SC Circulars

PART I
Judicial Matters
A. Jurisdiction
1. Jurisdiction in General
ADMINISTRATIVE CIRCULAR NO. 8-92
TO : ALL TRIAL COURT JUDGES
SUBJECT : AGRARIAN REFORM CODE
The Court reiterates to all trial court judges the need for a careful consideration
of the proper application of the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Law (R.A. No. 6657) to
avoid conflict of jurisdiction with the Department of Agrarian Reform Adjudication
Boards. The trial court judges are directed to take note of the rulings in Vda. de
Tangub vs. Court of Appeals, 191 SCRA 885 and Quismundo vs. Court of Appeals, 201
SCRA 609.
Strict compliance is hereby enjoined.
October 12, 1992.

(Sgd.) ANDRES R. NARVASA
Chief Justice
TO : THE COURT OF APPEALS, SANDIGANBAYAN, REGIONAL TRIAL

COURTS, METROPOLITAN TRIAL COURTS, MUNICIPAL TRIAL
COURTS, MUNICIPAL CIRCUIT TRIAL COURTS, ALL MEMBERS
OF THE GOVERNMENT PROSECUTION SERVICE AND ALL
MEMBERS OF THE INTEGRATED BAR OF THE PHILIPPINES
SUBJECT : GUIDELINES IN THE IMPLEMENTATION OF REPUBLIC ACT NO.

7691, ENTITLED “AN ACT EXPANDING THE JURISDICTION OF
THE METROPOLITAN TRIAL COURTS, MUNICIPAL TRIAL
COURTS AND MUNICIPAL CIRCUIT TRIAL COURTS, AMENDING
1
Supreme Court Issuances: 1973-2002
FOR THE PURPOSE BATAS PAMBANSA BLG. 129, OTHERWISE

KNOWN AS THE JUDICIARY REORGANIZATION ACT OF 1980”
For the guidance of the Bench and the Bar, the following guidelines are to be
followed in the implementation of Republic Act No. 7691, entitled “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’”:
1. The new jurisdiction of the Regional Trial Courts, Metropolitan Trial Courts,
Municipal Trial Courts, and Municipal Circuit Trial Courts in civil and criminal cases,
and in cadastral and land registration cases, under Section 19, 32, 33 and 34 of B.P.
Blg. 129, as amended by R.A. No. 7691, was effective on April 15, 1994, fifteen (15)
days after publication in the Malaya and in the Times Journal on March 30, 1994,
pursuant to Section 8 of R.A. No. 7691.
2. The exclusion of the term “damages of whatever kind” in determining the

jurisdictional amount under Section 19 (8) and Section 33 (1) of B.P. Blg. 129, as
amended by R.A. No. 7691, applies to cases where the damages are merely incidental
to or a consequence of the main cause of action. However, in cases where the claim
for damages is the main cause of action, or one of the causes of action, the amount of
such claim shall be considered in determining the jurisdiction of the court.
3. The criminal jurisdiction of the Metropolitan Trial Courts, Municipal Trial

Courts, and Municipal Circuit Trial Courts under Section 32 (2) of B.P. Blg. 129, as
amended by R.A. No. 7691, has been increased to cover offenses punishable with
imprisonment not exceeding six (6) years irrespective of the amount of the fine. As a
consequence, the Regional Trial Courts have no more original jurisdiction over
offenses committed by public officers and employees in relation to their office, where
the offense is punishable by more than four (4) years and two (2) months up to six (6)
years.
4. The provisions of Section 32 (2) of B.P. 129, as amended by R.A. No. 7691,
apply only to offenses punishable by imprisonment or fine, or both, in which cases the
amount of the fine is disregarded in determining the jurisdiction of the court.
However, in cases where the only penalty provided by law is a fine, the amount thereof
shall determine the jurisdiction of the court in accordance with the original provisions
of Section 32 (2) of B.P. Blg. 129 which fixed the original exclusive jurisdiction of the
Metropolitan Trial Courts, Municipal Trial Courts, and Municipal Circuit Trial Courts
over offenses punishable with a fine of not more than four thousand pesos. If the
amount of the fine exceeds four thousand pesos, the Regional Trial Courts shall have
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Judicial Matters
jurisdiction, including offenses committed by public officers and employees in relation

to their office, where the amount of the fine does not exceed six thousand pesos.
However, this rule does not apply to offenses involving damage to property
through criminal negligence which are under the exclusive original jurisdiction of the
Metropolitan Trial Courts, Municipal Trial Courts, and Municipal Circuit Trial Courts,
irrespective of the amount of the imposable fine.
Manila, June 14, 1994.

Chief Justice
CIRCULAR NO. 21-99
TO : ALL JUDGES OF THE REGIONAL TRIAL COURTS, THE

METROPOLITAN TRIAL COURTS, THE MUNICIPAL TRIAL
COURTS IN CITIES, THE MUNICIPAL TRIAL COURTS AND THE
MUNICIPAL CIRCUIT TRIAL COURTS
SUBJECT : EFFECTIVITY OF THE PROVISIONS OF SECTION 5 OF REPUBLIC

ACT NO. 7691 FURTHER INCREASING THE JURISDICTIONAL
AMOUNTS PRESCRIBED BY CERTAIN PROVISIONS OF BATAS
PAMBANSA BLG. 129, AS AMENDED
The provisions of Section 5 of Republic Act No. 7691 prescribe that “After five
years (5) from the effectivity of this Act, the jurisdictional amounts mentioned in Sec.
3
19 (3),1 (4),2 and (8),3 and Sec. 33(1)4 of Batas Pambansa Blg. 129 as amended by this
Act, shall be adjusted to Two hundred thousand pesos (P200,000.00). Five (5) years
thereafter, such jurisdictional amounts shall be adjusted further to Three hundred
thousand pesos (P300,000.00): Provided, However, That in the case of Metro Manila,
the abovementioned jurisdictional amounts shall be adjusted after five (5) years from
the effectivity of this Act to Four hundred thousand pesos (P400,000.00).”
Section 8 of the same law states that “This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days
following its publication in the Official Gazette or in two (2) national newspapers of
general circulation.”
Republic Act No. 7691 was published simultaneously in the 30 March 1994
issues of the Philippine Journal and Malaya. The law took effect on 15 April 1994.
1
Under Section 19 (3) of R.A. No. 7691, the Regional Trial Courts shall exercise exclusive original
jurisdiction “In all actions in admiralty and maritime jurisdiction where the demand or claim exceeds One
hundred thousand pesos (P100,000.00) or in Metro Manila, where such demand or claim exceeds Two
hundred thousand pesos (P200,000.00).”
2
jurisdiction “In all matters of probate, both testate and intestate, where the gross value of the estate
exceeds One hundred thousand pesos (P100,000.00) or, in probate matters in Metro Manila, where such
gross value exceeds Two hundred thousand pesos (P200,000.00).”
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jurisdiction “In all other cases in which the demand, exclusive of interest, damages of whatever kind,
attorney’s fees, litigation expenses, and costs or the value of the property in controversy exceeds One
hundred thousand pesos (P100,000.00) or, in such other cases in Metro Manila, where the demand,
exclusive of the abovementioned items, exceeds Two hundred thousand pesos (P200,000.00).”
4
Under Section 33 (1) of R.A. No. 7691, the Metropolitan Trial Courts, the Municipal Trial Courts
in Cities, the Municipal Trial Courts and the Municipal Circuit Trial Courts shall exercise “Exclusive
original jurisdiction over civil actions and probate proceedings, testate and intestate including the grant of
provisional remedies in proper cases, where the value of the personal property, estate or amount of the
demand does not exceed One hundred thousand pesos (P100,00.00) or, in Metro Manila where such
personal property, estate, or amount of the demand does not exceed Two hundred thousand pesos
(P200,000.00), exclusive of interest, damages of whatever kind, attorney’s fees, litigation expenses, and
costs, the amount of which must be specifically alleged: Provided, That interest, damages of whatever
kind, attorney’s fees, litigation expenses, and costs shall be included in the determination of the filing
fees: Provided, further, That where there are several claims or causes of action between the same or
different parties embodied in the same complaint, the amount of the demand shall be the totality of the
claims in all the causes of action, irrespective of whether the causes of action arose out of the same or
different transactions.”
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Judicial Matters
Considering the provisions of Section 31,5 Chapter 8, Book I of the 1987

Administrative Code, Section 5 of R.A. No. 7691 took effect on 20 March 1999.
For information and guidance.
April 15, 1999.

(Sgd.) ALFREDO L. BENIPAYO
Court Administrator
5
Section 31 prescribes that “ ‘Year’ shall be understood to be twelve calendar months; ‘month’ of
thirty days, unless it refers to a specific calendar month in which case it shall be computed according to
the number of days the specific month contains; ‘day’ to a day of twenty four hours; and ‘night’ from
sunset to sunrise.”
5
2. Jurisdiction of the First-Level Courts
ADMINISTRATIVE CIRCULAR NO. 6-93-A6
TO : METROPOLITAN TRIAL COURTS, MUNICIPAL TRIAL COURTS IN

CITIES, MUNICIPAL TRIAL COURTS AND MUNICIPAL CIRCUIT
TRIAL COURTS
SUBJECT : DELEGATED JURISDICTION OF METCs, MTCCs, MTCs AND

MCTCs TO HEAR AND DETERMINE CADASTRAL AND LAND
REGISTRATION CASES
Pursuant to Sec. 34 of Batas Pambansa Blg. 129, as amended by R.A. 7691

which took effect 14 April 1995, and the resolution of the Court En Banc in Adm.
Matter No. 93-3-488-0 dated 25 March 1993 (Re: Request of DENR for Metropolitan
and Municipal Trial Courts to hear cadastral and land registration cases under Sec.
34, B.P. Blg. 129), the Metropolitan Trial Courts, Municipal Trial Courts in Cities,
Municipal Trial Courts and Municipal Circuit Trial Courts are hereby authorized to
hear and decide cadastral or land registration cases involving uncontested lots, and
contested lots the value of which does not exceed One Hundred Thousand Pesos
(P100,000.00) as may be ascertained by affidavit of the claimants, or by their
agreement, or from the corresponding tax declarations, provided that -
1. Cadastral or land registration cases filed before the effectivity of this Administrative
Circular but where hearing has not yet commenced shall be transferred by the
Executive Judge of the Regional Trial Court having jurisdiction over the case to the
Executive Judge of the appropriate Metropolitan Trial Court, Municipal Trial Court
in Cities, Municipal Trial Court or Municipal Circuit Trial Court for the required
raffle among the branches of the Court under his administrative supervision; and
2. Cadastral or land registration cases pending in the Regional Trial Courts where
trial had already been commenced as of the date of the effectivity of this
Administrative Circular shall remain with said courts. However, by agreement of
the parties, these cases may be transferred to the appropriate Metropolitan Trial
Court , Municipal Trial Court in Cities, Municipal Trial Court or Municipal Circuit
Trial Courts.
This Administrative Circular shall take effect immediately. However, the Clerk
of Court is directed to cause its publication in a newspaper of general circulation for
the information of the public.
15 November 1995.
6
Supersedes Administrative Circular No. 6-93 dated April 21, 1993. The extent of delegated
jurisdiction is further clarified in Circular No. 38-97 dated June 20, 1997.
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Judicial Matters

Chief Justice
CIRCULAR NO. 38-97
TO : REGIONAL TRIAL COURTS, METROPOLITAN TRIAL COURTS,

MUNICIPAL TRIAL COURTS IN CITIES, MUNICIPAL TRIAL
COURTS AND MUNICIPAL CIRCUIT TRIAL COURTS
SUBJECT : CLARIFICATION OF THE EXTENT OF DELEGATED

JURISDICTION UNDER ADMINISTRATIVE CIRCULAR NO. 6-93-A
OF METCs, MTCCs, MTCs AND MCTCs TO HEAR AND
DETERMINE CADASTRAL AND LAND REGISTRATION CASES
Numerous queries from the Courts concerned have been received by the Court
Administrator regarding the scope of the delegated jurisdiction under Administrative
Circular No. 6-93-A of METCs, MTCCs, MTCs AND MCTCs to hear and determine
cadastral and land registration cases, particularly as to whether or not the delegation
covers petitions and motions filed after original registration including petitions for
reconstitution of lost certificate of title.
The clear tenor and intention of Administrative Circular No. 6-93-A is that only
original cadastral or land registration cases are covered. The jurisdiction of the First
Level Courts, being merely delegated, should be limited to what is expressly mentioned
in the delegation.
1. There are limits to the delegation, i.e., either the subject matter is an
uncontested lot or if contested the value of the lot should not exceed One Hundred
Thousand (P100,000.00) Pesos. There will be difficulty in the determination of these
limits if and when the First Level Courts are required to exercise delegated jurisdiction
over petitions subsequent to original registration.
2. A First Level Court should not be placed in a situation where, in disposing of

a matter subsequent to registration, it will have to consult the records of another
Court, which granted the original registration.
3. To require First Level Courts to handle petitions after original registration

would unduly increase their dockets already loaded with cases covered by Republic
Act No. 7691, the law on their expanded jurisdiction.
Therefore, matters subsequent to the original registration determined by Second

Level Courts, including petitions for reconstitution of lost titles, should not be
unloaded to the First Level Courts. The Second Level Courts are hereby directed to
take cognizance of and exercise jurisdiction over such matters.
June 20, 1997.
7

Court Administrator
OCA CIRCULAR NO. 73-2002
TO : ALL EXECUTIVE JUDGES, PRESIDING JUDGES, CLERKS OF

COURT AND BRANCH CLERKS OF COURT OF THE REGIONAL
TRIAL COURTS, SHARI’A DISTRICT COURTS, METROPOLITAN
TRIAL COURTS, MUNICIPAL TRIAL COURTS IN CITIES,
MUNICIPAL TRIAL COURTS AND MUNICIPAL CIRCUIT TRIAL
COURTS AND SHARI’A CIRCUIT COURTS
SUBJECT : AMENDMENT OF THE REVISED RULE ON SUMMARY

PROCEDURE
The Supreme Court En Banc issued a Resolution dated 12 November 2002 in

A.M. No. 02-11-09-SC, RE: Amendment of the Revised Rule on Summary Procedure,
amending Section 1.A(2) to read as follows:
“(2) All other cases, except probate proceedings, where the total amount of the
plaintiff’s claim does not exceed one hundred thousand pesos (P100,000.00) or,
two hundred thousand pesos (P200,000.00) in Metropolitan Manila, exclusive of
interest and costs.”
The amendment shall take effect on November 25, 2002 following the
publication of the Resolution in a newspaper of general circulation.
For the information and guidance of all concerned.
22 November 2002.
(Sgd.) PRESBITERO J. VELASCO, JR.
Court Administrator
3. Jurisdiction of the Regional Trial Courts
ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER NO. 3
Pursuant to the provisions of Section 18 of B.P. Blg. 129, and Section 4 of the
Executive Order issued by the President of the Philippines on January 17, 1983,
declaring the re-organization of the Judiciary, the territorial jurisdiction of the
Regional Trial Courts in the National Capital Judicial Region are hereby defined as
follows:
1. Branches I to LXXXII, inclusive, with seats at Manila - over the City of

Manila only.
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Judicial Matters
2. Branches LXXXIII to CVII, inclusive, with seats at Quezon City - over

Quezon City only.
3. Branches CVIII to CXIX, inclusive, with seats at Pasay City - over Pasay
City only.
4. Branches CXX to CXXXI, inclusive, with seats at Caloocan City - over

Caloocan City only.
5. Branches CXXXII to CL, inclusive, with seats at Makati - over the

municipalities of Las Piñas, Makati, Muntinlupa, and Parañaque.
6. Branches CLI to CLXVIII, inclusive, with seats at Pasig – comprising the

municipalities of Mandaluyong, Marikina, Pasig, Pateros, San Juan, and
Taguig.
7. Branches CLXIX to CLXX, inclusive, with seats at Malabon - over the

municipalities of Malabon and Navotas.
8. Branches CLXXI to CLXXII, inclusive, with seats at Valenzuela – over the

municipality of Valenzuela only.
Cases already submitted for decision shall be decided by the Judge to whom
they were submitted.
This Order shall take effect immediately.
January 19, 1983.

(Sgd.) ENRIQUE M. FERNANDO
Chief Justice
ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER NO. 11-927
RE: DESIGNATION OF REGIONAL TRIAL COURT BRANCH NUMBERS
In view of the enactment of Republic Act No. 7154 increasing the number of
Regional Trial Court Branches in the thirteen (13) judicial regions and mandating the
numbering of these branches, the implementation of Republic Act No. 7154 pursuant
7
See amendments of certain portions under Administrative Order No. 19-92 dated February 25,
1992.
9
to Secs. 14 and 15 thereof is hereby effected in accordance with the following

guidelines:
1. The numbers of all branches of the Regional Trial Courts in the thirteen
(13) regions shall henceforth be changed from Roman numbers and
follow the Arabic numeral system;
2. The present numbering of every existing RTC Branch as provided for in

B.P. 129 shall be maintained but in Arabic numeral system;
3. The present seats established under B.P. 129 and administrative orders
issued by the Supreme Court shall likewise be maintained;
4. The new branches in every region shall follow the sequence of the
existing branch numbers in the order prescribed in B.P. 129, with the
new numbers for every region corresponding to the increased branches
to begin with the number following the last existing branch in the region.
Thus, in the National Capital Region with the present complement of 172
branches and increased by one hundred four (104) branches under
Republic Act No. 7154, the new branches will be designated as Branches
173 to 276, and distributed among the principal seats established under
B.P. 129 as amended by Republic Act No. 7154, and
5. The additional branches provided for under Republic Act No. 7154 shall
be organized and the appointment of the Presiding Judges thereof shall
be considered by the Judicial and Bar Council only after a study of the
existing case dockets, demographic conditions, and available resources of
the local government units shows that there is a need for the additional
branches to be operational.
Pursuant to the foregoing, the Regional Trial Court branches in the thirteen (13)
regions are hereby designated with their branch numbers and seats as follows:
NATIONAL CAPITAL JUDICIAL REGION: (276 Branches)
MANILA - 97 Branches
Branches 1 to 55
* Branches 173 to 214
QUEZON CITY - 48 Branches
Branches 76 to 107
* Branch 215 to 230
PASAY CITY - 13 Branches
Branches 108 to 119
* Branch 231
* New branches under R.A. 7154.
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Judicial Matters
CALOOCAN CITY - 13 Branches

Branches 120 to 131
* Branch 232
MAKATI - 58 Branches
Branches 56 to 66 &
Branches 132 to 150
PASIG - 34 Branches
Branches 67 to 71 &
Branches 151 to 168
MALABON - 5 Branches
Branches 278 to 74 &
Branches 169 & 170
MARIKINA - 2 Branches
* Branches 272 & 273
PARAÑAQUE - 1 Branch
* Branch 274
LAS PIÑAS - 1 Branch

* Branch 275
MUNTINLUPA - 1 Branch
* Branch 276
VALENZUELA - 3 Branches
Branches 75, 171 & 172
FIRST JUDICIAL REGION – 70 Branches
ABRA - 3 Branches
1&2 Bangued
* 58 Bucay

BENGUET - 14 Branches
8
72 instead of 27.
11
3 to 7 Baguio City
* 59 to 61 Baguio City
8 to 10 La Trinidad
* 619 to 63 La Trinidad
* 64 Buguias
ILOCOS NORTE - 10 Branches

11 to 16 Laoag City
* 65 Laoag City
17 & 18 Batac
19 Bangui
ILOCOS SUR - 6 Branches

20 & 21 Vigan
22 Narvacan
** 23 Candon
24 Cabugao
25 Tagudin
LA UNION - 11 Branches
26 to 30 San Fernando
* 66 & 67 San Fernando
31 & 32 Agoo
33 Bauang
34 Balaoan
PANGASINAN - 24 Branches
37 to 39 Lingayen
* 68 & 69 Lingayen
40 to 44 Dagupan City
* 70 Dagupan10
45 to 49 Urdaneta
50 Villasis
51 & 52 Tayug
53 Rosales
54 & 55 Alaminos
56 & 57 San Carlos City

** Under R.A. 7154 Candon was omitted but we are maintaining it.
9
62 instead of 61.
10
Burgos instead of Dagupan.
12
Judicial Matters
SECOND JUDICIAL REGION - 38 Branches
CAGAYAN - 13 Branches
1 to 5 Tuguegarao
6 to 10 Aparri
11 Tuao
12 Sanchez Mira
* 33 Ballesteros
BATANES - 1 Branch
13 Basco
IFUGAO - 3 Branches
14 Lagawe
15 Alfonso Lista
(formerly Potia)
* 34 Banaue
ISABELA - 11 Branches
16 to 18 Ilagan
19 & 20 Cauayan
21 Santiago
* 35 & 36 Santiago
22 Cabagan
23 Roxas
24 Echague
MT. PROVINCE - 2 Branches

35 & 36 Bontoc
KALINGA APAYAO - 2 Branches

25 Tabuk
26 Luna
NUEVA VIZCAYA - 5 Branches

27 to 29 Bayombong
* 37 Bayombong
30 Bambang
QUIRINO - 3 Branches
31 & 32 Quirino
* 38 Maddela
13
THIRD JUDICIAL REGION – 89 Branches
BATAAN - 5 Branches
1 to 3 Balanga
4 Mariveles
5 Dinalupihan
BULACAN - 27 Branches
6 to 22 Malolos
* 76 to 85 Malolos
NUEVA ECIJA - 22 Branches

23 to 30 Cabanatuan City
* 86 Cabanatuan City
31 to 33 Guimba
34 to 36 Gapan
* 87 Gapan
37 Sto. Domingo
* 88 to 89 Sto. Domingo
38 to 39 San Jose City
40 Palayan City
PAMPANGA - 22 Branches
41 to 48 San Fernando
49 to 53 Guagua
54 & 55 Macabebe
56 to 62 Angeles City
TARLAC - 6 Branches
63 to 65 Tarlac
66 Capas
67 Panique
68 Camiling
ZAMBALES - 7 Branches
69 to 71 Iba
72 to 75 Olongapo
* New Branches under R.A. 7154.
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Judicial Matters
FOURTH JUDICIAL REGION - 9811 Branches
BATANGAS - 19 Branches
1 to 4 Batangas City
* 83 & 84 Batangas City
5 Lemery
** 6 to 8 Tanauan
* 8712 Tanauan
9 to 11 Balayan
* 8513 & 8614 Balayan
12 & 13 Lipa City
14 Nasugbu
CAVITE - 12 Branches
15 Naic
16 & 17 Cavite City
* 88 Cavite City
18 Tagaytay City
19 Bacoor
* 89 Bacoor
20 & 22 Imus
23 Trece Martires City
* 90 Dasmariñas
LAGUNA - 17 Branches
24 & 25 Biñan
26 to 28 Sta. Cruz
* 91 Sta. Cruz
29 to 3115 San Pablo City
* 92 San Pablo City16
*** 32 San Pablo City

** Branches 7 & 8 hold office and court sessions at Batangas City pursuant
to the resolution dated April 28, 1983 (A.M. Order No. 83-3-107 IBP).
*** Pursuant to the resolution of this Court dated November 19, 1987
(A.M. No. 87-10-4209-RTC) Branch 32 holds office and court sessions at
San Pedro, Laguna.
11
96 instead of 98.
12
87 is at Taal instead of at Tanauan.
13
85 is at Tanauan, instead of at Balayan.
14
86 is at Rosario, instead of at Balayan.
15
32 instead of 31.
16
Calamba instead of San Pablo City.
15
33 Siniloan
34 to 37 Calamba
* 93 Calamba17
MARINDUQUE - 2 Branches
38 Boac
* 94 Boac
MINDORO ORIENTAL - 5 Branches

39 & 40 Calapan
41 & 42 Pinamalayan
43 Roxas
MINDORO OCCIDENTAL- 3 Branches

44 Mamburao
45 & 46 San Jose
PALAWAN - 7 Branches
47 to 52 Puerto Princesa
* 95 Coron18
** Roxas19
** Brooke’s Point
QUEZON - 13 Branches
53 to 60 Lucena City
61 & 62 Gumaca
63 Calauag
64 Mauban
65 Infanta
AURORA - 2 Branches
66 Baler
* 96 Baler
RIZAL - 14 Branches
67 to 70 Binangonan
71 to 74 Antipolo
75 to 77 San Mateo
78 to 80 Morong

** Salas for these two municipalities will be assigned later.
17
San Pedro instead of Calamba.
18
95 is at Roxas, instead of at Coron.
19
Instead of Roxas, it should be Coron.
16
Judicial Matters
ROMBLON - 2 Branches
81 Romblon
82 Odiongan
FIFTH JUDICIAL REGION - 65 Branches
ALBAY - 18 Branches
1 to 10 Legaspi City
11 to 14 Ligao
15 to 18 Tabaco
CAMARINES SUR - 27 Branches

19 to 28 Naga City
* 56 & 57 Naga City
29 Libmanan
30 Tigaon
31 to 33 Pili
34 to 3620 Iriga City
* 58 San Jose
* 59 Buhi
* 60 Nabua
* 61 Sipocot
* 62 Ragay
* 63 Calabanga
CAMARINES NORTE - 5 Branches

38 to 41 Daet
* 64 Labo
CATANDUANES - 2 Branches
42 & 43 Virac
MASBATE - 7 Branches
44 to 48 Masbate
49 Cataingan
50 San Jacinto
** Claveria
SORSOGON - 6 Branches

** Newly created station but no assigned branch yet.
51 to 53 Sorsogon
20
37 instead of 36.
17
54 Gubat
55 Irosin
* 65 Bulan
SIXTH JUDICIAL REGION - 69 Branches
AKLAN - 9 Branches
1 to 9 Kalibo
ANTIQUE - 5 Branches
10 to 12 San Jose
13 Culasi
* 64 Bugasong
CAPIZ - 8 Branches
14 to 19 Roxas City
20 & 21 Mambusao
ILOILO - 22 Branches
22 to 39 Iloilo City
* 65 Iloilo City
* 66 Barotac Viejo
* 67 Guimbal
* 68 Dumangas
NEGROS OCCIDENTAL - 25 Branches

39 Silay City
41 to 54 Bacolod City
55 & 56 Himamaylan
57 to 59 San Carlos City
60 Cadiz City
61 Kabangkalan
62 Bago City
63 La Carlota City
* 69 Sipalay
SEVENTH JUDICIAL REGION - 64 Branches
BOHOL - 10 Branches
1 to 4 Tagbilaran City
* 47 to 49 Tagbilaran City
* 50 Loay
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Judicial Matters
* 51 Carmen
* 52 Talibon
CEBU - 35 Branches
5 to 24 Cebu City
* 53 to 59 Cebu City
25. Danao City
26 Argao
27 Lapu Lapu City
28 Mandaue City
29 Toledo City
* 60 Barili
* 61 Bogo
* 62 Oslob
NEGROS ORIENTAL- 18 Branches

30 to 44 Dumaguete City
45 Bais City
* 63 Bayawan
* 64 Guihulngan
** Tanjay
SIQUIJOR - 1 Branch
46 Siquijor
EIGHT JUDICIAL REGION - 41 Branches
EASTERN SAMAR - 5 Branches

1&2 Borongan
3 Guiuan
4 Dolores
5 Oras
LEYTE - 17 Branches
6 to 9 Tacloban City
* 34 to 36 Tacloban City
10 Abuyog
11 Calubian
12 Ormoc City
13 Carigara
14 Baybay
15 Burauen

** Newly created station but no assigned branch yet.
19
16 Naval
17 Palompon
18 Hilongos
* 37 Caibiran
NORTHERN SAMAR- 6 Branches

19 & 20 Catarman
21 & 22 Laoang
23 Allen
* 38 Gamay
SOUTHERN LEYTE - 4 Branches

24 & 25 Maasin
26 San Juan
* 39 Sogod
SAMAR - 9 Branches
27 to 29 Catbalogan
30 Basay
31 & 32 Calbayog City
33 Calbiga
* 40 Turungnan21
* 41 Gandara
NINTH JUDICIAL REGION - 30 Branches
BASILAN - 2 Branches
1&2 Isabela
SULU - 3 Branches
3 Jolo
4 Parang
* 25 Siasi
TAWI-TAWI - 2 Branches
5 Bongao
* 26 Sapa Sapa
ZAMBOANGA DEL NORTE- 8 Branches

6 to 10 Dipolog City
11 Sindangan

* 27 Siocon
21
Tarangnan, not Turungnan.
20
Judicial Matters
* 28 Liloy
ZAMBOANGA DEL SUR - 15 Branches
12 to 17 Zamboanga City
18 to 22 Pagadian City
23 Molave
24 Ipil
* 29 San Miguel
* 30 Aurora
TENTH JUDICIAL REGION - 44 Branches
AGUSAN DEL NORTE - 7 Branches

1 to 5 Butuan City
* 33 Butuan City
* 34 Cabadbaran
AGUSAN DEL SUR - 2 Branches

6 Prosperidad
7 Bayugan
BUKIDNON - 4 Branches
8 to 10 Malaybalay
11 Manolo Fortich
MISAMIS OCCIDENTAL - 7 Branches

12 to 14 Oroquieta City
* 35 Oroquieta City
15 Ozamis City
16 Tangub City
* 36 Calamba
MISAMIS ORIENTAL - 19 Branches
17 to 25 Cagayan de Oro City

* 37 to 41 Cagayan de Oro City
26 Medina
* 42 & 4322 Medina

27 Gingoog City
22
43 is at Gingoog City.
21
* 44 Gingoog City23
CAMIGUIN - 1 Branch
28 Mambajao
SURIGAO DEL NORTE - 4 Branches
29 & 30 Surigao City

31 Dapa
32 Dinagat City24
ELEVENTH JUDICIAL REGION - 41 Branches
DAVAO DEL NORTE - 6 Branches
1&2 Tagum
* 30 & 31 Tagum
3 Nabunturan
4 Panabo
DAVAO ORIENTAL - 4 Branches

5&6 Mati
7 Baganga
* 32 Lupon
DAVAO DEL SUR - 16 Branches

8 to 17 Davao City
* 33 & 34 Davao City
18 & 19 Digos
20 Malita
21 Bansalan
SOUTH COTABATO - 10 Branches

22 & 23 General Santos City
* 35 to 37 General Santos City
24 & 25 Koronadal
26 Surallah
* 38 Alabel
* 39 Polomolok

SURIGAO DEL SUR - 5 Branches
27 Tandag
23
Initao instead of Gingoog City.
24
Dinagat Island, not City.
22
Judicial Matters
* 40 Tandag
28 Lianga
29 Bislig
* 41 Cantilan
TWELFTH JUDICIAL REGION - 25 Branches
LANAO DEL NORTE - 8 Branches

1 to 6 Iligan City
7 Tubod
* 21 Kapatagan
LANAO DEL SUR - 5 Branches

8 to 10 Marawi City
11 & 12 Malabang
MAGUINDANAO - 3 Branches
13 & 14 Cotabato City
15 Maganoy
NORTH COTABATO - 6 Branches

16 Kabacan
* 22 Kabacan
17 Kidapawan
* 23 Kidapawan
18 Midsayap
* 24 Midsayap
SULTAN KUDARAT - 3 Branches

19 Isulan
19 Tacurong
* 25 Kalamansig
Let this Administrative Order be published in a newspaper of general

circulation for the information of the public.
February 6, 1992.
Chief Justice
ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER NO. 19 – 92
23
RE: AMENDING CERTAIN PORTIONS OF ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER NO. 11-

92 DATED FEBRUARY 6, 1992, WHICH DESIGNATED BRANCH
NUMBERS TO THE NEW REGIONAL TRIAL COURTS PURSUANT TO
SECTIONS 14 AND 15 OF R.A. 7154
Administrative Order No. 11-92 is hereby amended as follows:
x x x x
Pursuant to the foregoing, the Regional Trial Court branches in the thirteen (13)
regions are hereby designated with their branch numbers and seats as follows:
“NATIONAL CAPITAL JUDICIAL REGION - 276 Branches
x x x x
MALABON - 5 Branches
Branches 72 to 74 &
Branches 169 & 170
x x x x
“FIRST JUDICIAL REGION - 70 Branches
x x x x
“BENGUET - 14 Branches
3 to 7 Baguio City
* 59 to 61 Baguio City
8 to 10 La Trinidad
* 62 & 63 La Trinidad
* 64 Buguias
x x x x
“PANGASINAN - 24 Branches
37 to 39 Lingayen
* 68 & 69 Lingayen
40 to 44 Dagupan City
45 to 49 Urdaneta
50 Villasis
51 & 52 Tayug

53 Rosales
54 & 55 Alaminos
24
Judicial Matters
56 & 57 San Carlos City

* 70 Burgos
x x x x
“FOURTH JUDICIAL REGION - 96 Branches
“BATANGAS - 19 Branches
1 to 4 Batangas City
* 83 & 84 Batangas City
5 Lemery
** 6 to 8 Tanauan
* 85 Tanauan
9 to 11 Balayan
12 & 13 Lipa City
14 Nasugbu
* 86 Rosario
* 87 Taal
x x x x
“LAGUNA - 17 Branches
24 & 25 Biñan
26 to 28 Sta. Cruz
* 91 Sta. Cruz
29 to 32 San Pablo City
33 Siniloan
34 to 37 Calamba
* 92 Calamba
* 93 San Pedro
x x x x
“PALAWAN - 7 Branches
47 to 52 Puerto Princesa
City
* 95 Roxas

** Branches 7 & 8 hold office and court sessions at Batangas City pursuant to the
resolution dated April 28, 1983 (A.M. No. 83-3-107 IBP).
** Brooke’s Point
** Coron
25
“FIFTH JUDICIAL REGION - 65 Branches
x x x x
“CAMARINES SUR - 27 Branches

19 to 28 Naga City
* 56 & 57 Naga City
29 Libmanan
30 Tigaon
31 to 33 Pili
34 to 37 Iriga City
* 58 San Jose
* 59 Buhi
* 60 Nabua
* 61 Sipocot
* 62 Ragay
* 63 Calabanga
x x x x
“EIGHT JUDICIAL REGION - 41 Branches
x x x x
“SAMAR - 9 Branches
27 to 29 Catbalogan
30 Basay
31 & 32 Calbayog City
33 Calbiga
* 40 Tarangnan
* 41 Gandara
x x x x
“TENTH JUDICIAL REGION - 44 Branches
x x x x

** Salas for these 2 municipalities will be assigned later.
“MISAMIS ORIENTAL- 19 Branches

17 to 25 Cagayan de Oro City
26
Judicial Matters
* 37 to 41 Cagayan de Oro City

26 Medina
* 42 Medina
27 Gingoog City
* 43 Gingoog City
* 44 Initao
x x x x
SURIGAO DEL NORTE- 4 Branches

29 & 30 Surigao City
31 Dapa
32 Dinagat Island
x x x x
Let this Administrative Order amending Administrative Order No. 11-92 be

published in a newspaper of general circulation for the information of the public.
February 25, 1992.

Chief Justice
4. Special Courts
a. Family Courts
CIRCULAR NO. 11-99
TO : THE JUDGES AND CLERKS OF COURTS OF THE REGIONAL

TRIAL COURTS, METROPOLITAN TRIAL COURTS, MUNICIPAL
TRIAL COURTS IN CITIES, MUNICIPAL TRIAL COURTS AND
MUNICIPAL CIRCUIT TRIAL COURTS
SUBJECT : TRANSFER TO THE REGIONAL TRIAL COURTS OF CASES

FALLING WITHIN THE JURISDICTION OF THE FAMILY COURTS
FROM THE METROPOLITAN TRIAL COURTS, MUNICIPAL TRIAL
COURTS IN CITIES, MUNICIPAL TRIAL COURTS AND MUNICIPAL
CIRCUIT TRIAL COURTS
For the information and guidance of all concerned, quoted hereunder is the
resolution of the Court En Banc dated February 9, 1999 in A.M. No. 99-1-13-SC- Re:
27
Transfer to Regional Trial Courts of Cases Falling within the Jurisdiction of the Family
Courts from the Metropolitan Trial Courts, Municipal Trial Courts in Cities, Municipal
Trial Courts and Municipal Circuit Trial Courts.
“WHEREAS, Section 32 of the Judiciary Reorganization Act of 1980, as

amended by Republic Act No. 7691, provides, on the one hand, that the
Metropolitan Trial Courts, Municipal Trial Courts in Cities, Municipal Trial
Courts and Municipal Circuit Trial Courts shall exercise exclusive original
jurisdiction over, among others, ‘all offenses punishable with imprisonment not
exceeding six (6) years irrespective of the amount of fine, and regardless of other
imposable accessory or other penalties, including the civil liability arising from
such offenses or predicated thereon, irrespective of kind, nature, value or
amount thereof xxx.’
WHEREAS, on the other hand, Section 5 of Republic Act No 8369,

otherwise known as the Family Courts Act of 1997, provides that the Family
Courts shall have original jurisdiction to hear and decide the following cases,
regardless of the penalty imposable by law:
‘a) Criminal cases where one or more of the accused is below

eighteen (18) years of age but not less than nine (9) years of age, or
one or more of the victims is a minor at the time of the commission
of the offense. Xxx
h) Cases against minors cognizable under the Dangerous Drugs

Act, as amended; [and]
i) Violations of Republic Act No. 7610, otherwise known as the

‘Special Protection of Children Against Child Abuse, Exploitation
and Discrimination Act,’ as amended by Republic Act No. 7658.’
WHEREAS, pending the constitution and organization of the Family

Courts and the designation of branches of the Regional Trial Courts as Family
Courts in accordance with Section 17 (Transitory Provisions) of R.A. No. 8369,
there is need to provide guidelines in the hearing and determination of criminal
cases falling within the jurisdiction of Family Courts which have heretofore been
filed with first level courts.
NOW, THEREFORE, the Court has RESOLVED, as it hereby resolves,

that all criminal cases within the jurisdiction of the Family Courts filed with the
first level courts shall be transferred to the Regional Trial Courts which shall
take cognizance thereof as follows:
Section 1. Inventory of cases. – All judges of Metropolitan Trial Courts,

Municipal Trial Courts in Cities, Municipal Trial Courts and Municipal Circuit
Trial Courts shall cause (1) the taking of an inventory within ten (10) days from
receipt of a copy of this issuance of all criminal cases falling within the
jurisdiction of the Family Courts filed with their respective courts; and (2) the
preparation of the appropriate inventory list. The list shall indicate the case
number and the status of each case – whether for pre-trial, trial or submitted for
28
Judicial Matters
decision. A copy of the list shall be submitted to the Court Management Office
(Attention: The Chief, Statistical Reports Division) of the Office of the Court
Administrator.
Sec. 2. Transfer of cases in provinces or cities with only a single sala

Regional Trial Court. – Where the Regional Trial Court of the province or city has
a single sala, judges of the Municipal Trial Courts in Cities, Municipal Trial
Courts and Municipal Circuit Trial Courts within the administrative area of the
said Regional Trial Court shall forward the listed cases, together with the
corresponding records, to the Regional Trial Court within five (5) days from the
completion of the inventory, except the cases which have already been
submitted for decision as of the effectivity of this Resolution.
Sec. 3. Transfer of cases in provinces or cities with multiple sala Regional

Trial Court. – Where the Regional Trial Court of the province or city has two (2)
or more branches, judges of the Metropolitan Trial Courts, Municipal Trial
Courts in Cities, Municipal Trial Courts, and Municipal Circuit Trial Courts
within the administrative area of the said Regional Trial Court shall submit the
listed cases, together with the corresponding records, except the cases which
have already been submitted for decision as of the effectivity of this Resolution,
to the Executive Judge of the Regional Trial Court. The said Executive Judge
shall then effect the distribution of the listed cases to the branch or branches of
the Regional Trial Court designated to handle juvenile and domestic relations
cases and cases involving youthful offenders.
(a) In case only one (1) branch of the Regional Trial Court has
been designated to handle juvenile and domestic relations
cases and cases involving youthful offenders, the Executive
Judge shall cause the transfer of the listed cases to the
Regional Trial Court branch so designated immediately after
receipt of the records.
(b) In case of two (2) or more branches of the Regional Trial

Court have been designated to handle the aforementioned
cases, the Executive Judge shall, within ten (10) days from
receipt of the records, conduct the raffle, with notice to the
parties, and distribute the cases, together with the records to
the Regional Trial Court branches involved.
(c) In provinces or cities with multiple-sala Regional Trial Court

but no branch or branches thereof have been designated to
handle juvenile and domestic relations cases or cases
involving youthful offenders, the Executive Judge shall
conduct the appropriate raffle and distribute the said cases,
together with the records, to the branches of the Regional
Trial Court within (10) days from receipt of such records.
Sec. 4. Resolution of and decision on cases already submitted for decision.

– Cases which have already been submitted for decision before the effectivity of
this Resolution in Metropolitan Trial Courts, Municipal Trial Courts in Cities,
29
Municipal Trial Courts, and Municipal Circuit Trial Courts in which they have
been filed and heard shall be resolved by such courts, as the case may be.
Sec. 5. Publication and effectivity. – This Resolution shall take effect on 1

March 1999 and shall be published in two (2) newspapers of general circulation
in the Philippines before 15 February 1999.
Promulgated this 9th day of February, 1999.”
February 23, 1999.

Court Administrator
EN BANC RESOLUTION
A.M. NO. 99-11-07-SC
DESIGNATION OF CERTAIN BRANCHES OF THE

REGIONAL TRIAL COURTS AS FAMILY COURTS
To implement the provisions of Section 17 of Republic Act No. 8369, otherwise

known as the “Family Courts Act of 1997,” and in the interest of the expeditious
effective and efficient administration of justice, and subject to the guidelines herein set
forth, the following branches of the Regional Trial Courts are hereby designated as
Family Courts which shall exclusively try and decide the cases subject of Section 5 of
said Act:
NATIONAL CAPITAL JUDICIAL REGION Pasay City25

Manila26 (7) Br. 150, Judge Lilia Cruz Lopez
(1) Br. 29, Judge Cielito M. Grulla
(2) Br. 37, Judge Vicente A. Hidalgo Kalookan City27
(3) Br. 48, Judge Nimfa C. Vilches (8) Br. 130, Judge Jaime T. Hamoy
Quezon City28 Makati City

(4) Br. 94, Judge Romeo F. Zamora (9) Br. 140, Judge Leticia P. Morales
(5) Br. 106, Judge Natividad G. Dizon (10) Br. 144, Judge Candido P. Villanueva
(6) Br. 107, Judge Rosalina L. Pison
25
Branch 113 is designated as an additional Family Court in the Resolution of the First Division
dated December 4, 2000 in A.M. No. 00-10-515-RTC.
26
The following branches of the Regional Trial Court are designated as additional Family Courts
in the En Banc Resolution dated August 22, 2000 in A.M. No. 99-11-07-SC: (1) Branch 4, Judge Soccoro
B. Inting; (2) Branch 9, Judge Amelia T. Infante; (3) Branch 38, Judge Priscilla B. Padilla; and (4) Branch
43, Judge Manuela Florendo Lorenzo.
27
Branch 124 is designated as an additional Family Court in the En Banc Resolution dated
October 16, 2001 in A.M. No. 99-11-07-SC.
28
The following branches of the Regional Trial Court are designated as additional Family Courts
in the En Banc Resolution dated Feburuary 6, 2000 in A.M. No. 99-11-07-SC: (1) Branch 84, Judge
Mariflor Punzalan Castillo; (2) Branch 86, Judge Teodoro A. Bay; (3) Branch 88, Judge Abednego O. Adre;
(4) Branch 89, Judge Elsa I. De Guzman.
30
Judicial Matters
Pasig City THIRD JUDICIAL REGION

(11) Br. 159, Judge Rodolfo R. Bonifacio Malolos, Bulacan
(12) Br. 162, Judge Erlinda P. Uy (28) Br. 13, Judge Andres B. Soriano
(13) Br. 261, Judge Agnes R. Carpio
Cabanatuan City
Malabon (29) Br. 26, Judge Johnson L. Ballutay,

(14) Br. 169, Judge Emmanuel D. Laurea (APJ)
Valenzuela City Sto. Domingo, Nueva Ecija

(15) Br. 172, Judge Floro P. Alejo (30) Br. 88, Judge Cholita B. Santos
Las Piñas City Angeles City

(16) Br. 254, Judge Manuel B. Fernandez, Jr. (31) Br. 60, Judge Ofelia T. Pinto
Parañaque City San Fernando, Pampanga

(17) Br. 260, Judge Helen Bautista-Ricafort (32) Br. 45, Judge Adelaida Ala Medina
Olongapo City
(33) Br. 73, Judge Alicia Lumbay Santos
FIRST JUDICIAL REGION FOURTH JUDICIAL REGION

Baguio City Batangas City
(18) Br. 4, Judge Amado S. Caguioa (34) Br. 1, Judge Conrado C. Genilo, Jr.
La Trinidad, Benguet Lipa City

(19) Br. 9, Judge Francis A. Baliyat (35) Br. 85, Judge Avelino G. Demetria
Laoag City Cavite City

(20) Br. 11, Judge Perla B. Querubin (36) Br. 17, Judge Manuel A. Mayo (APJ)
San Fernando, La Union San Pablo City

(21) Br. 66, Judge Adolfo F. Alagar (37) Br. 30, Judge Marivic B. Umali
Dagupan City Sta. Cruz, Laguna

(22) Br. 43, Judge Silverio Q. Castillo (38) Br. 26, Judge Pablo B. Francisco
Urdaneta City Puerto Princesa City

(23) Br. 49, Judge Rodrigo G. Nabor (39) Br. 50, Judge Nelia Y. Fernandez
Lingayen, Pangasinan Lucena City

(24) Br. 68, Judge Salvador P. Vedaña (40) Br. 54, Judge Abello M. Marte
SECOND JUDICIAL REGION Antipolo City

Tuguegarao City (41) Br. 72, Judge Rogelio L. Angeles
(25) Br. 4, Judge Lyliha A. Aquino
FIFTH JUDICIAL REGION
Santiago City Legaspi City
(26) Br. 21, Judge Fe Albano Madrid (42) Br. 9, Judge Antonio C. Alfane
Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya Tabaco, Albay
31
(27) Br. 29, Judge Gil L. Valdez (43) Br. 16, Judge Cesar A. Bordeos
32
Judicial Matters
Naga City NINTH JUDICIAL REGION

(44) Br. 20, Judge Marino Bodiao Dipolog City
(59) Br. 7, Judge Soledad A. Acaylar
Masbate, Masbate
(45) Br, 48, Judge Jacinta B. Tambago Pagadian City
(60) Br. 22, Judge Harun B. Ismael
Sorsogon, Sorsogon
(46) Br. 51, Judge Jose L. Madrid Zamboanga City
(61) Br. 15, Judge Vicente L. Cabatingan
SIXTH JUDICIAL REGION
Kalibo, Aklan TENTH JUDICIAL REGION
(47) Br. 3, Judge Sheila Martelino Cortez Butuan City
(62) Br. 1, Judge Marissa Macaraig Guillen
Roxas City
(48) Br. 14, Judge Salvador S. Gubaton Oroquieta City
(63) Br. 13, Judge Ma. Nimfa Penaco-Sitaca
Iloilo City
(49) Br. 27, Judge Ma. Elena G. Opinion Cagayan de Oro City
(50) Br. 30, Judge Adriano S. Savillo (64) Br. 22, Judge Francisco L. Calingin
(65) Br. 37, Judge Jose L. Escobido
Bacolod City
(51) Br. 52, Judge Anastacio B. Rufon ELEVENTH JUDICIAL REGION
Davao City
San Carlos City (66) Br. 8, Judge Salvador M. Ibarreta, Jr.
(52) Br. 58, Judge Abraham D. Caña (67) Br. 12, Judge Paul T. Arcangel
SEVENTH JUDICIAL REGION TWELFTH JUDICIAL REGION

Tagbilaran City Iligan City
(53) Br. 1, Judge Teofilo D. Baluma (68) Br. 2, Judge Maximo B. Ratunil
Cebu City Marawi City

(54) Br. 22, Judge Pampio A. Abarintos (69) Br. 9, Judge Amer R. Ibrahim
(55) Br. 24, Judge Olegario R. Sarmiento, Jr.
Dumaguete City
(56) Br. 31, Judge Rogelio L. Carampatan
EIGHT JUDICIAL REGION

Tacloban City
(57) Br. 7, Judge Leonilo B. Apita
Catbalogan, Samar
(58) Br. 27, Judge Sinforiano A. Monsanto
The following guidelines shall be observed:
Section 1. In stations where no branches of the Regional Trial Court are herein
designated as Family Courts, the cases falling within the jurisdiction of the Family
Courts shall be raffled among the branches of the Regional Trial Court within the
same station which then shall try and decide such cases according to existing
33
issuances. However, the branches of the Regional Trial Court in these stations which
have previously been designated to try and decide juvenile and domestic relations
cases and cases involving youthful offenders shall continue to take cognizance of such
cases.
Sec. 2. In stations where branches of the Regional Trial Court are herein designated
as Family Courts, all the judges of the Regional Trial Court shall cause the conduct of
an inventory of all pending cases within ten (10) working days from receipt of a copy of
this Resolution. Two (2) lists (see enclosed forms) shall be prepared during the
inventory: (a) a list of cases falling within the jurisdiction of the Family Court; and (b)
a list of cases outside the jurisdiction of the Family Court. The lists shall indicate the
docket number and the status of each case – whether for pre-trial, trial or submitted
for decision.
A. The judge of the branch designated as Family Court shall:
(1) Retain the cases falling within the jurisdiction of the Family Court; and
(2) Submit the list of cases outside the jurisdiction of the Family Court,
except the cases where the trial has already begun as provided for in
Section 3 hereof, to the Executive Judge for the redistribution of the
listed cases among the remaining branches of the Regional Trial Court
within the same station. The redistribution of the cases shall be
effected through raffle, and after notice to the parties. Thereafter, the
records of the cases shall be transmitted to the branches of the
Regional Trial Court to which they have been raffled.
Copies of the lists of the segregated cases and the minutes and the
results of the raffle shall be submitted within ten (10) days after the
raffle to the Court Management Office of the Office of the Court
Administrator.
B. The judges of the remaining branches of the Regional Trial Court shall:
(1) Retain cases outside the jurisdiction of the Family Court; and
(2) Submit the list of cases falling within the jurisdiction of the Family
Court, except the cases where the trial has already begun as provided
for in Section 3 hereof, to the Executive Judge for the unloading of the
listed cases to the branch which has been designated as Family Court.
However, in stations where two (2) or more branches of the Regional
Trial Court have been designated as Family Courts, the cases falling
within the jurisdiction of the said courts shall be raffled among such
designated branches. The records of the cases shall then be
transmitted to such designated branch or branches, as the case may
be.
34
Judicial Matters
Copies of the lists of the segregated cases and the minutes and the
results of the raffle shall be submitted within ten (10) days after
the raffle to the Court Management Office of the Office of the Court
Administrator.
Sec. 3. Cases where trial has already begun shall continue to be heard by the
respective branches to which they have been originally assigned. For purposes hereof,
the trial of a criminal case is considered to have already begun when the accused or
any of them had already been arraigned. The trial of a civil case is considered to have
already begun when pre-trial had already been conducted and a pre-trial order issued.
Sec. 4. The branches of the Regional Trial Court designated as Family Courts shall
continue to perform their duties and functions as such within the purview of this
Resolution even after they shall have become vacant due to the retirement, death,
incapacity, dismissal, resignation, transfer, detail or promotion of the incumbent
judges appointed/designated to preside over them; and their successors, whether
permanent or temporary, shall act as Presiding Judges of these designated Family
Courts, until the Family Courts shall have been actually established in accordance
with the provisions of Section 3 of Republic Act No. 8369 unless such authority is
sooner revoked by the Supreme Court.
Sec. 5. In stations where two (2) or more branches of the Regional Trial Court have
been designated as Family Courts, in case of temporary incapacity, absence or
disability of the judge of the designated Family Court to perform his duties or his
inhibition, the pairing system for multiple sala stations subject of Circular No. 7 dated
23 September 1974, as amended shall apply.
In case the judge of the designated Family Court should be penalized in the
appropriate administrative disciplinary proceedings with suspension for a period of
more than three (3) months or in case of any permanent vacancy by reason of the
resignation, retirement, death, dismissal from the judicial service, transfer or
promotion of the judge of the designated Family Court, the pairing system herein
adverted shall likewise apply.
In stations where only one (1) branch of the Regional Trial Court has been
designated as Family Court, whenever any of the designated branch becomes vacant,
temporarily or permanently, for any of the reasons stated herein, the Chief Justice
shall designate a judge to temporarily preside over the said Family Court.
Sec. 6. This Resolution amends or supersedes any resolution, order, circular,

memorandum or issuance inconsistent herewith.
Sec. 7. This Resolution shall take effect on 1 March 2000, and shall be published in a
newspaper of general circulation not later than 15 February 2000.
35
Approved this 1st day of February 2000.
(Sgd.) HILARIO G. DAVIDE, JR.

Chief Justice
(Sgd.) JOSUE N. BELLOSILLO (Sgd.) JOSE A.R. MELO
Associate Justice Associate Justice
(Sgd.) REYNATO S. PUNO (Sgd.) JOSE C. VITUG
(Sgd.) SANTIAGO M. KAPUNAN (Sgd.) VICENTE V. MENDOZA
(Sgd.) ARTEMIO V. PANGANIBAN (Sgd.) LEONARDO A. QUISUMBING
(Sgd.) FIDEL P. PURISIMA (Sgd.) BERNARDO P. PARDO
(Sgd.) ARTURO B. BUENA (Sgd.) MINERVA P. GONZAGA-REYES
(Sgd.) CONSUELO YNARES-SANTIAGO (Sgd.) SABINO R. DE LEON, JR.
b. Criminal Courts
CIRCULAR NO. 20
TO : COURT OF APPEALS, SANDIGANBAYAN, COURT OF TAX

APPEALS, REGIONAL TRIAL COURTS, METROPOLITAN TRIAL
COURTS, MUNICIPAL TRIAL COURTS IN CITIES, MUNICIPAL
TRIAL COURTS, MUNICIPAL CIRCUIT TRIAL COURTS, SHARI'A
DISTRICT COURTS AND SHARI'A CIRCUIT COURTS
SUBJECT : DESIGNATION OF CERTAIN BRANCHES OF THE REGIONAL

TRIAL COURTS TO HANDLE EXCLUSIVELY CERTAIN CRIMINAL
CASES
The trial judge has the primary responsibility to minimize delay and to dispense
swift justice. This is especially true in criminal cases involving serious offenses where
a strong and adequate response from the courts by way of speedy trial and judgment
can serve to deter criminal elements.
The Circuit Criminal Courts which were set up on September 8, 1967 under
Republic Act No. 5179 served this purpose. Accordingly, under the authority of
Section 23 of Batas Pambansa Blg. 129, certain branches of the Regional Trial Court
of the National Capital Judicial Region and of such other regions where the need
therefor may arise shall be designated as SPECIAL CRIMINAL COURTS to try
exclusively the following criminal cases:
1. Violations of Presidential Decree No. 1866, codifying the laws of

illegal/unlawful possession, manufacture, dealing in, acquisition
36
Judicial Matters
or disposition of, firearms, ammunitions, explosives or

instruments used in the manufacture of firearms, ammunitions or
explosives;
2. Violations of Executive Order No. 276 known as the "Anti-

Subversion Act", where the imposable penalty for the offense
charged is prision correccional or higher;
3. Crimes against public order (e.g. rebellion, sedition, etc.), defined

in the Revised Penal Code, as amended;
4. Violations of the Dangerous Drugs Act of 1972, as amended,

cognizable by Regional Trial Courts under Batas Pambansa Blg.
129;
5. Violations of the Anti-Carnapping Act of 1972; and
6. All others offenses defined in the Revised Penal Code or Special

Laws where the imposable penalty is reclusion perpetua or life
imprisonment or higher, whether simple or complex, and other
offenses which, although not so punished, arose out of the same
occurrence or were committed by the accused on the same
occasion as that which is punishable by reclusion perpetua or
higher, whether the accused are charged as principal, accomplice
or accessory; Provided, however, that where the offense charged is
a complex crime and only the lesser offense which is punishable
by a penalty less than reclusion perpetua is proved, the Court
shall not dismiss the same and impose the corresponding penalty.
Special rules shall govern the trial and disposition of these cases. These rules
are as follows:
1. The trial of these cases shall continue from day to day as far as
practicable until terminated, and judgment thereon shall be
rendered within thirty (30) days from the time the case is
submitted for decision, unless a shorter period is otherwise
provided by law, such as the fifteen-day period provided in the
Dangerous Drugs Act. The filing of the memoranda after trial shall
not be required or allowed.
2. Upon issuance of the designations, the SPECIAL CRIMINAL

COURTS so designated shall not be assigned cases other than
criminal cases herein above enumerated and all other cases
pending in these branches, whether civil or criminal, shall be
redistributed by raffle to other branches by the Executive Judge,
except those already submitted for decision and those criminal
37
cases covered by this Circular which are already pending trial in

said branches.
3. All the criminal cases covered by this Circular wherein trial has
already commenced shall remain in their respective branches
where they were originally assigned. In appropriate cases,
however, when the interests of justice so require, the case may be
transferred to the SPECIAL CRIMINAL COURTS after study and
favorable recommendation by the Executive Judge.
4. Whenever necessary to carry out the objectives of this Circular,

the Court may assign any other Regional Trial Court Judge to
another judicial region to assist in the trial and disposition of any
of the above enumerated criminal cases.
5. Where no specified branch is designated as a SPECIAL CRIMINAL

COURT, the above enumerated cases shall be raffled among the
branches of the same station which shall try and decide the same,
subject to Rule No. 1 hereof.
This Circular shall take effect immediately.
August 7, 1987.
(Sgd.) CLAUDIO TEEHANKEE
Chief Justice
c. Special Courts for Violations of the Forestry Law
RE: SPECIAL COURTS FOR FORESTRY LAW VIOLATIONS (P.D. 705)
In the interest of an efficient administration of justice and pursuant to Sec. 23

of B.P. Blg. 129, the following Regional Trial Court branches are hereby DESIGNATED
to exclusively try and decide cases of violations of P.D. 705 (FORESTRY LAW),
committed within their respective territorial areas:
REGION I
No. NAME STATION
1.Hon. Francisco Villarta, Jr. Br. 1, Bangued, Abra

2.Hon. Salvador J. Valdez, Jr. 5, Baguio City
3.Hon. Romeo A. Brawner 10, La Trinidad, Benguet
4.Hon. Perla Bascos Querubin 11, Laoag City
5.Hon. Alejandro C. Cabebe 18, Batac, Ilocos Norte
38
Judicial Matters
6.Hon. Efren O. Ramos 21, Vigan, Ilocos Sur

7.Hon. Braulio D. Yaranon 28, San Fernando, La Union
8.Hon. Marianito A. Licudan 31, Agoo, La Union
9.Hon. Manuel B. Bragado 35, Bontoc, Mt. Province
10.Hon. Eugenio G. Ramos 39, Lingayen, Pangasinan
11.Hon. Erna Falloran Aliposa 41, Dagupan City
12.Hon. Alicia B. Gonzales Decano 48, Urdaneta, Pangasinan
13.Hon. Ulysses R. Butuyan 51, Tayug, Pangasinan
14.Hon. Segundo B. Paz 54, Alaminos, Pangasinan
REGION II
15.Hon. Emerito M. Agcaoili Br. 9, Aparri, Cagayan

16.Hon. Orlando D. Beltran, Sr. 11, Tuao, Cagayan
17.Hon. Senen O. Casibang 17, Ilagan, Isabela
18.Hon. Artemio R. Alivia 19, Cauayan, Isabela
19.Hon. Jose B. Rosales 27, Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya
20.Hon. Gregorio A. Buenavista 31, Cabarroguis, Quirino
21.Hon. Milnar T. Lammawin 25, Tabuk, Kalinga-Apayao
REGION III
22.Hon. Benjamin T. Vianzon Br. 1, Balanga, Bataan

23.Hon. Natividad Giron Dizon 13, Malolos, Bulacan
24.Hon. Margarito P. Gervacio, Jr. 29, Cabanatuan City
25.Hon. Raymundo Z. Annang 31, Guimba, Nueva Ecija
26.Hon. Pedro T. Lagman 34, Gapan, Nueva Ecija
27.Hon. Reynaldo A. Alhambra 39, San Jose City
28.Hon. Teodoro A. Bay 41, San Fernando, Pampanga
29.Hon. Eduardo Roden E. Kapunan 51, Guagua, Pampanga
30.Hon. Reynaldo V. Roura 55, Macabebe, Pampanga
31.Hon. Mariano C. del Castillo 57, Angeles City
32.Hon. Augusto N. Felix 63, Tarlac, Tarlac
33.Hon. Rodolfo V. Toledano 69, Iba, Zambales
34.Hon. Alicia Lumboy Santos 73, Olongapo City
REGION IV
35.Hon. Conrado R. Antona Br. 4, Batangas City

36.Hon. Artemio S. Tipon 7, Tanauan, Batangas
37.Hon. Ernesto H. Gorospe 11, Balayan, Batangas
38.Hon. Rolando D. Diaz 17, Cavite City
39.Hon. Edelwina C. Pastoral 19, Bacoor, Cavite
40.Hon. Lucenito N. Tagle 20, Imus Cavite
41.Hon. Roy S. del Rosario 21, -do-
42.Hon. Roberto B. Romanillos 25, Biñan, Laguna
39
43.Hon. Zorayda H. Salcedo 27, Sta. Cruz, Laguna

44.Hon. Stella Cabuco Andres 31, San Pablo City
45.Hon. Norberto Y. Geraldez 36, Calamba, Laguna
46.Hon. Marciano T. Virola 39, Calapan, Mindoro Or.
47.Hon. Restituto L. Aguilar 45, San Jose, Mindoro Occ.
48.Hon. Eustaquio Z. Gacott, Jr. 47, Pto. Princesa City
49.Hon. Federico A. Tañada 57, Lucena City
50.Hon. Proceso K. de Gala 61, Gumaca, Quezon
51.Hon. Herculano S.A. Tech 70, Binangonan, Rizal
52.Hon. Rogelio L. Angeles 72, Antipolo, Rizal
53.Hon. Andres B. Reyes, Jr. 75, San Mateo, Rizal
54.Hon. Arturo A. Marave 78, Morong, Rizal
REGION V
55.Hon. Romeo S. Dañas Br. 1, Legaspi City

56.Hon. Jose S. Sañez 13, Ligao, Albay
57.Hon. Rhodie A. Nidea 16, Tabaco, Albay
58.Hon. Jose R. Panday 27, Naga City
59.Hon. Benjamin B. Panga 33, Pili, Camarines Sur
60.Hon. Reno R. Gonzales 35, Iriga, Camarines Sur
61.Hon. Wenifredo A. Armenta 41, Daet, Camarines Norte
62.Hon. Nilo D. Barsaga 42, Virac, Catanduanes
63.Hon. Manuel S. Pecson 50, San Jacinto, Masbate
64.Hon. Eduarlio B. Valencia 52, Sorsogon, Sorsogon
REGION VI
65.Hon. Sheila Martelino Cortez Br. 3, Kalibo, Aklan

66.Hon. Benjamin P. Martinez 11, San Jose, Antique
67.Hon. David A. Alfeche, Jr. 15, Roxas City
68.Hon. Julius L. Abela 21, Mambusao, Capiz
69.Hon. Jose G. Abdallah 39, Iloilo City
70.Hon. Anastacio Lobaton 44, Bacolod City
REGION VII
71.Hon. Meinrado P. Paredes Br.13, Cebu City

72.Hon. Godardo A. Jacinto 16, -do-
73.Hon. Teodoro K. Risos 27, Lapu-Lapu City
74.Hon. Mercedes Gozo Dadole 28, Mandaue City
75.Hon. Rosendo B. Bandal, Jr. 34, Dumaguete City
REGION VIII
76.Hon. Feliciano C. Lozada Br. 4, Dolores, East. Sama
40
Judicial Matters
77. Hon. Leodegario U. Alimangohan 8, Tacloban City

78. Hon. Cesar R. Cinco 19, Catarman, North. Samar
79. Hon. Tomas B. Noynay 21, Laoang, -do-
80. Hon. Auxencio C. Dacuycuy 29, Catbalogan City
REGION IX
81. Hon. Pacifico M. Garcia Br. 8, Dipolog City
REGION X
82.Hon. Ricardo S. Castillo Br. 5, Butuan City

83. Hon. Evangeline V. Yuipco 6, Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur
84. Hon. Vivencio P. Estrada 8, Malaybalay, Bukidnon
85. Hon. Ma. Nimfa P. Sitaca 13, Oroquieta City
86. Hon. Anthony E. Santos 19, Cagayan de Oro City
87. Hon. Carlo H. Lozada 30, Surigao City
REGION XI
88. Hon. Bernardo B. Saludares Br. 1, Tagum, Davao del Norte

89. Hon. Ricardo M. Berba 5, Mati, Davao Oriental
90. Hon. Milagros C. Nartatez 8, Davao City
91. Hon. Jesus V. Matas 18, Digos, Davao del Sur
92. Hon. Jose L. Orlino 23, Gen. Santos City
93. Hon. Rodolfo C. Soledad 24, Koronadal, So. Cotabato
REGION XII
94. Hon. Felipe G. Javier, Jr. Br. 4, Iligan City

95. Hon. Yusoph K. Pangadapun 10, Marawi City
96. Hon. Moslemen T. Macarambon 12, Malabang, Lanao del Sur
97. Hon. Emmanuel D. Badoy 13, Cotabato City
1. The trial of these cases shall continue from day to day as far as practicable
and shall be terminated within sixty (60) days from initial trial. The judgment thereon
shall be rendered within thirty (30) days from the time the case is submitted for
decision.
2. All the cases covered by this Order wherein trial has already commenced
shall remain in their respective branches where they were originally assigned. In
appropriate cases, however, when the interests of justice so require, the case may be
transferred to the branches so designated after study and favorable recommendation
by the Executive Judge.
41
3. The Executive Judge of the designated Special Court Judge shall exclude
them from the raffle of new cases whenever in the judgment of the Executive Judge
their caseload shall prevent them from attending to the daily trials of their special
cases.
This Order shall take effect immediately.
August 19, 1993.

Chief Justice
d. Special Courts for Violations of Intellectual Property Rights
RE: DESIGNATION OF SPECIAL COURTS FOR INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY

RIGHTS
In the interest of an efficient administration of justice and to ensure speedy

disposition of cases involving violation of Intellectual Property Rights, the following
Branches of the Regional Trial Courts, Metropolitan Trial Courts and Municipal Trial
Courts in Cities, presently presided over by their respective trial judges as herein
below indicated, are hereby specially designated to try and decide cases for violations
of Intellectual Property Rights such as, but not limited to, violations of Art. 188 of the
Revised Penal Code (Substituting and Altering Trademarks, Trade Names, or Service
Marks), Art. 189 of the Revised Penal Code (Unfair Competition, Fraudulent
Registration of Trade Name, Trademark or Service Mark, Fraudulent Designation of
Origin, and False Description), Presidential Decree No. 49 (Protection of Intellectual
Property Rights), Presidential Decree No. 87 (An Act Creating the Videogram
Regulatory Board), Republic Act No. 165 as amended (The Patent Law), and Republic
Act 166 as amended (The Trademark Law) committed within their respective territorial
areas:
REGIONAL TRIAL COURT
National Capital Region
Name Branch Station
Hon. Rebecca de Guia-Salvador 129 Manila

Hon. Reynaldo B. Daway 90 Quezon City
29
The designation of Branch 1 is revoked and is substituted by Branch 24 pursuant to the En
Banc Resolution dated February 19, 2002 in A.M. No. 02-1-11-SC. The following Regional Trial Courts
are also designated as Special Intellectual Property Courts: Region I – Branch 5, Baguio City; Branch 65,
Laoag City; Region II – Branch 6, Aparri, Cagayan; Region V – Branch 6, Legazpi City; Branch 26, Naga
City; Region VIII – Branch 34, Tacloban City; and Region XII – Branch 3, Iligan City.
42
Judicial Matters
Hon. Nemesio S. Felix 56 Makati City

Hon. Alfredo C. Flores 167 Pasig City
Hon. Aurora N. Reciña 119 Pasay City
Hon. Jaime T. Hamoy 130 Kalookan City
Hon. Benjamin T. Antonio 170 Malabon
Hon. Ruben P. dela Cruz 272 Marikina
Hon. Raul E. de Leon 258 Parañaque
Hon. Florentino M. Alumbres 255 Las Piñas
Hon. Alberto L. Lerma 256 Muntinlupa
Hon. Floro P. Alejo 172 Valenzuela
REGION III
Hon. Arturo G. Tayag 79 Malolos, Bulacan

Hon. Hermin E. Arceo 43 San Fernando, Pampanga
Hon. Eliezer R. delos Santos 59 Angeles City
REGION IV
Hon. Mario V. Lopez 2 Batangas City

Hon. Jane Aurora C. Lantion 13 Lipa City
Hon. Francisco D. Paño 93 San Pedro, Laguna
Hon. Marivic B. Umali 30 San Pablo City
Hon. Antonio M. Eugenio, Jr. 34 Calamba, Laguna
Hon. Rodrigo V. Cosico 24 Biñan, Laguna
REGION VI
Hon. Jose G. Abdallah 39 Iloilo City

Hon. Anastacio I. Lobaton 44 Bacolod City
REGION VII
Hon. Benigno G. Gaviola 9 Cebu City
REGION IX
Hon. Vicente L. Cabatingan 15 Zamboanga City
REGION X
Hon. Arcadio D. Fabria 21 Cagayan de Oro City
43
REGION XI
Hon. Augusto V. Breva 10 Davao City
METROPOLITAN TRIAL COURT/ MUNICIPAL TRIAL COURT IN CITIES30
Hon. Amelia A. Fabros 9 Manila

Hon. Susanita M. Parker 40 Quezon City
Hon. Estrellita M. Paas 44 Pasay City
Hon. Delfina H. Santiago 52 Kalookan City
Hon. Ma. Luisa Q. Padilla 60 Mandaluyong City
Hon. Ernesto T. Trinidad 63 Makati City
Hon. Alex L. Quiroz 69 Pasig City
Hon. Alex E. Ruiz 76 Marikina
REGION III
Hon. Orlando C. Paguio 1 Meycauayan, Bulacan

Hon. Mario B. Capellan 1 Malolos, Bulacan
Hon. Rodrigo R. Flores 2 San Fernando, Pampanga
Hon. Aida E. Layug 3 Angeles City
Hon. Eduardo D. Alfonso, Jr. 5 Olongapo City
REGION IV
Hon. Ruben A. Galvez 1 Batangas City

Hon. Amalia S. Cuapiaco 1 Cavite City
REGION VI
Hon. Alfredo D. Hilario 1 Bacolod City

Hon. Alexis A. Zerrudo 4 Iloilo City
REGION VII
Hon. Antonio F. Paraguya 6 Cebu City
30
Considering that jurisdiction for violations of intellectual property rights is now confined
exclusively to the regional trial courts, the designation of metropolitan trial courts and municipal trial
courts in cities as special courts for such violations was withdrawn by Administrative Order No. 104-96
dated October 21, 1996.
44
Judicial Matters
REGION IX
Hon. Efren S. Mariano 2 Zamboanga City
REGION X
Hon. Antonio A. Orcullo 3 Cagayan de Oro City
REGION XI
Hon. Roberto Q. Cañete 5 Davao City
All single sala courts with which cases for violation of Intellectual Property
Rights are or may be filed shall take cognizance of them as if they have been
designated as special courts, and for that matter, shall give them priority in their trial
calendars.
The trial of cases for violation of Intellectual Property Rights covered by this
Administrative Order shall be immediately commenced and shall continue from day to
day to be terminated as far as practicable within sixty (60) days from initial trial.
Judgment thereon shall be rendered within thirty (30) days from date of submission
for decision.
All cases referred to herein where trial has already started shall remain in the
branches where they are presently assigned. However, cases where pre-trial has not
yet commenced shall be transferred immediately to the branches herein designated.
The Executive Judges of the Special Courts herein designated may exclude
such courts from the raffle of new cases whenever in their judgment the caseloads of
said Courts so designated shall not allow them to try these special cases with
efficiency and dispatch.
This Order shall take effect immediately and shall continue in effect until
further orders from this Court.
2 October 1995.
(Sgd.) FLORENTINO P. FELICIANO
Acting Chief Justice
e. Special Courts for Heinous Crimes Cases
RE : DESIGNATION OF SPECIAL COURTS FOR KIDNAPPING, ROBBERY,
45
CARNAPPING, DANGEROUS DRUGS CASES AND OTHER HEINOUS

CRIMES; INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS VIOLATIONS AND
JURISDICTION IN LIBEL CASES
Pursuant to Sec. 23 of B.P. Blg. 129, in the interest of a speedy and efficient
administration of justice, and subject to the guidelines hereinafter set forth, the
following Branches of the Regional Trial Courts, except as hereinunder provided, are
hereby designated exclusively to try and decide cases of –
Kidnapping and/or kidnapping for ransom, robbery in band, robbery

committed against a banking or financial institution, violation of the Dangerous
Drugs Act of 1972 as amended regardless of the quantity involved, 31 violation of
the Anti-Carnapping Act of 1972 as amended, and other heinous crimes, (R.A.
No. 7659) committed within their respective territorial jurisdictions:
NATIONAL CAPITAL JUDICIAL REGION
MANILA Br. 11, JUDGE ROBERTO A. BARRIOS

Br. 18, JUDGE PERFECTO A.S. LAGUIO, JR.
Br. 27, JUDGE EDGARDO P. CRUZ
Br. 41, JUDGE RODOLFO A.. PONFERRADA
Br. 53, JUDGE MAXIMO A. SAVELLANO
Br. 54, JUDGE MANUEL T. MURO

QUEZON CITY Br. 76, JUDGE MONINA A.. ZEÑAROSA
Br. 102, JUDGE PERLITA TRIA-TIRONA
Br. 86, JUDGE TEODORO A. BAY
Br. 103, JUDGE JAIME N. SALAZAR, JR.

Br. 95, JUDGE DIOSDADO M. PERALTA
Br. 219, JUDGE JOSE C. MENDOZA
PASAY CITY Br. 109, JUDGE LILIA C. LOPEZ
Br. 110,32 JUDGE PORFIRIO G. MACARAEG
Br. 114, JUDGE VICENTE L. YAP
Br. 116, JUDGE ALFREDO J. GUSTILLO

KALOOKAN CITY Br. 127, JUDGE MYRNA D. VIDAL
31
If the imposable penalty is reclusion perpetua to death, (amended by Circular No. 31-97 dated
May 15, 1997).
32
The designation of Branch 110 as a Special Court for Heinous Crimes was revoked upon its
designation as a Special Court for Drugs Cases regardless of the quantity of the drugs involved by the
Resolution of the First Division in Administrative Matter No. 00-10-515-RTC dated December 4, 2000.
46
Judicial Matters
Br. 128, JUDGE SILVESTRE H. BELLO, JR.

Br. 129 JUDGE BAYANI S. RIVERA
MAKATI CITY Br. 62, JUDGE ROBERTO C. DIOKNO
Br. 66, JUDGE ERIBERTO U. ROSARIO
Br. 36, JUDGE JOSE R. BAUTISTA
Br. 138, JUDGE SIXTO C. MARELLA
Br. 143, JUDGE DENNIS M. VILLA-IGNACIO
PASIG CITY Br. 156, JUDGE MARTIN S. VILLARAMA, JR
Br. 163, JUDGE AURELIO C. TRAMPE
Br. 166, JUDGE JESUS G. BERSAMINA
Br. 262, JUDGE GREGORY S. ONG

Br. 265, JUDGE EDWIN A. VILLASOR
MALABON Br. 72, JUDGE BENJAMIN A. AQUINO, JR.
Br. 170, JUDGE BENJAMIN T. ANTONIO

MARIKINA Br. 272, JUDGE REUBEN P. DE LA CRUZ
PARAÑAQUE Br. 259, JUDGE ZOSIMO V. ESCANO
LAS PIÑAS Br. 275, JUDGE BONIFACIO SANZ MACEDA
MUNTINLUPA CITY Br. 276, JUDGE NORMA C. PERELLO
VALENZUELA Br. 171, JUDGE ADRIANO R. OSORIO
FIRST JUDICIAL REGION
BANGUED Br. 2, JUDGE BENJAMIN A. BONGOLAN
BAGUIO CITY Br. 6, JUDGE RUBEN C. AYSON

LA TRINIDAD Br. 62, JUDGE FERNANDO P. CABATO
LAOAG CITY Br. 16, JUDGE CONRADO A. RAGUCOS

BATAC Br. 18, JUDGE ULPIANO I. CAMPOS
VIGAN Br. 23, JUDGE GAVINO B. BALBIN, JR.

SAN FERNANDO Br. 27, JUDGE VICENTE A. PACQUING
AGOO Br. 32, JUDGE LEO M. RAPATALO

BAUANG Br. 67, JUDGE JOSE G. PANEDA
BONTOC Br. 35, JUDGE MANUEL B. BRAGADO
LINGAYEN Br. 39, JUDGE EUGENIO G. RAMOS
DAGUPAN CITY Br. 42, JUDGE LUIS M. FONTANILLA
URDANETA Br. 46, JUDGE MODESTO C. JUANSON
TAYUG Br. 51, JUDGE ULYSSES R. BUTUYAN

ALAMINOS Br. 54, JUDGE JULES A. MEJIA
SAN CARLOS CITY Br. 57, JUDGE BIENVENIDO R. ESTRADA
47
SECOND JUDICIAL REGION
TUGUEGARAO Br. 3, JUDGE LORETO C. PURUGGANAN

APARRI Br. 8, JUDGE SEGUNDO B. CATRAL
ILAGAN Br. 17, JUDGE SENEN O. CASIBANG
CAUAYAN Br. 19, JUDGE ARTEMIO R. ALIVIA
SANTIAGO CITY Br. 36, JUDGE EFREN A. LAMORENA
BAYOMBONG Br. 27, JUDGE JOSE B. ROSALES
BAMBANG Br. 30, JUDGE VINCENT EDEN C. PANAY
CABARROGUIS Br. 31, JUDGE WILFREDO P. AMBROSIO
THIRD JUDICIAL REGION
BALANGA Br. 3, JUDGE LORENZO R. SILVA, JR.

MALOLOS Br. 11, JUDGE BASILIO R. GABO, JR.
Br. 12, JUDGE CRISANTO C. CONCEPCION
CABANATUAN Br. 27, JUDGE FELICIANO V. BUENAVENTURA
GUIMBA Br. 33, JUDGE ROGELIO P. DE GUZMAN

GAPAN Br. 36, JUDGE ARTURO M. BERNARDO
STO. DOMINGO Br. 88, JUDGE CHOLITA BALBIN-SANTOS

SAN JOSE CITY Br. 39, JUDGE REYNALDO A. ALHAMBRA
SAN FERNANDO Br. 47, JUDGE EDGAR Y. CHUA
GUAGUA Br. 52, JUDGE JOSE G. MONTEMAYOR
MACABEBE Br. 55, JUDGE REYNALDO V. ROURA

ANGELES CITY Br. 59, JUDGE ELIEZER R. DE LOS SANTOS
TARLAC Br. 65, JUDGE ANGEL J. PARAZO
IBA Br. 69, JUDGE RODOLFO V. TOLEDANO
OLONGAPO CITY Br. 75, JUDGE LEOPOLDO T. CALDERON, JR.
FOURTH JUDICIAL REGION
BATANGAS CITY Br. 4, JUDGE CONRADO R. ANTONA

TANAUAN Br. 83, JUDGE VOLTAIRE Y. ROSALES
BALAYAN Br. 10, JUDGE FRANCHITO N. DIAMANTE
LIPA CITY Br. 12, JUDGE VICENTE F. LANDICHO

CAVITE CITY Br. 88, JUDGE CHRISTOPHER O. LOCK
BACOOR Br. 89, JUDGE EDUARDO I. TANGUANCO

IMUS Br. 21, JUDGE ROY S. DEL ROSARIO
48
Judicial Matters
BIÑAN Br. 25, JUDGE PABLO B. FRANCISCO (acting)

STA. CRUZ Br. 28, JUDGE FERNANDO M. PACLIBON, JR.
SAN PABLO CITY Br. 32, JUDGE ZORAYDA HERRADURA SALCEDO

CALAMBA Br. 26, JUDGE NORBERTO Y. GERALDEZ
SAN PEDRO Br. 31, JUDGE ESTELLA CABUCO ANDRES

BOAC Br. 94, JUDGE RODOLFO B. DIMAANO
CALAPAN Br. 40, JUDGE ARTURO R. QUIZON (acting)
PINAMALAYAN Br. 41, JUDGE NORMELITO J. BALLOCANG
SAN JOSE Br. 45, JUDGE ERNESTO P. PAGAYATAN (acting)

PUERTO PRINCESA CITY Br. 52, JUDGE FILOMENO A. VERGARA
LUCENA CITY Br. 53, JUDGE GUILLERMO R. ANDAYA
GUMACA Br. 61, JUDGE PROCESO K. DE GALA
BALER Br. 96, JUDGE REBECCA REYES-MARIANO

BINANGONAN Br. 67, JUDGE FELIX P. ADANZO
ANTIPOLO Br. 73, JUDGE MAURICIO M. RIVERA
SAN MATEO Br. 76, JUDGE JOSE C. REYES, JR.
MORONG Br. 79, JUDGE ALEJANDRO A. MARQUEZ
49
FIFTH JUDICIAL REGION
LEGASPI CITY Br. 3, JUDGE WENCESLAO R. VILLANUEVA, JR.
LIGAO Br. 13, JUDGE JOSE S. SAÑEZ

TABACO Br. 15, JUDGE ARNULFO B. CABREDO
NAGA CITY Br. 28, JUDGE ANTONIO N. GERONA
LIBMANAN Br. 57, JUDGE THELMA CELEVANTE VILLAREAL
PILI Br. 32, JUDGE NILO A. MALANYAON

IRIGA CITY Br. 35, JUDGE RENO R. GONZALES
SAN JOSE (TIGAON) Br. 30, JUDGE ALFREDO A. CABRAL
DAET Br. 38, JUDGE SANCHO A. DAMES II
VIRAC Br. 42, JUDGE NILO D. BARSAGA
MASBATE Br. 44, JUDGE FELIMON C. ABELITA
SORSOGON Br. 52, JUDGE HONESTO A. VILLAMOR
SIXTH JUDICIAL REGION
KALIBO Br. 3, JUDGE SHIELA M. CORTEZ
SAN JOSE Br. 11, JUDGE NERY G. DUREMDES

ROXAS CITY Br. 19, JUDGE SERGIO L. PESTAÑO
ILOILO CITY Br. 23, JUDGE TITO G. GUSTILLO
Br. 25, JUDGE BARTOLOME M. FANUÑAL
Br. 35, JUDGE SEVERINO C. AGUILAR
BACOLOD CITY Br. 44, JUDGE ANASTACIO I. LOBATON

Br. 47, JUDGE EDGAR G. GARVILLES
Br. 53, JUDGE PEPITO B. GELLADA
HIMAMAYLAN Br. 55, JUDGE JOSE Y. AGUIRRE, JR.
SAN CARLOS CITY Br. 59, JUDGE ROBERTO S.A. JAVELLANA
SEVENTH JUDICIAL REGION
TAGBILARAN CITY Br. 2, JUDGE BAUDILLO K. DOSDOS

LAPU-LAPU CITY Br. 53, JUDGE BENEDICTO G. COBARDE
CEBU CITY Br. 7,33 JUDGE MARTIN A. OCAMPO
Br. 14, JUDGE RENATO C. DACUDAO
Br. 15,34 JUDGE GERMAN G. LEE, JR.
Br. 18, JUDGE GALICANO C. ARRIESGADO
33
The designation of Branch 7 as a special heinous crime court was revoked by the Resolution
dated April 11, 2000 of the Supreme Court En Banc in A.M. No. 00-4-03-SC (Re: Resolution Decreasing
the Number of Heinous Crimes Court in the Regional Trial Court of Cebu City).
50
Judicial Matters
Br. 24, JUDGE PRISCILA S. AGANA

MANDAUE CITY Br. 28, JUDGE MERCEDES GOZO DADOLE
TOLEDO CITY Br. 29, JUDGE GUALBERTO P. DELGADO
DUMAGUETE CITY Br. 32, JUDGE ELEUTERIO E. CHIU
Br. 34, JUDGE ROSENDO B. BANDAL, JR.
EIGHT JUDICIAL REGION
BORONGAN Br. 2, JUDGE PATERNO T. ALVAREZ

TACLOBAN CITY Br. 6, JUDGE GETULIO M. FRANCISCO
ORMOC CITY Br. 35, JUDGE FORTUNITO L. MADRONA
CARIGARA Br. 13, JUDGE ERIBERTO N. MACEDA
CATARMAN Br. 19, JUDGE CESAR R. CINCO
LAOANG Br. 21, JUDGE AUXENCIO C. DACUYCUY
MAASIN Br. 25, JUDGE NUMERIANO R.AVILA, JR.
CATBALOGAN Br. 29, JUDGE AUXENCIO C. DACUYCUY
CALBAYOG Br. 32, JUDGE CLEMENTE C. ROSALES (acting)
NINTH JUDICIAL REGION
ISABELA Br. 2, JUDGE SALVADOR A. MEMORACION

DIPOLOG CITY Br. 8, JUDGE PACIFICO M. GARCIA
ZAMBOANGA CITY Br. 16, JUDGE JESUS C. CABRON, JR.
PAGADIAN CITY Br. 20, JUDGE BRICCIO A. ALMEDA
TENTH JUDICIAL REGION
BUTUAN CITY Br. 4, JUDGE CIPRIANO B. ALVIZO, JR.

MALAYBALAY Br. 8, JUDGE VIVENCIO P. ESTRADA
OROQUIETA CITY Br. 12, JUDGE CELSO L. CONOL
OZAMIS CITY Br. 15, JUDGE PEDRO L. SUAN
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY Br. 18, JUDGE NAZARU U. CHAVEZ
Br. 19, JUDGE ANTHONY E. SANTOS
Br. 25, JUDGE NOLI T. CATLI
GINGOOG CITY Br. 43, JUDGE EDITHO C. LUCAGBO

SURIGAO CITY Br. 29, JUDGE ANDRES P. ENRIQUEZ
ELEVENTH JUDICIAL REGION
TAGUM Br. 30, JUDGE LUCILO C. RALLOS
MATI Br. 5, JUDGE RICARDO M. BERBA

34
The designation of Branch 15 was similarly revoked by the same Resolution stated in the
preceding footnote.
51
DAVAO CITY Br. 15, JUDGE JESUS R. QUINTAIN

Br. 17, JUDGE RENATO A. FUENTES
Br. 33, JUDGE WENCESLAO E.
IBABAO
DIGOS Br. 19, JUDGE HILARIO I. MAPAYO
GENERAL SANTOS CITY Br. 35, JUDGE ANTONIO S. ALANO
KORONADAL Br. 25, JUDGE FRANCISCO S. AMPIG, JR.
TANDAG Br. 40, JUDGE JESUS M. PRADO
TWELFTH JUDICIAL REGION
ILIGAN CITY Br. 6, JUDGE VALERIO M. SALAZAR

MARAWI CITY Br. 10, JUDGE YUSOPH K. PANGADAPUN
MALABANG Br. 12, JUDGE MOSLEMEN T. MACARAMBON
COTABATO CITY Br. 13, JUDGE EMMANUEL D, BADOY
KABACAN Br. 22, JUDGE BRAULIO L. HURTADO
KIDAPAWAN Br. 17, JUDGE RODOLFO M. SERRANO
MIDSAYAP Br. 18, JUDGE______________________________
Violations of intellectual property rights such as, but not limited to,
violations of Art. 188 of the Revised Penal Code (substituting and altering
trademarks, trade names, or service marks), Art. 189 of the Revised Penal Code
(unfair competition, fraudulent registration of trademarks, trade names or
service marks, fraudulent designation of origin, and false description), P.D. No.
49 (protection of intellectual property rights), P.D. No. 87 (An Act Creating the
Videogram Regulatory Board), R.A. No. 165 as amended (The Patent Law), and
R.A. No. 166 as amended (The Trademark Law) shall be tried exclusively by the
regional trial courts in accordance with the established raffle scheme except
those covered by Administrative Order No. 113-95 dated 2 October 1995, in
which case, the designated Regional Trial Courts shall continue to observe the
provisions therein.
Considering that jurisdiction for violations of intellectual property rights

hereinbefore mentioned is now confined exclusively to the regional trial courts,
the designation of metropolitan trial courts and municipal trial courts in cities
under Administrative Order No. 113-95 is deleted and withdrawn.
Libel cases shall be tried by the Regional Trial Courts having jurisdiction
over them to the exclusion of the Metropolitan Trial Courts, Municipal Trial
Courts in Cities, Municipal Trial Courts and Municipal Circuit Trial Courts.
For purposes of this administrative order, all single sala courts are considered
52
Judicial Matters
special courts for all cases covered under pars. A and B herein, and for this reason,
shall give priority to these cases in their trial calendars.
The cases referred to herein shall undergo mandatory continuous trial and shall
be terminated within sixty (60) days from commencement of the trial. Judgment
thereon shall be rendered within thirty (30) days from the submission for decision
unless a shorter period is provided by law or otherwise directed by this Court.
Where trial has already begun, the same shall continue to be heard by the
respective branches to which they have been originally assigned. For purposes hereof,
a criminal case is considered begun when the accused or any of them has already
been arraigned; in a civil case, it is when pre-trial has already been conducted and a
pre-trial order issued.
The Executive Judges of the Regional Trial Courts concerned shall exclude
these designated Special Courts from the raffle of other cases, criminal and civil,
whenever in their judgment the caseload of these courts shall prevent them from
conducting daily trial of the special cases herein specified.
The Branches thus designated as Special Courts shall continue to perform their
functions as such within the purview of this Administrative Order even after the
retirement, transfer or detail of the incumbent judges appointed/designated to preside
over them. Their successors, whether permanent or temporary, shall act as Presiding
Judges of these Special Courts unless the Supreme Court otherwise directs.
No postponement or continuance shall be allowed except for clearly meritorious

reasons. Pleadings or motions found to have been filed for dilatory purposes shall
constitute direct contempt and shall be punished accordingly.
This Administrative Order amends or otherwise supersedes Adm. Order No.

173-94 dated 28 September 1994, Adm. Order No. 51-96 dated 3 May 1996, and Adm.
Order No. 113-95 dated 2 October 1995, and such other orders, circulars, memoranda
or issuances, if any, as may be inconsistent herewith.
This Order shall take effect fifteen [15] days after its publication in a newspaper
of general circulation.
21 October 1996.
Chief Justice
CIRCULAR NO. 31-97
TO : ALL JUDGES OF SPECIAL COURTS FOR KIDNAPPING,

ROBBERY, CARNAPPING, DANGEROUS DRUGS CASES AND
OTHER HEINOUS CRIMES
53
SUBJECT : AMENDMENT OF ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER NO. 104-96 DATED

OCTOBER 21, 1996, WITH RESPECT TO “VIOLATIONS OF
DANGEROUS DRUGS ACT” OF 1972, AS AMENDED.
For the information and guidance of all concerned, quoted hereunder is the
pertinent portion of the resolution of the Court En Banc in Administrative Matter No.
96-11-421-RTC RE: Request of Judge Jose Catral Mendoza, RTC, Br. 219, Quezon
City, dated April 15, 1997, to wit:
“xxx the Court Resolved to AMEND Administrative Order No. 104-96,

dated October 21, 1996, with respect only to the “violation of the Dangerous
Drugs Act of 1972, as amended, if the imposable penalty is Reclusion Perpetua
to death. Thus, if the imposable penalty is below Reclusion Perpetua, the drug
related cases will be raffled among the regular courts as ordinary criminal
cases.”
For immediate compliance.
May 15, 1997.

Court Administrator
f. Special Courts to Handle SEC Cases
EN BANC RESOLUTION
A.M. NO. 00-11-03-SC
RESOLUTION DESIGNATING CERTAIN BRANCHES OF REGIONAL

TRIAL COURTS TO TRY AND DECIDE CASES FORMERLY COGNIZABLE
BY THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
To implement the provisions of Sec. 5.2 of Republic Act No. 8799 (The
Securities Regulation Code), and in the interest of a speedy and efficient
administration of justice and subject to the guidelines hereinafter set forth, the
following branches of the Regional Trial Courts (RTC) are hereby designated to try and
decide Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) cases enumerated in Sec. 5 of P.D.
No. 902-A (Reorganization of the Securities and Exchange Commission), arising within
their respective territorial jurisdictions with respect to the National Capital Judicial
Region, and within the respective provinces in the First to the Twelfth Judicial
Regions:
NATIONAL CAPITAL JUDICIAL REGION
Manila Mandaluyong City

(1) Br. 46, Judge Artemio S. Tipon (9) Br. 214, Judge Edwin D. Sorongon
Quezon City Marikina City
(2) Br. 90, Judge Reynaldo B. Daway (10) Br. 273, Judge Olga P. Enriquez
(3) Br. 93, Judge Apolinario D. Bruselas, Jr. Muntinlupa City
54
Judicial Matters
Makati City (11) Br. 256, Judge Alberto L. Lerma

(4) Br. 138, Judge Sixto C. Marella Parañaque City
(5) Br. 139, Judge Florentino A. Tuason, Jr. (12) Br. 258, Judge Raul E. De Leon
Pasig City Pasay City
(6)Br. 158, Judge Jose R. Hernandez (13) Br. 231, Judge Cesar Z. Ylagan
Kalookan City Valenzuela City
(7) Br. 123, Judge Edmundo T. Acuña (14) Br. 75, Judge Jaime F. Bautista
Las Piñas City
(8) Br. 253, Judge Jose F. Caoibes, Jr.
55
FIRST JUDICIAL REGION FOURTH JUDICIAL REGION
Abra (Bangued) Laguna (Calamba)

(15) Br. 1, Judge Charito B. Gonzales (29) Br. 92, Judge Antonio S. Pozas
Benguet (Baguio City) Rizal (Binangonan)
(16) Br. 59, Judge Abraham B. Borreta (30) Br. 70, Judge Augusto T. Gutierrez
Ilocos Norte (Laoag City) Cavite (Imus)
(17) Br. 15, Judge Benjamin D. Turgano (31) Br. 21,Judge Norberto Quisumbing, Jr.
La Union (San Fernando City) Batangas (Batangas City)
(18) Br. 29, Judge Robert T. Cawed (32) Br. 2, Judge Mario V. Lopez
Pangasinan (Urdaneta City) Quezon (Lucena City)
(19) Br. 48, Judge Alicia G. Decano (33) Br. 57, Judge Rafael R. Lagos
Mindoro Oriental (Calapan City)
(34) Br. 39, Judge Manuel C. Luna, Jr.
SECOND JUDICIAL REGION FIFTH JUDICIAL REGION
Isabel (Ilagan) Camarines Sur (Naga City)

(20) Br. 16, Judge Isaac R. De Alban (35) Br. 23, Judge Pablo M. Paqueo, Jr.
Nueva Vizcaya (Bayombong) Albay (Legaspi City)
(21) Br. 29, Judge Gil L. Valdez (36) Br. 4, Judge Gregorio A. Consulta
Quirino (Cabarroguis) Sorosogon (Sorsogon)
(22) Br. 31, Judge Moises M. Pardo (37) Br. 52, Judge Honesto A. Villamor
THIRD JUDICIAL REGION SIXTH JUDICIAL REGION
Bataan (Balanga) Negros Occidental (Bacolod City)

(23) Br. 2, Judge Manuel M. Tan (38) Br. 53, Judge Pepito B. Gellada
Bulacan (Malolos) Iloilo (Iloilo City)
(24) Br. 7,Judge Danilo A. Manalastas (39) Br. 39, Judge Jose G. Abdallah
Nueva Ecija (Cabanatuan City) Aklan (Kalibo)
(25) Br. 28, Judge Tomas B. Talavera (40) Br. 8, Judge Eustaquio G. Terencio
Pampanga (San Fernando) Capiz (Roxas City)
(26) Br.. 42, Judge Pedro M. Sunga, Jr. (41) Br. 19, Judge Sergio L. Pestaño
Zambales (Olongapo City) Antique (San Jose)
(27) Br. 72, Judge Eliodoro G. Ubiadas (42) Br. 10, Judge Slyvia G. Jurao
Tarlac (Tarlac City)
(28) Br. 63, Judge Arsenio P. Adriano
SEVENTH JUDICIAL REGION TENTH JUDICIAL REGION
Cebu (Cebu City) Misamis Oriental (Cagayan de Oro City)

(43) Br. 11, Judge Isaias P. Dicdican (52) Br. 40, Judge Epifanio T. Nacaya, Jr.
Negros Oriental (Dumaguete City) Misamis Occidental (Oroquieta City)
(44) Br. 40, Judge Godofredo S. Sison (53) Br. 14, Judge Henry B. Damasing
Bohol (Tagbilaran City) Surigao del Norte (Surigao City)
(45) Br. 48, Judge Fernando G. Fuentes, III (54) Br. 30, Judge Floripinas C. Buyser
56
Judicial Matters
EIGHTH JUDICIAL REGION ELEVENTH JUDICIAL REGION
Leyte (Tacloban City) Davao del Norte (Panabo)

(46) Br. 8, Judge Salvador Y. Apurillo (55) Br. 34, Judge Gregorio A. Palabrica
Southern Leyte (Maasin) Davao del Sur (Davao City)
(47) Br. 24, Judge Bethany G. Kapili (56) Br. 10, Judge Augusto V. Breva
Northern Samar (Catarman) South Cotabato (General Santos City)
(48) Br. 19, Judge Cesar R. Cinco (57) Br. 23, Judge Jose S. Majaducon
Surigao del Sur (Tandag)
(58) Br. 27, Judge Ermelindo G. Andal
NINTH JUDICIAL REGION TWELFTH JUDICIAL REGION
Zamboanga del Norte (Dipolog City) Lanao del Norte (Iligan City)
(49) Br. 6, Judge Primitivo S. Abarquez, Jr. (59) Br. 5, Judge Maximino M. Libre
Zamboanga del Sur (Zamboanga City) Lanao del Sur (Marawi City)
(50) Br. 12, Judge Hakim S. Abdulwahid (60) Br. 8, Judge Santos B. Adiong
Agusan del Norte (Butuan City)
(51) Br. 33, Judge Victor A. Tomaneng
1. In multiple sala courts where one (1) or more branches of the RTC are herein
designated as special courts, there will be no unloading of cases already pending in
the branches designated. They shall continue to try and decide the said cases in
addition to the SEC cases. In the meantime, in view of the temporary imbalance of
caseload as a result of the transfer of SEC cases, the Executive Judge concerned
shall exclude them in the raffle of newly filed cases in their station until their
workload equals to that of the other branches, in which event they shall be
included in the raffle of other civil and criminal cases.
2. The trial and disposition of SEC cases shall be in accordance with the procedure to
be promulgated by the Supreme Court.
3. In case of temporary incapacity, absence, disability or inhibition of the judge of the

designated special court in multiple sala courts where one (1) or more branches of
the RTC have been designated, the pairing system for multiple sala stations subject
of Circular No. 7 dated 23 September 1974, as amended, shall apply.
4. The branches herein designated shall continue to perform the functions of special
courts even after they shall have become vacant due to retirement, death,
incapacity, dismissal, resignation, transfer, detail or promotion of the incumbent
judges herein named. Their successors, whether permanent or temporary, shall
act as Presiding Judges of these special courts unless the Court directs otherwise.
57
5. In provinces (for the First to the Twelfth Judicial Regions) where there are no
designated special courts, the Executive Judge of the station where new SEC cases
will be filed shall consult the Supreme Court thru the Office of the Court
Administrator.
6. This Resolution shall take effect on the fifteenth day of December, 2000 and shall
be published in a newspaper of general circulation not later than the 28th day of
November 2000.
Promulgated this 21st day of November 2000.

Chief Justice
(Sgd.) JOSUE N. BELLOSILLO (Sgd.) JOSE A.R. MELO
(Sgd.) BERNARDO P. PARDO (Sgd.) ARTURO B. BUENA
(Sgd.) MINERVA P. GONZAGA-REYES (Sgd.) CONSUELO YNARES-SANTIAGO
(Sgd.) SABINO R. DE LEON, JR.
Associate Justice
TO : EXECUTIVE JUDGES AND PRESIDING JUDGES OF THE
REGIONAL TRIAL COURTS
SUBJECT : TRANSFER TO DESIGNATED REGIONAL TRIAL COURTS OF

SEC CASES ENUMERATED IN SECTION 5, P.D. NO. 902-A
FROM THE REGULAR REGIONAL TRIAL COURTS
In A.M. No. 00-8-10-SC (In Re: Transfer of Cases from the Securities and
Exchange Commission to the Regular Courts Pursuant to R. A. No. 8799), the Court,
through its Resolution dated August 22, 2000, directed the Court Administrator and
the Securities and Exchange Commission to cause the actual transfer of the records of
intra-corporate cases and all other SEC cases affected by R.A. No. 8799 to the
Regional Trial Courts. In the transfer of the SEC cases, the Court, among others,
ordered that:
58
Judicial Matters
“3. The records of cases classified under a specific venue

group (e.g., Manila, Quezon City, Cebu City) shall be transmitted
to the Executive Judge of the Regional Trial Court in the place for
raffle between or among the different branches thereof. However,
if a specific branch thereof has been designated as a special
commercial court the cases shall be transmitted to said special
commercial court.”
On November 21, 2000, the Court promulgated in A.M. No. 00-11-03-SC a

Resolution Designating Certain Branches of Regional Trial Courts to Try and Decide
Cases Formerly Cognizable by the Securities and Exchange Commission. The
Resolution took effect on December 15, 2000. While the Resolution provided
guidelines in the disposition of SEC cases, it did not provide for the transfer of SEC
cases already distributed to the regular branches of Regional Trial Courts pursuant to
A.M. No. 00-8-10-SC to the special branches of Regional Trial Courts designated to
hear and decide cases formerly cognizable by the SEC.
As a supplement to the promulgated guidelines, all SEC cases originally

assigned or transmitted to the regular Regional Trial Courts pursuant to A.M. No. 00-
8-10-SC shall be transferred to branches of Regional Trial Courts specially designated
to hear such cases in accordance with A.M. No. 00-11-03-SC. The transmittal shall
include those cases directly filed with the regular Regional Trial Courts prior to the
effectivity of the Resolution in A.M. No. 00-11-03-SC. In case two branches of the
Regional Trial Court have been designated in a province or city, the distribution of
cases shall be done by way of raffle between them. Owing to the expertise of the
designated courts gained through special training, all SEC cases shall be transmitted
regardless of the stage of their proceedings – whether for pre-trial, trial or submitted
for decision.
For strict compliance.
This Administrative Circular shall take effect on March 1, 2001.
Promulgated this 23rd day of January 2001.

Chief Justice
g. Special Agrarian Courts
AVOIDANCE OF CONFLICT OF JURISDICTION

OVER CASES UNDER THE COMPREHENSIVE AGRARIAN
REFORM LAW OF 1988 (R.A. NO. 6657)
In view of the increasing number of complaints on matters of jurisdiction over

agrarian disputes, the concerned trial court judges are reminded of the need for a
59
careful and judicious application of Republic Act No. 6657, otherwise known as
the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Law of 1988, in order to avoid conflict of
jurisdiction with the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) or the Department of
Environment and Natural Resources (DENR). Conflict in jurisdiction must be avoided
to prevent delay in the resolution of agrarian problems. In appropriate cases before it
the court concerned must not tolerate any delay.
For this purpose, pertinent provisions of R.A. No. 6657 delineating jurisdiction
over agrarian disputes are hereby reproduced:
Section 50. Quasi-Judicial Powers of the DAR. – The DAR is hereby

vested with primary jurisdiction to determine and adjudicate agrarian reform
matters and shall have exclusive original jurisdiction over all matters involving
the implementation of agrarian reform, except those falling under the exclusive
jurisdiction of the Department of Agriculture (DA) and the Department of
Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).
Section 55. No Restraining Order or Preliminary Injunction. -- No court

in the Philippines shall have jurisdiction to issue any restraining order or writ of
preliminary injunction against PARC or any of its duly authorized or designated
agencies in any case, dispute or application, implementation, enforcement, or
interpretation of this Act and other pertinent laws on agrarian reform.
Section 56. Special Agrarian Courts. -- The Supreme Court shall

designate at least one (1) branch of the Regional Trial Court (RTC) within each
province to act as a Special Agrarian Court.
The Supreme Court may designate more branches to constitute such

additional Special Agrarian Courts as may be necessary to cope with the
number of agrarian cases in each province. In the designation, the Supreme
Court shall give preference to the Regional Trial Courts which have been
assigned to handle agrarian cases or whose presiding judges were former judges
of the defunct Court of Agrarian Relations.
The Regional Trial Court (RTC) judges assigned to said courts shall
exercise said special jurisdiction in addition to the regular jurisdiction of their
respective courts.
The Special Agrarian Courts shall have the powers and prerogatives
inherent in or belonging to the Regional Trial Courts.
Section 57. Special Jurisdiction. -- The special Agrarian Courts shall

have original and exclusive jurisdiction over all petitions for the determination of
just compensation to land owners, and the prosecution of all criminal offenses
under this Act. The Rules of Court shall apply to all proceedings before the
Special Agrarian Courts, unless modified by this Act.
The Special Agrarian Courts shall decide all appropriate cases under
their special jurisdiction within thirty (30) days from submission of the case for
decision.
60
Judicial Matters
Further, the trial court judges concerned are directed to take note of the
decisions of the Supreme Court of 3 December 1990 in Vda. De Tangub vs. Court
of Appeals (191 SCRA 885), and of 13 September 1991 in Quismundo vs. Court
of Appeals (201 SCRA 609).
Strict compliance is hereby enjoined. The Office of the Court Administrator is

directed to implement this Administrative Circular, which shall take effect upon its
issuance.
Issued this 1st day of July 2002.

Chief Justice
h. Special Courts for Drugs Cases
EN BANC RESOLUTION
A.M. NO. 00-8-01-SC
RESOLUTION DESIGNATING CERTAIN BRANCHES OF THE

REGIONAL TRIAL COURTS AS SPECIAL COURTS FOR DRUGS CASES
REGARDLESS OF THE QUANTITY OF THE DRUGS INVOLVED
WHEREAS, public policy and public interest demand that criminal cases
involving violations of the Dangerous Drugs Act of 1972 (R.A. No. 6435), as amended,
be expeditiously resolved;
WHEREAS, presently, drugs cases where the imposable penalty is Reclusion

Perpetua to death are assigned to designated heinous crimes courts while some drugs
cases where the imposable penalty is lower than death are assigned to the following
branches of the Regional Trial Courts:
I. Cebu City : Branch 10

II. Manila : Branches 2 & 16
III. Quezon City : Branches 79 & 84
IV. Makati City : Branches 65 & 135
V. Pasig City : Branches 157 & 165
VI. Kalookan City : Branch 120
VII. Baguio City : Branch 61
VIII. Cagayan de Oro City : Branch 40
IX. Davao City : Branch 9
WHEREAS, due to the alarming drug menace in the country, it is the consensus
of many that the designation of certain branches of the Regional Trial Courts as
Special Courts to try and decide drug cases regardless of the quantity of the drugs
involved may immediately address the problem of delay in the resolution of drugs
cases.
61
NOW, THEREFORE, pursuant to Section 23 of B.P. Blg. 129, in the interest of

speedy and efficient administration of justice and subject to the guidelines set forth,
the following branches of the RTCs are hereby designated as Special Courts for drugs
cases, which shall hear and decide all criminal cases in their respective jurisdictions
involving violations of the Dangerous Drugs Act 0f 1972 (R.A. No. 6425) as amended,
regardless of the quantity of the drugs involved.
I. Manila: Branch 2, Judge Florante A. Cipres

Branch 11, Judge Luis J. Arranz
Branch 13, Judge Mario L. Guarina III
Branch 16, Judge Ramon O. Santiago
Branch 23, Judge Sesinando E. Villon
Branch 31, Judge Leonardo P. Reyes
Branch 35, Judge Ramon P. Makasiar
II. Quezon City: Branch 79, Judge Demetrio B. Macapagal, Sr.

Branch 84, Judge Mariflor Punzalan Castillo
Branch 86, Judge Teodoro A. Bay
Branch 95, Judge Diosdado M. Peralta
Branch 103, Judge Jaime N. Salazar, Jr.
III. Pasay City:35 Branch 119, Judge Pedro D. Gutierrez
IV. Kalookan City: Branch 120, Judge Victorino S. Alvaro

Branch 123, Judge Edmundo T. Acuña
Branch 127, Judge Myrna D. Vidal
V. Makati City: Branch 65, Judge Salvador S. Abad Santos

Branch 135, Judge Francisco B. Ibay
VI. Pasig City: Branch 157, Judge Esperanza F. Victorino

Branch 158, Judge Jose R. Hernandez
Branch 164, Judge Librado S. Correa
Branch 165, Judge Marietta A. Legaspi
VII. Malabon: Branch 72, Judge Benjamin M. Aquino, Jr.
VIII. Parañaque: Branch 259, Judge Zosimo V. Escano
35
Branches 110 and 231 are designated as additional Special Courts for Drugs Cases in the
Resolution of the First Division dated December 4, 2000 in A.M. No. 00-10-515-RTC.
62
Judicial Matters
JUDICIAL REGIONS
Region I. Baguio City : Branch 61, Judge Antonio C. Reyes
Region III. Malolos, Bulacan : Branch 20, Judge Oscar C. Herrera

Branch 21, Judge Cesar M. Solis
Branch 76, Judge Roland B. Jurado
Branch 78, Judge Gregorio S. Sampaga
Angeles City : Branch 57, Judge Omar T. Viola

Branch 62, Judge Melencio W. Claros
Region VI. Iloilo City : Branch 25, Judge Bartolome M. Fanuñal

Bacolod City : Branch 45, Judge Edgardo L. delos Santos
Branch 53, Judge Pepito B. Gellada
Region VII. Cebu City : Branch 10, Judge Soliver C. Peras

Branch 14, Judge Raphael B. Yrastorza
Branch 17, Judge Silvestre A. Maamo, Jr.
Dumaguete City : Branch 30, Judge Ramon M. Bato, Jr.
Region IX. Zamboanga City : Branch 13, Judge Carlito A. Eisma
Region X. Cagayan de Oro City : Branch 40, Judge Epifanio T. Nacaya, Jr.
Region XI. Davao City : Branch 9, Judge Adoracion Cruz Avisado
The following guidelines shall be adopted by the designated courts:
(1) The Judges of all branches of the RTCs stationed in the above-mentioned
courts shall make, within ten (10) days from receipt hereof, an inventory of
all criminal cases involving violations of the Dangerous Drugs Act of 1972
(R.A. 6425), as amended. The inventory shall indicate the case number, the
date the information was filed; the date the accused was arraigned; and the
status of each case, i.e, whether it is for arraignment, pre-trial, or decision.
Copies of the inventory shall be furnished the Office of the Chief Justice, the
Office of the Court Administrator, the Executive Judges of the RTCs
concerned, and the Judges of the Branches herein designated.
(2) Drugs cases that have not yet reached the arraignment stage shall be
transferred to the designated Special Courts, together with their
corresponding records, which shall be duly receipted for by the Clerk of
Court of the Branch concerned. The transfer shall be effected within thirty
(30) days following the submission of an inventory. Those drug cases
wherein the accused or any of them has already been arraigned shall
63
continue to be heard by the respective branches to which they have been

originally assigned and shall be given utmost priority.
(3) Prior to the effectivity of this Resolution, cases before the designated Special
Courts other than drug cases, wherein trial has already begun, shall
continue to be heard by such Special Courts. For purposes hereof, a
criminal case is considered begun when the accused or any of them has
already been arraigned.
(4) All information for violations of the Dangerous Drugs Act, as amended, shall
forthwith be assigned to the designated Special Courts in their respective
jurisdictions.
(5) The drugs cases referred to herein shall undergo mandatory continuous trial
and shall be terminated within sixty (60) days from commencement of the
trial. Judgment thereon shall be rendered within thirty (30) days from
submission for decision unless a shorter period is provided by law or
otherwise directed by this Court.
(6) No postponements or continuance shall be allowed except for meritorious

reasons. Pleadings or motions found to have been filed for dilatory purposes
shall constitute direct contempt and shall be punished accordingly.
(7) The Executive Judges of the RTCs concerned shall exclude these designated
Special Courts from the raffle of other cases subsequent to the assignment
or transfer to them of the drugs cases. The branches which shall have
transferred drugs cases to the Special Courts shall be given appropriate
replacements therefor through raffle. The Executive Judges of the RTCs
concerned shall see to it that there shal be an equitable replacement of
cases to the affected branches.
(8) In the event of inhibition of the judge of a designated Special Court, the
following guidelines shall be observed: (a) where there is only one Special
Court in the station, the inhibiting judge shall immediately furnish the
Office of the Chief Justice of his Order of Inhibition in order that another
judge can be designated to preside over the case; and (b) where there are two
Special Courts in the station, the Executive Judge shall immediately assign
the case to the other Special Court, which shall , in turn, unload to the
inhibiting judge a case from his docket.
(9) In case temporary incapacity, absence or disability of the judge of the

designated Special Court to perform his duties, the pairing system for
multiple sala stations subject of Circular No. 19-98 dated February 18, 1998
shall apply.
64
Judicial Matters
(10) The Branches herein designated as Special Courts shall continue to

perform their functions as such within the purview of this Resolution even
after the retirement, transfer, or detail of the incumbent judges appointed
or designated to preside over them. Their successors, whether permanent
or temporary, shall act as Presiding Judges of these Special Courts unless
the Supreme Court otherwise directs.
(11) The Branches herein designated as Special Courts which were previously
designated as heinous crime courts shall no longer handle cases covered
under Administrative Order No. 104-96 of 21 October 1996 as amended by
Circular No. 31-97 of 15 May 1997.
This Resolution amends Administrative Order No. 104-96 of 21 October 1996,

as amended by Circular No. 31-97 of 15 May 1997, Administrative Order No. 47-97
dated 19 March 1997, Administrative Order No. 77-97 dated 25 July 1997, En Banc
Resolution of 3 August 1999 in A.M. No. 99-7-20-SC, and En Banc Resolution of 22
November 1999 in A.M. No. 99-11-02-SC.
This Resolution shall take effect on the first day of September 2000, and shall
be published in a newspaper of general circulation in the Philippines not later than 15
August 2000.
Let copies of this Resolution be furnished the Office of the Chief Justice; the
Offices of the Associate Justices; the Office of the President; the Judicial and Bar
Council; the Philippine Judicial Academy; the Office of the Court Administrator; the
Office of the Clerk of Court of the Supreme Court; the Secretary of Justice; the Office
of the Solicitor General; the Presidents of the Philippine Judges Association, the
Philippine Trial Judges League, Inc. and the Metro and City Judges Association of the
Philippines; and the Integrated Bar of the Philippines.
APPROVED this first day of August 2000.

Chief Justice
JOSUE N. BELLOSILLO (Sgd.) JOSE A.R. MELO
(Sgd.) FIDEL P. PURISIMA (Sgd.) BERNARDO P. PARDO
(Sgd.) ARTURO B. BUENA (Sgd.) MINERVA P. GONZAGA-REYES
(Sgd.) CONSUELO YNARES-SANTIAGO (Sgd.) SABINO R. DE LEON, JR.
65

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SC Circulars

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PART I

ADMINISTRATIVE CIRCULAR NO. 8-92

TO : ALL TRIAL COURT JUDGES

SUBJECT : AGRARIAN REFORM CODE

Strict compliance is hereby enjoined.

October 12, 1992.

ADMINISTRATIVE CIRCULAR NO. 9-94

TO : THE COURT OF APPEALS, SANDIGANBAYAN, REGIONAL TRIAL

SUBJECT : GUIDELINES IN THE IMPLEMENTATION OF REPUBLIC ACT NO.

FOR THE PURPOSE BATAS PAMBANSA BLG. 129, OTHERWISE

2. The exclusion of the term “damages of whatever kind” in determining the

3. The criminal jurisdiction of the Metropolitan Trial Courts, Municipal Trial

jurisdiction, including offenses committed by public officers and employees in relation

Manila, June 14, 1994.

(Sgd.) ANDRES R. NARVASA

CIRCULAR NO. 21-99

TO : ALL JUDGES OF THE REGIONAL TRIAL COURTS, THE

SUBJECT : EFFECTIVITY OF THE PROVISIONS OF SECTION 5 OF REPUBLIC

Considering the provisions of Section 31,5 Chapter 8, Book I of the 1987

For information and guidance.

April 15, 1999.

2. Jurisdiction of the First-Level Courts

ADMINISTRATIVE CIRCULAR NO. 6-93-A6

TO : METROPOLITAN TRIAL COURTS, MUNICIPAL TRIAL COURTS IN

SUBJECT : DELEGATED JURISDICTION OF METCs, MTCCs, MTCs AND

Pursuant to Sec. 34 of Batas Pambansa Blg. 129, as amended by R.A. 7691

(Sgd.) ANDRES R. NARVASA

CIRCULAR NO. 38-97

TO : REGIONAL TRIAL COURTS, METROPOLITAN TRIAL COURTS,

SUBJECT : CLARIFICATION OF THE EXTENT OF DELEGATED

2. A First Level Court should not be placed in a situation where, in disposing of

3. To require First Level Courts to handle petitions after original registration

Therefore, matters subsequent to the original registration determined by Second

June 20, 1997.

(Sgd.) ALFREDO L. BENIPAYO

OCA CIRCULAR NO. 73-2002

TO : ALL EXECUTIVE JUDGES, PRESIDING JUDGES, CLERKS OF

SUBJECT : AMENDMENT OF THE REVISED RULE ON SUMMARY

The Supreme Court En Banc issued a Resolution dated 12 November 2002 in

For the information and guidance of all concerned.

3. Jurisdiction of the Regional Trial Courts

ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER NO. 3

1. Branches I to LXXXII, inclusive, with seats at Manila - over the City of

2. Branches LXXXIII to CVII, inclusive, with seats at Quezon City - over

4. Branches CXX to CXXXI, inclusive, with seats at Caloocan City - over

5. Branches CXXXII to CL, inclusive, with seats at Makati - over the

6. Branches CLI to CLXVIII, inclusive, with seats at Pasig – comprising the

7. Branches CLXIX to CLXX, inclusive, with seats at Malabon - over the

8. Branches CLXXI to CLXXII, inclusive, with seats at Valenzuela – over the

This Order shall take effect immediately.

January 19, 1983.

ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER NO. 11-927

RE: DESIGNATION OF REGIONAL TRIAL COURT BRANCH NUMBERS

to Secs. 14 and 15 thereof is hereby effected in accordance with the following

2. The present numbering of every existing RTC Branch as provided for in

NATIONAL CAPITAL JUDICIAL REGION: (276 Branches)

* New branches under R.A. 7154.

CALOOCAN CITY - 13 Branches

LAS PIÑAS - 1 Branch

FIRST JUDICIAL REGION – 70 Branches

* New branches under R.A. 7154.

ILOCOS NORTE - 10 Branches

ILOCOS SUR - 6 Branches