The RTC is the main trial court of the Philippines for criminal cases involving penalties above 6 years and civil cases above ₱2 million. Family law matters and certain special cases have dedicated Family Court branches of the RTC.
The Regional Trial Court is the superior court of general jurisdiction in the Philippines, established under Batas Pambansa Blg. 129. Each judicial region has an RTC with branches covering specific cities and municipalities. Jurisdiction — criminal: offences where the maximum penalty exceeds 6 years, regardless of fine. Also has exclusive jurisdiction over heinous crimes, cybercrime cases, and cases involving children (Family Court). Jurisdiction — civil: claims exceeding ₱2 million (as of 2019 rules); cases involving real property; family law cases (annulment, legal separation, custody — through Family Court branches); cases involving the state or constitutional rights. Appeals: from Metropolitan Trial Court (MTC) or Municipal Trial Court decisions go to the RTC. From the RTC, appeals go to the Court of Appeals (CA) and ultimately the Supreme Court. For child abuse, rape of a minor, and cases under RA 7610, the Family Court branch of the RTC has exclusive jurisdiction and conducts in camera (private) hearings to protect child witnesses.
A worker is owed ₱3 million in unpaid wages not covered by NLRC (because she is a managerial employee). She files a civil case in the RTC. The RTC has jurisdiction over civil claims exceeding ₱2 million.
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