Official Station and Holding Sessions
- The Sandiganbayan's principal office shall be in Metro Manila.
- Presiding Judge may authorize sessions outside Metro Manila.
- The court may utilize government personnel and facilities as necessary.
Quorum and Sitting Arrangements
- Quorum requires five judges en banc, two judges in division.
- Temporary judges can be assigned by the President upon request to fill vacancies or disqualifications.
- The Sandiganbayan may sit en banc or in three divisions of three judges each.
- The Presiding Judge presides when present; otherwise, the senior Associate Judge presides.
Jurisdiction
- Original and exclusive jurisdiction over:
- Violations of Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act and Republic Act No. 1379.
- Crimes by public officers or employees, including those in government corporations, under Title VII of the Revised Penal Code.
- Other offenses related to office involving public officers or employees.
- Joint trials with private individuals charged as accomplices.
- Civil suits related to the above crimes for restitution, recovery, or forfeiture.
- Civil actions under Articles 32 and 34 of the Civil Code.
- Cases against military personnel during martial law remain under military tribunals.
Proceedings against Constitutional Officers; Voting Requirements
- Cases involving constitutional officers are exclusively heard en banc by the Sandiganbayan.
- Joint cases with non-constitutional officers or private individuals also heard en banc.
- Other cases may be heard in divisions.
- Decisions require an affirmative vote of five judges en banc or two judges in division.
Trial Duration and Termination
- Trials should proceed continuously once commenced.
- Decisions must be rendered within three months from submission.
Form, Finality, and Appeals of Decisions
- Decisions must contain full findings of fact on all issues.
- Decisions en banc are appealable to the Supreme Court under Rule 45.
- Decisions by division are appealable under Rule 42.
- Supreme Court to prioritize cases involving death penalty or life imprisonment from Sandiganbayan.
- Parties may file petitions for reconsideration within 15 days; the court must decide within 30 days.
- Final judgments are enforced following Rules of Court.
Transfer of Cases to Sandiganbayan
- All eligible cases not yet tried as of Sandiganbayan’s organization are transferred.
- Cases in military tribunals or against military personnel remain there.
Internal Administration
- Sandiganbayan may regulate its internal affairs, including division constitutions and case allocation.
Proceedings Free of Charge and Confidentiality
- Proceedings are free for complainants and witnesses.
- Complaints admitted only upon Chief Special Prosecutor's certification of probable cause after preliminary investigation.
- No publicity or disclosure of parties’ identities during investigation until information is filed.
Administrative Personnel
- Supreme Court may designate or appoint Sandiganbayan personnel upon recommendation.
- Clerk of Court (P23,000 annual), three Deputy Clerks (P18,000 each) must be bar members.
- Other employees subject to Civil Service Law; may be removed for cause by the court.
Office of the Chief Special Prosecutor
- Chief Special Prosecutor, Assistant Chief, and nine Special Prosecutors appointed by the President.
- Salaries: P30,000 (Chief), P28,000 (Assistant), P24,000 (Special Prosecutors).
- They conduct preliminary investigations, prosecute cases, and exercise powers to administer oaths, issue subpoenas, and compel witnesses.
- The Secretary of Justice oversees the office.
Office of Special Investigators
- Special Investigators and personnel appointed to assist the Chief Special Prosecutor upon recommendation.
- Subject to Civil Service Law; no additional compensation except for per diems and expenses.
- May require governmental assistance and services.
Reporting and Funding
- Sandiganbayan submits annual report to the President within two months after fiscal year end.
- Immediate appropriation from National Treasury for its operations; subsequent funding is included in the general appropriation.
- Funds are automatically released per court schedule.
Repealing Clause
- Any inconsistent laws, rules, or regulations are repealed or modified accordingly.
Effectivity
- The decree takes effect immediately upon issuance.