PRESIDENTIAL DECREE NO. 126

: Presidential Decree No. 126 increases the jurisdiction of the Circuit Criminal Courts in the Philippines, allowing them to have concurrent jurisdiction with the Courts of First Instance over more complex crimes punishable by reclusion perpetua or death.
: The Circuit Criminal Courts, created under Republic Act No. 5179, had limited jurisdiction concurrent with the Courts of First Instance.
: Miscarriages of justice resulted when complex crimes filed with Circuit Criminal Courts were dismissed because not all elements of the offense cognizable by the Circuit Criminal Courts could be proven, such as in cases of kidnapping with murder.
: They now have concurrent jurisdiction with the Courts of First Instance over crimes, whether simple or complex, punishable by reclusion perpetua or death.
: No, the decree excludes offenses that fall under the exclusive jurisdiction of military tribunals.
: The amendment took effect immediately upon the promulgation of the decree on February 12, 1973.
: It was signed by President Ferdinand E. Marcos and Assistant Executive Secretary Roberto V. Reyes.
: It was enacted pursuant to Proclamation No. 1081, dated September 21, 1972, and General Order No. 1, dated September 22, 1972, as amended.
: The penalties are life imprisonment (reclusion perpetua) or death.