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Southeast Asian Region Countries Law

Courts

The Supreme Court of the Philippines is the highest court in the Philippines and has both original and appellate jurisdiction. In its original jurisdiction, the Supreme Court hears constitutional matters and interprets the Constitution. Only decisions of the Supreme Court establish precedential jurisprudence. Its decisions are binding on all other courts. For information about the composition of the court, and of its jurisdiction and powers, see Article VIII of the Constitution. See also information on the History of the Supreme Court on its website.

The Sandiganbayan has 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. It was created by Art XIII of the 1973 Constitution and its functions and jurisdiction confirmed by Art XI of the 1987 Constitution.
More on the mandate, jurisdiction, history and statutory history of the Sandiganbayan can be found on the Court's website.
For detailed information on the courts and cases, see the Research of Case Law section of the Globalex guide, Philippine Legal Research by Milagros Santos-Ong.

Finding Case Law

Supreme Court Decisions

 

Sandiganbayan

 

Court of Tax Appeals

 

Court Rules

Philippines Court Hierarchy

Books