Philippines Case Decongestion and Delay Reduction Project
Professor Rosemary Hunter
Griffith University
Case Types: Supreme Court
74% civil
From Court of Appeals
Individual/corporation vs individual/court
26% criminal
From RTCs
Individual vs People of the Philippines
Court of Appeals
From RTCs, NLRC, other quasi-judicial agencies46% question of fact only
68% civil
Real property, collect sum of money, damages, certiorari
Individual vs individual
32% criminal
Homicide, estafa
Individual vs People of the Philippines
Court of Tax Appeals
From BIRCorporations vs government
Sandiganbayan
Public prosecutorsIndividual defendants86% on bail
RTCs
59% civil
Marriage and marital relations, adoption (Family Courts), collect sum of money
Individuals vs individuals
41% criminal
Heinous Crimes: homicide, rape
Dangerous Drugs: drugs
Family Courts: theft
Ordinary RTCs: various
Prosecution by public prosecutor
MeTCs
8% civil
Collect sum of money, damages, forcible entry and unlawful detainer
62% plaintiffs = corporations
92% respondents = individuals
89% criminal
Bouncing checks (BP22), breach city ordinance, theft, variety of other criminal matters
Prosecution by public prosecutor
MTCCs
10% civil
Collect sum of money, forcible entry
63% Ps and 98% Rs = individuals
86% criminal
Gambling, theft, firearms/weapons + variety of other criminal matters
Few bouncing checks
Prosecution by public prosecutor
MTCs
11% civil
Collect sum of money
Ps = individual/corporations
Rs = individuals
86% criminal
Bouncing checks, physical injuries, theft + variety of other criminal matters
Prosecution mostly by public prosecutor, 22% by police/peace officer
MCTCs
14% civil
Collect sum of money
Ps = individuals/corporations
Rs = individuals
77% criminal
Physical injuries, gambling, theft + variety of other criminal matters
Not bouncing checks
53% of prosecutions by police/peace officer (shorter duration)
Case Durations
Sandiganbayan had longest casesSuperior court cases also lengthyThen some first level courtsMost medians and all 90th percentiles far exceed international benchmarks
Chart1 (2)
3.27.7
0.51.4
2.67.4
2.64.5
6.69.2
1.13.6
0.753.3
0.662.6
15.5
1.34.6
0.42.3
0.672.6
1.13.5
0.956.5
0.54
Median Duration (years)
90th Percentile (years)
Sheet1
CourtMedian Duration (years)90th Percentile (years)
Supreme - decided3.27.7
Supreme - resolved0.51.4
CA2.67.4
CTA2.64.5
Sandiganbayan6.69.2
RTC civil1.13.6
RTC criminal0.753.3
MetC civil0.662.6
MetC criminal15.5
MTCC civil1.34.6
MTCC criminal0.42.3
MTC civil0.672.6
MTC criminal1.13.5
MCTC civil0.956.5
MCTC criminal0.54
Sheet2
Longest Phase
CourtPhaseMedian Duration
CTAHearing1.4 years
SandiganbayanTrial2.4 years
RTC civilFiling to Pre-trial3.5 months
RTC criminalTrial8.5 months
MeTC civilUp to trial3.5 months
(no data on trial times)
MeTC criminalFiling to Arraignment3 months
(no data on trial times)
MTCC civilUp to trial4.5 months
(no data on trial times, but only 11 trials)
MTCC criminalTrial1 year
MTC civilFiling to Pre-trial7 months
MTC criminalTrial4 months
MCTC civilFiling to Pre-trial3.7 months
MCTC criminalTrial13.6 months
Sheet3
Decision Times
CourtMedian Decision TimeConstitutional limitOver Limit
Supreme Court4.5 months24 months12%
Court of Appeal22.8 months24 months47%
CTA6 months
Sandiganbayan8 months
RTC civil2 months3 months28%
RTC criminal42 days3 months24%
MeTC civil40 days3 months25%
MeTC criminal78 days (n=15)3 months33%n=5
MTCC civil15 days3 months8%
MTCC criminal31 days (n=10)3 months10%n=1
MTC civil54 days (n=17)3 months29%n=5
MTC criminal28 days (n=13)3 months38%n=5
MCTC civil25 days3 months20%
MCTC criminal58 days (n=16)3 months25%n=4
Sheet4
Hearing Dates and Postponements
CourtTrial rateMean no.Mean no.ProportionMedian
hearing datespostponementspostponedduration
CTA100%12.373.6529%2.6 years
Sandiganbayan100%21524%6.6 years
RTC civil67%6.292.1334%13 months
RTC criminal42%10.164.4844%9 months
MeTC civil51%2.980.6823%8 months
MeTC criminal61%6.342.2636%12 months
MTCC civil10%4.372.0146%15.3 months
MTCC criminal11%3.441.2135%4.5 months
MTC civil12%2.191.0146%8 months
MTC criminal10%4.442.2551%13 months
MCTC civil35%4.721.7838%11.5 months
MCTC criminal14%4.972.3447%6 months
Sheet5
Outcomes - Civil Cases
CourtSettledDecidedFor P/AppellantFor R/AppelleeDismissed
Supreme Court0%100%11%89%0%
Court of Appeals0%99%78%16%0%
CTA0%100%73%16%0%
RTC12%82%73%12%11%
MeTC21%71%72%19%9%
MTCC36%57%77%16%7%
MTC40%55%87%4%9%
MCTC32%65%74%24%0%
Sheet6
Outcomes - Criminal Cases
CourtGuilty PleaWithdrawnDecidedConvicted/Acquitted/DismissedOverallOverall
AppealAppealConvictionFruitless
DismissedUpheldRateProsecutions
Supreme Court100%50%50%
Court of Appeals100%14%86%
Sandiganbayan1%99%21%77%1%22%
RTC39%14%46%37%31%32%56%29%
MeTC13%33%54%4%12%84%15%78%
MTCC40%36%24%16%10%74%44%54%
MTC8%46%36%3%22%75%9%73%
MCTC31%40%29%16%18%64%36%59%
Chart1 (2)
3.27.7
0.51.4
2.67.4
2.64.5
6.69.2
1.13.6
0.753.3
0.662.6
15.5
1.34.6
0.42.3
0.672.6
1.13.5
0.956.5
0.54
Median Duration (years)
90th Percentile (years)
Sheet1
CourtMedian Duration (years)90th Percentile (years)
Supreme - decided3.27.7
Supreme - resolved0.51.4
CA2.67.4
CTA2.64.5
Sandiganbayan6.69.2
RTC civil1.13.6
RTC criminal0.753.3
MetC civil0.662.6
MetC criminal15.5
MTCC civil1.34.6
MTCC criminal0.42.3
MTC civil0.672.6
MTC criminal1.13.5
MCTC civil0.956.5
MCTC criminal0.54
Sheet2
Longest Phase
CourtPhaseMedian Duration
CTAHearing1.4 years
SandiganbayanTrial2.4 years
RTC civilFiling to Pre-trial3.5 months
RTC criminalTrial8.5 months
MeTC civilUp to trial3.5 months
(no data on trial times)
MeTC criminalFiling to Arraignment3 months
(no data on trial times)
MTCC civilUp to trial4.5 months
(no data on trial times, but only 11 trials)
MTCC criminalTrial1 year
MTC civilFiling to Pre-trial7 months
MTC criminalTrial4 months
MCTC civilFiling to Pre-trial3.7 months
MCTC criminalTrial13.6 months
Sheet3
Decision Times
CourtMedian Decision TimeConstitutional limitOver Limit
Supreme Court4.5 months24 months12%
Court of Appeal22.8 months24 months47%
CTA6 months
Sandiganbayan8 months
RTC civil2 months3 months28%
RTC criminal42 days3 months24%
MeTC civil40 days3 months25%
MeTC criminal78 days (n=15)3 months33%n=5
MTCC civil15 days3 months8%
MTCC criminal31 days (n=10)3 months10%n=1
MTC civil54 days (n=17)3 months29%n=5
MTC criminal28 days (n=13)3 months38%n=5
MCTC civil25 days3 months20%
MCTC criminal58 days (n=16)3 months25%n=4
Sheet4
Hearing Dates and Postponements
CourtTrial rateMean no.Mean no.ProportionMedian
hearing datespostponementspostponedduration
CTA100%12.373.6529%2.6 years
Sandiganbayan100%21524%6.6 years
RTC civil67%6.292.1334%13 months
RTC criminal42%10.164.4844%9 months
MeTC civil51%2.980.6823%8 months
MeTC criminal61%6.342.2636%12 months
MTCC civil10%4.372.0146%15.3 months
MTCC criminal11%3.441.2135%4.5 months
MTC civil12%2.191.0146%8 months
MTC criminal10%4.442.2551%13 months
MCTC civil35%4.721.7838%11.5 months
MCTC criminal14%4.972.3447%6 months
Sheet5
Outcomes - Civil Cases
CourtSettledDecidedFor P/AppellantFor R/AppelleeDismissed
Supreme Court0%100%11%89%0%
Court of Appeals0%99%78%16%0%
CTA0%100%73%16%0%
RTC12%82%73%12%11%
MeTC21%71%72%19%9%
MTCC36%57%77%16%7%
MTC40%55%87%4%9%
MCTC32%65%74%24%0%
Sheet6
Outcomes - Criminal Cases
CourtGuilty PleaWithdrawnDecidedConvicted/Acquitted/DismissedOverallOverall
AppealAppealConvictionFruitless
DismissedUpheldRateProsecutions
Supreme Court100%50%50%
Court of Appeals100%14%86%
Sandiganbayan1%99%21%77%1%22%
RTC39%14%46%37%31%32%56%29%
MeTC13%33%54%4%12%84%15%78%
MTCC40%36%24%16%10%74%44%54%
MTC8%46%36%3%22%75%9%73%
MCTC31%40%29%16%18%64%36%59%
Longest Phase of Case
Criminal cases trials Civil cases filing to pre-trialLongest phase in criminal cases longer than longest phase in civil cases
Chart1 (2)
3.27.7
0.51.4
2.67.4
2.64.5
6.69.2
1.13.6
0.753.3
0.662.6
15.5
1.34.6
0.42.3
0.672.6
1.13.5
0.956.5
0.54
Median Duration (years)
90th Percentile (years)
Sheet1
CourtMedian Duration (years)90th Percentile (years)
Supreme - decided3.27.7
Supreme - resolved0.51.4
CA2.67.4
CTA2.64.5
Sandiganbayan6.69.2
RTC civil1.13.6
RTC criminal0.753.3
MetC civil0.662.6
MetC criminal15.5
MTCC civil1.34.6
MTCC criminal0.42.3
MTC civil0.672.6
MTC criminal1.13.5
MCTC civil0.956.5
MCTC criminal0.54
Sheet2
Longest Phase
CourtLongest PhaseMedian Duration
CTAHearing1.4 years
SandiganbayanTrial2.4 years
RTC civilFiling to Pre-trial3.5 months
RTC criminalTrial8.5 months
MeTC civilUp to trial3.5 months
(no data on trial times)
MeTC criminalFiling to Arraignment3 months
(no data on trial times)
MTCC civilUp to trial4.5 months
(no data on trial times, but only 11 trials)
MTCC criminalTrial1 year
MTC civilFiling to Pre-trial7 months
MTC criminalTrial4 months
MCTC civilFiling to Pre-trial3.7 months
MCTC criminalTrial13.6 months
Sheet3
Decision Times
CourtMedian Decision TimeConstitutional limitOver Limit
Supreme Court4.5 months24 months12%
Court of Appeal22.8 months24 months47%
CTA6 months
Sandiganbayan8 months
RTC civil2 months3 months28%
RTC criminal42 days3 months24%
MeTC civil40 days3 months25%
MeTC criminal78 days (n=15)3 months33%n=5
MTCC civil15 days3 months8%
MTCC criminal31 days (n=10)3 months10%n=1
MTC civil54 days (n=17)3 months29%n=5
MTC criminal28 days (n=13)3 months38%n=5
MCTC civil25 days3 months20%
MCTC criminal58 days (n=16)3 months25%n=4
Sheet4
Hearing Dates and Postponements
CourtTrial rateMean no.Mean no.ProportionMedian
hearing datespostponementspostponedduration
CTA100%12.373.6529%2.6 years
Sandiganbayan100%21524%6.6 years
RTC civil67%6.292.1334%13 months
RTC criminal42%10.164.4844%9 months
MeTC civil51%2.980.6823%8 months
MeTC criminal61%6.342.2636%12 months
MTCC civil10%4.372.0146%15.3 months
MTCC criminal11%3.441.2135%4.5 months
MTC civil12%2.191.0146%8 months
MTC criminal10%4.442.2551%13 months
MCTC civil35%4.721.7838%11.5 months
MCTC criminal14%4.972.3447%6 months
Sheet5
Outcomes - Civil Cases
CourtSettledDecidedFor P/AppellantFor R/AppelleeDismissed
Supreme Court0%100%11%89%0%
Court of Appeals0%99%78%16%0%
CTA0%100%73%16%0%
RTC12%82%73%12%11%
MeTC21%71%72%19%9%
MTCC36%57%77%16%7%
MTC40%55%87%4%9%
MCTC32%65%74%24%0%
Sheet6
Outcomes - Criminal Cases
CourtGuilty PleaWithdrawnDecidedConvicted/Acquitted/DismissedOverallOverall
AppealAppealConvictionFruitless
DismissedUpheldRateProsecutions
Supreme Court100%50%50%
Court of Appeals100%14%86%
Sandiganbayan1%99%21%77%1%22%
RTC39%14%46%37%31%32%56%29%
MeTC13%33%54%4%12%84%15%78%
MTCC40%36%24%16%10%74%44%54%
MTC8%46%36%3%22%75%9%73%
MCTC31%40%29%16%18%64%36%59%
Chart1 (2)
3.27.7
0.51.4
2.67.4
2.64.5
6.69.2
1.13.6
0.753.3
0.662.6
15.5
1.34.6
0.42.3
0.672.6
1.13.5
0.956.5
0.54
Median Duration (years)
90th Percentile (years)
Sheet1
CourtMedian Duration (years)90th Percentile (years)
Supreme - decided3.27.7
Supreme - resolved0.51.4
CA2.67.4
CTA2.64.5
Sandiganbayan6.69.2
RTC civil1.13.6
RTC criminal0.753.3
MetC civil0.662.6
MetC criminal15.5
MTCC civil1.34.6
MTCC criminal0.42.3
MTC civil0.672.6
MTC criminal1.13.5
MCTC civil0.956.5
MCTC criminal0.54
Sheet2
Longest Phase
CourtLongest PhaseMedian Duration
CTAHearing1.4 years
SandiganbayanTrial2.4 years
RTC civilFiling to Pre-trial3.5 months
RTC criminalTrial8.5 months
MeTC civilUp to trial3.5 months
(no data on trial times)
MeTC criminalFiling to Arraignment3 months
(no data on trial times)
MTCC civilUp to trial4.5 months
(no data on trial times, but only 11 trials)
MTCC criminalTrial1 year
MTC civilFiling to Pre-trial7 months
MTC criminalTrial4 months
MCTC civilFiling to Pre-trial3.7 months
MCTC criminalTrial13.6 months
Sheet3
Decision Times
CourtMedian Decision TimeConstitutional limitOver Limit
Supreme Court4.5 months24 months12%
Court of Appeal22.8 months24 months47%
CTA6 months
Sandiganbayan8 months
RTC civil2 months3 months28%
RTC criminal42 days3 months24%
MeTC civil40 days3 months25%
MeTC criminal78 days (n=15)3 months33%n=5
MTCC civil15 days3 months8%
MTCC criminal31 days (n=10)3 months10%n=1
MTC civil54 days (n=17)3 months29%n=5
MTC criminal28 days (n=13)3 months38%n=5
MCTC civil25 days3 months20%
MCTC criminal58 days (n=16)3 months25%n=4
Sheet4
Hearing Dates and Postponements
CourtTrial rateMean no.Mean no.ProportionMedian
hearing datespostponementspostponedduration
CTA100%12.373.6529%2.6 years
Sandiganbayan100%21524%6.6 years
RTC civil67%6.292.1334%13 months
RTC criminal42%10.164.4844%9 months
MeTC civil51%2.980.6823%8 months
MeTC criminal61%6.342.2636%12 months
MTCC civil10%4.372.0146%15.3 months
MTCC criminal11%3.441.2135%4.5 months
MTC civil12%2.191.0146%8 months
MTC criminal10%4.442.2551%13 months
MCTC civil35%4.721.7838%11.5 months
MCTC criminal14%4.972.3447%6 months
Sheet5
Outcomes - Civil Cases
CourtSettledDecidedFor P/AppellantFor R/AppelleeDismissed
Supreme Court0%100%11%89%0%
Court of Appeals0%99%78%16%0%
CTA0%100%73%16%0%
RTC12%82%73%12%11%
MeTC21%71%72%19%9%
MTCC36%57%77%16%7%
MTC40%55%87%4%9%
MCTC32%65%74%24%0%
Sheet6
Outcomes - Criminal Cases
CourtGuilty PleaWithdrawnDecidedConvicted/Acquitted/DismissedOverallOverall
AppealAppealConvictionFruitless
DismissedUpheldRateProsecutions
Supreme Court100%50%50%
Court of Appeals100%14%86%
Sandiganbayan1%99%21%77%1%22%
RTC39%14%46%37%31%32%56%29%
MeTC13%33%54%4%12%84%15%78%
MTCC40%36%24%16%10%74%44%54%
MTC8%46%36%3%22%75%9%73%
MCTC31%40%29%16%18%64%36%59%
Hearing Dates and Postponements
Average no. of hearing dates < 5 in most courts23%-51% of scheduled hearing dates postponedLow trial rates in first level courts outside NCRRelationship between trial rate, no. hearing dates and case duration?
Chart1 (2)
3.27.7
0.51.4
2.67.4
2.64.5
6.69.2
1.13.6
0.753.3
0.662.6
15.5
1.34.6
0.42.3
0.672.6
1.13.5
0.956.5
0.54
Median Duration (years)
90th Percentile (years)
Sheet1
CourtMedian Duration (years)90th Percentile (years)
Supreme - decided3.27.7
Supreme - resolved0.51.4
CA2.67.4
CTA2.64.5
Sandiganbayan6.69.2
RTC civil1.13.6
RTC criminal0.753.3
MetC civil0.662.6
MetC criminal15.5
MTCC civil1.34.6
MTCC criminal0.42.3
MTC civil0.672.6
MTC criminal1.13.5
MCTC civil0.956.5
MCTC criminal0.54
Sheet2
Longest Phase
CourtLongest PhaseMedian Duration
CTAHearing1.4 years
SandiganbayanTrial2.4 years
RTC civilFiling to Pre-trial3.5 months
RTC criminalTrial8.5 months
MeTC civilUp to trial3.5 months
(no data on trial times)
MeTC criminalFiling to Arraignment3 months
(no data on trial times)
MTCC civilUp to trial4.5 months
(no data on trial times, but only 11 trials)
MTCC criminalTrial1 year
MTC civilFiling to Pre-trial7 months
MTC criminalTrial4 months
MCTC civilFiling to Pre-trial3.7 months
MCTC criminalTrial13.6 months
Sheet3
Decision Times
CourtMedian Decision TimeConstitutional limitOver Limit
Supreme Court4.5 months24 months12%
Court of Appeal22.8 months24 months47%
CTA6 months
Sandiganbayan8 months
RTC civil2 months3 months28%
RTC criminal42 days3 months24%
MeTC civil40 days3 months25%
MeTC criminal78 days (n=15)3 months33%n=5
MTCC civil15 days3 months8%
MTCC criminal31 days (n=10)3 months10%n=1
MTC civil54 days (n=17)3 months29%n=5
MTC criminal28 days (n=13)3 months38%n=5
MCTC civil25 days3 months20%
MCTC criminal58 days (n=16)3 months25%n=4
Sheet4
Hearing Dates and Postponements
CourtTrial rateMean no.Mean no.ProportionMedian
hearing datespostponementspostponedduration
CTA100%12.373.6529%2.6 years
Sandiganbayan100%21524%6.6 years
RTC civil67%6.292.1334%13 months
RTC criminal42%10.164.4844%9 months
MeTC civil51%2.980.6823%8 months
MeTC criminal61%6.342.2636%12 months
MTCC civil10%4.372.0146%15.3 months
MTCC criminal11%3.441.2135%4.5 months
MTC civil12%2.191.0146%8 months
MTC criminal10%4.442.2551%13 months
MCTC civil35%4.721.7838%11.5 months
MCTC criminal14%4.972.3447%6 months
Sheet5
Outcomes - Civil Cases
CourtSettledDecidedFor P/AppellantFor R/AppelleeDismissed
Supreme Court0%100%11%89%0%
Court of Appeals0%99%78%16%0%
CTA0%100%73%16%0%
RTC12%82%73%12%11%
MeTC21%71%72%19%9%
MTCC36%57%77%16%7%
MTC40%55%87%4%9%
MCTC32%65%74%24%0%
Sheet6
Outcomes - Criminal Cases
CourtGuilty PleaWithdrawnDecidedConvicted/Acquitted/DismissedOverallOverall
AppealAppealConvictionFruitless
DismissedUpheldRateProsecutions
Supreme Court100%50%50%
Court of Appeals100%14%86%
Sandiganbayan1%99%21%77%1%22%
RTC39%14%46%37%31%32%56%29%
MeTC13%33%54%4%12%84%15%78%
MTCC40%36%24%16%10%74%44%54%
MTC8%46%36%3%22%75%9%73%
MCTC31%40%29%16%18%64%36%59%
Postponements
Shortage of prosecutors
non-appearance of prosecution major reason for postponements in
RTC
All first level courts (in MTC and MCTC includes police/peace officers)
Shortage of public attorneys
non-appearance of public attorney a major reason for postponements only in
CTA
MCTC criminal cases
Shortage of lawyers
non-appearance of counsel a major reason for postponements in
CTA
Sandiganbayan, RTC, MCTC criminal cases (includes counsel de oficio)
MeTC, MTCC, MTC, MCTC civil cases
Lawyers appearing unprepared
Counsel unable to proceed a major reason for postponements only in
CTA
Sandiganbayan
Witnesses dont appear
Non-appearance of witnesses a major cause of postponements in
CTA
Sandiganbayan
RTC criminal cases
Private complainants unwilling to proceed
non-appearance of private complainant a major reason for postponements only in
MeTC criminal cases
+ Almost never a reason for archiving
Suggested reasons for delay that did not cause many postponements
Non-service of warrantsNotice to appear not received in timeUnavailability of police witnessesShortage of forensic/medical experts
Additional causes of postponements
Unavailability of judge
RTC, MCTC, MeTC criminal cases
Non-appearance of party
Sandiganbayan, MeTC, MCTC, RTC civil cases
Other causes of delay
BP22 cases
30% of MeTC criminal cases, 14% of MTC criminal cases, otherwise not prominentWhere testable, BP22 cases involved more cases per file, larger amounts in issue, more arrest warrants, more hearing dates, more postponements, and more motions than other criminal cases, and were more likely to involve a pre-trial hearing, a trial, and to be withdrawn
Jurisdictional distribution in RTCs
Cases in Heinous Crime Courts took longest to finaliseCivil cases in ordinary RTCs and Dangerous Drug courts also lengthy33% defendants in Family Court criminal cases were juveniles
Outcomes Civil Cases
No settlement in highest courtsSettlement rate highest (32-40%) in first level courts outside NCRPlaintiffs successful in approx 75% of decided cases in almost all courts
Chart1 (2)
3.27.7
0.51.4
2.67.4
2.64.5
6.69.2
1.13.6
0.753.3
0.662.6
15.5
1.34.6
0.42.3
0.672.6
1.13.5
0.956.5
0.54
Median Duration (years)
90th Percentile (years)
Sheet1
CourtMedian Duration (years)90th Percentile (years)
Supreme - decided3.27.7
Supreme - resolved0.51.4
CA2.67.4
CTA2.64.5
Sandiganbayan6.69.2
RTC civil1.13.6
RTC criminal0.753.3
MetC civil0.662.6
MetC criminal15.5
MTCC civil1.34.6
MTCC criminal0.42.3
MTC civil0.672.6
MTC criminal1.13.5
MCTC civil0.956.5
MCTC criminal0.54
Sheet2
Longest Phase
CourtLongest PhaseMedian Duration
CTAHearing1.4 years
SandiganbayanTrial2.4 years
RTC civilFiling to Pre-trial3.5 months
RTC criminalTrial8.5 months
MeTC civilUp to trial3.5 months
(no data on trial times)
MeTC criminalFiling to Arraignment3 months
(no data on trial times)
MTCC civilUp to trial4.5 months
(no data on trial times, but only 11 trials)
MTCC criminalTrial1 year
MTC civilFiling to Pre-trial7 months
MTC criminalTrial4 months
MCTC civilFiling to Pre-trial3.7 months
MCTC criminalTrial13.6 months
Sheet3
Decision Times
CourtMedian Decision TimeConstitutional limitOver Limit
Supreme Court4.5 months24 months12%
Court of Appeal22.8 months24 months47%
CTA6 months
Sandiganbayan8 months
RTC civil2 months3 months28%
RTC criminal42 days3 months24%
MeTC civil40 days3 months25%
MeTC criminal78 days (n=15)3 months33%n=5
MTCC civil15 days3 months8%
MTCC criminal31 days (n=10)3 months10%n=1
MTC civil54 days (n=17)3 months29%n=5
MTC criminal28 days (n=13)3 months38%n=5
MCTC civil25 days3 months20%
MCTC criminal58 days (n=16)3 months25%n=4
Sheet4
Hearing Dates and Postponements
CourtTrial rateMean no.Mean no.ProportionMedian
hearing datespostponementspostponedduration
CTA100%12.373.6529%2.6 years
Sandiganbayan100%21524%6.6 years
RTC civil67%6.292.1334%13 months
RTC criminal42%10.164.4844%9 months
MeTC civil51%2.980.6823%8 months
MeTC criminal61%6.342.2636%12 months
MTCC civil10%4.372.0146%15.3 months
MTCC criminal11%3.441.2135%4.5 months
MTC civil12%2.191.0146%8 months
MTC criminal10%4.442.2551%13 months
MCTC civil35%4.721.7838%11.5 months
MCTC criminal14%4.972.3447%6 months
Sheet5
Outcomes - Civil Cases
CourtSettledDecidedFor P/AppellantFor R/AppelleeDismissed
Supreme Court0%100%11%89%0%
Court of Appeals0%99%78%16%0%
CTA0%100%73%16%0%
RTC12%82%73%12%11%
MeTC21%71%72%19%9%
MTCC36%57%77%16%7%
MTC40%55%87%4%9%
MCTC32%65%74%24%0%
Sheet6
Outcomes - Criminal Cases
CourtGuilty PleaWithdrawnDecidedConvicted/Acquitted/DismissedOverallOverall
AppealAppealConvictionFruitless
DismissedUpheldRateProsecutions
Supreme Court100%50%50%
Court of Appeals100%14%86%
Sandiganbayan1%99%21%77%1%22%
RTC39%14%46%37%31%32%56%29%
MeTC13%33%54%4%12%84%15%78%
MTCC40%36%24%16%10%74%44%54%
MTC8%46%36%3%22%75%9%73%
MCTC31%40%29%16%18%64%36%59%
Outcomes Criminal Cases
Highest rate of guilty pleas = 40% in RTCs and MTCCs; only 1% guilty pleas in SandiganbayanVery few conviction decisions in first level courts: 3-16%Highest overall conviction rate (including guilty pleas) = 56% in RTCs; lowest = 9% in MTCs; Sandiganbayan = 22%
Chart1 (2)
3.27.7
0.51.4
2.67.4
2.64.5
6.69.2
1.13.6
0.753.3
0.662.6
15.5
1.34.6
0.42.3
0.672.6
1.13.5
0.956.5
0.54
Median Duration (years)
90th Percentile (years)
Sheet1
CourtMedian Duration (years)90th Percentile (years)
Supreme - decided3.27.7
Supreme - resolved0.51.4
CA2.67.4
CTA2.64.5
Sandiganbayan6.69.2
RTC civil1.13.6
RTC criminal0.753.3
MetC civil0.662.6
MetC criminal15.5
MTCC civil1.34.6
MTCC criminal0.42.3
MTC civil0.672.6
MTC criminal1.13.5
MCTC civil0.956.5
MCTC criminal0.54
Sheet2
Longest Phase
CourtLongest PhaseMedian Duration
CTAHearing1.4 years
SandiganbayanTrial2.4 years
RTC civilFiling to Pre-trial3.5 months
RTC criminalTrial8.5 months
MeTC civilUp to trial3.5 months
(no data on trial times)
MeTC criminalFiling to Arraignment3 months
(no data on trial times)
MTCC civilUp to trial4.5 months
(no data on trial times, but only 11 trials)
MTCC criminalTrial1 year
MTC civilFiling to Pre-trial7 months
MTC criminalTrial4 months
MCTC civilFiling to Pre-trial3.7 months
MCTC criminalTrial13.6 months
Sheet3
Decision Times
CourtMedian Decision TimeConstitutional limitOver Limit
Supreme Court4.5 months24 months12%
Court of Appeal22.8 months24 months47%
CTA6 months
Sandiganbayan8 months
RTC civil2 months3 months28%
RTC criminal42 days3 months24%
MeTC civil40 days3 months25%
MeTC criminal78 days (n=15)3 months33%n=5
MTCC civil15 days3 months8%
MTCC criminal31 days (n=10)3 months10%n=1
MTC civil54 days (n=17)3 months29%n=5
MTC criminal28 days (n=13)3 months38%n=5
MCTC civil25 days3 months20%
MCTC criminal58 days (n=16)3 months25%n=4
Sheet4
Hearing Dates and Postponements
CourtTrial rateMean no.Mean no.ProportionMedian
hearing datespostponementspostponedduration
CTA100%12.373.6529%2.6 years
Sandiganbayan100%21524%6.6 years
RTC civil67%6.292.1334%13 months
RTC criminal42%10.164.4844%9 months
MeTC civil51%2.980.6823%8 months
MeTC criminal61%6.342.2636%12 months
MTCC civil10%4.372.0146%15.3 months
MTCC criminal11%3.441.2135%4.5 months
MTC civil12%2.191.0146%8 months
MTC criminal10%4.442.2551%13 months
MCTC civil35%4.721.7838%11.5 months
MCTC criminal14%4.972.3447%6 months
Sheet5
Outcomes - Civil Cases
CourtSettledDecidedFor P/AppellantFor R/AppelleeDismissed
Supreme Court0%100%11%89%0%
Court of Appeals0%99%78%16%0%
CTA0%100%73%16%0%
RTC12%82%73%12%11%
MeTC21%71%72%19%9%
MTCC36%57%77%16%7%
MTC40%55%87%4%9%
MCTC32%65%74%24%0%
Sheet6
Outcomes - Criminal Cases
CourtGuilty PleaWithdrawnDecidedConvicted/Acquitted/DismissedOverallOverall
AppealAppealConvictionFruitless
DismissedUpheldRateProsecutions
Supreme Court100%50%50%
Court of Appeals100%14%86%
Sandiganbayan1%99%21%77%1%22%
RTC39%14%46%37%31%32%56%29%
MeTC13%33%54%4%12%84%15%78%
MTCC40%36%24%16%10%74%44%54%
MTC8%46%36%3%22%75%9%73%
MCTC31%40%29%16%18%64%36%59%
1/3 or more cases in first level courts withdrawn64-84% of decided cases in first level courts dismissedTotal rate of fruitless prosecutions in first level courts = 54-78%Not accounted for by preliminary investigations
CourtLongest PhaseMedian Duration
CTAHearing1.4 years
SandiganbayanTrial2.4 years
RTC civilFiling to Pre-trial3.5 months
RTC criminalTrial8.5 months
MeTC civilUp to trial3.5 months
(no data on trial times)
MeTC criminalFiling to Arraignment3 months
(no data on trial times)
MTCC civilUp to trial4.5 months
(no data on trial times, but only 11 trials)
MTCC criminalTrial1 year
MTC civilFiling to Pre-trial7 months
MTC criminalTrial4 months
MCTC civilFiling to Pre-trial3.7 months
MCTC criminalTrial13.6 months
Supreme - decided
Supreme - resolved
CA
CTA
Sandiganbayan
RTC civil
RTC criminal
MetC civil
MetC criminal
MTCC civil
MTCC criminal
MTC civil
MTC criminal
MCTC civil
MCTC criminal
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Median Duration (years)90th Percentile (years)
CourtMedian Duration (years)90th Percentile (years)
Supreme - decided3.27.7
Supreme - resolved0.51.4
CA2.67.4
CTA2.64.5
Sandiganbayan6.69.2
RTC civil1.13.6
RTC criminal0.753.3
MetC civil0.662.6
MetC criminal15.5
MTCC civil1.34.6
MTCC criminal0.42.3
MTC civil0.672.6
MTC criminal1.13.5
MCTC civil0.956.5
MCTC criminal0.54
CourtMedian Decision TimeConstitutional limitOver Limit
Supreme Court4.5 months24 months12%
Court of Appeal22.8 months24 months47%
CTA6 months
Sandiganbayan8 months
RTC civil2 months3 months28%
RTC criminal42 days3 months24%
MeTC civil40 days3 months25%
MeTC criminal78 days (n=15)3 months33%n=5
MTCC civil15 days3 months8%
MTCC criminal31 days (n=10)3 months10%n=1
MTC civil54 days (n=17)3 months29%n=5
MTC criminal28 days (n=13)3 months38%n=5
MCTC civil25 days3 months20%
MCTC criminal58 days (n=16)3 months25%n=4
CourtSettledDecidedFor P/AppellantFor R/AppelleeDismissed
Supreme Court0%100%11%89%0%
Court of Appeals0%99%78%16%0%
CTA0%100%73%16%0%
RTC12%82%73%12%11%
MeTC21%71%72%19%9%
MTCC36%57%77%16%7%
MTC 40%55%87%4%9%
MCTC32%65%74%24%0%
CourtTrial rateMean no.Mean no.ProportionMedian
hearing datespostponementspostponedduration
CTA100%12.373.6529%2.6 years
Sandiganbayan100%21524%6.6 years
RTC civil67%6.292.1334%13 months
RTC criminal42%10.164.4844%9 months
MeTC civil51%2.980.6823%8 months
MeTC criminal61%6.342.2636%12 months
MTCC civil10%4.372.0146%15.3 months
MTCC criminal11%3.441.2135%4.5 months
MTC civil12%2.191.0146%8 months
MTC criminal10%4.442.2551%13 months
MCTC civil35%4.721.7838%11.5 months
MCTC criminal14%4.972.3447%6 months
CourtGuilty PleaWithdrawnDecidedConvicted/Acquitted/DismissedOverallOverall
AppealAppealConvictionFruitless
DismissedUpheldRateProsecutions
Supreme Court100%50%50%
Court of Appeals100%14%86%
Sandiganbayan1%99%21%77%1%22%
RTC39%14%46%37%31%32%56%29%
MeTC13%33%54%4%12%84%15%78%
MTCC40%36%24%16%10%74%44%54%
MTC 8%46%36%3%22%75%9%73%
MCTC31%40%29%16%18%64%36%59%