Small claims cases
Under A.M. No. 08-8-7-SC, the Supreme Court promulgated the Revised Rules of
Procedure for Small Claims Cases.
After a two-year pilot test, on March 18, 2010, the Rules of Procedure for
Small Claims Cases was promulgated and made effective to all first level
courts nationwide. From the time the Rules of Procedure for Small Claims Cases
was implemented, it has been found to be an effective tool in providing a
simplified and inexpensive recourse for litigants to assert their claims. Due
to its success, there is a need to introduce amendments to the existing Rules
to be more effective in reducing the dockets of the first level courts, a
wider coverage, and better access to the courts by the underprivileged, among
others.
After a two-year pilot test, on March 18, 2010, the Rules of Procedure for
Small Claims Cases was promulgated and made effective to all first level
courts nationwide. From the time the Rules of Procedure for Small Claims Cases
was implemented, it has been found to be an effective tool in providing a
simplified and inexpensive recourse for litigants to assert their claims. Due
to its success, there is a need to introduce amendments to the existing Rules
to be more effective in reducing the dockets of the first level courts, a
wider coverage, and better access to the courts by the underprivileged, among
others.
On August 11, 2015, the Special Committee on Small Claims Cases
(Committee) was created under Memorandum Order No. 32-2015 to "review the
existing Rules of Procedure for Small Claims Cases to fulfill the Judiciary’s
objective of expediting trial and resolving cases effectively and
efficiently."
On November 10, 2015, the Committee and the TWG submitted its proposed
"The Revised Rules of Procedure for Small Claims Cases," to protect and
advance the constitutional rights of persons to a speedy disposition of their
cases, provide a simplified and inexpensive procedure for the disposition of
small claims cases, and, introduce innovations and best practices for the
benefit of the underprivileged.
Acting on the recommendation of the Chairperson, the Committee, and the TWG,
submitting for the consideration and approval of the Court the proposed "The
Revised Rules of Procedure for Small Claims Cases," the Court resolved to
APPROVE the same. The Revised Rules shall took effect on February 1, 2016
after its publication in two (2) newspapers of general circulation.
The Rules shall govern the procedure in actions before the Metropolitan Trial
Courts (MeTCs), Municipal Trial Courts in Cities (MTCCs), Municipal Trial
Courts (MTCs) and Municipal Circuit Trial Courts (MCTCs) for payment of money
where the value of the claim does not exceed Two Hundred Thousand Pesos
(P200,000.00) exclusive of interest and costs.