Supreme Court of the Philippines

Supreme Court of the Philippines
Court name	Supreme Court of the Philippines
Caption	Seal of the Supreme Court
Established	11 June 1901
Country	Philippines
Location	Padre Faura Street, Ermita, Manila
Coordinates	14, 34, 57, N...
Authority	Constitution of the Philippines
Terms	Mandatory retirement at age 70
Positions	15
Chiefjudgename	Alexander Gesmundo
Termstart	April 5, 2021
Website	sc.judiciary.gov.ph

Supreme Court of the Philippines. It is the highest judicial body in the Philippines and the court of last resort, established under the Constitution of the Philippines. The Court holds the ultimate authority to interpret the Constitution and possesses the power of judicial review, ensuring the co-equal branch status of the judiciary alongside the legislative and executive branches. Its decisions are final and executory, shaping the nation's legal landscape and fundamental rights.

History

The Court's origins trace to the Spanish colonial era under the Royal Audiencia of Manila, but its modern foundation was laid during the American colonial period with its establishment by the Philippine Commission via Act No. 136 on June 11, 1901. Its structure and powers have evolved through successive constitutions, including the 1935 Constitution, the 1973 Constitution under Ferdinand Marcos, and the current 1987 Constitution ratified after the People Power Revolution. Key historical moments include its role in reviewing the declaration of martial law and its re-establishment of independence following the EDSA Revolution.

Composition

The Court is composed of a Chief Justice and fourteen Associate Justices, all appointed by the President of the Philippines from a list prepared by the Judicial and Bar Council. Appointees must be natural-born citizens, at least 40 years old, with at least 15 years of experience as a judge or practicing lawyer. Justices serve until the mandatory retirement age of 70, ensuring tenure security. The current Chief Justice is Alexander Gesmundo, appointed by President Rodrigo Duterte.

Jurisdiction and powers

The Court exercises original jurisdiction over cases affecting ambassadors, other public ministers and consuls, and petitions for writ of certiorari, prohibition, mandamus, quo warranto, and habeas corpus. It holds appellate jurisdiction over final judgments and orders of lower courts, including the Court of Appeals, the Sandiganbayan, and the Court of Tax Appeals. Its most significant power is judicial review, allowing it to determine the constitutionality of acts by the Congress of the Philippines, the President of the Philippines, and other government bodies.

Notable decisions

The Court has issued landmark rulings that have defined Philippine jurisprudence. In *Javellana v. Executive Secretary*, it upheld the ratification of the 1973 Constitution. The case of *Minors Oposa v. Factoran* established the doctrine of intergenerational responsibility in environmental law. More recently, *Disini v. Secretary of Justice* addressed provisions of the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012, while *Sereno v. Judicial and Bar Council* involved the appointment of a Chief Justice. Decisions on the Bangsamoro Basic Law and the Philippine Drug War have also drawn significant public attention.

Court administration

The Chief Justice oversees the Court's administrative functions and heads the entire Judiciary of the Philippines. The Court supervises all lower courts and personnel through the Office of the Court Administrator. It also exercises administrative discipline over judges of lower courts and members of the judiciary. The Judicial and Bar Council, which screens judicial nominees, is under its supervision. The Court promulgates rules of procedure for all courts, including the Rules of Court, and manages the Philippine Judicial Academy for judicial education.

Seat and facilities

The main seat of the Court is the Supreme Court Building located on Padre Faura Street in Ermita, Manila, part of the government complex near Rizal Park and adjacent to the University of the Philippines Manila. The building houses the en banc session hall, justices' chambers, and the extensive Supreme Court Library. The Court also maintains the Baguio Summer Session Hall in Baguio City, where it holds sessions during the summer months, reflecting a practice dating to the American era.

Category:National supreme courts Category:1901 establishments in the Philippines Category:Government of the Philippines