8 facts re RTC's criminal jurisdiction
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 |