Question & AnswerQ&A (Republic Act No. 8249)
The Sandiganbayan is a special court of the same level as the Court of Appeals, possessing all inherent powers of a court of justice.
The Sandiganbayan is composed of a presiding justice and fourteen associate justices appointed by the President.
The principal office of the Sandiganbayan is in the Metro Manila area. It holds sessions there but may also conduct sessions in the principal geographical regions of Luzon, Visayas, or Mindanao or even outside Metro Manila and territorial boundaries of the Philippines when necessary.
The Sandiganbayan exercises exclusive original jurisdiction over violations of the Anti-graft and Corrupt Practices Act and related laws involving public officials occupying certain high-ranking positions.
Officials such as provincial governors, city mayors, high-ranking military officers, members of Congress, members of the judiciary, constitutional commission members, and others classified as Grade 27 and above fall under its jurisdiction.
No, if none of the accused hold positions corresponding to Salary Grade 27 or higher, jurisdiction is vested in the proper regional trial court, metropolitan trial court, municipal trial court, or municipal circuit trial court.
It has exclusive appellate jurisdiction over final judgments, resolutions, or orders of regional trial courts in cases within its jurisdiction.
Decisions and final orders of the Sandiganbayan are appealable to the Supreme Court by petition for review on certiorari raising pure questions of law, in accordance with Rule 45 of the Rules of Court.
Civil actions for recovery of civil liability are simultaneously instituted with the corresponding criminal actions and are jointly determined by the Sandiganbayan or appropriate courts.
A petition for reconsideration may be filed within fifteen (15) days from promulgation or notice of the final order or judgment.
Review by the Supreme Court is automatic regardless of whether the accused files an appeal.
The Act applies to all cases pending in any court where trial has not begun as of its approval date.