Jurisdiction- Regional Trial Courts

Question 1

Exclusive Original- Civil

Answer 1

1. In all civil actions in which the subject of the litigation is incapable of pecuniary estimation;
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 P 400,000 except actions for forcible entry into and unlawful detainer of lands or buildings, original jurisdiction over which is conferred upon the MeTCs, MTCs, and MCTCs; (BP 129, as amended by R.A. No. 11576)
3. In all actions in admiralty and maritime jurisdiction where the demand or claim exceeds P 2,000,000; (B.P. No. 129, as amended by R.A. No. 11576)
4. In all matters of probate, both testate and intestate, where the gross value of the estate exceeds P 2,000,000; (B.P. No. 129, as amended by R.A. No. 11576)
5. In all actions involving the contract of marriage and marital relations;
6. In all cases not within the exclusive jurisdiction of any court, tribunal, person or body exercising jurisdiction of any court, tribunal, person or body exercising judicial or quasi-judicial functions;
7. In all civil actions and special proceedings falling within the exclusive original jurisdiction of a Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court and of the Court of Agrarian Relations as now provided by law; and
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 P 2,000,000. (B.P. No. 129, as amended by R.A. No. 11576

Question 2

Exclusive Original- Criminal

Answer 2

1. Criminal cases not within exclusive jurisdiction of any court, tribunal or body (Sec. 20, B.P. No. 129):

a. Cases where the penalty provided by law exceeds 6 years imprisonment irrespective of the fine (R.A. No. 7691); and
b. Cases not falling within the exclusive original jurisdiction of the Sandiganbayan where the imposable penalty is imprisonment more than 6 years and none of the accused is occupying positions classified as “Grade 27” and higher (Sec. 4, P.D. No. 1606, as amended by R.A. No. 8249).

2. Cases where the only penalty provided by law is a fine exceeding P 4,000;
3. Other laws which specifically lodge jurisdiction in the RTC:

a. Law on written defamation or libel;
b. Decree on Intellectual Property; and
c. Violations of Dangerous Drugs Act regardless of the imposable penalty except when the offender is under 16 and there are Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court in the province;

4. Cases falling under the Family Courts in areas where there are no Family Courts (Sec. 24, B.P. No. 129); and
5. Election offenses (Omnibus Election Code) even if committed by an official with salary grade of 27 or higher.

Question 3

Appellate

Answer 3

GR: All cases decided by lower courts in their respective territorial jurisdictions.

XPN: Decisions of lower courts in the exercise of delegated jurisdiction. (Sec. 22, B.P. No. 129)

Question 4

Concurrent with SC, SB and CA- Civil

Answer 4

1. Writ of amparo;
2. Writ of habeas data.

Question 5

Concurrent with SC, SB and CA- Criminal

Answer 5

Petitions for the issuance of writs of amparo and habeas data

Question 6

Concurrent with SC- Civil

Answer 6

Actions affecting ambassadors and other public ministers and consuls. (Sec. 21(2), B.P. No. 129)

Question 7

Concurrent with SC and CA

Answer 7

1. Certiorari, prohibition and mandamus against lower courts and bodies;
2. Habeas corpus and quo warranto.

Question 8

Concurrent with MTC

Answer 8

Cases involving enforcement or violations of environmental and other related laws, rules and regulations. (Sec. 2, Rule 1, A.M. No. 09-6-8-SC)