QuestionsQuestions (Republic Act No. 11576)
RA 11576 further expands the jurisdiction of the Metropolitan Trial Courts (MeTCs), Municipal Trial Courts in Cities (MTCCs), Municipal Trial Courts (MTCs), and Municipal Circuit Trial Courts (MCTCs), by amending Batas Pambansa Blg. 129 (Judiciary Reorganization Act of 1980).
It increases the RTC threshold for real property cases: RTCs have exclusive original jurisdiction when the assessed value exceeds PHP 400,000.00, except for forcible entry and unlawful detainer (which remain with first level courts).
RTCs have exclusive original jurisdiction over probate matters where the gross value of the estate exceeds PHP 2,000,000.00.
RTC jurisdiction lies when 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 PHP 2,000,000.00.
Second level courts have exclusive original jurisdiction over civil actions and probate proceedings (testate and intestate), where the value of the personal property, estate, or amount of the demand does not exceed PHP 2,000,000.00, exclusive of interest, damages, attorney’s fees, litigation expenses and costs (which must be specifically alleged).
No. The jurisdictional limit of PHP 2,000,000.00 is determined exclusive of interest, damages, attorney’s fees, litigation expenses, and costs. However, these items must be specifically alleged and are included in the determination of filing fees.
The amount of the demand is the totality of the claims in all causes of action in the same complaint, whether the causes of action arose from the same or different transactions.
Second level courts have exclusive original jurisdiction over civil actions involving title to, or possession of, real property, or any interest therein, where the assessed value does not exceed PHP 400,000.00, exclusive of interest, damages, attorney’s fees, litigation expenses and costs.
If the land is not declared for taxation, the value is determined by the assessed value of the adjacent lots.
RTCs: exclusive original jurisdiction when the demand/claim exceeds PHP 2,000,000.00. Second level courts: exclusive original jurisdiction when it does not exceed PHP 2,000,000.00.
Unless otherwise provided by law, the Supreme Court may adjust jurisdictional amounts to reflect (1) extraordinary supervening inflation/deflation, (2) changes in land valuation, and (3) maintain the proportion of caseload between first and second level courts.
They apply prospectively: for civil cases filed in second level courts and first level courts from the date of effectivity of the Act.
It takes effect 15 days following its publication in the Official Gazette or in two (2) newspapers of general circulation.
If any provision is declared unconstitutional, the remaining provisions remain valid and effective.
All laws, decrees, and orders inconsistent with RA 11576 are considered amended or modified accordingly.