SC sets guidelines on transfer, assumption of jurisdiction of Taguig courts

MANILA, Philippines —The Supreme Court (SC) has set the effectivity for the transfer and assumption of jurisdiction of the Taguig City courts on cases and crimes committed within the areas that were previously part of Makati City.

On Sept. 28, 2022, the Supreme Court denied with finality Makati City’s Omnibus Motion seeking reconsideration of its December 2021 ruling declaring that Parcels 3 and 4, Psu 2031, comprising Fort Bonifacio, including the so-called Inner Fort comprising of Barangays Pembo, Comembo, Cembo, South Cembo, West Rembo, East Rembo, and Pitogo is “confirmed to be part of the territory of the City of Taguig.”

READ: Taguig City’s jurisdiction over BGC complex sealed – SC

In the recently issued guideline, the SC said the transfer of jurisdiction will be on January 1, 2024 “to enable the courts, the prosecution, the Public Attorneys Office, and other court users to prepare.”

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

Meanwhile, criminal complaints related to crimes and offenses that transpired or were committed within the affected areas before January 1, 2024, shall be filed with the Makati City Prosecutor’s Office, said the SC.

“On the other hand, criminal complaints for crimes and offenses committed on Jan. 1, 2024, and onwards shall be filed with the Taguig City Prosecutor’s Office,” it added.

The SC said all civil and criminal cases already filed and pending before the first and second-level courts in Makati City before Jan. 1, 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 to review and adhere to the guidelines to facilitate a smooth and orderly transition,” the SC said.