Responsive Menu
News
Photo Releases
Benchmarks
Bids & Awards
Annual Reports
Lawyers' List
Downloads
Welcome to the Supreme Court of the Philippines

Trial Court Locator

Welcome to the Supreme Court of the Philippines

Trial Court Locator

Welcome to the Supreme Court of the Philippines

Trial Court Locator

READ: Pursuant to the SC Approved Calendar for 2023 in A.M. No. 19-11-20-SC, the Supreme Court and all courts nationwide shall observe a half-day (until 12NN) work schedule on Wednesday, April 5, 2023.
READ: Infographics on Bar Bulletin No. 2-2023 Re: Application Requirements for the 2023 Bar Examinations sc.judiciary.gov.ph/files/bar-2023 #WeCanDoIt #HernanDoIt #Bar2023

Phone

JPAS Hotline:
+63 2 8552-9644

Contact Email

JPAS Email:
chiefjusticehelpdesk@judiciary.gov.ph

Working Hours

Monday to Friday:
08:00 - 16:30

CONTACT US
CONTACT US

Slide
News and Announcements
Slide
News and Announcements

SC News Online

March 31, 2023 PM

Press Releases

31 March 2023
31 March 2023
29 March 2023
29 March 2023

Chief Justice Gesmundo Re-opens Judiciary

29 March 2023

Prosecutors are Gatekeepers of the

29 March 2023
VIEW MORE

Court News Flash

VIEW MORE

YouTube Channel

THE SUPREME COURT OF THE PHILIPPINES

The official account of the Public Information Office (PIO) of the Supreme Court of the Philippines.

THE SUPREME COURT OF THE PHILIPPINES
28th Philippine Women Judges Association Annual Convention-Seminar, March 22, 2023, Pasay City
Chief Justice Alexander G. Gesmundo, Justices visit the Calamba City trial courts, March 16, 2023
WATCH: New Hall of Justice to Rise in San Pablo City, Laguna
The Supreme Court of the Philippines launches its new website featuring enhanced functionality, dynamic design, and intuitive interface. Watch this video to learn about its history, development, functions, and features.
The New Website of the Supreme Court of the Philippines
1st National Shari'ah Summit March 5-6, 2023 Limketkai Luxe Hotel, Cagayan de Oro City
Forging the Role of Shari’ah in the National Legal Framework – Day 2
1st National Shari'ah Summit March 5-6, 2023 Limketkai Luxe Hotel, Cagayan de Oro City
Forging the Role of Shari’ah in the National Legal Framework – Day 1
Audio Livestream of Supreme Court Oral Arguments on G.R. No. 261892 (Kilusan sa Pagbabago ng Industriya ng Transportasyon, Inc. [KAPIT], et la. vs. City of Manila, et al.); G.R. No. 262192 (Atty. Juman B. Paa vs. Sangguniang Panglungsod ng Manila and Hon. Dr. Maria Sheilah Lacuna-Pangan) and G.R. No. 263752 (Phil. National Taxi Operators Association, Inc. et al., vs. City of Manila, et al.) For full description, visit: https://sc.judiciary.gov.ph/ncap/ website: sc.judiciary.gov.ph twitter: @SCPh_PIO
ORAL ARGUMENTS ON G.R. No. 261892 / G.R. No. 262192 / G.R. No. 263752 – January 24, 2023
Audio Livestream of Supreme Court Oral Arguments on G.R. No. 261892 (Kilusan sa Pagbabago ng Industriya ng Transportasyon, Inc. [KAPIT], et la. vs. City of Manila, et al.); G.R. No. 262192 (Atty. Juman B. Paa vs. Sangguniang Panglungsod ng Manila and Hon. Dr. Maria Sheilah Lacuna-Pangan) and G.R. No. 263752 (Phil. National Taxi Operators Association, Inc. et al., vs. City of Manila, et al.) For full description, visit: https://sc.judiciary.gov.ph/ncap/ website: sc.judiciary.gov.ph twitter: @SCPh_PIO
ORAL ARGUMENTS ON G.R. No. 261892 / G.R. No. 262192 / G.R. No. 263752 – December 6, 2022
Revisiting the Appointment Process to Philippine Judicial Posts: Models and Standards, Practices in Some States By: Hon. Apolinario D. Bruselas, Jr. Holder, Metrobank Professrial Chair in Ethics and Judicial Conduct Associate Justice, Court of Appeals November 24, 2022, Thursday, 10:00 am Supreme Court En Banc Session Hall Supreme Court New Building, Padre Faura, Manila
18th Metrobank Foundation Professorial Chair Lecture
A Message from the 2022 Bar Chair Associate Justice Benjamin Alfredo S. Caguioa #Bar2022 #GetThatBar2022
A Message from the 2022 Bar Chair Associate Justice Benjamin Alfredo S. Caguioa
The Supreme Court formally launched on October 14, 2022 the Judiciary’s long-term reform program, the Strategic Plan for Judicial Innovations 2022-2027 (SPJI). The SPJI is the High Court’s plan of action to address institutional challenges using four guiding principles: the Judiciary’s delivery of justice will be (1) timely and fair, (2) transparent and accountable, (3) equal and inclusive, and (4) echnologically adaptive. Steered by these guiding principles, the Court targets three major outcomes: Efficiency, Innovation, and Access. READ more about the SPJI: https://sc.judiciary.gov.ph/spji/
Strategic Plan for Judicial Innovations 2022-2027 (SPJI) AVP
The Strategic Plan for Judicial Innovations of the Supreme Court of the Philippines for 2022-2027
Subscribe

Tweets by @SCPh_PIO

Philippine Supreme Court Public Information Office Follow

Official account of the Philippine Supreme Court’s Public Information Office (PIO). For contact details, please visit https://t.co/1TK7EgaHHD

SCPh_PIO
scph_pio Philippine Supreme Court Public Information Office @scph_pio ·
18h

READ: SC Uses Clear, Straightforward Language in Discussion of Rape to Ensure Accuracy in Court Judgments
https://sc.judiciary.gov.ph/sc-uses-clear-straightforward-language-in-discussion-of-rape-to-ensure-accuracy-in-court-judgments/

Reply on Twitter 1641765020173500416 Retweet on Twitter 1641765020173500416 136 Like on Twitter 1641765020173500416 433 Twitter 1641765020173500416
scph_pio Philippine Supreme Court Public Information Office @scph_pio ·
21h

Pursuant to the SC Approved Calendar for 2023 in A.M. No. 19-11-20-SC, the Supreme Court and all courts nationwide shall observe a half-day (until 12NN) work schedule on Wednesday, April 5, 2023.

Reply on Twitter 1641709216611340289 Retweet on Twitter 1641709216611340289 53 Like on Twitter 1641709216611340289 140 Twitter 1641709216611340289
scph_pio Philippine Supreme Court Public Information Office @scph_pio ·
23h

READ: SC: Notice and Hearing are Required for LRT/MRT Fare Increase
https://sc.judiciary.gov.ph/sc-notice-and-hearing-are-required-for-lrt-mrt-fare-increase/

Reply on Twitter 1641688353409216512 Retweet on Twitter 1641688353409216512 60 Like on Twitter 1641688353409216512 223 Twitter 1641688353409216512

Philippine Supreme Court Public Information Office Follow

Official account of the Philippine Supreme Court’s Public Information Office (PIO). For contact details, please visit https://t.co/1TK7EgaHHD

SCPh_PIO
scph_pio Philippine Supreme Court Public Information Office @scph_pio ·
18h

READ: SC Uses Clear, Straightforward Language in Discussion of Rape to Ensure Accuracy in Court Judgments
https://sc.judiciary.gov.ph/sc-uses-clear-straightforward-language-in-discussion-of-rape-to-ensure-accuracy-in-court-judgments/

Reply on Twitter 1641765020173500416 Retweet on Twitter 1641765020173500416 136 Like on Twitter 1641765020173500416 433 Twitter 1641765020173500416
scph_pio Philippine Supreme Court Public Information Office @scph_pio ·
21h

Pursuant to the SC Approved Calendar for 2023 in A.M. No. 19-11-20-SC, the Supreme Court and all courts nationwide shall observe a half-day (until 12NN) work schedule on Wednesday, April 5, 2023.

Reply on Twitter 1641709216611340289 Retweet on Twitter 1641709216611340289 53 Like on Twitter 1641709216611340289 140 Twitter 1641709216611340289
scph_pio Philippine Supreme Court Public Information Office @scph_pio ·
23h

READ: SC: Notice and Hearing are Required for LRT/MRT Fare Increase
https://sc.judiciary.gov.ph/sc-notice-and-hearing-are-required-for-lrt-mrt-fare-increase/

Reply on Twitter 1641688353409216512 Retweet on Twitter 1641688353409216512 60 Like on Twitter 1641688353409216512 223 Twitter 1641688353409216512

Benchmark Magazine

Volume 7-3, 2022
Volume 7-2, 2022
1 (1)
Volume 6-3, 2021
Volume 7-1, 2022
Volume 6-2, 2021
Volume 6-1, 2021
Volume 5-4, 2020
Volume 5-3, 2020
Volume 5-2, 2020
Volume 5-1, 2020
Volume 4-5, 2019
Volume 4-4, 2019
Volume 4-3, 2019
Volume 4-2, 2019
Volume 4-1, 2019
Volume 3-4, 2018
Volume 3-3, 2018
Volume 3-2, 2018
Volume 2-4, 2017
Volume 2-3, 2017
Volume 2-2, 2017
Volume 2-1, 2017
Volume 1-5, 2016
Volume 1-4, 2016
Volume 1-3, 2016
Volume 1-2, 2016
Volume 1-1, 2016

Bids and Awards

Bids and Awards Committee
for Goods and Services

CHECK HERE

Bids and Awards
Committee
for Halls of
Justice

CHECK HERE

Bids and Awards Committee for
Infrastructure Projects

CHECK HERE

Bids and Awards Committee for Consultancy Services

CHECK HERE

Bids and Awards Committee for New Supreme Court Complex

CHECK HERE

SC Special Canteen
Committee

CHECK HERE

Request for
Quotations

CHECK HERE

Purchase
Orders

CHECK HERE

Bids and Awards Committee
for Goods and Services

CHECK HERE

Bids and Awards
Committee
for Halls of
Justice

CHECK HERE

Bids and Awards Committee for
Infrastructure Projects

CHECK HERE

Bids and Awards Committee for Consultancy Services

CHECK HERE

Bids and Awards Committee for New Supreme Court Complex

CHECK HERE

SC Special Canteen
Committee

CHECK HERE

Request for
Quotations

CHECK HERE

Purchase
Orders

CHECK HERE

Bids and Awards Committee for the Construction of the Manila Hall of Justice & the Court of Appeals Buildings in Cebu & Cagayan De Oro

CHECK HERE

Bids and Awards Committee for the Construction of the Manila Hall of Justice & the Court of Appeals Buildings in Cebu & Cagayan De Oro

CHECK HERE

Bids and Awards Committee
for Goods and Services

CHECK HERE

Bids and Awards Committee
for Halls of Justice

CHECK HERE

Bids and Awards Committee for
Infrastructure Projects

CHECK HERE

Bids and Awards Committee for Consultancy Services

CHECK HERE

Bids and Awards Committee for New Supreme Court Complex

CHECK HERE

SC Special Canteen
Committee

CHECK HERE

Request for
Quotations

CHECK HERE

Purchase
Orders

CHECK HERE

Bids and Awards Committee for the Construction of the Manila Hall of Justice & the Court of Appeals Buildings in Cebu & Cagayan De Oro

CHECK HERE

Annual Reports

2021

Judiciary Annual Report

2020

Judiciary Annual Report

2019

Judiciary Annual Report

2018

Annual Report

2017

2016-2015

Narrative Report

2014

Narrative Report

2013

2012

Narrative Report

2011

Annual Report

2010

Narrative Report

2009

Annual Report

2008

Narrative Report

2007

Annual Report

2006

Narrative Report

2005

Annual Report

Other Notices

Petitions for Naturalizaton under
A.M. No. 21-07-22-SC

Annual Reports

2021

Judiciary Annual Report

2020

Judiciary Annual Report

2019

Judiciary Annual Report

2018

Annual Report

2017

2016-2015

Narrative Report

2014

Narrative Report

2013

2012

Narrative Report

2011

Annual Report

2010

Narrative Report

2009

Annual Report

2008

Narrative Report

2007

Annual Report

2006

Narrative Report

2005

Annual Report

Other Notices

Petitions for Naturalizaton under
A.M. No. 21-07-22-SC

Email Us

Contact Us
Share this page

Supreme Court of the Philippines

Padre Faura St., Ermita, Manila
Philippines 1000

Follow us on Twitter @SCPh_PIO.
Thank you for your continued support and feedback.

Twitter Youtube Facebook Instagram

Contact Info

For queries and comments,
please email us at:

pio.sc@judiciary.gov.ph
chiefjusticehelpdesk@
judiciary.gov.ph

Or call us at:

+63 2 8552-9644 | +63 908 850-0919

Downloads

Other Links

united

Supreme Court of the Philippines

Padre Faura St., Ermita, Manila
Philippines 1000

Follow us on Twitter @SCPh_PIO.
Thank you for your continued support and feedback.

Twitter Youtube Facebook Instagram

Contact Info

For queries and comments,
please email us at:

pio.sc@judiciary.gov.ph
chiefjusticehelpdesk@
judiciary.gov.ph

Or call us at:

+63 2 8552-9644 | +63 908 850-0919

Downloads

Useful Links

united

Supreme Court of the Philippines

Padre Faura St., Ermita, Manila
Philippines 1000

Follow us on Twitter @SCPh_PIO.
Thank you for your continued support and feedback.

Twitter Youtube Facebook Instagram

Contact Info

For queries and comments,
please email us at:

pio.sc@judiciary.gov.ph
chiefjusticehelpdesk@
judiciary.gov.ph

Or call us at:

+63 2 8552-9644
+63 908 850-0919

Downloads

Useful Links

united
© 2023 The Supreme Court of the Philippines. All rights reserved.
Privacy Statement
© 2023 The Supreme Court of the Philippines.
All rights reserved.
Privacy Statement
© 2023 The Supreme Court of the Philippines. All rights reserved.
Privacy Statement

© 2023 The Supreme Court of the Philippines. All rights reserved.

app1

© 2022 The Supreme Court of the Philippines. All rights reserved.

app2
app1

Invitation to Bid for the Procurement of Clinical Chemistry Analyzer for the Official Use of the Supreme Court

Procurement of One (1) Service Vehicle for the Official Use of the Third Regular Member of the Judicial Integrity Board

Invitation to Bid for the Procurement for the Supply, Delivery, Cabling and Installation of Time Recorder Devices for the Use of the Supreme Court

Invitation to Bid for the Procurement of the Supreme Court of the Philippines Enterprise Wireless Network Connectivity

Invitation to Bid for the Procurement of One (1) Service Vehicle for the Official Use of the Philippine Judicial Academy Vice-Chancellor

Invitation to Bid for the Procurement of One (1) Digital Production Printer, Banner Type, for the Official Use of the Printing Services (Re-bidding)

Procurement of Service Vehicles for the Official Use of the Associate Justices of the Supreme Court (Three [3] Units of Sport Unitility Vehicles)

Procurement Monitoring Report (2nd Semester)

Invitation to Bid for the Procurement of Preventive Maintenance Service and Repair for All Air-Conditioning Units at the Supreme Court, Mandatory Continuing Legal Education Office (MCLEO) and Philippine Judicial Academy (PhilJA) Training Center, for Two (2) Years

Invitation to Bid for the Procurement of Various Office Supplies for the Official Use of the Lower Courts

Procurement of Comprehensive Health Care Plan to All Lower Courts Personnel of the 1st and 2nd Level including Shari’a Courts

Procurement of Two (2) Utility Vehicles for the Official Use of the Regular Members of the Judicial Integrity Board (Re-bidding)

Procurement of One (1) Thermal Computer to Plate Machine for the Official Use of the Supreme Court

Invitation to Bid for the Procurement of Oracle Database Enterprise Edition for the Official Use of the Mandatory Continuing Legal Education Office

Procurement of Freight Forwarding Services to Various Trial Courts Located in the National Capital Region and Provinces by Private Courier for Two (2) Years (Re-bidding)

Procurement of One (1) Unit Passenger / Utility Van for Hauling and Deliveries for the Lower Courts (Re-bidding)

Procurement of Laptop and Desktop Computers for Use of Various Offices of the Philippine Judicial Academy (ITB No. 2022-13)

Procurement of External Hard Drives for the Official Use of the Lower Courts in the National Capital Region and Provinces (ITB No. 2022-14)

Procurement of Janitorial and Sanitation Services for the Supreme Court for Two (2) Years (Re-bidding) (ITB No. 2022-17)

Procurement of Low Code of the Supreme Court (ITB No. 2022-16)

Procurement of Service Vehicles for the Official Use of the Associate Justices of the Supreme Court

Procurement of Service Provider for the Printing of the 2023 Court Calendar

Procurement of One (1) Digital Production Printer, Banner Type, for the Official Use of the Printing Services

Procurement of One (1) Van as Service Vehicle and One (1) Sports Utility Vehicle as Back-Up Vehicle for the Official Use of the Chief Justice

Procurement of Digital Voice Recorders for the Official Use of Various Trial Courts

Procurement of Toner Cartridges for Issuance to the Lower Courts

Procurement of Laptop Computers for the Use of Various Offices of the Philippine Judicial Academy (Re-bidding)

Procurement of Two (2) Units of Utility Vehicle Vans, 15-Seater, for the General Use of the Philippine Judicial Academy

Procurement of Two (2) Utility Vehicles for the Official Use of the Regular Members of the Judicial Integrity Board

Procurement for the Supply and Installation of Air Conditioning Units for Various Offices of the Supreme Court

Procurement of Janitorial and Sanitation Services for the Supreme Court for Two (2) Years (Re-bidding)

Procurement of Low-Code Development Platform for the Supreme Court

Procurement of One (1) Unit Passenger/Utility Van for Hauling and Deliveries for the Lower Courts

2022 Procurement Monitoring Report (1st Semester)

Procurement of Laptop and Desktop
Computers for Use of Various
Offices of the Philippine Judicial
Academy

Procurement of External Hard Drives for
the Official Use of the Lower Courts in
the National Capital Region and
Provinces

Procurement of Various Office Supplies for the Official Use of the Lower Courts

Procurement of Freight Forwarding
Services to Various Trial Courts Located
in the National Capital Region and
Provinces by Private Courier for Two (2)
Years

Procurement of Bar Examinations Software Licenses for the 2022 and 2023 Digitalized and Regionalized Bar Examination

Philippine Judicial Academy Food and Beverage Concession

Procurement of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) Equipment for Various Offices of the Supreme Court

Procurement of Five (5)-Bay Compactor for the Official Use of the Supreme Court

Procurement of Comprehensive Maintenance Services for the Judiciary Data Center (JDC) and Disaster Recovery Site (DRS) of the Supreme Court Including Replacement of its Key Components.

Procurement of One (1) Semi-Automatic Book Sewing Machine for the Official Use of the Printing Services

Procurement of Direct Internet
Connectivity and ICT Network
Security Systems for the Quezon City
Hall of Justice

Supply and Delivery of Various Books for the Official Use of the Regional Trial Courts in Provinces Procured Thru Direct Contracting

Invitation to Bid No. 2022-02 Procurement of Desktop Computers and Printers for the Official Use of the Supreme Court

PROCUREMENT OF LAPTOP COMPUTERS FOR THE USE OF VARIOUS OFFICES OF THE PHILIPPINE JUDICIAL ACADEMY

PROCUREMENT OF VARIOUS OFFICE SUPPLIES FOR THE OFFICIAL USE OF THE LOWER COURTS

PROCUREMENT OF A TWO (2)-YEAR DEDICATED FIBER OPTIC 100 Mbps INTERNET SUBSCRIPTION SERVICE WITH BANDWIDTH ON-DEMAND OPTION FOR THE PHILJA TRAINING CENTER

Invitation to Bid for the Procurement of Janitorial and Sanitation Services for the Supreme Court for Two (2) Years

Procurement of Desktop Computers and Printers for the Official Use of the Supreme Court

2021 Procurement Monitoring Report (2nd Semester)

Invitation to Bid for the Procurement of Three (3) Units of Motor Vehicles for the Official Use of the Supreme Court (re-bidding)

Procurement of Air Conditioning Units for Various Offices of the Supreme Court

Invitation to Bid for the Procurement of Comprehensive Maintenance Services for the Judiciary Data Center (JDC) and Disaster Recovery Site (DRS) of the Supreme Court Including Replacement of its Key Components

Invitation to Bid for the Procuement of One (1) Semi-Automatic Book Sewing Machine for the Official Use of the Printing Services

Invitation to Foreign Suppliers, Manufacturers or Contractors to Submit Manifestation of Intention to Participate for the Project:
Procurement of Additional Software License for the Official Use in the 2021 Bar Examinations
(2,000 Examsoft Software [Examplify Licenses])

Procurement of Five (5) Service Motor Vehicles for the Official Use of the Judicial Integrity Board – Lot 2: Three [3] Units of Sports Utility Vehicle (re-bidding)

Procurement for the Replacement and
Upgrade of Existing Old Elevators at the
Supreme Court Main Building, New Main
Building and New Annex Building

Invitation to Foreign Suppliers, Manufacturers or Contractors to Submit Manifestation of Intention to Participate for the Project: Procurement of Additional Software License for the Official Use in the 2021 Bar Examinations

Invitation to Bid for the Procurement of Service Provider for the Printing of the 2022 Court Calendar

Procurement of Two (2) Units of Utility Vehicle Van, 15-Seater, for the General Use of the Philippine Judicial Academy

Procurement of Multi-Purpose Service Vehicle for the Official Use of the Management Information Systems Office

Procurement of Three (3) Units of Motor Vehicles for the Official Use of the Supreme Court

Procurement of Various Office Supplies for the Official Use of the Lower Courts (Re-bidding)

Invitation to Bid for the Procurement of Comprehensive Healthcare Plan for Supreme Court Officials and Employees for Two (2) Years

Procurement of Comprehensive
Healthcare Plan to All Lower Court
Judges of the 1st and 2nd Level
Including Shari’a Courts

Procurement of Various ICT Equipment for Official Use in the 2021 Bar Examinations

Invitation to Bid for the Procurement of Twenty-Four (24) Notebook Computers for Use in the 2021 Bar Examinations (Re-bidding)

Invitation to Bid for the Procurement of Service Vehicles for the Official Use of the Associate Justices of the Supreme Court

Invitation for Works Contractor for the Proposed Completion of the Hall of Justice in Gonzaga, Cagayan

Invitation to Submit Proposals for the Semi-Comprehensive Preventive Maintenance of Elevator at San Juan Hall of Justice

Invitation to Submit Proposals for the Standard Preventive Maintenance of Elevator at San Fernando City, Pampanga Hall of Justice

Invitation for Procurement of Works Contractor for the Repair and Rehabilitation of Bansud, Oriental Mindoro Hall of Justice

Invitation for Procurement of Works Contractor for the Supply, Delivery and Installation of Furniture, Fixture and Equipment at the Newly Constructed Antipolo City Hall of Justice

Request for Expression of Interest for the Negotiated Procurement of Consultancy Services for the Detailed Architectural and Engineering Design for the Hall of Justice in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan

Request for Expression of Interest for the Proposed Procurement fo Detailed Architectural and Engineering Design (DAED) Consultant for the Proposed Repair and Rehabilitation with Expansion of the Hall of Justice in Zamboanga City

Invitation for Procurement of Works Contractor for the Installation of Pediment, Signages and Floor Tiles at the Hallway, Painting of Exterior and Hallway of Malolos City, Bulacan Hall of Justice

Invitation for Procurement of Works Contractor for the Refurbishment of Leased Property to House the Newly-Created Regional Trial Court Branches 172-173 at Gumaca, Quezon

Invitation for Procurement of Works Contractor for the Refurbishment of Court of Appeals Building for the Newly-Created Regional Trial Court Branches 78 and 79, and Municipal Trial Court in Cities Branches 5 and 6, all of Baguio City

Invitation to Bid for the contract of security service for the Halls of Justice in Region VI (Western Visayas)

Request for the Construction of the Manila Hall of Justice and the Court of Appeals Buildings in Cebu and Cagayan De Oro

Request for Expression of Interest for the Procurement of Consultancy Services for the Detailed Architectural and Engineering Design of the San Pablo City, Laguna Hall of Justice

Request for Expression of Interest for the Negotiated Procurement of Consultancy Service for the Project Management of Laoag City, Ilocos Norte Hall of Justice

Invitation to Submit Proposals for the Standard Technical Maintenance Service for One Elevator Unit at the Mandaluyong City Hall of Justice

Invitation to Submit Proposals for the Standard Technical Maintenance Service for One Elevator Unit at the Muntinlupa City Hall of Justice

Invitation to Submit Proposals for the Lease of Office Space for Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branches 289-293 and Family Court (FC) Branch 4 of Malabon City

Invitation for Procurement of Works Contractor for the Repair and Rehabilitation of Bolinao, Pangasinan Hall of Justice

The Procurement for Works Contractor for the Construction of Hall of Justice in Matnog, Sorsogon

Request for Expression of Interest for the Procurement of Detailed Architectural and Engineering Design Consultant for the Proposed Construction of the New Imus City, Cavite Hall of Justice

Invitation for Procurement of Works Contractor for the Repair and Rehabilitation of Bolinao, Pangasinan Hall of Justice

Janitorial Services for the Halls of Justice stationed in Region X (Bukidnon, Camiguin, Misamis Occidental, Misamis Oriental and Lanao del Norte

Construction of the Anahawan, Southern Leyte Hall of Justice

Construction of the Hall of Justice Building in Tagkawayan, Quezon

Repair fo the Municipal Circuit Trial Court Dapa-Socorro Hall of Justice in Dapa, Surigao del Norte

Repair of the Hall of Justice in Del Carmen, Surigao del Norte

Invitation for Procurement of Works Contractor for the Repair and Rehabilitation of Mercedes, Camarines Norte Hall of Justice

Procurement of Consulting Services for the Preparation of the Detailed Architectural Engineering Design for the Puerto Princesa, Palawan Hall of Justice (Building 2)

Bid Bulletins:

Invitation to bid for the Architectural Engineering Design (DAED) for the proposed repair and rehabilitation with expansion of the Hall of Justice in Olongapo City Zambales

Notice of Award for the lease of office space in:

Invitation for Procurement of Works Contractor for the Construction of a Perimeter Fence for the Hall of Justice in Legazpi City, Albay

Procurement of Lease of Office to House the Newly-Created Branches 3 and 4, Municipal Trial Court in Cities, Roxas City, Capiz

Invitation to Submit Proposals for the Lease of Office Space to House the Newly Created Family Court of Bauang, La Union

Invitation to Apply for Eligibility and to Bid for the Contract of Janitorial Services for the Halls of Justice Stationed in Regions XI, XII and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM)

Invitation to Bid for the Midsayap Cotobaro refurbishment project

Invitation for Negotiated Procurement of Works Contractor for the Construction of Sta. Monica, Surigao Del Norte Hall of Justice

Notice of Award for the Procurement of Consulting Services for the Construction of Halls of Justice in:

Request for Expression of Interest for the Procurement of Consulting Services for the Detailed Architectural and Engineering Design for Construction of the Lucena City Hall of Justice

Invitation to Bid for Works Contractor for the Repair and Rehabilitation of Tago, Surigao Del Sur Hall of Justice

Invitation to Bid for Works Contractor for the Repair and Rehabilitation of the Hall of Justice in San Jose, Camarines Sur

Invitation to Bid for Works Constructor for the Construction of the Hall of Justice in Guinayangan, Quezon

Repair fo the Hall of Justice in Laoang, Northern Samar

Invitation to Bid for Works Contractor for the Refurbishment of Leased of Office Space to House the Newly Created Regional Trial Courts Branches 180 to 187 of the City of Manila

Invitation to Apply for Eligibility and Bid for the Contract of Janitorial Sevice for the Halls of Justice in Cordillera Administrative Region

Invitation to Apply for Eligibility and to Bid for the Supply and Delivery of Non-Inverter Split Type Air-Conditioning Units in the Halls of Justice Nationwide

Invitation to Apply for Eligibility and to Bid for the Supply and Delivery of Non-Inverter Window Type Air-Conditioning Units in the Halls of Justice Nationwide

Procurement of Lease of Office Space to House the Eight (8) Newly Created Branches 180, 181, 182, 183, 184, 185, 186, 187 of the Regional Trial Court, Manila

Invitation to Bid for Works Contractor for the Refurbishment of the Leased Property in Barotac Viejo, Iloilo

Procurement of Lease of Office Space to House the Newly Created Branches 172 and 173, Regional Trial Court, Gumaca, Quezon

Invitation to Apply for Eligibility and to Bid for the Contract of Janitorial Services for the Halls of Justice in Regions I, II and CARAGA

Request for Expression of Interest for the Procurement of Consultancy Services for the Detailed Architectural and Engineering Design for the Hall of Justice in Mandaue City, Cebu

Request for Expression of Interest for the Procurement of Consultancy Services for the Detailed Architectural and Engineering Design for the Judicial Complex in Cagayan De Oro City

Request for Expression of Interest for the Procurement of Consultancy Services for the Detailed Architectural and Engineering Design for the Hall of Justice in Puerto Princes City, Palawan

Request for Expression of Interest for the Procurement of Consultancy Services for the Detailed Architectural and Engineering Design for the Hall of Justice in Midsayap, North Cotabato

Request for Expression of Interest for the Procurement of Consultancy Services for the Detailed Architectural and Engineering Design for the Hall of Justice in Masbate City, Masbate

Procurement of Lease of Office Space to House the Newly-Created Family Court of Laoag City

Bids and Awards Committee for the Halls of Justice to award the contract for the repair of the Hall of Justice of Virac, Catanduanes

Invitation to Bid for Works Contractor for the Refurbishment of Leased Property to House the Newly Created Courts in Olongapo City

Procurement of Lease of Office Space to House the Municipal Trial Court of Taytay, Rizal

Procurement of Lease of Office Space to House the Newly Created Branch 176, Regional Trial Court, Sta. Cruz, Laguna

Invitation to Bid for Works Contractor for the Construction of the Hall of Justice in Mabitac, Laguna

Invitation to Bid for Works Contractor for the Construction of the Hall of Justice in Guinayangan, Quezon

Invitation to Bid for Works Contractor for the Construction of the Hall of Justice in Coron, Palawan

Invitation to Bid for Works Contractor for the Refurbishment of the Leased Property to House Branches 174 and 175 Regional Trial Court and the Municipal Trial Court of San Mateo, Rizal

Invitation to Submit proposals: Negotiated Procurement of a Works Contractor for the Rehabilitation of the Office of the Deputy Court Administrator Jenny Lind R. Aldecoa-Delorino at the 4th Floor of the Hall of Justice in Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu

Invitation to Submit proposals: Negotiated Procurement of a Works Contractor for the Interior Fit-Out of the Office of the Deputy Court Administrator for Mindanao at the 12th Floor of Landco Corporate Center Building, Bajada, Davao City

Invitation to Submit proposals: Negotiated Procurement of a Works Contractor for the Renovation and Coversion of Open Space into Office Space for the Use of the Judicial and Bar Council

Procurement of Security Service Provider for the Halls of Justice in Cluster IX (Zamboanga Peninsula) and Cluster X (Northern Mindanao)

Invitation to Bid for Works Contractor for the Refurbishment of the Leased Property in Barotac Viejo, Iloilo

Request for Expression of Interest for the Procurement of Consulting Services for Project Management for the Laoag City, Ilocos Norte Hall of Justice

Invitation to Bid for Works Constractor for the Refurbishment of Leased Property in Makati City for the Use of Newly Created Courts

Invitation to bid for Works Contractor for the Construction of the Hall of Justice Building in Anahawan, Sothern Leyte

Invitation to bid for Works Contractor for the Construction of the Hall of Justice Building in Matnog, Sorsogon

Invitation to bid for Works Contractor for the Construction of the Hall of Justice Building in Sta. Rita, Pampanga

Procurement of Consulting Services for the Preparation of the Detailed Architectural Engineering Design for the Proposed Construction of the Tagbilaran City Hall of Justice

Procurement of Consulting Services for the Preparation of the Detailed Architectural Engineering Design for the Proposed Construction of the Lapu-Lapu City Hall of Justice

Procurement for the Contract of Security Service Provider for the Halls of Justice in Central Luzon Region

Procurement of Consuting Services for the Preparation of the Detailed Architectural Engineering Design for the Proposed Construction of the San Pablo City Hall of Justice

Procurement of Consulting Services for the Preparation of the Detailed Architectural Engineering Design for the Proposed Construction of the Cebu Hall of Justice

Procurement of Lease of Office Space to House the Newly Created Regional
Trial Court Branch 132 and Regional Trial Court – Office of the Clerk of Court
of Naic, Cavite

Amended Invitation to Apply for Eligibility and to Bid for the Contract of Security Service Provider for the Halls of Justice in Central Luzon

Amended Invitation to Apply for Eligibility and to Bid for the Contract of Janitorial Service for the Halls of Justice in Cordillera Administrative Region

Invitation to Apply for Eligibility and to Bid for the Contract of Security Service Provider for the Halls of Justice in Central Luzon Region

Invitation to Apply for Eligibility and to Bid for the Contract of Janitorial Service for the Halls of Justice in Condillera Administrative Region

Invitation to Bid for Works Contractor for the Refurbishment of Leased of Office Space to House Three (3) Branches of the Regional Trial Court (RTC), Municipal Trial Court, Sharia’h Court, Office of the Clerk of Court of the RTC, Library, Mediation Office and Maintenance Office in Midsayap, Cotabato

Request for Expression of Interest for the Procurement of Consulting Sevices for Project Management for the Laoag City, Ilocos Norte Hall of Justice

Procurement of Lease of Office Space to House the Regional Trial Court Branch 39 and Municipal Circuit Trial Court Sogod-Libagon-Bondoc, Sogod, Southern Leyte

Procurement of Lease of Office Space to House the Regional Trial Court Branch 72 and Regional Trial Court-Office of the Clerk of Court of Guimbal, Iloilo

Invitation to Bid for Works Contractor for the Refurbishment of the Newly Constructed Hall of Justice Building for the Use of the Newly Created Courts in Malolos City, Bulacan

Invitation to Bid for Works Contractor for the Construction of the Hall of Justice in Tagkawayan, Quezon

Invitation to Bid for Works Contractor for the Construction of the Hall of Justice in Talibon, Bohol

Invitation to Bid for Works Contractor for the Refurbishment of Leased Property to House the Newly Created Courts in Olongapo City

Invitation to Bid for Works Contractor for the Refurbishment of Office Space in Dinalungan, Aurora

For the Renovation of the Dental Clinic at the 2nd Floor, Supreme Court (SC) Old Building (IP No. 2023-02)

Necessary Repairs of the Office of an Associate Justice, 6th Floor, Old Annex Building, Supreme Court (IP No.2023-01)

Procurement Monitoring Report as of December 31, 2022

FOR THE PROCUREMENT OF A Works Contractor for the Necessary Repairs of the Office of the Clerk of Court,
3rd Floor, New Annex Building, Supreme Court

RE-BIDDING FOR THE PROCUREMENT OF A Works Contractor for the Construction of the Judicial Records Office Docket and Supreme Court (SC) One-stop Shop Counters at the SC Quadrangle, New Main Building IP No. 2022-03

FOR THE REPAINTING OF THE PHILIPPINE JUDICIAL ACADEMY (PHILJA) TRAINING CENTER BUILDINGS AT SILANG CROSSING EAST, TAGAYTAY CITY, CAVITE
IP No. 2022-05

FOR THE PROCUREMENT OF A
Works Contractor for the Necessary Repair of Cottage I at the Supreme Court Compound, Baguio City
IP No. 2022-06

FOR THE PROCUREMENT OF A
Works Contractor for the Necessary
Repair of Cottage N at the Supreme
Court Compound, Baguio City
IP No. 2022-04

Construction of a Security Barracks at the Supreme Court Compound, Baguio City

Construction/Expansion of the Security Guard Outpost at the Supreme Court Compound, Baguio City; and

Construction of the Judicial Records Office (JRO) Docket and Supreme Court (SC) One-stop Shop Counters at the SC Quadrangle, New Main Builing

Procurement of a Works Contractor for the Renovation of Rollo Room at the Office of the Clerk of Court, First Division

Request for Expression of Interest for Procurement of Consulting Services for the Acquisition of Landholdings by the Supreme Court-Philippine Judicial Academy

Request for Expression of Interest for the Procurement of Legal Resource Management System (LRMS)

Procurement Monitoring Report (2nd Semester)

Request of Expression of Interest for Development Services using Outsystems Low Code Platform

Procurement for Consulting Services for the Conduct of Process Analysis in the Judiciary Under the Ecourt Project Version 2 of the Supreme Court

Request for Expression of Interest: Consulting Services for Document Management Solution with Electronic Signature Capability

Request for Expression of Interest: Consulting Services in the Development of the Judiciary ICT Governance Framework, Five-year Strategic Plan, Judiciary MIS Operations Manual

Request for Expression of Interest in the Development of the Judiciary ICT Governance Framework, Five-year Strategic Plan, and Judiciary MIS Operations Manual

Procurement Monitoring Report (December 31, 2021)

Procurement Monitoring Report (June 30, 2021)

Construction of Perimeter Fence and Gate for the Temporary Access Road of the New Supreme Court Complex

Request for Proposal/Quotations for the Conduct of Geotechnical Investigation for the Proposed Construction of the New Supreme Court Complex

Invitation to Participate as Food and Beverages Concessionaire of the Judicial Academy Philippines

Invitation to Participate as the Second Supreme Court Canteen Concessionaire

Invitation to Participate as Supreme Canteen Concessionaire

Request for Expression of Interest for the Project Management Consultant of the Manila Hall of Justice Project

Request for Expression of Interest for the Detailed Architectural and Engineering Design of the Manila Hall of Justice

Procurement Monitoring Report (December 2022)

Procurement of Consulting Services for the Project Management of the Manila Hall of Justice Project

Procurement of Consulting Services for the Detailed Architectural Engineering and Design for the Manila Hall of Justice Project Procurement Monitoring Report (June 30, 2022) Procurement Monitoring Report (December 31, 2021)

Privacy Statement

Statement of Commitment to Data Privacy and Security

The Supreme Court of the Philippines respects your privacy, and your data privacy rights, as well as employs reasonable measures to protect your personal data in accordance with Republic Act No. 10173 or the Data Privacy Act of 2012 (DPA), its Implementing Rules and Regulations, and the various issuances of the National Privacy Commission (NPC) (collectively, the Data Privacy Regulations).

Brief Service Description and its General Purpose

By submitting your concern or request to us via the Query Form and ticking the box signifying your agreement to the processing and disclosure of personal data, you agree to the collection, use, disclosure, and processing of your personal data for legitimate purposes and in accordance with our mandate.

What personal data do we collect?

The following personal data may be collected through the Query Form and/or by the website analytics:

(a) full name
(b) mobile number
(c) e-mail address
(d) age
(e) gender
(f) nationality

The foregoing complies with the requirement under the Data Privacy Regulations that the privacy notice should provide a “description of the personal data to be entered into the system.

Why do we collect your personal data?

The foregoing personal data shall be processed for the following purposes:

(a) for the proper processing of requests;
(b) to contact you to respond to queries/requests;
(c) for demographics analysis;
(d) for other purposes pursuant to the performance of the functions of the Supreme Court and its offices; and/or
(e) as required by law.

The foregoing complies with the requirement under the Data Privacy Regulations that the privacy notice should provide the “purposes for which the personal data are being or will be processed, including processing for direct marketing, profiling or historical, statistical or scientific purpose.

How do we process your personal data?

Personal data collected shall be processed for purposes of determining the profile of SC website users for reference in helping the Supreme Court in effectively managing the SC website as well as in the SC’s dissemination of information to the public.

Personal data will be collected online based on the information and digital/uploaded documents, if any, provided by the data subjects. The personal data will then be stored and further processed in an electronic form.

Where you have provided us with your personal data, you agree to our collection, use, disclosure, storage and other processing of your personal data for the purposes and in the manner set forth in this Privacy Notice.

Google Analytics

The Supreme Court website uses Google Analytics to gather anonymous statistical information from site visitors. Such data are used by the Supreme Court to improve website user experience. You may read about Google Analytics in this link: https://www.avast.com/c-how-google-uses-your-data

You may also choose not to allow Google to collect your information by clicking this link: https://www.avast.com/c-how-google-uses-your-data – please scroll down to ask Google to delete your data

How do we protect your personal data?

The foregoing personal data shall be captured, stored, and retrieved by the Supreme Court and its offices as may be necessary and with utmost security and confidentiality.

How do we retain your personal data?

The collected personal data shall be stored in the Supreme Court server. Such personal data shall not be shared to unauthorized persons.

How long will we keep your personal data?

Such personal data shall be retained for a period of one year. For exceptional circumstances, the data may be retained for as long as needed in the performance of the functions of the Supreme Court and its offices.

Under the Data Privacy Regulations, retention of personal data shall only be for as long as necessary:

a) for the fulfillment of the declared, specified, and legitimate purpose, or when the processing relevant to the purpose has been terminated;

b) for the establishment, exercise or defense of legal claims; or

c) for legitimate business purposes, which must be consistent with standards followed by the applicable industry or approved by appropriate government agency.

However, personal data originally collected for a declared, specified, or legitimate purpose may be processed further for historical, statistical, or scientific purposes, and, in cases laid down in law, may be stored for longer periods, subject to implementation of the appropriate organizational, physical, and technical security measures

How do we dispose of the collected personal data after the retention period?

Your personal data shall be retained: (a) only until your requests or concerns are addressed; or (ii) for a longer period, in exceptional cases, such as when legal issues arise from your requests or concerns or its processing, after which the personal data shall be anonymized and/or expunged. In all cases, your personal data will be stored in a secure manner to ensure its confidentiality, integrity, and availability.

What are your rights as a data subject?

Under the Data Privacy Regulations, you are entitled to the following rights as data subject, which you may exercise at your discretion:

a) The right to be informed

You have the right to be informed whether personal data pertaining to you shall be, are being or have been processed.

b) The right to access

Under the DPA, individuals can request access to any of their personal data held by the Supreme Court, subject to certain restrictions. Any such request should be addressed to the Data Protection Officer.

c) The right to object

You have a right to object to the processing of your personal data, including processing for direct marketing, automated processing or profiling.

d) The right to erasure or blocking

You have the right to suspend, withdraw or order the blocking, removal, or destruction of your personal data from the Supreme Court’s filing system subject to the provisions of the Data Privacy Regulations.

e) The right to damages

You have the right to be indemnified for any damages sustained due to inaccurate, incomplete, outdated, false, unlawfully obtained, or unauthorized use of personal data, considering any violation of your rights and freedoms as data subject.

f) The right to file a complaint before the National Privacy Commission (NPC)

If you feel that your rights have been violated or your personal data has been misused, maliciously disclosed, or improperly disposed of, you have the right to file a complaint before the NPC.

g) The right to rectification

You have the right to dispute any inaccuracy or error in your personal data and have the Supreme Court correct it immediately, unless the request is vexatious or unreasonable.

h) The right to data portability

You have the right to obtain a copy of your data in an electronic or structured format that is commonly used and allows for further use by the data subject.

Changes to our Privacy Notice:

The Privacy Notice may be updated from time to time. If material changes to the Query Form are required, any revisions shall be published on the Supreme Court website under the News and Announcements page for your immediate guidance. Therefore, we encourage you to review this Privacy Notice periodically so that you are up to date on our most current policies and practices. This Privacy Notice was last updated on February 07, 2023.

How do you contact us?

If you have any privacy concerns or questions about your data privacy rights or our Privacy Notice, please contact us through:

SUPREME COURT COMMITTEE ON DATA PRIVACY
Supreme Court of the Philippines
Padre Faura St., Ermita, Manila
Philippines 1000
+63 908 850-0919 / +63 2 8552-9644
pio.sc@judiciary.gov.ph / chiefjusticehelpdesk@judiciary.gov.ph

1987Constitution

The Supreme Court Under
the 1987 Constitution

As in the 1935 and 1973 Constitutions, the 1987 Constitution provides that “[t]he judicial power shall be vested in one Supreme Court and in such lower courts as may be established by law.” (Art. VII, Sec. 1). The exercise of judicial power is shared by the Supreme Court with all lower courts, but it is only the Supreme Court’s decisions that are vested with precedential value or doctrinal authority, as its interpretations of the Constitution and the laws are final and beyond review by any other branch of government.

Unlike the 1935 and 1973 Constitutions, however, the 1987 Constitution defines the concept of judicial power. Under paragraph 2 of Section 1, Article VIII, “judicial power” includes not only the “duty of the courts of justice to settle actual controversies involving rights which are legally demandable and enforceable” but also “to determine whether or not there has been a grave abuse of discretion amounting to lack or excess of jurisdiction on the part of any branch or instrumentality of the government.” This latter provision dilutes the effectivity of the “political question” doctrine which places specific questions best submitted to the political wisdom of the people beyond the review of the courts.

Building on previous experiences under former Constitutions, the 1987 Constitution provides for specific safeguards to ensure the independence of the Judiciary. These are found in the following provisions:

    • The grant to the Judiciary of fiscal autonomy. “Appropriations for the Judiciary may not be reduced by the legislature below the amount appropriated for the previous year, and, after approval, shall be automatically and regularly released.” (Art. VIII, Sec. 3).
    • The grant to the Chief Justice of authority to augment any item in the general appropriation law for the Judiciary from savings in other items of said appropriation as authorized by law. (Art. VI, Sec. 25[5])
    • The removal from Congress of the power to deprive the Supreme Court of its jurisdiction over cases enumerated in Section 5 of Article VIII.
    • The grant to the Court of the power to appoint all officials and employees of the Judiciary in accordance with the Civil Service Law (Art. VIII, Sec. 5 [6])
    • The removal from the Commission of Appointments of the power to confirm appointments of justices and judges (Art. VIII, Sec. 8)
    • The removal from Congress of the power to reduce the compensation or salaries of the Justices and judges during their continuance in office. (Art. VIII, Sec. 10)
    • The prohibition against the removal of judges through legislative reorganization by providing that “(n)o law shall be passed reorganizing the Judiciary when it undermines the security of tenure of its members. (Art. VIII, Sec. 2)
    • The grant of sole authority to the Supreme Court to order the temporary detail of judges. (Art. VIII, Sec. 5[3])
    • The grant of sole authority to the Supreme Court to promulgate rules of procedure for the courts. (Art. VIII, Sec. 5[5])
    • The prohibition against designating members of the Judiciary to any agency performing quasi-judicial or administrative function. (Art. VIII, Sec. 12)
    • The grant of administrative supervision over the lower courts and its personnel in the Supreme Court. (Art. VIII, Sec. 6)

The Supreme Court under the present Constitution is composed of a Chief Justice and 14 Associate Justices. The members of the Court are appointed by the President from a list, prepared by the Judicial and Bar Council, of at least three nominees for every vacancy. This new process is intended to “de-politicize” the courts of justice, ensure the choice of competent judges, and fill existing vacancies without undue delay.

RevolutionaryGovernment

The Supreme Court Under
the Revolutionary Government

Shortly after assuming office as the seventh President of the Republic of the Philippines after the successful People Power Revolution, then President Corazon C. Aquino declared the existence of a revolutionary government under Proclamation No. 1 dated February 25, 1986. Among the more significant portions of this Proclamation was an instruction for “all appointive officials to submit their courtesy resignations beginning with the members of the Supreme Court.” The call was unprecedented, considering the separation of powers that the previous Constitutions had always ordained, but understandable considering the revolutionary nature of the post-People Power government. Heeding the call, the members of the Judiciary—from the Supreme Court to the Municipal Circuit Courts—placed their offices at the disposal of the President and submitted their resignations. President Corazon C, Aquino proceeded to reorganize the entire Court, appointing all 15 members.

On March 25, 1986, President Corazon Aquino, through Proclamation No. 3, also abolished the 1973 Constitution and put in place a Provisional “Freedom” Constitution. Under Article I, Section 2 of the Freedom Constitution, the provisions of the 1973 Constitution on the judiciary were adopted insofar as they were not inconsistent with Proclamation No. 3.

Article V of Proclamation No. 3 provided for the convening of a Constitutional Commission composed of 50 appointive members to draft a new constitution; this would be implemented by Proclamation No. 9. Under the leadership of retired SC Justice Cecilia Muñoz Palma as its President, the Constitutional Commission of 1986 submitted its output of to the people for ratification.

By a vote of 76.30%, the Filipino people then ratified the Constitution submitted to them in a national plebiscite on February 2, 1987.

President Aquino, other civilian officials, and members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, upon the announcement of the ratification of the 1987 Constitution, swore allegiance to the new charter on February 11, 1987 thereby putting an end to the revolutionary government.

1973

The Supreme Court Under
the 1973 Constitution

The declaration of Martial Law through Proclamation No. 1081 by former President Ferdinand E, Marcos in 1972 brought about the transition from the 1935 Constitution to the 1973 Constitution. This transition had implications on the Court’s composition and functions.

This period also brought in many legal issues of transcendental importance and consequence. Among these were the legality of the ratification of a new Constitution, the assumption of the totality of government authority by President Marcos, and the power to review the factual basis for a declaration of Martial Law by the Chief Executive, among others. Also writ large during this period was the relationship between the Court and the Chief Executive who, under Amendment No. 6 to the 1973 Constitution, had assumed legislative powers even while an elected legislative body continued to function.

The 1973 Constitution increased the number of the members of the Supreme Court from 11 to 15, with a Chief Justice and 14 Associate Justices. The Justices of the Court were appointed by the President alone, without the consent, approval, or recommendation of any other body or officials.

Ayuntamiento

The Supreme Court of
the Second Republic

Following liberation from the Japanese occupation at the end of the Second World War and the Philippines’ subsequent independence from the United States, Republic Act No. 296 or the Judiciary Act of 1948 was enacted. This law grouped together the cases over which the Supreme Court could exercise exclusive jurisdiction for review on appeal, certiorari, or writ of error.

SupremeCourt

The Supreme Court During
the Commonwealth

Following the ratification of the 1935 Philippine Constitution in a plebiscite, the principle of separation of powers was adopted, not by express and specific provision to that effect, but by actual division of powers of the government—executive, legislative, and judicial—in different articles of the 1935 Constitution.

As in the United States, the judicial power was vested by the 1935 Constitution “in one Supreme Court and in such inferior courts as may be established by law.” It devolved on the Judiciary to determine whether the acts of the other two departments were in harmony with the fundamental law.

The Court during the Commonwealth was composed of “a Chief Justice and ten Associate Justices, and may sit en banc or in two divisions, unless otherwise provided by law.”

ArellanoCourt

The Establishment of
the Supreme Court of the Philippines

On June 11, 1901, the Second Philippine Commission passed Act No. 136 entitled “An Act Providing for the Organization of Courts in the Philippine Islands” formally establishing the Supreme Court of the Philippine Islands and creating Courts of First Instance and Justices of the Peace Courts throughout the land. The judicial organization established by the Act was conceived by the American lawyers in the Philippine Commission, with its basic structures patterned after similar organizations in the United States.

The Supreme Court created under the Act was composed of a Chief Justice and six Judges. Five members of the Court could form a quorum, and the concurrence of at least four members was necessary to pronounce a judgment.

Act No. 136 abolished the Audiencia established under General Order No. 20 and declared that the Supreme Court created by the Act be substituted in its place. This effectively severed any nexus between the present Supreme Court and the Audiencia.

The Anglo-American legal system under which the Supreme Court of the Philippine Islands was expected to operate was entirely different from the old Spanish system that Filipinos were familiar with. Adjustments had to be made; hence, the decisions of the Supreme Court during its early years reflected a blend of both the Anglo-American and Spanish systems. The jurisprudence was a gentle transition from the old order to the new.

VillamorHall

The Judicial System During
the American Occupation

After Spain’s defeat in the Spanish-American War in the late 1890s, The subsequent occupation by the Americans of the Philippine Islands paved the way for considerable changes in the control, disposition, and governance of the Islands.

The judicial system established during the regime of the military government functioned as an instrument of the executive—not of the judiciary—as an independent and separate branch of government. Secretary of State John Hay, on May 12, 1899, proposed a plan for a colonial government of the Philippine Islands which would give Filipinos the largest measure of self-government. The plan contemplated an independent judiciary manned by judges chosen from qualified locals and Americans.

On May 29, 1899, General Elwell Stephen Otis, Military Governor for the Philippines, issued General Order No. 20, reestablishing the Audiencia Teritorial de Manila which was to apply Spanish laws and jurisprudence recognized by the American military governor as continuing in force.

The Audiencia was composed of a presiding officer and eight members organized into two divisions: the sala de lo civil or the civil branch, and the sala de lo criminal or the criminal branch.

It was General Otis himself who personally selected the first appointees to the Audiencia. Cayetano L. Arellano was appointed President (equivalent to Chief Justice) of the Court, with Manuel Araullo as president of the sala de lo civil and Raymundo Melliza as president of the salo de lo criminal. Gregorio Araneta and Lt. Col. E.H. Crowder were appointed associate justices of the civil branch while Ambrosio Rianzares, Julio Llorente, Major R.W. Young, and Captain W.E. Brikhimer were designated associate justices of the criminal branch. Thus, the reestablished Audiencia became the first agency of the new insular government where Filipinos were appointed side by side with Americans.

SpanishRegime

The Judicial System Under
the Spanish Regime

During the early Spanish occupation, King Philip II established the Real Audiencia de Manila which was given not only judicial but legislative, executive, advisory, and administrative functions as well. Composed of the incumbent governor general as the presidente (presiding officer), four oidores (equivalent to associate justices), an asesor (legal adviser), an alguacil mayor (chief constable), among other officials, the Real Audiencia de Manila was both a trial and appellate court. It had exclusive original, concurrent original, and exclusive appellate jurisdictions.

Initially, the Audiencia was given a non-judicial role in the colonial administration, to deal with unforeseen problems within the territory that arose from time to time—it was given the power to supervise certain phases of ecclesiastical affairs as well as regulatory functions, such as fixing of prices at which merchants could sell their commodities. Likewise, the Audiencia had executive functions, like the allotment of lands to the settlers of newly established pueblos. However, by 1861, the Audiencia had ceased to perform these executive and administrative functions and had been restricted to the administration of justice.

When the Audiencia Territorial de Cebu was established in 1886, the name of the Real Audiencia de Manila was changed to Audiencia Territorial de Manila.

Map

The Judicial System of the
Pre-Colonization Filipinos

When the Spanish colonizers first arrived in the Philippine archipelago, they found the indigenous Filipinos without any written laws. The laws enforced were mainly derived from customs, usages, and tradition. These laws were believed to be God-given and were orally transmitted from generation to generation.

A remarkable feature of these customs and traditions was that they were found to be very similar to one another notwithstanding that they were observed in widely dispersed islands of the archipelago. There were no judges and lawyers who were trained formally in the law, although there were elders who devoted time to the study of the customs, usages, and traditions of their tribes to qualify them as consultants or advisers on these matters.

The unit of government of the indigenous Filipinos was the barangay, which was a family-based community of 30 to 100 families, occupying a pook (“locality” or “area”) headed by a chieftain called datu who exercised all functions of government—executive, legislative, and judicial—a barangay was not only a political but a social and an economic organization. In the exercise of his judicial authority, the datu acted as a judge (hukom) in settling disputes and deciding cases in his barangay.