of Agrarian Relations, the City Courts, the Municipal Courts, and the boards or commission, including the Securities and Exchange Commission, the
Municipal Circuit Courts. Social Security Commission, the Employees Compensation Commission and the
Civil Service Commission, Except those falling within the appellate jurisdiction of
the Supreme Court in accordance with the Constitution, the Labor Code of the
CHAPTER I Philippines under Presidential Decree No. 442, as amended, the provisions of this
COURT OF APPEALS Act, and of subparagraph (1) of the third paragraph and subparagraph 4 of the fourth
paragraph od Section 17 of the Judiciary Act of 1948.
Section 3. Organization. – There is hereby created a Court of Appeals which consists of a
Presiding Justice and fifty Associate Justice who shall be appointed by the President of the The court of Appeals shall have the power to try cases and conduct hearings, receive evidence
Philippines. The Presiding Justice shall be so designated in his appointment, and the Associate and perform any and all acts necessary to resolve factual issues raised in cases falling within
Justice shall have precedence according to the dates of their respective appointments, or when its original and appellate jurisdiction, including the power to grant and conduct new trials or
the appointments of two or more of them shall bear the same date, according to the order in Appeals must be continuous and must be completed within three (3) months, unless extended
which their appointments were issued by the President. Any member who is reappointed to the by the Chief Justice. (as amended by R.A. No. 7902.)
Court after rendering service in any other position in the government shall retain the
precedence to which he was entitled under his original appointment, and his service in the
Court shall, for all intents and purposes, be considered as continuous and uninterrupted. (as Section 10. Place of holding sessions. – The Court of Appeals shall have its permanent station
amended by Exec. Order No. 33,, July 28, 1986.) in the City of Manila. Whenever demanded by public interest, the Supreme Court, upon its
own initiative or upon recommendation of the Presiding Justice, may authorize a division of
the Court to hold sessions outside Manila, periodically, or for such periods and at such places
Section 4. Exercise of powers and functions. – The Court Appeals shall exercise its powers, as the Supreme Court may determine, for the purpose of hearing and deciding cases.
functions, and duties, through seventeen (17) divisions, each composed of three (3) members.
The Court may sit en banc only for the purpose of exercising administrative, ceremonial, or
other non-adjudicatory functions. (as amended by Exec. Order No. 33,.) Section 11. Quorum – A majority of the actual members of the Court shall constitute a
quorum for its session en 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
Section 5. Succession to Office of Presiding Justice. – In case of a vacancy in the absence of pronouncement of a decision of final resolution, which shall be reached in consultation before
inability to perform the powers, functions, and duties of his office, the associate Justice who is the writing of the opinion by any members of the division. In the event that the three members
first in precedence shall perform his powers, functions, and duties until such disability is do not reach a unanimous vote, the Presiding Justice shall request the Raffle Committee of the
removed, or another Presiding Justice is appointed and has qualified. Court for the designation of two additional Justice to sit temporarily with them, forming a
special division of five members and the concurrence of a majority of such division shall be
Section 6. Who presides over session of a division. – If the Presiding Justice is present in any necessary for the pronouncement of a decision or final resolution. The designation of such
session of a division of the Court, he shall preside. In his absence, the Associate Justice additional Justice shall be made strictly by raffle.
attending such session who has precedence shall preside.
A month for reconsideration of its decision or final resolution shall be resolved by the Court
Section 7. Qualifications. – The Presiding Justice and the Associate Justice shall have the within ninety (90) days from the time it is submitted for resolution, and no second motion for
same qualifications as those provided in Constitution for Justice of the Supreme Court. reconsideration from the same party shall be entertainment. (as amended by Exec. Order No.
33, July 28, 1986.)
Section 8. Grouping of Divisions. – (Expressly repealed by Section 4, Exec. Order No. 33,
July 28, 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 matters pertaining to the operations of the Court of its The Tenth Judicial Region, consisting of the provinces of Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur,
divisions. Copies of such rules and orders shall be furnished by the Supreme Court, which Bukidnon, Camiguin, Misamis Occidental, Misamis Oriental, and Surigao del Norte, and the
rules and orders shall be effective fifteen (15) days after receipt thereof, unless directed cities of Butuan, Cagayan de Oro, Gingoog, Ozamis, Oroquieta, Surigao, and Tangub;
otherwise by the Supreme Court.
The Eleventh Judicial Region, consistingnof the provinces of Davao del Norte, Davao
CHAPTER II Oriental, Davao del Sur, South Cotabato, and Surigao del Sur, and the cities of Davao, and
REGIONAL TRIAL COURTS General Santos; and

Section 13. Creation of Regional Trial Courts. – There are hereby created thirteen (13) The Twelfth Judicial Region, consisting of the provinces of Lanao del Norte, Lanao del Sur,
Regional Trial Courts, one for each of the following judicial regions: Maguindanao, North Cotabato, and Sultan Kudarat, and the cities of Cotabato, Iligan, and
Marawi.
The First Judicial Region, consisting of the provinces of Abra, Benguet, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos
Sur, La Union, Mountain Province, and Pangasinan, and cities of Baguio, Dagupan, Laog and In case of transfer or redistribution of the provinces, subprovinces, cities or municipalities
San Carlos; comprising the regions established by law of purposes of the administrative field organization
of the various departments and agencies of the government, the composition of the judicial
The Second Judicial Region, consisting of the provinces of Batanes, Cagayan, Ifugao, regions herein constituted shall be deemed modified accordingly.
Kalinga-Apayao, Nueva Viscaya, and Quirino;
Section 14. Regional Trial Courts.
The Third Judicial Region, consisting of the provinces of Bataan, Bulacan (except the
municipality of valenzuela), Nueva Ecija, Pampanga, Tarlac, and Zambales, and the cities of (a) Fifty-seven Regional Trial Judges shall be commissioned for the First Judicial
Angeles, Cabanatuan, Olongapo, Palayan and San Jose; Region. There shall be.

The National Capital Judicial Region, consisting of the cities of Manila, Quezon, Pasay, Two branches (Branches III ans II) for the province of Abra, with seats at
Caloocan and Mandaluyong, and the municipalities of Navotas, Malabon, San Juan, Makati, Bangued;
Pasig, Pateros, Taguig, Marikina, Parañaque, Las Piñas, Muntinlupa, and Valenzuela;
Eight branches (Branches III to X) for the province of Benguet and the
The Fourth Judicial Region, consisting of the provinces of Batangas, Cavite, Laguna, city of Baguio, Branches III to VII with seats at Baguio City, and
Marinduque, Mindoro Occidental, Mindoro Oriental, Palawan, Quezon, Rizal (except the Branches VIII to X at La Trinidad;
cities and municipalities embraced within the National Capital Judicial Region0, Romblon,
and Aurora, and the cities of Batangas, Cavite, Lipa, Lucena, Puerto Princessa, San Pablo, Nine branches (Branches XI to XIX) for the province of Ilocos Norte and
Tagaytay, and Trece Martires; the city of Laoag, Branches XI to XVI with seats at Laoag City, Branches
XVII and XVIII at Batac, and Branch XIX at Bangui;
The Fifth Judicial Region, consisting of the provinces of Albay, Camarines Sur, Camarines
Norte, Catanduanes, Masbate, and Sorsogon, and the cities of Legaspi, Naga and Iriga; Six branches (Braches XX to XXV) for the province of Ilocos Sur,
Branches XX and XXI with seats at Vigan, Branch XXII at Narvacan,
The Sixth Judicial Region, consisting of the provinces of Aklan, Antique, Capiz, Iloilo, La Branch XXIII at Candon, Branch XXIV at Cabugao, and Branch XXV at
Calota, Roxas, San Carlos, and Silay, and the subprovince of Guimaras; Tagudin;

The Seventh Judicial Region, consisting of the provinces of Bohol, Cebu, Negros Oriental, Nine branches (Branches XXVI to XXXIV) for the province of La Union,
and Siquijor, and the cities of Bais, Canlaon, Cebu, Danao, Dumaguete, Lapu-lapu, Mandaue, Branches XXVI to XXX with seats at San Fernando, Branches XXXI and
Tagbilaran, and Toledo, XXXII at Agoo, Branch XXXIII at Bauang, and Branch XXXIV at
Balaoan;
The Eighth Judicial Region, consisting of the provinces or Eastern Samar, Leyte, Northern,
Samar, Southern Leyte, Ormoc, and Tacloban: Two branches (Branches XXXV and XXXVI) for the province of
Mountain province, with seats at Bontoc; and
The Ninth Judicial Region, consisting of the provinces of Basilan, Sulu, Tawi-Tawi,
Zamboanga del Sur, and the cities of Dapitan, Dipolog, Pagadian, and Zamboanga;
 Twenty-one branches (Branches XXXVII to LVII) for the province of Guimba, Branches XXXIV to XXXVI at Gapan, Branch XXXVII at Sto.
Pangasinan and the citie sof dagupan and san Carlos, Branches XXXVII to Domingo, Branches XXXVIII and XXXIX at San Jose, and Branch XL at
XXXIX with seats at Lingayen, Branches XL to XLIV at dagupan, Palayan.
Branches XLV to XLIX at Urdaneta, Branch L at Villasis, Branches LI
and LII at Tayug, Branch LIII at Rosalaes, Branches LIV and LV at Twenty-two branches (Branches XLI to LXII) for the province of
Alaminos, and Branch LVI and LVII at san Carlos. Pampanga and the city of Angeles, Branches XLI to XLVIII with seats at
San Fernando, Branches XLIX to LIII at Guagua, Branches LIV and LV at
(b) Thirty-two Regional Trial Judges shall be commissioned for the Second Judicial Macabebe, and Branches LVI to LXII at Angeles City;
region. There shall be:
Six branches (Branches LXIII to LXVIII) for the province of Tarlac,
Twelve branches (Branches I to XII) for the province of Cagayan, Branches LXVI at Capas, Branch LXVII at Paniqui, and Branch LXVIII
Branches I to V with seats at Tuguegarao, Branches VI to X at Aparri, at Camiling; and
Branch XI at Tuao, and Branch XII at Sanchez Mira;
Seven branches (Branches LXIX to LXXV) for the province of Zambales
One branch (Branch XIII) for the province of Batanes, with seat at Basco; and the city of Olongapo, Branches LXIX to LXXI with seats at Iba and
Branches LXXII to LXXV at Olongapo City
Two branches (Branches XIV and XV) for the province of Ifugao, Branch
XIV with seat at Lagawe, and Branch XV at Potia; (d) One hundred seventy-two (172) Regional Trial Judges shall be commissioned for
the National Capital Judicial Region. There shall be:
Nine branches (Branches XVI to XXIV) for the province of Isabela,
Branches XVI to XVIII with seats at Ilagan, Branches XIX and XX at Fifty-five branches (Branches 1 to 55) for the City of Manila, wit seats
cauayan, Branch XXI at Santiago, Branch XXII at Cabagan, Branch XXIII thereat;
at Roxas, and Branch XXIV at Echague;
Thirty-two branches (Branches 76 to 107) for Quezon City, with seats
Two branches (Branches XXV and XXVI) for the province of kalinga- thereat;
Apayao, Branch XXV with seat at Tabuk, and Branch XXVI at Luna;
Twelve branches (Branches 108 to 119) for Pasay City, with seats thereat;
Four branches (Branches XXVII to XXX) for the province of Nueva
Vizcaya, Branches XXVII to XXIX with seats at Bayombong, and Branch Twelve branches (Branches 120 to 131) for Caloocan City, with seats
XXX at Bambang; thereat;

Two branches (Branches XXXI and XXXII) for the province of Quirino, Fifty-eight branches (Branches 56 to 74 and 132 to 170) for the
with seats at Cabarroguis. Municipalities of Navotas, Malabon, San Juan, Madaluyong, Makati,
Pasig, Pateros, Taguig, Marikina, Parañaque, Las Piñas, and Muntinlupa;
(c) Seventy-five Regional Trial judges shall be commissioned for the Third Judicial Branches 67 to 71 and 151 to 168 at Pasig; and Branches 72 to 74, 169
Region. There shall be: and 170 at Malabon; and

Five branches (Branches I to V) for the province of Bataan, Branches I to Three branches (Branches 75, 171 and 172) for the municipality of
III with seats at Balanga, Branch IV at Mariveles, and Branch V at Valenzuela, with seats thereat. (As amended by EO No. 33, July 30,
Dinalupihan; 1986.)

Seventeen branches (Branches VI to XXII) for the province of Bulacan (e) Eihty-two Regional Trial Judges shall be commissioned for the Fourth Judicial
(except the municipality of Valuenzuela), with seats at Malolos; Region. There shall be:

Eighteen branches (Branches XXIII to XL) for the province of Nueva

Ecija and the cities of Cabanatuan, San Jose and Palayan, Branches XXIII
to XXX with seats at Cabanatuan City, Branches XXXI to XXXIII at
Fourteen branches (Branches I to XIV) for the province of Batangas and (f) Fifty-five Regional Trial Judges shall be commissioned for the Fifth Judicial
the cities of Lipa and Batangas, Branches I to VI with seats at Batangas Region. There shall be:
City, Branch V at Lemery, Branches VI to VIII at Tanuan, Branches IX to
XI at Balayan, Branches XII and XIII at Lipa, and Branch XIV at Eighteen branches (Branches I to XVIII) for the province of Albay and the
Nasugbu; city of Legaspi, Branches I to X with seats at Legaspi City, Branches XI to
XIV at Ligao, and Branches XV to XVIII at Tabaco;
Nine branches (Branches XV to XXIII) for the province of Cavite and the
cities of Cavite, Tagaytay and Trece Matires, Branch XV with seat at Nineteen branches (Branches XIX to XXXVII) for the province of
Naic, Branches XVII at Cavite City, Branch XVIII at Tagayatay City, Camarines Sur and the cities of Naga and Iriga, Branches XIX to XXVIII
Branch XIX at Bacoor, Branches XX to XXII at Imus, and Branch XXIII with seats at Naga City, Branch XXIX at Libmanan, Branch XXX at
at Trece Martires; Tigaon, Braches XXXI to XXXIII at Pili, and Branches XXXIV to
XXXVII at Iriga City;
Fourteen branches (Branches XXIV to XXXVII) for the province of
Laguna and the city of San Pablo, Branches XXVIII at Sta. Cruz, Four branches (Branches XXXVIII to XLII) for the province of Camarines
Branches XXIX to XXXII at San Pable City, Branch XXXIII at Siniloan, Norte, with seat at Daet;
and Branches XXXIV to XXXVI at Calamba;
Two branches (Branches XLII and XLII) for the province of Catanduanes,
One branch (Branch XXXVIII) for the province of Marinduque, with seat with seats at Virac;
at Boac;
Seven branches (Branches XLIV to L) for the province of Masbate,
Five branches (Branches XXXIX to XLIII) for the province of Mindoro Branches XLIV to XLVIII with seats at Masbate, Branch XLIX at
Oriental, Branches XXXIX to XL with seats at Calapan, Branches XLI Cataingan, and Branch L at San Jacinto; and
and XLII at Pinamalayan, and Branch XLII at Roxas;
Five branches (Branches LI to LV) for the province of Sorsogon, Branches
Three branches (Branches XLVII to XLVI) for the province of Mindoro LI to LIII with seats at Sorsogon, Branch LVI at Gubat, and Branch LV at
Occidental, Branch XLIV with seat at Mamburao, and Branches XLV and Irosin.
XLVI at San Jose;
(g) Sixty-three Regional Trial Judges shall be commissioned for the Sixth Judicial
Six branches (Branches XLVII to LII) for the province of Palawan and the Region. There shall be:
city of Puerto Princesa, with seats at Puerto Princesa City;
Nine branches (Branches I to IX) for the province of Aklan, with seats at
Thirteen branches (Branches LIII to LXV) for the province of Quezon and Kalibo;
the city of Lucena, Branches LIII to LX with seats at Lucena City,
Branches LXI and LXII at Gumaca, Branch LXIII at Calauag, Branch
LXIV at Mauban, and Branch LXV at Infanta; Four branches (Branches X to XIII) for the province of Antique, Branches
X to XII with seats at San Jose, and Branch XIII and Culasi;
One branchj(Branch LXVI) for the province of Aurora, with seat at Baler;
Eighr branches (Branches XIV to XXI) for the province of Capiz and the
city of Roxas, Branches XIV to XIX with seats at Roxas City and
Fourteen branches (Branches LXVII to LXXX) for the province of Rizal Branches XX and XXI at Mambusao;
except the cities and municipalities embraced within the National Capital
Judicial Region, Branches LXVII to LXX with seats at Binangonan,
Branches LXXI to LXXIV at Antipolo, Branches LXXV to LXXVII at Eighteen branches (Branches XXII to XXXIX) for the province of Iloilo,
San Mateo, and Branches LXXVIII to LXXX at Morong; and the subprovince of Guimaras, and the city of Iloilo, with seats at Iloilo
City; and
Two branches (Branches LXXXI and LXXXII) for the province of
Romblon, Branch LXXXI with seat at Romblon, and Branch LXXXII at Twenty-four branches (Branches XL to LXIII) for the province of Negros
Odiongan. Occidental, and the cities of Bacolod,Bago, Cadiz, La Carlota, San Carlos
and Silay, Branch XL with seat at Silay City, Branches XLI to LIV at
 Bacolod City, Branches LV and LVI at Himamaylan, Branches LVII to Catbalogan, Branch XXX at Basey, Branches XXXI and XXXII at
LIX at Kabankalan, Branch LXII at Bago City, and Branch LXII at La Calbayog City, and Branch XXXIII at Calbiga.
Carlota City.
(j) Twenty-four Regional Trial Judges shall be commissioned for the Ninth Judicial
(h) Forty-six Regional Trial Judges shall be commissioned for the Seventh Judicial Region. There shall be:
Region. There shall be:
Two branches (Branches I and II) for the province of Basilan, with seats at
Four branches (Branches I to IV) for the province of Bohol and the city of Isabela;
Tagbilaran, with seats at Tagbilaran City;
Two branches (Branches III and IV) for the province of Sulu, Branch III
Twenty-five branches (Branches V to XXIX) for the province of Cebu and with seat at Jolo, and Branch IV at Parang;
the cities of Cebu, Danao, Lapu-Lapu, Mandaue and Toledo, Branches V
to XXIV with seats at Cebu City, Branch XXV at Danao City, Branch One branch (Branch V) for the province of Tawi-Tawi, with seat at
XXVI at Argao, Branch XXVII at Lapu-Lapu City, Branch XXVIII at Bongao;
Mandaue City, and Branch XXIX at Toledo City;
Six branches (Branches VI to XI) for the province of Zamboanga del
Sixteen branches (Branches XXX to XLV) for the province of Negros Norte, and the cities of Dipolog and Dapitan, Branches VI to X seats at
Oriental and the cities of Dumaguete, Bais and Canlaon, Branches XXX to Dipolog City, and Branch XI at Sindangan; and
XLIV with seats at Dumaguete City, and Branch XLV at Bais City; and
Thirteen branches (Branches XII to XXIV) for the province of Zamboanga
One branch (Branch XLVI) for the province of Siquijor, with seat at del Sur and the cities of Pagadian and Zamboanga Branches XII to XVII
Larena. with seats at Zamboanga City, Branches, XVIII to XXII at Pagadian City,
Branch XXIII at Molave, and Branch XXIV at Ipil.
(i) Thirty-three Regional Trial Judges shall be commissioned for the Eighth Judicial
Region. There shall be: (k) Thirty-two Regional Trial Judges shall be commissioned for the Tenth Judicial
Region. There shall be:
Five branches (Branches I to V) for the province of Eastern Samar,
Branches I and II with seats at Borongan, Branch III at Guiuan, Branch IV Five branches (Branches I to V) for the province of Agusan del Norte and
at Dolores, and Branch V at Oras; the city of Butuan, with seats at Butuan City;

Thirteen branches (Branches VI to XVIII) for the province of Leyte, the Two branches (Branches VI and VII) for the province of Agusan del Sur,
sub-province of Biliran, and the cities of Ormoc and Tacloban, Branches Branches VI with seat at Prosperidad and Branch VII with seat at
VI and IX with seats at Tacloban City, Branch X at Abuyog, Branch XI at Bayugan;
Calubian, Branch XII at Ormoc City, Branch XIII at Carigara, Branch
XIV at Baybay, Branch XV at Burauen, Branch XVI at Naval, Branch
XVII at Palompon, and Branch XVIII at Hilongos; Four branches (Branches VIII to XI) for the province of Bukidnon,
Branches VIII to X with seats at Malaybalay and Branch XI at Manalo
Fortich;
Five branches (Branches XIX to XXIII) for the province of Northern
Samar, Branches XIX and XX with seats at Catarman, Branches XXI and
XXII at Laoang, and Branch XXIII at Allen; Five branches (Branches XII to XI) for the province of Misamis
Occidental and the cities of Oroquieta, Ozamis, and Tangub, Branches XII
to XIV with seats at Oroquieta City, Branch XV at Ozamis City, and
Three branches (Branches XXIV to XXVI) for the province of Southern Branch XVI at Tangub City;
Leyte, Branches XXIV and XXV with seats at Maasin, and Branch XXVI
at San Juan; and
Eleven branches (Branches XVII to XXVII) for the province of Misamis
Oriental and the cities of Cagayan de Oro and Gingoog, Branches XVII to
Seven branches (Branches XXVII to XXXIII) for the province of Samar XXV with seats at Cagayan de Oro City, Branch XXVI at Medina, and
and the city of Calbayog, Branches XXVII to XXIX with seats at Branch XXVII at Gingoog City;
 One branch (Branch XXVIII) for the province of Camiguin, with seat at Three branches (Branches XVI to XVIII) for the province of North
Mambajao; and Cotabato, Branch XVI with seat at Kabacan, Branch XVII at Kidapawan,
and Branch XVIII at Missayap; and
Four branches (Branches XXIX to XXXII) for the province of Surigao del
Norte and the City of Surigao, Branches XXIX and XXX with seats at Two branches (Branches XIX and XX) for the province of Sultan Kudarat,
Surigao City, Branch XXXI at Dapa, and Branch XXXII at Dinagat, Branch XIX, with seat at Isulan, and Branch XX at Tacurong.
Dinagat Island.
Section 15. Qualifications. – No persons shall be appointed Regional Trial Judge unless he is
(l) Twenty-nine Regional Trial Judges shall be commissioned for the Eleventh a natural-born citizen of the Philippines, at least thirty-five years of age, and for at least ten
Judicial Region. There shall be years, has been engaged in the practice of law in the Philippines or has held a public office in
the Philippines requiring admission to the practice of law as an indispensable requisite.
Four branches (Branches I to IV) for the province of Davao del Norte,
Branches I and II with seats at Tagum, Branch III at Nabunturan, and Section 16. Time and duration of sessions. – The time and duration of daily sessions of the
Branch IV at Panabo; Regional Trial Courts shall be determined by the Supreme Court: Provided, however, That all
motions, except those requiring immediate action, shall be heard in the afternoon of every
Three branches (Branches V to VII) for the province of Davao Oriental, Friday, unless it falls on a holiday, in which case, the hearing shall be held on the afternoon of
Branches V and VI with seats at Mati and Branch VII at Banganga; the next succeeding business day: Provided, further, That the Supreme Court may, for good
reasons, fix a different motion day in specified areas
Fourteen branches (Branches VIII to XXI) for the province of Davao del
Sur and the city of Davao, Branches VIII to XVII with seats at Davao Section 17. Appointment and assignment of Regional Trial Judges. – Every Regional Trial
City, Branches XVIII and XIX at Digos, Branch XX at Malinta, and Judge shall be appointed to a region which shall be his permanent station, and his appointment
Branch XXI a Bansalan; shall state the branch of the court and 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 shall not last longer
Five Branches (Branches XXII to XXVI) for the province of South than six (6) months without the consent of the Regional Trial Judge concerned.
Cotabato and the city of General Santos, Branches XXII and XXIII with
seats at General Santos City, Branches XXIV and XXV at Koronadal, and
Branch XXVI at Surallah; and A Regional Trial Judge may be assigned by the Supreme Court to any branch or city or
municipality within the same region as public interest may require, and such assignment shall
not be deemed an assignment to another station within the meaning of this section.
Three branches (Branches XXVII to XXIX) for the province of Surigao
del Sur, Branch XXVII with seat at Tandag, Branch XXVIII at Lianga,
and Branch XXIX at Bislig. Section 18. Authority to define territory appurtenant to each branch. – The Supreme Court
shall define the territory 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
(m) Twenty Regional Trial Judges shall be commissioned for the Twelfth Judicial concerned for purposes of determining the venue of all suits, proceedings or actions, whether
Region. There shall be: civil or criminal, as well as determining the Metropolitan Trial Courts, Municipal Trial Courts,
and Municipal Circuit Trial Courts over the said branch may exercise appellate jurisdiction.
Seven branches (Branches I to VII) for the province of Lanao del Norte The power herein granted shall be exercised with a view to making the courts readily
and the city of Iligan, Branches I to VI with seats at Iligan City, and accessible to the people of the different parts of the region and making the attendance of
Branch VII at Tubod; litigants and witnesses as inexpensive as possible.

Five branches (Branches VIII to XII) for the province of Lanao del Sur Section 19. Jurisdiction in civil cases. – Regional Trial Courts shall exercise exclusive
and the city of Marawi, Branches VIII to X with seats at Marawi City, and original jurisdiction:
Branches XI and XII at Malabang;
(1) In all civil actions in which the subject of the litigation is incapable of pecuniary
Three branches (Branches XIII to XV) for the province of Maguindanao estimation;
and the city of Cotabato, Branches XIII and XIV with seats at Cotabato
City, and Branch XV at Maganoy; (2) In all civil actions which involve the title to, or possession of, real property, or
any interest therein, where the assessed value of the property involved exceeds
Twenty thousand pesos (P20,000.00) or for civil actions in Metro Manila, where
 such the value exceeds Fifty thousand pesos (50,000.00) except actions for forcible and/or briefs as may be submitted by the parties or required by the Regional Trial Courts. The
entry into and unlawful detainer of lands or buildings, original jurisdiction over decision of the Regional Trial Courts in such cases shall be appealable by petition for review
which is conferred upon Metropolitan Trial Courts, Municipal Trial Courts, and to the
Municipal Circuit Trial Courts;
Court of Appeals which may give it due course only when the petition shows prima facie that
(3) In all actions in admiralty and maritime jurisdiction where he demand or claim the lower court has committed an error of fact or law that will warrant a reversal or
exceeds One hundred thousand pesos (P100,000.00) or , in Metro Manila, where modification of the decision or judgment sought to be reviewed.
such demand or claim exceeds Two hundred thousand pesos (200,000.00);
Section 23. Special jurisdiction to try special cases. – The Supreme Court may designate
(4) In all matters of probate, both testate and intestate, where the gross value of the certain branches of the Regional Trial Courts to handle exclusively criminal cases, juvenile
estate exceeds One hundred thousand pesos (P100,000.00) or, in probate matters in and domestic relations cases, agrarian cases, urban land reform cases which do not fall under
Metro Manila, where such gross value exceeds Two hundred thousand pesos the jurisdiction of quasi-judicial bodies and agencies, and/or such other special cases as the
(200,000.00); Supreme Court may determine in the interest of a speedy and efficient administration of
justice.
(5) In all actions involving the contract of marriage and marital relations;
Section 24. Special Rules of Procedure. – Whenever a Regional Trial Court takes cognizance
(6) In all cases not within the exclusive jurisdiction of any court, tribunal, person or of juvenile and domestic relation cases and/or agrarian cases, the special rules of procedure
body exercising jurisdiction or any court, tribunal, person or body exercising judicial applicable under present laws to such cases shall continue to be applied, unless subsequently
or quasi-judicial functions; amended by law or by rules of court promulgated by the Supreme Court.

(7) In all civil actions and special proceedings falling within the exclusive original CHAPTER III
jurisdiction of a Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court and of the Courts of METROPOLITAN TRIAL COURTS, MUNICIPAL TRIAL COURTS, AND
Agrarian Relations as now provided by law; and MUNICIPAL CIRCUIT TRIAL COURTS

(8) In all other cases in which the demand, exclusive of interest, damages of Section 25. Establishment of Metropolitan Trial Courts, Municipal Trial Courts and
whatever kind, attorney's fees, litigation expenses, and costs or the value of the Municipal Circuit Trial Courts. – There shall be created a Metropolitan Trial Court in each
property in controversy exceeds One hundred thousand pesos (100,000.00) or, in metropolitan area established by law, a Municipal Trial Court in each of the other cities or
such other abovementioned items exceeds Two hundred thousand pesos municipalities, and a Municipal Circuit Trial Court in each circuit comprising such cities
(200,000.00). (as amended by R.A. No. 7691*) and/or municipalities as are grouped together pursuant to law.

Section 20. Jurisdiction in criminal cases. – Regional Trial Courts shall exercise exclusive Section 26. Qualifications. – No person shall be appointed judge of a Metropolitan Trial
original jurisdiction in all criminal cases not within the exclusive jurisdiction of any court, Court, Municipal Trial Court, or Municipal Circuit Trial Court unless he is a natural-born
tribunal or body, except those now falling under the exclusive and concurrent jurisdiction of citizen of the Philippines, at least 30 years of age, and, for at least five years, has been engaged
the Sandiganbayan which shall hereafter be exclusively taken cognizance of by the latter. in the practice of law in the Philippines, or has held a public office in the Philippines requiring
admission to the practice of law as an indispensable requisite.
Section 21. Original jurisdiction in other cases. – Regional Trial Courts shall exercise original
jurisdiction: Section 27. Metropolitan Trial Courts of the National Capital Region. – There shall be a
Metropolitan Trial Court in the National Capital Region, to be known as the Metropolitan
Trial Court of Metro Manila, which shall be composed of eighty-two (82) branches. There
(1) In the issuance of writs of certiorari, prohibition, mandamus, quo warranto, shall be:
habeas corpus and injunction which may be enforced in any part of their respective
regions; and
Thirty branches (Branches I to XXX) for the city of Manila with seats thereat;
(2) In actions affecting ambassadors and other public ministers and consuls.
Thirteen branches (Branches XXXI to XLIII) for Quezon City with seats thereat;
Section 22. Appellate jurisdiction. – Regional Trial Courts shall exercise appellate jurisdiction
over all cases decided by Metropolitan Trial Courts, Municipal Trial Courts, and Municipal Five branches (Branches XLIV to XLVIII) for Pasay City with seats thereat;
Circuit Trial Courts in their respective territorial jurisdictions. Such cases shall be decided on
the basis of the entire record of the proceedings had in the court of origin and such memoranda Five branches (Branches XLIX to LIII) for Caloocan City with seats thereat;
 One branch (Branch LIV) for Navotas with seat thereat; Three branches for Dagupan City;

Two branches (Branches LV and LVI) for Malabon with seats thereat; Five branches for Olongapo City;

Two branches (Branches LVII and LVIII) for San Juan with seats thereat; Three branches for Cabanatuan City;

Two branches (Branches LIX and LX) for Mandaluyong with seats thereat; Two branches for San Jose City;

Seven branches (Branches LXI and LXVII) for Makati with seats thereat; Three branches for Angeles City;

Five branches (Branches LXVIII to LXXII) for Pasig with seats thereat; Two branches for Cavite City;

One branch (Branch LXXIII) for Pateros with seat thereat; Two branches for Batangas City;

One branch (Branch LXXIV) for Taguig with seat thereat; Two branches for Lucena City;

Two branches (Branches LXXV and LXXVI) for Marikina with seats thereat; Three branches for Naga City;

Two branches (Branches LXXVII and LXXVIII) for Parañaque with seats thereat; Two branches for Iriga City;

One branch (Branch LXXIX) for Las Piñas with seat thereat; Three branches for Legaspi City;

One branch (Branch LXXX) for Muntinlupa with seat thereat; Two branches for Roxas City;

Two branches (Branches LXXXI and LXXXII) for Valenzuela with seats thereat; Four branches for Iloilo City;

Section 28. Other Metropolitan Trial Courts. – The Supreme Court shall constitute Seven branches for Bacolod City;
Metropolitan Trial Courts in such other metropolitan areas as may be established by law
whose territorial jurisdiction shall be co-extensive with the cities and municipalities Two branches for Dumaguete City;
comprising the metropolitan area.
Two branches for Tacloban City;
Every Metropolitan Trial Judge shall be appointed to a metropolitan area which shall be his
permanent station and his appointment shall state branch of the court and the seat thereof to
which he shall be originally assigned. A Metropolitan Trial Judge may be assigned by the Eight branches for Cebu City;
Supreme Court to any branch within said metropolitan area as the interest of justice may
require, and such assignment shall not be deemed an assignment to another station within the Three branches for Mandaue City;
meaning of this section.
Two branches for Tagbilaran City;
Section 29. Municipal Trial Courts in cities. – In every city which does not form part of a
metropolitan area, there shall be a Municipal Trial Court with one branch, except as hereunder Two branches for Surigao City;
provided:

Two branches for Butuan City;

Two branches for Laoag City;

Five branches for Cagayan de Oro City;

Four branches for Baguio City;
 Seven branches for Davao City; justice may require, further reorganize the said courts taking into account workload,
geographical location, and such other factors as will contribute to a rational allocation thereof,
Three branches for General Santos City; pursuant to the provisions of Presidential Decree No. 537 which shall be applicable insofar as
they are not inconsistent with this Act.
Two branches for Oroquieta City;
Every Municipal Circuit Trial Judge shall be appointed to a municipal circuit which shall be
his official station.
Three branches for Ozamis City;
The Supreme Court shall determine the city or municipality where the Municipal Circuit Trial
Two branches for Dipolog City; Court shall hold sessions.

Four branches for Zamboanga City; Section 32. Jurisdiction of Metropolitan Trial Courts, Municipal Trial Courts and Municipal
Circuit Trial Courts in criminal cases. – Except in cases falling within the exclusive original
Two branches for Pagadian City; and jurisdiction of Regional Trial Courts and of the Sandiganbayan, the Metropolitan Trial Courts,
Municipal Trial Courts, and Municipal Circuit Trial Courts shall exercise:
Two branches for Iligan City.
(1) Exclusive original jurisdiction over all violations of city or municipal ordinances
Section 30. Municipal Trial Courts. – In each of the municipalities that are not comprised committed within their respective territorial jurisdiction; and
within a metropolitan area and a municipal circuit there shall be a Municipal Trial Court
which shall have one branch, except as hereunder provided: (2) Exclusive original jurisdiction over all offenses punishable with imprisonment
not exceeding six (6) years irrespective of the amount of fine, and regardless of
Two branches for San Fernando, La Union; 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: Provided, however, That in offenses involving damage to property
Four branches for Tuguegarao; through criminal negligence they shall have exclusive original jurisdiction thereof.
(as amended by R.A, No. 7691)
Three branches for Lallo, and two branches for Aparri, both of Cagayan;
Section 33. Jurisdiction of Metropolitan Trial Courts, Municipal Trial Courts and Municipal
Two branches for Santiago, Isabela; Circuit Trial Courts in civil cases. – Metropolitan Trial Courts, Municipal Trial Courts, and
Municipal Circuit Trial Courts shall exercise:
Two branches each for Malolos, Meycauayan and Bulacan, all of Bulacan Province;
(1) Exclusive original jurisdiction over civil actions and probate proceedings, testate
and intestate, including the grant of provisional remedies in proper cases, where the
Four branches for San Fernando and two branches for Guagua, both of Pampanga;
value of the personal property, estate, or amount of the demand does not exceed One
hundred thousand pesos (P100,000.00) or, in Metro Manila where such personal
Two branches for Tarlac, Tarlac; property, estate, or amount of the demand does not exceed Two hundred thousand
pesos (P200,000.00) exclusive of interest damages of whatever kind, attorney's fees,
Two branches for San Pedro, Laguna; and litigation expenses, and costs, the amount of which must be specifically alleged:
Provided, That where there are several claims or causes of action between the same
or different parties, embodied in the same complaint, the amount of the demand
Two branches each for Antipolo and Binangonan, both in Rizal.
shall be the totality of the claims in all the causes of action, irrespective of whether
the causes of action arose out of the same or different transactions;
Section 31. Municipal Circuit Trial Court. – There shall be a Municipal Circuit Trial Court in
each area defined as a municipal circuit, comprising one or more cities and/or one or more
(2) Exclusive original jurisdiction over cases of forcible entry and unlawful detainer:
municipalities. The municipalities comprising municipal circuits as organized under
Provided, That when, in such cases, the defendant raises the question of ownership
Administrative Order No. 33, issued on June 13, 1978 by the Supreme Court pursuant to
in his pleadings and the question of possession cannot be resolved without deciding
Presidential Decree No. 537, are hereby constituted as municipal circuits for purposes of the
the issue of ownership, the issue of ownership shall be resolved only to determine
establishment of the Municipal Circuit Trial Courts, and the appointment thereto of Municipal
the issue of possession.
Circuit Trial Judges: Provided, however, That the Supreme Court may, as the interests of
 (3) Exclusive original jurisdiction in all civil actions which involve title to, or Any warrant of arrest issued in accordance herewith may be served anywhere in the
possession of, real property, or any interest therein where the assessed value of the Philippines.
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 exceed Fifty Section 38. Judgments and processes. –
thousand pesos (P50,000.00) exclusive of interest, damages of whatever kind,
attorney's fees, litigation expenses and costs: Provided, That value of such property
shall be determined by the assessed value of the adjacent lots. (as amended by R.A. (1) All judgments determining the merits of cases shall be in writing, stating clearly
No. 7691) the facts and the law on which they were based, signed by the Judge and filed with
the Clerk of Court. Such judgment shall be appealable to the Regional Trial Courts
in accordance with the procedure now prescribed by law for appeals to the Court of
Section 34. Delegated jurisdiction in cadastral and land registration cases. – Metropolitan First Instance, by the provisions of this Act, and by such rules as the Supreme Court
Trial Courts, Municipal Trial Courts, and Municipal Circuit Trial Courts may be assigned by may hereafter prescribe.
the Supreme Court to hear and determine cadastral or land registration cases covering lots
where there is no controversy or opposition, or contested lots the where the value of which
does not exceed One hundred thousand pesos (P100,000.00), such value to be ascertained by (2) All processes issued by the Metropolitan Trial Courts, Municipal Trial Courts
the affidavit of the claimant or by agreement of the respective claimants if there are more than and Municipal Circuit Trial Courts, in cases falling within their jurisdiction, may be
one, or from the corresponding tax declaration of the real property. Their decisions in these served anywhere in the Philippines without the necessity of certification by the
cases shall be appealable in the same manner as decisions of the Regional Trial Courts. (as Judge of the Regional Trial Court.
amended by R.A. No. 7691)
CHAPTER IV
Section 35. Special jurisdiction in certain cases. – In the absence of all the Regional Trial GENERAL PROVISIONS
Judges in a province or city, any Metropolitan Trial Judge, Municipal Trial Judge, Municipal
Circuit Trial Judge may hear and decide petitions for a writ of habeas corpus or applications Section 39. Appeals. – The period for appeal from final orders, resolutions, awards,
for bail in criminal cases in the province or city where the absent Regional Trial Judges sit. judgments, or decisions of any court in all cases shall be fifteen (15) days counted from the
notice of the final order, resolution, award, judgment, or decision appealed from: Provided
Section 36. Summary procedures in special cases. – In Metropolitan Trial Courts and however, That in habeas corpus cases, the period for appeal shall be forty-eight (48) hours
Municipal Trial Courts with at least two branches, the Supreme Court may designate one or from the notice of the judgment appealed from.
more branches thereof to try exclusively forcible entry and unlawful detainer cases, those
involving violations of traffic laws, rules and regulations, violations of the rental law, and such No record on appeal shall be required to take an appeal. In lieu thereof, the entire record shall
other cases requiring summary disposition as the Supreme Court may determine. The Supreme be transmitted with all the pages prominently numbered consecutively, together with an index
Court shall adopt special rules or procedures applicable to such cases in order to achieve an of the contents thereof.
expeditious and inexpensive determination thereof without regard to technical rules. Such
simplified procedures may provide that affidavits and counter-affidavits may be admitted in This section shall not apply in appeals in special proceedings and in other cases wherein
lieu of oral testimony and that the periods for filing pleadings shall be non-extendible. multiple appeals are allowed under applicable provisions of the Rules of Court.

Section 37. Preliminary investigation. – Judges of Metropolitan Trial Courts, except those in Section 40. Form of decision in appealed cases. – Every decision of final resolution of a court
the National Capital Region, of Municipal Trial Courts, and Municipal Circuit Trial Courts in appealed cases shall clearly and distinctly state the findings of fact and the conclusions of
shall have authority to conduct preliminary investigation of crimes alleged to have been law on which it is based, which may be contained in the decision or final resolution itself, or
committed within their respective territorial jurisdictions which are cognizable by the adopted by reference from those set forth in the decision, order, or resolution appealed from.
Regional Trial Courts.

Section 41. Salaries. – Intermediate Appellate Justices, Regional Trial Judges, Metropolitan
The preliminary investigation shall be conducted in accordance with the procedure prescribed Trial Judges, Municipal Trial Judges, and Municipal Circuit Trial Judges shall receive such
in Section 1, paragraphs (a), (b), (c), and (d), of Presidential Decree No. 911: Provided, compensation and allowances as may be authorized by the President along the guidelines set
however, That if after the preliminary investigation the Judge finds a prima facie case, he shall forth in Letter of Implementation No. 93 pursuant to Presidential Decree No. 985, as amended
forward the records of the case to the Provincial/City Fiscal for the filing of the corresponding by Presidential Decree No. 1597.
information with the proper court.

Section 42. Longevity pay. – A monthly longevity pay equivalent to 5% of the monthly basic
No warrant of arrest shall be issued by the Judge in connection with any criminal complaint pay shall be paid to the Justices and Judges of the courts herein created for each five years of
filed with him for preliminary investigation, unless after an examination in writing and under continuous, efficient, and meritorious service rendered in the judiciary; Provided, That in no
oath or affirmation of the complainant and his witnesses, he finds that a probable cause exists.
case shall the total salary of each Justice or Judge concerned, after this longevity pay is added, [ REPUBLIC ACT NO. 11576, July 30, 2021 ]
exceed the salary of the Justice or Judge next in rank.
AN ACT FURTHER EXPANDING THE JURISDICTION OF THE METROPOLITAN
Section 43. Staffing pattern. – The Supreme Court shall submit to the President, within thirty TRIAL COURTS, MUNICIPAL TRIAL COURTS IN CITIES, MUNICIPAL TRIAL
(30) days from the date of the effectivity of this Act, a staffing pattern for all courts constituted COURTS, AND MUNICIPAL CIRCUIT TRIAL COURTS, AMENDING FOR THE
pursuant to this Act which shall be the basis of the implementing order to be issued by the PURPOSE BATAS PAMBANSA BLG. 129, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS “THE
President in accordance with the immediately succeeding section. JUDICIARY REORGANIZATION ACT OF 1980,” AS AMENDED

Section 44. Transitory provisions. – The provisions of this Act shall be immediately carried Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress
out in accordance with an Executive Order to be issued by the President. The Court of assembled:
Appeals, the Courts of First Instance, the Circuit Criminal Courts, the Juvenile and Domestic
Relations Courts, the Courts of Agrarian Relations, the City Courts, the Municipal Courts, and Section 1. Section 19 of Batas Pambansa Blg. 129, otherwise known as “The Judiciary
the Municipal Circuit Courts shall continue to function as presently constituted and organized, Reorganization Act of 1980,” as amended, is hereby amended to read as follows:
until the completion of the reorganization provided in this Act as declared by the President.
Upon such declaration, the said courts shall be deemed automatically abolished and the
incumbents thereof shall cease to hold office. The cases pending in the old Courts shall be “Section 19. Jurisdiction of the Regional Trial Courts in Civil Cases. – Regional Trial Courts
transferred to the appropriate Courts constituted pursuant to this Act, together with the shall exercise exclusive original jurisdiction:
pertinent functions, records, equipment, property and the necessary personnel.
“x x x
The applicable appropriations shall likewise be transferred to the appropriate courts
constituted pursuant to this Act, to be augmented as may be necessary from the funds for “(2) In all civil actions which involve the title to, or possession of, real property, or any
organizational changes as provided in Batas Pambansa Blg. 80. Said funding shall thereafter interest therein, where the assessed value exceeds Four hundred thousand pesos
be included in the annual General Appropriations Act. (P400,000.00), except for forcible entry into and unlawful detainer of lands or buildings,
original jurisdiction over which is conferred upon the Metropolitan Trial Courts, and
Section 45. Shari'a Courts. – Shari'a Courts to be constituted as provided for in Presidential Municipal Trial Courts in Cities, Municipal Trial Courts, and Municipal Circuit Trial Courts;
Decree No. 1083, otherwise known as the "Code of Muslim Personal Laws of the Philippines,"
shall be included in the funding appropriations so provided in this Act. “(3) In all actions in admiralty and maritime jurisdiction where the demand or claims exceeds
Two million pesos (P2,000,000.00);
Section 46. Gratuity of judges and personnel separated from office. – All members of the
judiciary and subordinate employees who shall be separated from office by reason of the “(4) In all matters of probate, both estate and intestate, where the gross value of the estate
reorganization authorized herein, shall be granted a gratuity at a rate equivalent to one month's exceeds Two million pesos (P2,000,000.00)’
salary for every year of continuous service rendered in any branch of the government or
equivalent nearest fraction thereof favorable to them on the basis of the highest salary “x x x
received: Provided, That such member of the judiciary or employee shall have the option to
retire under the Judiciary Retirement Law or general retirement law, if he has met or satisfied
the requirements therefor. “(8) In all other cases in which the demand, exclusive of interest, damages of whatever kind,
attorney’s fees, litigation expenses and costs or the value of the property in controversy
exceeds Two million pesos (P2,000,000.00).”
Section 47. Repealing clause. – The provisions of Republic Act No. 296, otherwise known as
the Judiciary Act of 1948, as amended, of Republic Act No. 5179 as amended, of the Rules of
Court, and of all other statutes, letters of instructions and general order or parts thereof, Section 2. Section 33 of the same law is hereby amended to read as follows:
inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed or accordingly modified.
“Section 33. Jurisdiction of the Metropolitan Trial Courts, Municipal Trial Courts in Cities,
Section 48. Date of Effectivity. – This Act shall take effect immediately. Municipal Trial Courts, and Municipal Circuit Trial Courts in Civil Cases. – Metropolitan
Trial Courts, Municipal Trial Courts in Cities, Municipal Trial Courts, and Municipal Circuit
Trial Courts shall exercise:
Approved: August 14, 1981

“(1) Exclusive original jurisdiction over civil actions and probate proceedings, testate and
intestate, including the grant of provisional remedies in proper cases, where the value of the
personal property, estate, or amount of the demand does not exceed Two million pesos
(P2,000,000.00), exclusive of interest, damages of whatever kind, attorney’s fees, litigation
expenses, and costs, the amount of which must be specifically alleged: Provided, That interest,
damages of whatever kind, attorney’s fees, litigation expenses, and costs shall be included in
the determination of the filing fees: Provided, further, That where there are several claims or
causes of actions between the same or different parties, embodied in the same complaint, the
amount of the demand shall be totality of the claims in all the causes of action, irrespective of
whether the causes of action arose out of the same or different transactions;

“x x x

“(3) Exclusive original jurisdiction in all civil actions which involve title to, or possession of,
real property, or any interest therein where the assessed value of the property or any interest
therein does not exceed Four hundred thousand pesos (P400,000.00) exclusive on interest,
damages of whatever kind, attorney’s fees, litigation expenses and costs: Provided, That in
cases of land not declared for taxation purposes, the value of such property shall be
determined by the assessed value of the adjacent lots.

“(4) Exclusive original jurisdiction in admiralty and maritime actions where the demand or
claim does not exceed Two million pesos (P2,000,000.00).”

Section 3. Delegated Authority of the Supreme Court to Adjust the Jurisdictional Amounts for
First and Second Level Courts. – The Supreme Court, unless otherwise provided by law,
without prejudice, however, on the part of the Congress to adjust the amounts when the
circumstances so warrant, may be adjust the jurisdictional amount for first and second level
courts to: (1) reflect the extraordinary supervening inflation or deflation of currency; (2)
reflect change in the land valuation; (3) maintain the proportion of caseload between first and
second level courts.

Section 4. The provisions of this Act shall apply prospectively to all civil cases filed in the
second level courts and first level courts from the date of its effectivity thereof. ℒαwρhi ৷

Section 5. Separability Clause. – If any provision of this Act is declared unconstitutional, the
same shall not affect the validity and effectivty of the other provisions thereof.

Section 6. Repealing Clause. – All laws, decrees, and orders inconsistent with the provisions
of this Act shall be considered amended or modified accordingly.

Section 7. Effectivity. – This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days following its publication in
the Official Gazette or in two (2) newspapers of general circulation.

Approved,