SC issues guidelines on transfer, assumption of court jurisdiction in Taguig City areas

Exercising its administrative supervision over all courts, the Supreme Court yesterday issued guidelines governing the transfer and assumption of jurisdiction of the Taguig City courts over cases and crimes committed within Parcels 3 and 4, PSU-2031 of the Fort Bonifacio Military Reservation declared to be part of Taguig City.

This was in response to a letter from Taguig City Mayor Maria Laarni L. Cayetano, who requested that the transfer of jurisdiction to the Taguig City courts be set on 16 October 2023.

However, to enable the courts, the prosecution, the Public Attorneys Office and other court users to prepare for the transition, the Supreme Court set the effectivity date for the transfer to 1 January 2024.

Beginning 1 January 2024, all civil and criminal cases arising from the affected areas shall be filed in the courts of Taguig City.

Criminal complaints related to crimes and offenses that transpired or were committed within the affected areas before 1 January 2024 shall be filed with the Makati City Prosecutor's Office. On the other hand, criminal complaints for crimes and offenses committed on 1 January 2024 onwards shall be filed with the Taguig City Prosecutor's Office.

All civil and criminal cases already filed and pending before the first- and second-level courts in Makati City before 1 January 2024 shall proceed to trial, be heard and ultimately be decided by the respective Makati City courts where they were pending.

All parties, including judges, court personnel, prosecutors, public attorneys, legal practitioners and the general public are enjoined by the High Court to review and adhere to the guidelines to facilitate a smooth and orderly transition.

The Supreme Court Public Information Office said it will upload a copy of the resolution once it receives the same from the Office of the Clerk of Court En Banc.