Law Summary
Criminal Jurisdiction of Metropolitan, Municipal, and Municipal Circuit Trial Courts (Section 32)
- These courts have exclusive jurisdiction over violations of city or municipal ordinances within their territories.
- They handle offenses punishable by imprisonment not exceeding six years, regardless of fines or accessory penalties.
- Exclusive jurisdiction on offenses involving damage to property through criminal negligence.
- Powers exclude cases under exclusive jurisdiction of RTCs and Sandiganbayan.
Civil Jurisdiction of Metropolitan, Municipal, and Municipal Circuit Trial Courts (Section 33)
- Exclusive original jurisdiction over civil and probate cases where the demand or value does not exceed ₱100,000 (₱200,000 in Metro Manila), excluding interest, damages, and fees.
- Filing fees are computed including interest, damages, attorney’s fees, and costs.
- Multiple claims in one complaint are aggregated in determining jurisdictional amount.
- Exclusive jurisdiction over forcible entry and unlawful detainer cases, with limited determination of ownership solely for possession issues.
- Jurisdiction over civil cases involving real property valued up to ₱20,000 or ₱50,000 in Metro Manila, excluding related fees.
- For land without tax declaration, value is determined by adjacent properties.
Delegated Jurisdiction in Cadastral and Land Registration Cases (Section 34)
- Metropolitan, municipal, and municipal circuit trial courts may be assigned cadastral or land registration cases by the Supreme Court.
- Applicable for uncontested lots or contested lots valued up to ₱100,000.
- Value ascertained through claimant's affidavit, claimant agreement, or tax declaration.
- Decisions are appealable similarly to those of Regional Trial Courts.
Scheduled Adjustments of Jurisdictional Amounts (Section 5)
- After five years from effectivity, jurisdictional amounts in Sections 19(3), (4), (8) and 33(1) increase to ₱200,000.
- After an additional five years, further increase to ₱300,000.
- In Metro Manila, specific jurisdictional amounts adjustments apply as per proviso.
Repeal and Modification of Conflicting Laws (Section 6)
- All existing laws, decrees, or orders inconsistent with this Act are amended or modified accordingly.
Application and Case Transfers (Section 7)
- Provisions apply to all civil cases not yet at the pretrial stage.
- Parties may agree to transfer civil cases cognizable by municipal and metropolitan courts from RTCs to these lower courts.
- Executive judge of the RTC defines administrative procedures for case transfers.
Effectivity Clause (Section 8)
- The Act takes effect fifteen days after publication in the Official Gazette or two national newspapers of general circulation.