Small Claims

Under the Philippine Law , Small Claims refers to cases that involve relatively small amounts of money, not exceeding Php 1, 000,000. The rules on small claims can be found in the OCA-Circular No. 69-2022 which were promulgated by the Supreme Court of the Philippines.

Here are some key points regarding Small Claims Cases in the Philippines:

1. Jurisdiction: The Metropolitan Trial Courts, Municipal Trial Courts, and Municipal Circuit Trial Courts have jurisdiction over small claims cases.
2. Nature of Claims: Small claims cases cover purely civil claims, such as damage to property, unpaid debts, breach of contract, and recovery of money. These cases exclude issues involving family relations, marital relations, and labor disputes.
3. Amount Limit: The total amount claimed, including all damages, shall not exceed Php 400,000. This limit does not include interests and costs.
4. No Lawyers Required: Representation by lawyers is not allowed in small claims cases. The parties involved have the right to personally appear and present their case.
5. Summary Procedure: Small claims cases follow a summary procedure, which means proceedings are simplified and informal. The judge, acting as a mediator, tries to facilitate a settlement between the parties. If no settlement is reached, the judge will render a decision based on the evidence presented.
6. No Appeal: Decisions rendered by the court in small claims cases are final and unappealable. However, parties can question the decision on certain grounds, such as lack of jurisdiction, denial of due process, or extrinsic fraud.

It is important to consult the specific laws and rules applicable to small claims cases in the Philippines to ensure accurate and up-to-date information.