8 facts re RTC's criminal jurisdiction


CRIMINAL JURISDICTION OF REGIONAL TRIAL COURTS

Here are eight (8) things you should know about the criminal jurisdiction of regional trial courts.

[1] Exclusive original jurisdiction in all criminal cases not within the exclusive jurisdiction of any court/tribunal/body. (Sec. 20, BP 129)

[2] Exclusive appellate jurisdiction over all cases decided by the MTC within its territorial jurisdiction. (Sec. 22, BP 129)

[3] Criminal cases where one or more of the accused is below 18 years of age but not less than 15 years, or where one or more of the victims is a minor at the time of the commission of the offense. Note: This is where the RTC acts as a Family Court. (RA 9344)

[4] Cases against minors cognizable under the Dangerous Drugs Act, as amended. (Family Courts Act of 1997)

[5] Violations of Republic Act No. 7610, the Child Abuse Act.
[6] Cases of domestic violence against women and children. If an act committed against women and children likewise constitute a criminal offense, the accused or batterer shall be subject to criminal proceedings and the corresponding penalties. (RA 9262) (RA 8369, Family Courts Act of 1997)

[7] Violations of  intellectual property rights. (A.M. No. 03-0303-SC (2003); RA 8293)

[8] Money Laundering Cases. (RA 9160) Is there any other exception? Yes. Those committed by public officers and private persons who are in conspiracy with such public officers shall be under the jurisdiction of the Sandiganbayan.
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