MANILA - The Supreme Court (SC) has announced guidelines for the transfer of legal jurisdiction over specific areas from Makati City to Taguig City, set to take effect on January 1, 2024. This decision follows a request from Taguig Mayor Lani Cayetano and is intended to facilitate a smooth transition.
According to Philippines News Agency, the guidelines, approved on Tuesday, govern the transfer of jurisdiction over cases and crimes committed within Parcels 3 and 4 of the Fort Bonifacio Military Reservation. The SC's decision to delay the transition to 2024 aims to allow courts, prosecutors, the Public Attorney's Office, and other parties to adequately prepare. As per the guidelines, all civil and criminal cases from the affected areas will be filed with the Taguig Prosecutor's Office starting in 2024. Criminal complaints related to offenses committed before this date should be filed with the Makati City Prosecutor's Office. Existing cases filed in Makati City courts before January 1, 2024, will continue there. The High Court has called for all relevant parties, including judges, court staff, and legal practitioners, to review and adhere to these guidelines to ensure an orderly transition.