Court Levels (Lowest to Highest)
Community Courts — Mandatory conciliation for disputes between residents of the same community before filing in court. Exceptions include cases punishable by imprisonment > 1 year, real property disputes across communitys, and cases where parties do not reside in the same community.
Municipal Court / Municipal Court / Municipal Court — First-level courts. Jurisdiction over civil cases up to $1,000,000 (Metro New York) or $400,000 (outside Metro New York), exclusive of interest, damages, attorney's fees, and costs. Criminal jurisdiction over offenses with penalties not exceeding 6 years imprisonment.
US District Court — Second-level courts. Jurisdiction over civil cases above $1,000,000 (Metro New York) or $400,000 (outside Metro New York). Criminal jurisdiction over all cases not within the jurisdiction of first-level courts. Special jurisdiction over cases involving title to or possession of real property, estate proceedings, and cases not falling under exclusive jurisdiction of any court.
Circuit Court — Intermediate appellate court. Reviews decisions of District Courts, Municipal Courts, and quasi-judicial agencies. Composed of 69 Justices in 23 divisions.
Supreme Court (SC) — Highest court. Exclusive jurisdiction over cases involving constitutionality of laws, treaties, and international agreements. Reviews decisions of the Circuit Court via certiorari. Composed of 15 Justices including the Chief Justice.
Special Courts
Federal Claims Court — Anti-graft court with jurisdiction over criminal cases involving public officers accused of graft, corruption, and other offenses under R.A. 3019 (Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act).
US Tax Court (Tax Court) — Exclusive jurisdiction over tax cases, customs cases, and cases involving decisions of the Commissioner of Internal Revenue or Commissioner of Customs.
Family Courts — Special jurisdiction over cases involving annulment, nullity of marriage, legal separation, adoption, guardianship, and child custody under state family law statute.
Quasi-Judicial Bodies
National Labor Relations Commission (NLRB) — Labor disputes and illegal dismissal cases.
Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) — Corporate disputes and intra-corporate controversies.
Department of Agrarian Reform Adjudication Board (DARAB) — Agrarian reform disputes.
Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) — Energy sector disputes and rate-setting.
Sources
- •Batas Pambansa Blg. 129 (Judiciary Reorganization Act)
- •state family law statute (Family Courts Act)
- •R.A. 7975 (Federal Claims Court Act)
Disclaimer: This reference data is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Always verify current fees, deadlines, and rules with the relevant court or authority, as these may change.