Below is a comprehensive discussion of the jurisdiction of courts in the Philippines, covering key constitutional provisions, statutory bases, and important jurisprudential doctrines. This is intended as a general reference and does not constitute legal advice.

I. INTRODUCTION

Jurisdiction is the authority by which a court or judicial officer takes cognizance of and decides cases. In the Philippine setting, the constitutionally established and statutorily defined court hierarchy dictates which courts may exercise jurisdiction over particular cases or controversies.

The 1987 Philippine Constitution vests judicial power in one Supreme Court and in such lower courts as may be established by law. Republic Act No. 296 (the Judiciary Act of 1948), later superseded and extensively amended by Batas Pambansa Blg. 129 (the Judiciary Reorganization Act of 1980), as further amended by various subsequent laws (notably R.A. 7691, among others), lays down the framework of the jurisdiction of each court.

II. STRUCTURE OF THE PHILIPPINE JUDICIARY

Supreme Court (SC)
Court of Appeals (CA)
Sandiganbayan
Court of Tax Appeals (CTA)
Regional Trial Courts (RTCs)
Metropolitan Trial Courts (MeTCs)
Municipal Trial Courts in Cities (MTCCs)
Municipal Trial Courts (MTCs)
Municipal Circuit Trial Courts (MCTCs)
Shari’a District and Circuit Courts

There are also specialized courts (e.g., Family Courts pursuant to R.A. 8369, and certain quasi-judicial bodies with limited adjudicative power, though these are not part of the judicial branch strictly speaking).

III. JURISDICTION OF THE SUPREME COURT

A. Original Jurisdiction

Under the Constitution (Art. VIII, Sec. 5[1]) and Rule 56 of the Rules of Court, the Supreme Court has original jurisdiction over:

Cases affecting ambassadors, other public ministers, and consuls;
Petitions for certiorari, prohibition, mandamus, quo warranto, and habeas corpus;
Petitions for writs of amparo, habeas data, and kalikasan (pursuant to special rules promulgated by the Supreme Court).

The Supreme Court, however, generally exercises its original jurisdiction over these extraordinary writs in exceptional cases. It may remand or refer such petitions to lower courts whenever appropriate.

B. Appellate Jurisdiction

Appeals by certiorari (Rule 45) from judgments, final orders, or resolutions of:
- The Court of Appeals;
- The Sandiganbayan;
- The Court of Tax Appeals (en banc);
- The Regional Trial Courts, but only on pure questions of law;
- Constitutional Commissions (i.e., Commission on Elections, Commission on Audit, Civil Service Commission), if allowed by law and rules.
Review of the Court of Appeals’ decisions in certain cases (including administrative and quasi-judicial decisions) via petition for review on certiorari under Rule 45.

IV. COURT OF APPEALS (CA)

A. Composition & Territorial Divisions

The Court of Appeals sits in divisions, with its main seat in Manila and stations in Cebu and Cagayan de Oro (Visayas and Mindanao stations).

B. Original Jurisdiction

Writs of certiorari, prohibition, mandamus, quo warranto, habeas corpus, amparo, habeas data (Rule 6, Rule 7, etc. of the CA Rules of Procedure in relation to the Rules of Court) directed against:
- Regional Trial Courts;
- Quasi-judicial agencies, boards, or commissions (e.g., NLRC, SEC, etc.);
- Other lower courts within its territorial jurisdiction.

C. Appellate Jurisdiction

Ordinary appeals from:
- Regional Trial Courts and Family Courts, in cases where the RTC/Family Court had original jurisdiction;
- Decisions of quasi-judicial agencies (pursuant to R.A. 7902 and the Revised Administrative Circulars).
Via petition for review (Rule 42) from decisions of:
- Regional Trial Courts exercising appellate jurisdiction over decisions of the lower courts (MeTC, MTCC, MTC, MCTC).
Via petition for review under Rule 43 over decisions of quasi-judicial bodies (e.g., Office of the Ombudsman in administrative cases, SEC, NLRC, etc.), unless otherwise provided by law or Supreme Court rule.

V. SANDIGANBAYAN

A. Jurisdiction

The Sandiganbayan is a specialized court with jurisdiction over:

Criminal and civil cases involving graft and corrupt practices committed by public officers and employees, including those in government-owned or controlled corporations;
Violation of R.A. 3019 (Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act), R.A. 1379 (forfeiture cases), and Chapter II, Sec. 2 (Title VII, Book II) of the Revised Penal Code (Crimes committed by public officers), among others, where one or more of the accused is a public official occupying a position classified as Salary Grade 27 or higher, or where the offense charged is within the exclusive jurisdiction of the Sandiganbayan by law.
In certain instances, even if the public official’s salary grade is below SG-27, jurisdiction may be determined by the nature of the crime and the position or the amount involved (refer to recent jurisprudence and amendments).

B. Appellate Jurisdiction

The Sandiganbayan also has appellate jurisdiction over decisions of regional trial courts in cases under its exclusive jurisdiction if the penalty imposed is below that which would vest direct appellate jurisdiction in the Supreme Court.

VI. COURT OF TAX APPEALS (CTA)

A. Organization

The Court of Tax Appeals is composed of a Presiding Justice and Associate Justices sitting en banc or in divisions.

B. Exclusive Original Jurisdiction

Disputes arising from national internal revenue taxes, customs duties, and other tax assessments by the BIR, BOC, and local tax agencies (in some instances, local tax cases are also appealed to the RTC first, depending on the nature and amount of the assessment, but major controversies often fall within CTA jurisdiction by law).
Criminal cases involving violations of the Tax Code or tariff laws, if within the thresholds and conditions set by law (R.A. 1125, as amended by R.A. 9282 and R.A. 9503).

C. Appellate Jurisdiction

The CTA has exclusive appellate jurisdiction to review:

Decisions of the Commissioner of Internal Revenue in cases involving disputed assessments, refunds of internal revenue taxes, fees or other charges, penalties, or other matters arising under the National Internal Revenue Code;
Decisions of the Commissioner of Customs in cases involving liability for customs duties, fees, or other money charges;
Decisions of the Secretary of Finance in customs cases;
Decisions of the Secretary of Trade and Industry or the Secretary of Agriculture relating to the application of safeguards, dumping duties, or countervailing duties.

The CTA en banc reviews decisions of its Divisions.

VII. REGIONAL TRIAL COURTS (RTCs)

A. General Framework

Under Batas Pambansa Blg. 129, as amended by R.A. 7691 and other statutes, the RTCs are courts of general jurisdiction. They have the power to hear and decide cases not within the exclusive jurisdiction of lower courts, specialized courts, or quasi-judicial bodies.

B. Exclusive Original Jurisdiction

Civil Cases
- Where the amount of the demand (or value of the personal property in controversy) exceeds ₱2,000,000 (or such amounts as may be subsequently adjusted by law) except cases falling under the exclusive jurisdiction of special courts.
- Cases involving title to or possession of real property where the assessed value exceeds ₱20,000 outside Metro Manila, or ₱50,000 within Metro Manila.
- Actions in admiralty and maritime jurisdiction if the demand or claim exceeds ₱2,000,000.
- Probate cases where the gross value of the estate exceeds ₱2,000,000.
- Family law matters (except where jurisdiction is vested in Family Courts under R.A. 8369) but note that Family Courts are actually RTCs designated as Family Courts.
Criminal Cases
- Offenses punishable by imprisonment exceeding six (6) years, except those within the exclusive jurisdiction of the Sandiganbayan or other special courts.
- Other offenses not within the exclusive jurisdiction of any other court or tribunal.
Special Civil Actions
- Petitions for certiorari, prohibition, mandamus, quo warranto, and ex parte applications for writs of habeas corpus (when filed at the first instance and not directed to the CA or SC) involving acts or omissions of lower courts or quasi-judicial entities within their territorial jurisdiction.
- Land registration cases pursuant to P.D. 1529 (Property Registration Decree), except those falling under the jurisdiction of metropolitan or municipal trial courts as delegated.

C. Appellate Jurisdiction

Regional Trial Courts exercise appellate jurisdiction over:

Decisions of the lower courts (MeTC, MTCC, MTC, MCTC) in civil and criminal cases (generally where the offense is punishable by imprisonment not exceeding six years or the amount of the claim does not exceed the jurisdictional threshold).
Decisions of certain quasi-judicial bodies (like the Lupong Tagapamayapa in the barangay system, in some instances), if provided by law.

VIII. METROPOLITAN TRIAL COURTS, MUNICIPAL TRIAL COURTS IN CITIES, MUNICIPAL TRIAL COURTS, AND MUNICIPAL CIRCUIT TRIAL COURTS

A. Exclusive Original Jurisdiction (Civil)

Civil actions involving personal property where the value does not exceed ₱2,000,000 or real property (title to or possession) where the assessed value does not exceed ₱20,000 (outside Metro Manila) or ₱50,000 (within Metro Manila).
Actions for enforcement of barangay amicable settlement or arbitration awards where the money claim does not exceed their jurisdictional threshold.
Small Claims Cases (R.A. 11576 further adjusting amounts): MTCs have jurisdiction over small claims with amounts not exceeding ₱1,000,000 (the rules or future legislation may adjust this threshold). These are resolved using the special procedure for small claims under the Revised Rules on Small Claims.

B. Exclusive Original Jurisdiction (Criminal)

All offenses punishable by imprisonment not exceeding six (6) years, irrespective of the amount of fines and other imposable civil damages, except those falling under the exclusive jurisdiction of special courts.
Violations of city or municipal ordinances committed within their respective territorial jurisdictions.

C. Special Jurisdiction

By delegated authority, certain MTCs may handle cadastral or land registration cases covering lots where there is no controversy or opposition, or contested lots where the value does not exceed the jurisdictional amount set by law (BP 129, as amended).

IX. SHARI’A COURTS

A. Structure

Shari’a District Courts (SDCs)
Shari’a Circuit Courts (SCCs)

B. Jurisdiction

Primarily established under Presidential Decree No. 1083 (Code of Muslim Personal Laws), these courts have jurisdiction over:

Cases involving Muslim personal laws (marriage, divorce, betrothal or breach of contract to marry, customary dower or “mahr,” disposition and distribution of property upon divorce, etc.) among Muslims or between a Muslim and a non-Muslim who has voluntarily submitted to the jurisdiction of the Shari’a court.
Certain civil and commercial cases among Muslims if the parties agree to submit to Shari’a jurisdiction (subject to PD 1083).

X. BARANGAY JUSTICE SYSTEM (LUPON)

While not a court, the barangay conciliation system is a mandatory extrajudicial process for amicable settlement of disputes falling within the authority of the Katarungang Pambarangay Law (Title I, Chapter 7, R.A. 7160 – Local Government Code). Many civil and criminal disputes involving minor offenses are required to be mediated by the Lupon Tagapamayapa before the courts may take cognizance, unless exempted by law (e.g., there is an immediate threat to life, public order, etc.).

Failure to comply with mandatory barangay conciliation (when required) is a jurisdictional defect that can result in the dismissal of the case.

XI. SPECIALIZED COURTS / FAMILY COURTS

A. Family Courts

Established under R.A. 8369, they handle:

Petitions for adoption, guardianship of minors, custody of minors, and habeas corpus for minors;
Petitions for declaration of nullity, annulment of marriage, legal separation, and related family law disputes;
Domestic and family-related criminal cases where the accused or offended party is a minor (e.g., child abuse under R.A. 7610, violence against women and children under R.A. 9262, etc.).

Though they are specialized, Family Courts are essentially RTCs designated to handle family-related matters and maintain confidentiality and child-sensitive procedures.

XII. DOCTRINES AFFECTING JURISDICTION

Doctrine of Hierarchy of Courts
- Even if the Supreme Court, Court of Appeals, and Regional Trial Courts have concurrent jurisdiction over certain petitions for certiorari, prohibition, or mandamus, direct recourse to the highest court is discouraged unless there are special and compelling reasons.
Doctrine of Primary Jurisdiction
- Certain controversies must initially be resolved by administrative agencies possessing special knowledge or technical expertise before courts will take cognizance (e.g., labor matters to the NLRC, issues involving public utilities to the ERC, etc.).
Doctrine of Exhaustion of Administrative Remedies
- Parties must first exhaust available remedies within the administrative agency before seeking judicial intervention, unless excepted by law or jurisprudential rules.
Jurisdiction over the Subject Matter vs. Jurisdiction over the Person
- Jurisdiction over the subject matter is conferred by law and cannot be waived, conferred by stipulation, or acquiesced in by the parties.
- Jurisdiction over the person (e.g., in criminal cases, by arrest or voluntary appearance; in civil cases, by service of summons or voluntary appearance) can be acquired in various ways, but cannot vest if the court has no subject matter jurisdiction.
Effect of Amendments to Pleadings on Jurisdiction
- If the amended pleading substantially alters the cause of action or the amount involved so as to exceed or reduce the jurisdictional threshold, the rule is that jurisdiction is determined by the allegations in the original complaint unless the amendment is made in bad faith to oust the court of jurisdiction or to artificially confer jurisdiction.

XIII. RELEVANT LEGAL ETHICS CONSIDERATIONS

Duty to the Courts
- Lawyers are officers of the court and must refrain from forum shopping. This includes the obligation to file an appropriate action before the court with proper jurisdiction, ensuring that no simultaneous actions are filed for the same cause.
Duty to Client
- A lawyer must identify the proper court or forum, advise the client of the need to comply with mandatory mediation or conciliation, and avoid frivolous or harassing litigation that may lead to disciplinary actions.
Candor and Fairness
- Lawyers must observe candor, fairness, and good faith in all proceedings, including the correct invocation of court jurisdiction and recognition of limitations imposed by the hierarchy of courts.

XIV. PROCEDURAL REMINDERS AND LEGAL FORMS

When initiating an action, counsel should:

Determine the correct venue and jurisdiction by:
- Assessing the subject matter of the dispute (criminal, civil, special civil action, family, tax, etc.);
- Computing the value of claims or penalty imposable, if applicable;
- Checking if the defendant is a public officer with a certain salary grade (for Sandiganbayan jurisdiction);
- Confirming whether the matter involves internal revenue or customs issues (for CTA);
- Assessing if the matter pertains to official acts with possible administrative or criminal ramifications.
Drafting of Pleadings:
- Complaint / Petition should clearly state the material allegations establishing jurisdiction (e.g., assessed value in real property disputes, principal amount in collection suits, penalty range in criminal actions).
- Verification and Certification against forum shopping where required (Rule 7, Rules of Court).
- If required, Sworn Statements or Affidavits (e.g., for small claims, or summary procedure cases).
- Compliance with pre-filing conciliation/mediation in the barangay or other ADR processes, if mandated.
Sample Forms (not exhaustive, for illustration):
- Complaint for Sum of Money (stating the principal amount does not exceed/is within or is beyond the jurisdictional threshold, and specifying the appropriate MTC or RTC).
- Petition for Declaration of Nullity of Marriage (filed with the Family Court, essentially an RTC designated as Family Court).
- Petition for Certiorari under Rule 65 (to the proper court: RTC, CA, or SC, explaining the acts subject to review).
- Appeal / Notice of Appeal / Petition for Review (depending on whether it is a Rule 41 appeal to the RTC/CA, a Rule 42 to the CA, or a Rule 45 to the SC, etc.).

Ensure each form and pleading complies with:

Sections on caption, title, and docket number;
Proper allegations regarding the court’s subject matter jurisdiction;
Proof of service to adverse parties;
Payment of correct docket and filing fees (non-payment or insufficient payment of docket fees may affect the court’s exercise of jurisdiction).

XV. CONCLUSION

A proper understanding of court jurisdiction in the Philippines is indispensable for efficient and orderly judicial proceedings. Jurisdiction is determined by law and goes into the very power of the court to hear and decide cases. For lawyers, strict adherence to jurisdictional rules is a matter of both procedural strategy and ethical obligation to the courts and to clients. Familiarity with the constitutional, statutory, and doctrinal foundations of jurisdiction, along with the relevant legal forms and filing procedures, is a key component of competent legal practice in Philippine remedial law.

Disclaimer: This summary is for general legal information and academic/reference purposes. It does not replace professional legal counsel tailored to specific cases. For particular questions or legal advice, consult a qualified attorney.