Question & AnswerQ&A (Republic Act No. 7975)
The Sandiganbayan shall sit in five (5) divisions of three justices each, with three divisions stationed in Metro Manila, the fourth in Cebu City for the Visayas, and the fifth in Cagayan de Oro City for Mindanao.
Three justices shall constitute a quorum for sessions in divisions. If the quorum cannot be met due to disqualification, disability, or vacancy, a special member may be designated, or Justices from the Court of Appeals may sit temporarily.
The Sandiganbayan exercises original jurisdiction over cases involving violations of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act and other specified laws where principal accused hold certain government positions classified as salary grade 27 or higher, other offenses related to their office, and civil and criminal cases pursuant to certain Executive Orders.
Officials of the executive branch with positions grade 27 and higher, including provincial governors, city mayors, members of Congress, judiciary members, Constitutional Commission members, officials of government-owned or -controlled corporations, state universities or foundations, and certain ranks in the military and police.
The Sandiganbayan has exclusive appellate jurisdiction over cases where all the accused occupy positions lower than salary grade 27 or not otherwise covered by its original jurisdiction.
No, the Sandiganbayan must adhere to the Rules of Court promulgated by the Supreme Court but may adopt internal rules governing case allotment and internal operations.
Decisions and final orders are appealable to the Supreme Court by petition for review on certiorari raising pure questions of law. Review is automatic if the penalty imposed is death, whether or not an appeal was filed.
The criminal action and corresponding civil action for recovery of civil liability shall be simultaneously instituted and jointly determined in the same proceeding. Separate filing of civil action is not allowed unless transferred for consolidation.
All criminal cases in which trial has not begun in the Sandiganbayan shall be referred to the proper courts.
The Sandiganbayan has exclusive original jurisdiction over petitions for writs of mandamus, prohibition, certiorari, habeas corpus, injunction, and other ancillary writs in aid of its appellate jurisdiction, though this jurisdiction is not exclusive of the Supreme Court.