JURISDICTION OF THE MUNICIPAL TRIAL COURTS IN  CRIMINAL CASES

1.    Exclusive   original   jurisdiction   over   all   violations   of   city   or municipal ordinances  committed  within their respective territorial jurisdiction

2.    Exclusive  original  jurisdiction  over  all  offenses  punishable  with imprisonment  not  exceeding  6  years,  regardless  of  the  fine  or other accessory penalties and civil liability

3.    Offenses   involving   damage   to   property   through   criminal negligence

4.    In cases where the only penalty provided by law is a fine, it has exclusive  jurisdiction  over  offenses  punishable  by  a  fine  not exceeding P4000

5.    In election offenses, cases involving failure to register or failure to vote

6.    Special  jurisdiction  to  hear  and  decide  petitioners  for  a  writ  of habeas corpus or application for bail in the province or city where the RTC judge is absent

7.    Cases involving BP 22—Bouncing Checks Law