Question & AnswerQ&A (PRESIDENTIAL DECREE NO. 1860)
Presidential Decree No. 1860 amends provisions of Presidential Decree No. 1606 and Batas Pambansa Blg. 129 relating to the jurisdiction of the Sandiganbayan, clarifying its exclusive jurisdiction over certain offenses and providing that cases punishable by penalties not exceeding prision correccional shall be tried by appropriate regular courts.
The Sandiganbayan has jurisdiction over violations of RA No. 3019 (Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act) and RA No. 1379; crimes committed by public officers and employees under Title VII of the Revised Penal Code; and other crimes by public officers related to their office.
The Sandiganbayan's original and exclusive jurisdiction applies if the offense charged is punishable by a penalty higher than prision correccional or its equivalent.
Suspensions and penalties not exceeding prision correccional fall under the original and exclusive jurisdiction of the appropriate Regional Trial Court, Metropolitan Trial Court, Municipal Trial Court, or Municipal Circuit Trial Court as per Batas Pambansa Blg. 129.
No. Private individuals charged as co-principals, accomplices, or accessories with public officers shall be tried jointly with these public officers.
Criminal actions and corresponding civil actions for recovery of civil liability arising from the offense must be instituted simultaneously and jointly determined by the Sandiganbayan or the appropriate court.
If no judgment has been rendered yet, the civil case shall be transferred to the Sandiganbayan for consolidation and joint determination with the criminal action.
The Office of the Tanodbayan has the exclusive authority to conduct preliminary investigations, file information, and control prosecution of cases, regardless of whether the jurisdiction lies with the Sandiganbayan or regular courts.
Yes. Unless authorized by its Presiding Justice, the Sandiganbayan holds sessions only at its principal office in Metro Manila. This provision aims to reduce inconvenience and expenses for accused public officials and witnesses.
Filing the criminal action is deemed to include the filing of the civil action; no right is recognized to file the civil action separately from the criminal action.