6 facts re MTC's criminal jurisdiction
CRIMINAL JURISDICTION OF MUNICIPAL TRIAL COURTS
[1] Exclusive original jurisdiction over all violations of city/municipal ordinances committed within their respective territorial jurisdiction. (Sec. 32(1), BP 129)
[2] Exclusive original jurisdiction over all offenses punishable with imprisonment not exceeding 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.
Note: This means 6 years and below. Offenses punishable by 6 years and 1 day or more are under the jurisdiction of Regional Trial Courts. (Sec. 32(2), BP 129)
[3] Exclusive original jurisdiction over offenses involving damage to property through criminal negligence they shall have exclusive original jurisdiction thereof.
Note: An information for "Reckless Imprudence Resulting in Damage to Property" should be filed with the MTC having jurisdiction over the place where the property is located. (Sec. 32(2), BP 129; RA 7691) Is there an exception to the rules mentioned in the first three items above? Yes. Cases falling within the exclusive jurisdiction of the RTC and of the Sandiganbayan are outside the jurisdiction over the MTC.
[4] Cases classified under the Revised Rules on Summary Procedure: (SC Resolution, October 15, 1991)
[a] Violations of traffic laws and rules regulations;
[b] Violations of rental law;
[c] Cases where the penalty prescribed by law for the offense charged is imprisonment not exceeding 6 months, or a fine not exceeding P1,000, or both, irrespective of other imposable penalties, accessory or otherwise, or of the civil liability arising therefrom
[d] Offenses involving damage to property through criminal negligence where the imposable fine does not exceed P10,000
[5] Violations of BP 22. (A.M. No. 0011-01-SC (2003))
[6] Special jurisdiction to decide on applications for bail in criminal cases in the absence of all RTC judges in a province or city. (Sec. 35, BP 129)
[6] Special jurisdiction to decide on applications for bail in criminal cases in the absence of all RTC judges in a province or city. (Sec. 35, BP 129)
| MTC | RTC | SB |
| Municipal and City Ordinances | All cases not following within the jurisdiction of MTC or SB | PD 1606 |
| Reckless Imprudence Resulting in Damage to Property | Appeal from MTC | RA 8249 |
| Traffic laws/rules | Accused is a minor, not less than 15 | RA 3019 |
| Rental Law | Victim is a minor at the time of the commission of the offense | RA 1379 |
| Imprisonment not exceeding 6 years (6 years and below) | Dangerous Drugs | Chapter II, Section 2, Title VII, Book II of the RPC |
| Summary: Reckless Imprudence Resulting in Damage to Property (P10,000 or less) | 9262 | Officials of the Executive with a salary grade of 27 or higher |
| Fine not exceeding 1000 | 7610 | Members of the Congress (SG 27 or higher) |
| BP 22 | Intellectual Prop. | Members of the judiciary without prejudice to the provisions of the Constitution |
| Application for Bail (absent RTC judges) | Money Laundering Cases | Chairmen and members of Constitutional Commissions, without prejudice to the provisions of the Constitution |
| All other national and local officials classified as “Grade 27” | ||
| Other offenses simple or complexed with other crimes committed by public officers in relation to their office | ||
| Cases filed in pursuant to and in connection with EO 1, 2, 14, 14-A, issued in 1986 |
