Jurisdiction over the subject matter

There are different courts, and there are different types of cases that they can decide, depending on the subject matter. This is what we call "subject matter jurisdiction". Usually, when we say "jurisdiction", we mean subject matter jurisdiction but bear in mind that there are different aspects of jurisdiction.

For example, when a tenant violates a lease contract leading to its termination, the landlord will file a case to evict him from the leased property. This action is known as "unlawful detainer". 

Courts that have the power to hear and decide unlawful detainer cases are the first-level courts (Metropolitan Trial Court, Municipal Trial Courts in Cities, Municipal Trial Courts, and Municipal Circuit Trial Courts). In other words, subject matter jurisdiction over unlawful detainer cases belongs to these first-level courts.

So what is subject matter jurisdiction? It is the power and authority of a court to hear and decide cases of a certain class or category. 

In the case of City of Lapu-Lapu v. Philippine Economic Zone Authority, G.R. No. 184203, November 26, 2014), the Supreme Court stated:

Jurisdiction over the subject matter is "the power to hear and determine cases of the general class to which the proceedings in question belong." It is conferred by law, which may either be the Constitution or a statute. Jurisdiction over the subject matter means "the nature of the cause of action and the relief sought." Thus, the cause of action and character of the relief sought as alleged in the complaint are examined to determine whether a court had jurisdiction over the subject matter. Any decision rendered by a court without jurisdiction over the subject matter of the action is void. (citations omitted)

It is important to file a case in a court that has subject matter jurisdiction. Otherwise, the decision will be void.

In this blog, there is a separate post showing you the subject matter jurisdiction of the different courts.

HOW IS JURISDICTION CONFERRED? HOW IS IT DETERMINED?

Jurisdiction is conferred by law. Specific laws confer subject matter jurisdiction upon specific courts. Since we are talking about laws, we mean the statutes that are issued by Congress.

The laws that confer subject matter jurisdiction upon our courts are:

1. Batas Pambansa 129 as amended known as the Judiciary Reorganization Act of 1980; and

2. Republic Act No. 11576 (2021) which further expanded the jurisdiction of the first level courts.

I must add that the 1987 Constitution also confers jurisdiction upon our Supreme Court.

Again, note that jurisdiction is conferred by law. This means that only the Congress can grant or change it. The parties cannot agree or stipulate on subject matter jurisdiction, unlike venue which they can stipulate on. 

HOW IS JURISDICTION DETERMINED?

In specific cases, subject matter jurisdiction is determined by the allegations of the complaint.

For example, if the complaint seeks to have the defendant evicted from the rented premises because he failed to pay rent despite repeated demands, the allegations of the complaint will determine the court that has jurisdiction for that particular case.

In this case, it is the first-level court.

On the other hand, if the complaint seeks to recover possession from the defendant, where the plaintiff has been deprived of possession for more than one year, and the real property involved has an assessed value of P500,000, the Regional Trial Court has subject matter jurisdiction.