The Second-Level Courts

Formerly known as the Courts of First Instance, the Regional Trial Courts (RTC) are courts of the second level. These courts are established in each of the 13 judicial regions of the Philippines.

Each RTC may be composed of a single sala or of several branches. Unlike courts of the first level, the RTC has both original and appellate jurisdiction. In the exercise of its original jurisdiction, an RTC may receive evidence in a case falling within its jurisdiction. In the exercise of its appellate jurisdiction, the RTC may review, reverse, revise, and affirm the decisions of first-level courts.

On the same level are the Shari’ah District Courts (SDC), which are established in certain provinces in Mindanao where the Muslim Code on Personal Laws is being enforced. The decisions of the SDCs are appealable to the yet-to-be organized Shari’ah Appellate Court. Pending such organization, SDC Decisions are reviewed by the Supreme Court through the special civil action of certiorari under Rule 65 if the issue is one of jurisdiction or through a petition for review on certiorari by way of appeal under Rule 45.