AN ACT EXPANDING THE JURISDICTION OF THE METROPOLITAN TRIAL COURTS

Republic of the Philippines
Congress of the Philippines
Metro Manila

Ninth Congress

Republic Act No. 7691 March 25, 1994

AN ACT EXPANDING THE JURISDICTION OF THE METROPOLITAN TRIAL COURTS, MUNICIPAL TRIAL COURTS, AND MUNICIPAL CIRCUIT TRIAL COURTS, AMENDING FOR THE PURPOSE BATAS PAMBANSA, BLG. 129, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE "JUDICIARY REORGANIZATION ACT OF 1980"

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress assembled::

Section 1. Section 19 of Batas Pambansa Blg. 129, otherwise known as the "Judiciary Reorganization Act of 1980", is hereby amended to read as follows:

"Sec. 19. Jurisdiction in civil cases. – Regional Trial Courts shall exercise exclusive original jurisdiction.

"(1) In all civil actions in which the subject of the litigation is incapable of pecuniary estimation;

"(2) In all civil actions which involve the title to, or possession of, real property, or any interest therein, where the assessed value of the property involved exceeds Twenty thousand pesos (P20,000,00) or, for civil actions in Metro Manila, where such value exceeds Fifty thousand pesos...

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Summary of Republic Act No. 7691

Jurisdiction of Courts in Civil Cases
- Regional Trial Courts have exclusive original jurisdiction in cases:
    - Where the subject is incapable of pecuniary estimation. (Section 1(1))
    - Involving title or possession of real property exceeding P20,000 (P50,000 in Metro Manila), except forcible entry and unlawful detainer cases. (Section 1(2))
    - Admiralty and maritime cases exceeding P100,000 (P200,000 in Metro Manila). (Section 1(3))
    - Probate cases where gross estate value exceeds P100,000 (P200,000 in Metro Manila). (Section 1(4))
    - Cases involving marriage and marital relations. (Section 1(5))
    - Cases not within exclusive jurisdiction of other courts or bodies. (Section 1(6))
    - Civil actions under Juvenile, Domestic Relations, and Agrarian Courts. (Section 1(7))
    - Other cases exceeding P100,000 (P200,000 in Metro Manila). (Section 1(8))

Jurisdiction of Metropolitan, Municipal, and Municipal Circuit Trial Courts in Criminal Cases
- Exclusive original jurisdiction over violations of city/municipal ordinances. (Section 2(1))
- Exclusive original jurisdiction over offenses punishable by up to 6 years imprisonment, regardless of fine or other penalties, including civil liability. (Section 2(2))

Jurisdiction of Metropolitan, Municipal, and Municipal Circuit Trial Courts in Civil Cases
- Exclusive original jurisdiction in civil actions and probate proceedings where the value does not exceed P100,000 (P200,000 in Metro Manila). (Section 3(1))
- Exclusive original jurisdiction in forcible entry and unlawful detainer cases. (Section 3(2))
- Exclusive original jurisdiction in civil actions involving real property not exceeding P20,000 (P50,000 in Metro Manila). (Section 3(3))

Delegated Jurisdiction in Cadastral and Land Registration Cases
- Metropolitan, Municipal, and Municipal Circuit Trial Courts may be assigned to hear cadastral or land registration cases for lots without controversy or contested lots not exceeding P100,000. (Section 4)

Adjustment of Jurisdictional Amounts
- After 5 years, jurisdictional amounts in Sections 1(3), 1(4), 1(8), and 3(1) shall be adjusted to P200,000 (P400,000 in Metro Manila). (Section 5)
- After another 5 years, jurisdictional amounts shall be adjusted to P300,000 (no change for Metro Manila). (Section 5)

Application and Effectivity
- Inconsistent laws are amended or modified accordingly. (Section 6)
- Applies to civil cases that have not reached pre-trial stage, with option to transfer cases to lower courts by agreement of parties. (Section 7)
- Takes effect 15 days after publication in the Official Gazette or two national newspapers. (Section 8)