Revising Presidential Decree No. 1486 Creating A Special Court To Be Known As "Sandiganbayan" And For Other Purposes

Case Overview and Summary

Summary of Presidential Decree No. 1606

Creation of the Sandiganbayan
- A special court called the Sandiganbayan is created, with the same level as the Court of Appeals. (Section 1)
- It is composed of a Presiding Justice and eight Associate Justices appointed by the President. (Section 1)

Qualifications and Tenure of Justices
- Justices must be natural-born Filipino citizens, at least 40 years old, and have been a judge or engaged in law practice for at least 10 years. (Section 1)
- Justices cannot be removed except through impeachment. (Section 1)
- The Presiding Justice receives an annual salary of ₱60,000, and Associate Justices receive ₱55,000. Their salaries cannot be diminished and are subject to increases given to Court of Appeals Justices. (Section 1)
- Justices hold office until age 65 or incapacitated. (Section 1)

Jurisdiction and Powers
- The Sandiganbayan has jurisdiction over violations of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, crimes committed by public officers and employees, and other offenses related to public office. (Section 4)
- It has original and exclusive jurisdiction for offenses punishable by more than prision correccional, and concurrent jurisdiction with regular courts for other offenses. (Section 4)
- Private individuals charged as co-principals, accomplices, or accessories with public officers shall be tried jointly. (Section 4)
- The Sandiganbayan shall simultaneously institute and jointly determine the criminal and civil actions arising from the offense charged. (Section 4)
- It has the power to promulgate its own rules of procedure. (Section 9)

Proceedings and Decisions
- Proceedings are free of charge for the complainant and witnesses. (Section 11)
- A preliminary investigation by the prosecutor is required before filing a case. (Section 2)
- The unanimous vote of three Justices in a division is required for a judgment. If not unanimous, a special division of five Justices shall be formed, with a majority vote required. (Section 5)
- Judgments shall be rendered within three months from submission for decision. (Section 6)
- Decisions are subject to review by the Supreme Court through a petition for certiorari. (Section 7)
- If the death penalty is imposed, the records shall be forwarded to the Supreme Court for review. (Section 7)

Administration and Personnel
- The Sandiganbayan has its principal office in Metro Manila but may hold sessions elsewhere. (Section 2)
- It has a Clerk of Court and three Deputy Clerks of Court who are members of the Bar. (Section 12)
- The Clerk of Court receives an annual salary of ₱36,000, and Deputy Clerks receive ₱30,000. (Section 12)
- It can appoint necessary personnel and remove them for cause. (Section 12)
- It shall submit an annual report to the President. (Section 13)
- An initial appropriation of ₱5,000,000 is provided, with subsequent funding through the general appropriations act. (Section 14)