Law Summary
Official Station and Sessions
- The principal office is located in Metro Manila.
- Sessions are normally held in Metro Manila but may be authorized elsewhere.
- The court may use personnel and facilities from government agencies.
Divisions and Quorum
- The court sits in three divisions of three justices each.
- A quorum requires three justices.
- The President may temporarily designate other judges to fill vacancies or absences.
Jurisdiction
- Original and exclusive jurisdiction over:
- Violations of Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act (RA 3019) and RA 1379.
- Crimes by public officers and employees involving Title VII of Revised Penal Code.
- Other crimes related to office committed by public officials.
- Jurisdiction is exclusive if penalties exceed prision correccional; otherwise concurrent with regular courts.
- Private individuals charged with corrupt public officers are tried jointly with them.
- Criminal and related civil actions for recovery of civil liability must be filed simultaneously and decided together.
- Civil actions previously filed with regular courts may be transferred for consolidation.
- Military officers during martial law are exempted from this jurisdiction.
Proceedings and Decision Making
- Decisions require unanimous vote of three justices in a division.
- If no unanimous decision, division expands to five justices, decision by majority.
Case Duration
- Trials shall be continuous and judgments rendered within three months of submission.
Finality and Review of Decisions
- Decisions must include complete factual findings.
- Petitions for reconsideration filed within 15 days; must be resolved within 30 days.
- Decisions reviewable by the Supreme Court under Rule 45.
- Death penalty cases must be forwarded to the Supreme Court automatically.
- Execution and enforcement of judgments follow general legal provisions.
Case Transfers
- Cases within Sandiganbayan's exclusive jurisdiction where no arraignment has occurred shall be transferred to it.
Rulemaking Power
- The Sandiganbayan may promulgate its procedural rules.
- Until then, the Rules of Court govern proceedings.
Internal Administration
- Sandiganbayan manages its internal affairs, including division composition, case allocation, and justice rotation.
Proceedings Free of Charge
- No cost to complainants or witnesses.
- Complaints entertained only after certification of prima facie case by Investigating Prosecutor and approval by Chief Special Prosecutor.
Administrative Personnel
- Sandiganbayan may appoint necessary personnel, including Clerk of Court and Deputy Clerks, both members of the Bar.
- Clerk salary: P36,000 annually; Deputies: P30,000.
- Other employees governed by Civil Service Law with removal for cause possible by en banc resolution.
Reporting
- Annual report to the President includes all financial disbursements.
Funding
- Initial appropriation of Five Million Pesos from the National Treasury, included thereafter in general appropriations.
- Funds released automatically as per Sandiganbayan's schedule.
Separability Clause
- Invalid provisions do not affect the validity of the rest of the Decree.
Repealing Clause
- Repeals Presidential Decree No. 1486 and all conflicting laws, orders, and regulations.
Effectivity
- The Decree takes effect immediately upon promulgation.