Court Levels (Lowest to Highest)
Barangay Courts (Katarungang Pambarangay) — Mandatory conciliation for disputes between residents of the same barangay before filing in court. Exceptions include cases punishable by imprisonment > 1 year, real property disputes across barangays, and cases where parties do not reside in the same barangay.
Metropolitan Trial Court (MeTC) / Municipal Trial Court (MTC) / Municipal Trial Court in Cities (MTCC) — First-level courts. Jurisdiction over civil cases up to ₱1,000,000 (Metro Manila) or ₱400,000 (outside Metro Manila), exclusive of interest, damages, attorney's fees, and costs. Criminal jurisdiction over offenses with penalties not exceeding 6 years imprisonment.
Regional Trial Court (RTC) — Second-level courts. Jurisdiction over civil cases above ₱1,000,000 (Metro Manila) or ₱400,000 (outside Metro Manila). Criminal jurisdiction over all cases not within the jurisdiction of first-level courts. Special jurisdiction over cases involving title to or possession of real property, estate proceedings, and cases not falling under exclusive jurisdiction of any court.
Court of Appeals (CA) — Intermediate appellate court. Reviews decisions of RTCs, MeTCs, MTCs, MTCCs, and quasi-judicial agencies. Composed of 69 Justices in 23 divisions.
Supreme Court (SC) — Highest court. Exclusive jurisdiction over cases involving constitutionality of laws, treaties, and international agreements. Reviews decisions of the Court of Appeals via certiorari. Composed of 15 Justices including the Chief Justice.
Special Courts
Sandiganbayan — Anti-graft court with jurisdiction over criminal cases involving public officers accused of graft, corruption, and other offenses under R.A. 3019 (Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act).
Court of Tax Appeals (CTA) — Exclusive jurisdiction over tax cases, customs cases, and cases involving decisions of the Commissioner of Internal Revenue or Commissioner of Customs.
Family Courts (RTC) — Special jurisdiction over cases involving annulment, nullity of marriage, legal separation, adoption, guardianship, and child custody under R.A. 8369.
Quasi-Judicial Bodies
National Labor Relations Commission (NLRC) — Labor disputes and illegal dismissal cases.
Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) — Corporate disputes and intra-corporate controversies.
Department of Agrarian Reform Adjudication Board (DARAB) — Agrarian reform disputes.
Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) — Energy sector disputes and rate-setting.
Sources
- •Batas Pambansa Blg. 129 (Judiciary Reorganization Act)
- •R.A. 8369 (Family Courts Act)
- •R.A. 7975 (Sandiganbayan Act)
Disclaimer: This reference data is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Always verify current fees, deadlines, and rules with the relevant court or authority, as these may change.