How to File a Small Claims Case
Under AM No. 08-8-7-SC (Revised Rules of Procedure for Small Claims Cases), small claims is a simplified, inexpensive, and speedy court process for recovering money claims of up to PHP 1,000,000. It is designed so that ordinary Filipinos can go to court without hiring a lawyer. In fact, lawyers are prohibited from appearing in small claims proceedings — both the claimant and the respondent must represent themselves. The entire case is decided in a single hearing, and the judge's decision is immediately executory and cannot be appealed.
The Most Accessible Court Process
Small claims is the most accessible court process for ordinary Filipinos. No lawyer is needed — in fact, lawyers are prohibited from appearing. The case is decided in a single hearing, and the judge's decision is immediately executory. There is no appeal. Filing fees are minimal, and the rules are designed to be simple enough for anyone to understand. If someone owes you money and refuses to pay, small claims court is the fastest and most affordable way to recover what is rightfully yours.
What Claims Can Be Filed?
Small claims covers pure money claims only — meaning you are asking the court to order someone to pay you a specific sum of money. The claim must arise from any of the following:
Covered Claims
- Loan or debt — money lent to another person with or without a promissory note
- Contract of lease — unpaid rent, security deposit disputes
- Contract of service — unpaid fees for services rendered
- Contract of sale — unpaid purchase price, defective goods
- Quasi-contract — unjust enrichment, payment by mistake
- Quasi-delict — damage to property caused by negligence
NOT Covered
- Criminal cases — estafa, theft, bouncing checks (file with the prosecutor's office)
- Labor cases — unpaid wages, illegal dismissal (file with DOLE or NLRC)
- Family law cases — support, custody, annulment
- Cases involving specific performance — where you want someone to do something (e.g., deliver goods, complete a project) rather than pay money
- Claims exceeding PHP 1,000,000 — must be filed as a regular civil case
Jurisdictional Amount
The maximum amount that can be claimed in small claims court is PHP 1,000,000 (one million pesos). This includes damages and interests but excludes attorney's fees since lawyers are not allowed to appear. If your claim exceeds PHP 1,000,000, you must file a regular civil action in the appropriate Regional Trial Court (RTC) or Municipal Trial Court (MTC).
Requirements
Documents for Filing
- Accomplished Statement of Claim form (available at the court's Office of the Clerk of Court)
- Supporting documents and evidence — promissory notes, contracts, receipts, vouchers, or any written proof of the obligation
- Demand letter sent to the respondent (with proof of receipt, if available)
- Valid government-issued ID (original + photocopy)
- Filing fee (amount depends on the claim — see Filing Fees table below)
Evidence to Bring to Hearing
- Original copies of all documents (promissory notes, contracts, receipts, demand letter, text messages, screenshots of conversations)
- Witnesses, if any — persons who can testify to the facts of the transaction or the debt
- Detailed computation of the total claim (principal amount, interest, damages)
- Any additional evidence supporting your claim (bank statements, transfer receipts, GCash/Maya transaction history)
Note: The Statement of Claim form is a pre-printed form provided by the court. You do not need to draft a formal complaint or hire a lawyer to prepare it. The court staff can assist you in filling out the form if needed.
Step-by-Step Process
How to File a Small Claims Case
Step 1: Go to the correct MeTC / MTC / MCTC
• File in the court that has jurisdiction over the area where the defendant resides
• Metropolitan Trial Court (MeTC) for Metro Manila cities
• Municipal Trial Court (MTC) for municipalities and cities outside Metro Manila
• Municipal Circuit Trial Court (MCTC) for municipalities sharing a circuit court
Step 2: Get and fill out the Statement of Claim form
• Go to the Office of the Clerk of Court
• Request the Statement of Claim form (SC Form)
• Fill out your name, address, the respondent's name and address
• State the facts of your claim and the amount you are demanding
• Attach all supporting documents and evidence
Step 3: Pay the filing fee
• The clerk will compute the filing fee based on the amount of your claim
• Pay at the court's cashier
• Keep the official receipt as proof of payment
Step 4: Court sets the hearing within 30 days
• After filing, the court will summon the respondent
• The hearing date is set not earlier than 15 days and not later than 30 days from filing
• The respondent must file a verified Response before the hearing date
Step 5: Attend the single hearing (present evidence, no lawyer)
• Both parties must appear personally — no lawyers allowed
• The judge will hear both sides and examine the evidence
• Present your documents, explain the facts, and answer the judge's questions
• The hearing is informal — no cross-examination, no technical rules of evidence
Step 6: Judge decides on the same day or within 5 days
• The judge renders a decision on the same day or within 5 calendar days after the hearing
• The decision is final and immediately executory — NO APPEAL
• If you win, you can immediately move for execution of the judgmentExample Explained
Step 1: Determine the correct court. Small claims cases are filed with the Metropolitan Trial Court (MeTC), Municipal Trial Court (MTC), or Municipal Circuit Trial Court (MCTC) that has jurisdiction over the area where the respondent (the person who owes you money) resides. For example, if your debtor lives in Quezon City, you file at the MeTC of Quezon City. If your debtor lives in a municipality in Laguna, you file at the MTC of that municipality.
Step 2: At the Office of the Clerk of Court, request the Statement of Claim form. This is a pre-printed form — you do not need to draft a formal complaint. Fill it out with your personal details, the respondent's details, and the facts of your claim. Attach photocopies of all supporting documents (promissory notes, contracts, receipts, demand letter, screenshots of text messages or conversations). The court staff can help you fill out the form if you have questions.
Step 3: After filling out the Statement of Claim form, submit it to the clerk together with the supporting documents. The clerk will compute the filing fee based on the total amount of your claim. Pay the fee at the court's cashier and keep the official receipt. The filing fee ranges from PHP 1,000 to PHP 3,000 depending on the amount of the claim.
Step 4: Once the case is filed and the filing fee is paid, the court will issue summons to the respondent. The hearing date is set not earlier than 15 days and not later than 30 days from the date of filing. The respondent is required to file a verified Response before the hearing date. If the respondent fails to file a Response or fails to appear at the hearing, the court may decide the case based on the claimant's evidence alone.
Step 5: On the hearing date, both parties must appear personally. Remember: no lawyers are allowed. The hearing is conducted informally — there is no cross-examination and no technical rules of evidence. Simply present your original documents to the judge, explain the facts of your claim clearly, and answer the judge's questions. The judge may also attempt to mediate a settlement between the parties before proceeding with the hearing.
Step 6: After hearing both sides, the judge renders a decision on the same day or within 5 calendar days. The decision is final and immediately executory — it cannot be appealed. If you win, you can immediately file a motion for execution of the judgment. The court will issue a writ of execution, and the sheriff will enforce the judgment by garnishing the respondent's bank accounts, salary, or personal property.
Complete Example: Filing a Small Claims Case
Real-World Scenario
Scenario: Pedro lent PHP 50,000 to his friend Carlos.
Carlos signed a promissory note agreeing to pay within 6 months.
The 6-month period has passed, but Carlos refuses to pay.
Pedro sent a demand letter, but Carlos ignored it.
Pedro decides to file a small claims case.
What Pedro Prepares:
• Signed promissory note (original + photocopy)
• Demand letter with proof of receipt (registry return card)
• Bank transfer receipt showing he sent PHP 50,000 to Carlos
• Text message screenshots where Carlos acknowledged the debt
• Valid ID (PhilSys National ID)
• Computation: PHP 50,000 principal + PHP 6,000 interest = PHP 56,000 total
Pedro's Timeline:
Day 1 — Pedro goes to the MeTC of Quezon City (where Carlos resides)
9:00 AM — Goes to the Office of the Clerk of Court
9:15 AM — Gets the Statement of Claim form and fills it out
9:45 AM — Submits the form with all supporting documents
10:00 AM — Clerk computes filing fee: PHP 1,000
10:15 AM — Pedro pays the filing fee at the cashier
10:30 AM — Case is filed; hearing set for Day 25
Day 5:
Carlos receives the court summons and a copy of Pedro's Statement of Claim
Carlos is required to file a verified Response before Day 25
Day 25 — Hearing Day:
9:00 AM — Pedro and Carlos appear at the MeTC (no lawyers)
9:15 AM — Judge attempts mediation; Carlos refuses to settle
9:30 AM — Judge proceeds with the hearing
9:45 AM — Pedro presents promissory note, bank transfer receipt,
demand letter, and text message screenshots
10:00 AM — Carlos admits borrowing but claims he already paid (no proof)
10:15 AM — Judge evaluates the evidence
Day 25 — Decision:
10:30 AM — Judge rules in favor of Pedro!
Carlos is ordered to pay Pedro PHP 56,000
The decision is FINAL and IMMEDIATELY EXECUTORY
Day 26 — Execution:
Pedro files a Motion for Execution of Judgment
Court issues a Writ of Execution
Sheriff garnishes Carlos's bank account to satisfy the judgment
Result: Pedro recovers his PHP 56,000!
Total Filing Fee: PHP 1,000
Total Time: About 25–30 days from filing to decision
Lawyer Needed: NONE (lawyers are prohibited)Filing Fees
| Amount of Claim | Filing Fee |
|---|---|
| Up to PHP 150,000 | PHP 1,000 |
| Over PHP 150,000 up to PHP 300,000 | PHP 2,000 |
| Over PHP 300,000 up to PHP 400,000 | PHP 2,500 |
| Over PHP 400,000 up to PHP 1,000,000 | PHP 3,000 |
Note: The filing fees shown above are approximate and based on AM No. 08-8-7-SC as amended. Actual fees may vary slightly depending on the court. Additional costs may include service of summons fees and other incidental charges. Always confirm the exact amount with the Office of the Clerk of Court before filing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I appeal a small claims decision?
No. Under the Revised Rules of Procedure for Small Claims Cases, the decision of the court is final and immediately executory. There is no appeal. This is by design — the purpose of small claims is to provide a speedy resolution to money disputes. The only remedy available is a Petition for Certiorari under Rule 65 of the Rules of Court if there was grave abuse of discretion by the judge, but this is not an appeal and is rarely granted.
Q: What if the defendant doesn't appear at the hearing?
If the respondent (defendant) fails to appear at the hearing despite proper notice, the court may render judgment based solely on the claimant's evidence. This means the claimant can still win the case even without the respondent being present. However, if the claimant fails to appear, the case will be dismissed without prejudice — meaning the claimant can refile the case later.
Q: Can a corporation file a small claims case?
Yes. Corporations, partnerships, and other juridical entities can file small claims cases. The corporation must be represented by an authorized officer or representative (not a lawyer acting as counsel). The authorized representative must present a Secretary's Certificate or Board Resolution authorizing them to file and prosecute the small claims case on behalf of the corporation.
Q: How long does the whole process take?
The entire small claims process typically takes 30 to 60 days from the date of filing to the issuance of the decision. The hearing is scheduled not earlier than 15 days and not later than 30 days from filing. The judge renders a decision on the same day or within 5 calendar days after the hearing. If execution is needed, an additional few days may be required for the issuance and implementation of the writ of execution.
Q: What if the claim exceeds PHP 1,000,000?
If the total amount of your claim (including damages and interest) exceeds PHP 1,000,000, you cannot file it as a small claims case. Instead, you must file a regular civil action in the appropriate court — either the Municipal Trial Court (for claims up to PHP 2,000,000 outside Metro Manila or PHP 1,000,000 in Metro Manila) or the Regional Trial Court (for higher amounts). Regular civil cases require a formal complaint and may require legal representation.
Q: Can I bring a lawyer to small claims court?
No. Lawyers are prohibited from appearing in small claims proceedings. Both the claimant and the respondent must represent themselves. This rule ensures that the process remains accessible, informal, and inexpensive. However, you may consult a lawyer before the hearing for advice on how to prepare your case and what evidence to present — the lawyer simply cannot appear with you in court during the hearing.
Important Reminders
- No lawyers allowed — both parties must appear personally without legal counsel; lawyers are strictly prohibited from appearing in small claims proceedings
- Send a demand letter first — before filing a small claims case, always send a formal demand letter to the debtor; this strengthens your case and shows the court you made an effort to settle the matter amicably
- Bring original documents — always bring the original copies of all evidence (promissory notes, contracts, receipts) to the hearing; photocopies alone may not be sufficient
- File in the correct court — the case must be filed in the MeTC/MTC/MCTC that has jurisdiction over the area where the respondent resides; filing in the wrong court will result in dismissal
- The decision is final — there is no appeal from a small claims decision; the judgment is immediately executory, so be prepared with strong evidence
- Attend the hearing — if you (claimant) fail to appear at the hearing, your case will be dismissed; mark the hearing date on your calendar and arrive on time
- Prepare a clear computation — present a detailed and organized computation of your total claim (principal, interest, damages) so the judge can easily understand and verify the amount
- Beware of fixers — do not pay anyone who claims to be able to speed up your case or guarantee a favorable decision; report any suspicious persons to the court administrator
Disclaimer
This guide is provided for general informational purposes only. The requirements, steps, fees, and procedures mentioned here may vary depending on the Courts you visit. We recommend visiting your nearest Courts first to confirm the specific requirements and process before preparing your documents.