small claims pamphlet

2016 Revised Rules of Procedure for Small Claims Cases 65

A.M. No. 08-8-7-SC

THE 2016 REVISED RULESOF PROCEDURE FOR

SMALL CLAIMS CASESEFFECTIVE FEBRUARY 1, 2016

MANILA, PHILIPPINESJANUARY 2016

Republic of the PhilippinesSupreme Court

Manila

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896 PHILIPPINE REPORTS

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

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Resolution ......................................................................................... 3-6

The 2016 Revised Rules of Procedurefor Small Claims Cases .............................................................7-15

Form 1-SCC – Statement of Claim ............................................... 16-23

Form 1-A-SCC – Verification and CertificationAgainst Non-Forum Shopping, Splitting aSingle Cause of Action and Multiplicity of Suits .................... 24-25

Form 2-SCC – Summons ............................................................. 26-27

Form 3-SCC – Response ............................................................. 28-31

Form 4-SCC – Notice of Hearing ................................................ 32-33

Form 5-SCC – Plaintiff’s Return/Manifestation ............................... 34

Form 5-A-SCC – Plaintiff’s Return/Manifestation(Substituted Service) ................................................................... 35

Form 6-SCC – Motion to Plead as Indigent ................................. 36-37

Form 7-SCC – Special Power of Attorney ....................................... 38

Form 8-SCC – Joint Motion (for Dismissal) ................................ 39-40

Form 9-SCC – Motion for Approval ofCompromise Agreement ............................................................. 41

Form 10-SCC – Decision(Based on Compromise Agreement) ..................................... 42-43

Form 11-SCC – Decision ............................................................. 44-45

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Form 12-SCC – Motion for Execution ......................................... 46-47

Comparative Study Between the 2008 Rules andthe 2016 Revised Rules ........................................................... 48-64

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A.M. No. 08-8-7-SC

THE RULES OF PROCEDUREFOR SMALL CLAIMS CASES

RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, after a two-year pilot test, on March 18, 2010, theRules of Procedure for Small Claims Cases was promulgated and madeeffective to all first level courts nationwide;

WHEREAS, from the time the Rules of Procedure for SmallClaims Cases was implemented, it has been found to be an effective toolin providing a simplified and inexpensive recourse for litigants to asserttheir claims;

WHEREAS, due to its success, there is a need to introduceamendments to the existing Rules to be more effective in reducing thedockets of the first level courts, a wider coverage, and better access tothe courts by the underprivileged, among others;

WHEREAS, on August 11, 2015, the Special Committee on SmallClaims Cases (Committee) was created under Memorandum OrderNo. 32-2015 to “review the existing Rules of Procedure for SmallClaims Cases to fulfill the Judiciary’s objective of expediting trial andresolving cases effectively and efficiently.”

Republic of the PhilippinesSupreme Court

Manila��

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4 A.M. No. 08-8-7-SC

WHEREAS, the Committee is composed of the following:

Chairperson: Hon. Diosdado M. PeraltaAssociate Justice, Supreme Court

Vice-Chairperson: Hon. Lucas P. BersaminAssociate Justice, Supreme Court

Members: Hon. Martin S. Villarama, Jr.Associate Justice, Supreme Court

Hon. Jose C. MendozaAssociate Justice, Supreme Court

Hon. Estela M. Perlas-BernabeAssociate Justice, Supreme Court

Hon. Jose Midas P. MarquezCourt Administrator, Supreme Court

Hon. Fernanda Lampas PeraltaAssociate Justice, Court of Appeals

Hon. Jackie B. Crisologo-SaguisagMetropolitan Trial Court, Makati City, Branch 67

Atty. Ma. Lourdes E.B. OliverosOffice of the Chief Justice

Secretary: Atty. Jason J. ZapantaOffice of Associate Justice Diosdado M. Peralta

Assistant Secretary: Atty. Jilliane Joyce R. De DumoOffice of the Chief Justice

WHEREAS, to aid the Committee in reviewing pending issues onthe Rules of Procedure for Small Claims Cases, a Technical WorkingGroup (TWG) was created as follows:

Chairperson: Hon. Fernanda Lampas PeraltaAssociate Justice, Court of Appeals

Members: Hon. Jackie B. Crisologo-SaguisagMetropolitan Trial Court, Makati City, Branch 67

Hon. Juris D. Dilinila-CallantaMetropolitan Trial Court, Quezon City, Branch 42


Hon. Maria Zoraida S. Zabat-TuazonMetropolitan Trial Court, Manila City, Branch 23

Atty. Joachim Florencio Q. CorsigaOffice of the Court Administrator

WHEREAS, the Committee and the TWG conducted severalconsultative meetings, tackling issues such as the threshold amount,causes of action, and venue, among others;

WHEREAS, on November 10, 2015, the Committee and the TWGsubmitted its proposed “The Revised Rules of Procedure for SmallClaims Cases,” to protect and advance the constitutional rights ofpersons to a speedy disposition of their cases, provide a simplified andinexpensive procedure for the disposition of small claims cases, and,introduce innovations and best practices for the benefit of theunderprivileged;

WHEREAS, acting on the recommendation of the Chairperson,the Committee, and the TWG, submitting for the consideration andapproval of the Court the proposed “The Revised Rules of Procedurefor Small Claims Cases,” the Court resolved to APPROVE the same.

The Revised Rules shall take effect on February 1, 2016 followingits publication in two (2) newspapers of general circulation.

December 8, 2015.

ANTONIO T. CARPIO PRESBITERO J. VELASCO, JR.Associate Justice Associate Justice

On official leaveTERESITA J. LEONARDO-DE CASTRO ARTURO D. BRION

Associate Justice Associate Justice

MARIA LOURDES P. A. SERENOChief Justice

6 A.M. No. 08-8-7-SC

DIOSDADO M. PERALTA LUCAS P. BERSAMINAssociate Justice Associate Justice

MARIANO C. DEL CASTILLO MARTIN S. VILLARAMA, JR.Associate Justice Associate Justice

JOSE PORTUGAL PEREZ JOSE CATRAL MENDOZAAssociate Justice Associate Justice

BIENVENIDO L. REYES ESTELA M. PERLAS-BERNABEAssociate Justice Associate Justice

MARVIC M.V.F. LEONEN FRANCIS H. JARDELEZAAssociate Justice Associate Justice


THE 2016 REVISED RULES OF PROCEDUREFOR SMALL CLAIMS CASES

SECTION 1. Title.– These Rules shall be known as “The RevisedRules of Procedure for Small Claims Cases.”

SEC. 2. Scope.– These Rules shall govern the procedure in actionsbefore the Metropolitan Trial Courts (MeTCs), Municipal Trial Courtsin Cities (MTCCs), Municipal Trial Courts (MTCs) and Municipal CircuitTrial Courts (MCTCs) for payment of money where the value of theclaim does not exceed Two Hundred Thousand Pesos (P200,000.00)exclusive of interest and costs.

SEC. 3. Objectives

(a) To protect and advance the constitutional right of persons toa speedy disposition of their cases;

(b) To provide a simplified and inexpensive procedure for thedisposition of small claims cases; and,

(c) To introduce innovations and best practices for the benefit ofthe underprivileged.

SEC. 4. Definition of Terms.– For purposes of this Rule:

(a) Plaintiff refers to the party who initiated a small claimsaction. The term includes a defendant who has filed acounterclaim against plaintiff;

(b) Defendant is the party against whom the plaintiff has fileda small claims action. The term includes a plaintiff againstwhom a defendant has filed a claim, or a person who repliesto the claim;

(c) Person is an individual, corporation, partnership, limited liabilitypartnership, association, or other juridical entity endowedwith personality by law;

(d) Individual is a natural person;

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8 A.M. No. 08-8-7-SC

(e) Motion means a party’s request, written or oral, to the courtfor an order or other action. It shall include an informalwritten request to the court, such as a letter;

(f) Good cause means circumstances sufficient to justify therequested order or other action, as determined by the judge;and,

(g) Affidavit means a written statement or declaration of factsthat are sworn to or affirmed to be true.

SEC. 5. Applicability.– The Metropolitan Trial Courts, MunicipalTrial Courts in Cities, Municipal Trial Courts, and Municipal Circuit TrialCourts shall apply this Rule in all actions that are purely civil in naturewhere the claim or relief prayed for by the plaintiff is solely for paymentor reimbursement of sum of money.

The claim or demand may be:

(a) For money owed under any of the following:

1. Contract of Lease; 2. Contract of Loan; 3. Contract of Services; 4. Contract of Sale; or 5. Contract of Mortgage;

(b) For liquidated damages arising from contracts;

(c) The enforcement of a barangay amicable settlement or anarbitration award involving a money claim covered by thisRule pursuant to Sec. 417 of Republic Act 7160, otherwiseknown as The Local Government Code of 1991.

SEC. 6. Commencement of Small Claims Action.– A small claimsaction is commenced by filing with the court an accomplished andverified Statement of Claim (Form 1-SCC) in duplicate, accompaniedby a Certification Against Forum Shopping, Splitting a Single Cause ofAction, and Multiplicity of Suits (Form 1-A-SCC), and two (2) dulycertified photocopies of the actionable document/s subject of the claim,as well as the affidavits of witnesses and other evidence to support theclaim. No evidence shall be allowed during the hearing which was notattached to or submitted together with the Statement of Claim, unlessgood cause is shown for the admission of additional evidence.


The plaintiff must state in the Statement of Claim if he/she/it isengaged in the business of lending, banking and similar activities, and thenumber of small claims cases filed within the calendar year regardlessof judicial station.

No formal pleading, other than the Statement of Claim/s describedin this Rule, is necessary to initiate a small claims action.

SEC. 7. Venue.– The regular rules on venue shall apply.

However, if the plaintiff is engaged in the business of lending,banking and similar activities, and has a branch within the municipalityor city where the defendant resides, the Statement of Claim/s shall befiled where that branch is located.

SEC. 8. Joinder of Claims.– Plaintiff may join in a single statementof claim one or more separate small claims against a defendant providedthat the total amount claimed, exclusive of interest and costs, does notexceed Two Hundred Thousand Pesos (P200,000.00).

SEC. 9. Affidavits.– The affidavits submitted under this Ruleshall state only facts of direct personal knowledge of the affiants orbased on authentic records, which are admissible in evidence.

A violation of this requirement shall subject the party, and thecounsel who assisted the party in the preparation of the affidavits, if any,to appropriate disciplinary action. The inadmissible affidavit(s) orportion(s) thereof shall be expunged from the record.

The non-submission of the required affidavits will cause theimmediate dismissal of the claim or counterclaim.

SEC. 10. Payment of Filing Fees.– The plaintiff shall pay thedocket and other legal fees prescribed under Rule 141 of the RevisedRules of Court, unless allowed to litigate as an indigent. Exemption fromthe payment of filing fees shall be granted only by the Supreme Court.

However, if more than five (5) small claims are filed by one partywithin the calendar year, regardless of the judicial station, an additionalfiling fee of 500.00 shall be paid for every claim filed after the fifth (5th)claim, and an additional 100.00 or a total of 600.00 for every claim filedafter the tenth (10th) claim, and another 100.00 or a total of 700 forevery claim filed after the fifteenth (15th) claim, progressively andcumulatively.

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If the plaintiff is engaged in the business of banking, lending andsimilar activities, the amount of filing and other legal fees shall be thesame as those applicable to cases filed under the regular rules.

A claim filed with a motion to sue as indigent (Form 6-SCC) shallbe referred to the Executive Judge for immediate action in case of multi-sala courts. If the motion is granted by the Executive Judge, the caseshall be raffled off or assigned to the court designated to hear smallclaims cases. If the motion is denied, the plaintiff shall be given five (5)days within which to pay the docket fees, otherwise, the case shall bedismissed without prejudice. In no case shall a party, even if declaredan indigent, be exempt from the payment of the P1,000.00 fee forservice of summons and processes.

SEC. 11. Dismissal of the Claim.– After the court determinesthat the case falls under these Rules, it may, from an examination of theallegations of the Statement of Claim/s and such evidence attachedthereto, by itself, dismiss the case outright on any of the grounds for thedismissal of the case. The order of dismissal shall state if it is with orwithout prejudice.

If, during the hearing, the court is able to determine that thereexists a ground for dismissal of the Statement of Claim/s, the court may,by itself, dismiss the case even if such ground is not pleaded in thedefendant’s Response.

If plaintiff misrepresents that he/she/ it is not engaged in the businessof banking, lending or similar activities when in fact he/she/it is soengaged, the Statement of Claim/s shall be dismissed with prejudice andplaintiff shall be meted the appropriate sanctions, such as direct contempt.

However, if the case does not fall under this Rule, but falls undersummary or regular procedure, the case shall not be dismissed. Instead,the case shall be re-docketed under the appropriate procedure, andreturned to the court where it was assigned, subject to payment of anydeficiency in the applicable regular rate of filing fees. If a case is filedunder the regular or summary procedure, but actually falls under thisRule, the case shall be referred to the Executive Judge for appropriateassignment.

SEC. 12. Summons and Notice of Hearing.– If no ground fordismissal is found, the court shall forthwith issue Summons (Form 2-


SCC) on the day of receipt of the Statement of Claim/s, directing thedefendant to submit a verified Response.

The court shall also issue a Notice of Hearing (Form 4-SCC) toboth parties, directing them to appear before it on a specific date andtime for hearing, with a warning that no unjustified postponement shallbe allowed, as provided in Section 21 of this Rule.

The Summons to be served on the defendant shall be accompaniedby a copy of the Statement of Claim/s and documents submitted byplaintiff, and a blank Response Form (Form 3-SCC) to be accomplishedby the defendant.

A Notice of Hearing shall accompany the Summons and shallcontain: (a) the date of the hearing, which shall not be more than thirty(30) days from the filing of the Statement of Claim/s; and (b) theexpress prohibition against the filing of a motion to dismiss or any othermotion under Section 16 of this Rule.

If Summons is returned without being served on any or all of thedefendants, the court shall order the plaintiff to cause the service ofsummons and shall inform the court within thirty (30) days from noticeif said summons was served or not; otherwise, the Statement of Claim/s shall be dismissed without prejudice as to those who were not servedwith summons.

SEC. 13. Response.– The defendant shall file with the court andserve on the plaintiff a duly accomplished and verified Response withina non-extendible period of ten (10) days from receipt of summons. TheResponse shall be accompanied by certified photocopies of documents,as well as affidavits of witnesses and other evidence in support thereof.No evidence shall be allowed during the hearing which was not attachedto or submitted together with the Response, unless good cause is shownfor the admission of additional evidence.

SEC. 14. Effect of Failure to File Response.– Should thedefendant fail to file his/her/its Response within the required period, andlikewise fail to appear on the date set for hearing, the court shall renderjudgment on the same day, as may be warranted by the facts alleged inthe Statement of Claim/s.

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Should the defendant fail to file his/her/its Response within therequired period but appears on the date set for hearing, the court shallascertain what defense he/she/it has to offer which shall constitute his/her/its Response, and proceed to hear or adjudicate the case on thesame day as if a Response has been filed.

SEC. 15. Counterclaims Within the Coverage of this Rule.– Ifat the time the action is commenced, the defendant possesses a claimagainst the plaintiff that (a) is within the coverage of this Rule, exclusiveof interest and costs; (b) arises out of the same transaction or event thatis the subject matter of the plaintiff’s claim; (c) does not require for itsadjudication the joinder of third parties; and (d) is not the subject ofanother pending action, the claim shall be filed as a counterclaim in theResponse; otherwise, the defendant shall be barred from suing on thecounterclaim.

The defendant may also elect to file a counterclaim against theplaintiff that does not arise out of the same transaction or occurrence,provided that the amount and nature thereof are within the coverage ofthis Rule and the prescribed docket and other legal fees are paid.

SEC. 16. Prohibited Pleadings and Motions.– The followingpleadings, motions, or petitions shall not be allowed in the cases coveredby this Rule:

(a) Motion to dismiss the Statement of Claim/s;

(b) Motion for a bill of particulars;

(c) Motion for new trial, or for reconsideration of a judgment, orfor reopening of trial;

(d) Petition for relief from judgment;

(e) Motion for extension of time to file pleadings, affidavits, orany other paper;

(f) Memoranda;

(g) Petition for certiorari, mandamus, or prohibition against anyinterlocutory order issued by the court;

(h) Motion to declare the defendant in default;

(i) Dilatory motions for postponement;


(j) Reply and rejoinder;

(k) Third-party complaints; and

(l) Interventions.

SEC. 17. Availability of Forms; Assistance by CourtPersonnel.– The Clerk of Court or other court personnel shall providesuch assistance as may be requested by a plaintiff or a defendantregarding the availability of forms and other information about thecoverage, requirements as well as procedure for small claims cases.

SEC. 18. Appearance.– The parties shall personally appear onthe designated date of hearing.

Appearance through a representative must be for a valid cause.The representative of an individual-party must not be a lawyer, and mustbe related to or next-of-kin of the individual-party. Juridical entities shallnot be represented by a lawyer in any capacity.

The representative must be authorized under a Special Power ofAttorney (Form 7-SCC) to enter into an amicable settlement of thedispute and to enter into stipulations or admissions of facts and ofdocumentary exhibits.

SEC. 19. Appearance of Attorneys Not Allowed.– No attorneyshall appear in behalf of or represent a party at the hearing, unless theattorney is the plaintiff or defendant.

If the court determines that a party cannot properly present his/herclaim or defense and needs assistance, the court may, in its discretion,allow another individual who is not an attorney to assist that party uponthe latter’s consent.

SEC. 20. Non-appearance of Parties.– Failure of the plaintiff toappear shall be cause for the dismissal of the Statement of Claim/swithout prejudice. The defendant who appears in the absence of theplaintiff shall be entitled to judgment on a permissive counterclaim.

Failure of the defendant to appear shall have the same effect asfailure to file a Response under Section 14 of this Rule. This shall notapply where one of two or more defendants who are sued under acommon cause of action and have pleaded a common defense appearsat the hearing.

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Failure of both parties to appear shall cause the dismissal withprejudice of both the Statement of Claim/s and the counterclaim.

SEC. 21. Postponement When Allowed.– A request forpostponement of a hearing may be granted only upon proof of thephysical inability of the party to appear before the court on the scheduleddate and time. A party may avail of only one (1) postponement.

SEC. 22. Duty of the Court.– At the beginning of the court session,the judge shall read aloud a short statement explaining the nature, purposeand the rule of procedure of small claims cases.

SEC. 23. Hearing.– At the hearing, the judge shall first exertefforts to bring the parties to an amicable settlement of their dispute. Ifefforts at settlement fail, the hearing shall immediately proceed in aninformal and expeditious manner and be terminated within the same day.

Any settlement (Form 8-SCC) or resolution of the dispute shall bereduced into writing, signed by the parties and submitted to the court forapproval (Form 9-SCC and Form 10-SCC).

SEC. 24. Decision.– After the hearing, the court shall render itsdecision based on the facts established by the evidence (Form 11-SCC), within twenty-four (24) hours from termination of the hearing.The decision shall immediately be entered by the Clerk of Court in thecourt docket for civil cases and a copy thereof forthwith served on theparties.

The decision shall be final, executory and unappealable.

SEC. 25. Execution.– When the decision is rendered, executionshall issue upon motion (Form 12-SCC) of the winning party.

SEC. 26. Certification of documents.– All documents attachedto the Statement of Claim/s or Response that are required to be certified,except public or official documents, shall be certified by the signatureof the plaintiff or defendant concerned.

SEC. 27. Applicability of the Rules of Civil Procedure.– TheRules of Civil Procedure shall apply suppletorily insofar as they are notinconsistent with this Rule.

SEC. 28. Non-applicability.– The rules on mediation/judicialdispute resolution shall not apply, inasmuch as the parties may enter intocompromise at any stage of the proceedings.


SEC. 29. Effectivity.– These Revised Rules shall take effect onFebruary 1, 2016 following their publication in two newspapers of generalcirculation. They shall govern all cases filed after their effectivity, andalso all pending proceedings, except to the extent that in the opinion ofthe court, their application would not be feasible or would work injustice,in which case the procedure under which the cases were filed shallgovern.

SMALL CLAIMS STANDARD FORMS

The following forms shall be used. Substantial compliance there-with shall be sufficient.

(See attached forms)

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FORM 1-SCC

REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES______________________________________________________________

__________________________,Plaintiff,vs. Civil Case No. ________________

For: _______________________

__________________________,Defendant.

x- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - x

STATEMENT OF CLAIM(HABLA NG PAGSINGIL)

1. The personal circumstances of the parties are as follows:(Ang bawat panig ay ang mga sumusunod)

_______________________ ______ ______ ____________NAME OF PLAINTIFF/S SEX AGE CIVIL STATUS(Pangalan ng Naghahabla) (Kasarian) (Edad) (Katayuang Sibil)

(Put a check on any of the following)(Pumili sa mga sumusunod at lagyan ng tsek)

INDIVIDUAL CORPORATION PARTNERSHIP(Tao/Indibidwal) (Korporasyon) (Bakasan)

COOPERATIVE SOLE PROPRIETORSHIP(Kooperatiba) (Solong Pagmamay-ari)


NATURE OF BUSINESS:(Uri ng Negosyo)

BANKING LENDING(Bangko) (Pagpapautang)

OTHERS/PLEASE INDICATE________________________(Iba pang uri ng negosyo)

PLAINTIFF’S HOME ADDRESS:(Pahatirang Sulat sa Bahay ng Naghahabla)

(City) ___________________________________ ________(Lungsod) Zip Code

(Province, if applicable)_______________________ ________(Lalawigan, kung meron) Zip Code

Telephone No. ______________ Cellphone No._____________(Telepono Blg.) (Selpon Blg.)

PLACE OF WORK: ___________________________________________(Lugar ng Pinagtatrabahuan)


NAME OF PLAINTIFF’S REPRESENTATIVE:____________________________if applicable (must be a non-lawyer)(Pangalan ng Kinatawan:)(kung meron) [dapat hindi abogado]

HOME ADDRESS: (City) ________________________ ________(Pahatirang Sulat sa Bahay) (Lungsod) Zip Code

(Province, if applicable)_________________________ ________(Lalawigan, kung meron) Zip Code

18 A.M. No. 08-8-7-SC

Telephone No. ______________ Cellphone No._____________(Telepono Blg.) (Selpon Blg.) (Selpon Blg.)



_______________________ ______ ______ _____________ NAME OF DEFENDANT/S SEX AGE CIVIL STATUS (Pangalan ng Hinahabla) (Kasarian) (Edad) (Katayuang Sibil)



DEFENDANT’S HOME ADDRESS:(Pahatirang Sulat sa Bahay ng Hinahabla)







NAME OF DEFENDANT’S REPRESENTATIVE:________________________________if applicable (must be a non-lawyer) (Pangalan ng Kinatawan:)(kung meron) [dapat hindi abogado]






If more than one (1) defendant, list next defendant here:(Kung higit sa isa (1) ang Hinahabla, ilagay ang susunod na hinahablarito:)

_______________________ ______ ______ _____________ NAME OF DEFENDANT/S SEX AGE CIVIL STATUS (Pangalan ng Hinahabla) (Kasarian) (Edad) (Katayuang Sibil)



DEFENDANT’S HOME ADDRESS:(Pahatirang Sulat sa Bahay ng Hinahabla)


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NAME OF DEFENDANT’S REPRESENTATIVE:__________________________________if applicable (must be a non-lawyer) (Pangalan ng Kinatawan:)(kung meron) [dapat hindi abogado]






*Note: If you need more space, you can write at the back of this Form.(*Tala: Kung kailangan mo ng karagdagang patlang, maaari mong isulatsa likod ng Form na ito.)


2. Plaintiff claims the defendant owes him/her/itP________________________.(Ang Hinahabla ay umutang sa Naghahabla ng halagang)

(a) Why does the defendant owe plaintiff money?(Bakit ang Hinahabla ay nagkautang ng salapi sa Naghahabla?)_______________________________________________________________________________________________________.(If you need more space, please use the back page). (Kung kailanganmo ng karagdagang patlang, maaaring gamitin ang likod ngpahinang ito.)

(b) When did this happen?(Kailan ito nangyari?)

Date: _______________________(Petsa)

If no specific date, give the time period:(Kung walang tiyak na petsa, ibigay ang tantiyang panahon)Date started: _______________________(Petsa nagsimula)Through: _______________________(Hanggang)

(c) How did you compute the money owed to you? (Do not includecourt costs or fees)___________________________________________________.(Paano mo kinuwenta ang salaping inutang sa iyo?) [Hindi kasamaang bayad sa pagpapatala sa hukuman.]

3. (a) Did you ask the defendant to pay you before you filed this case?(Siningil mo ba ang Hinahabla bago ka nagsampa ng kasong ito?)

Yes No(Oo) (Hindi)

If no, explain:________________________________________________(Kung hindi, ipaliwanag)

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(b) How did you ask the defendant?Paano mo siningil ang Hinahabla?)

In person By phone(Sa kanya mismo) (Sa telepono)

In writing Others (please specify) ______(Sa sulat) (Iba pa) [pakisulat kung paano]

(c) When did you do this?_________________________________________(Kailan mo ginawa ito?)

4. What is your proof that defendant owes you money?________________________(Ano ang iyong katibayan o pruweba na ang Hinahabla ay may utang nasalapi sa iyo?)

5. Did you attach your proof to this form?(Iyo bang inilakip ang katibayan o pruweba sa Form na ito?)

Yes No(Oo (Hindi)

6. Was this claim referred to the barangay?(Dumaan ba sa barangay ang paniningil na ito?)

Yes No Not Covered(Oo) (Hindi) (Hindi sakop)

State reason:_________________________________________________

(Isulat ang dahilan)

If yes, do you have a Certificate to File Action or a Compromise Agreementexecuted before the barangay? __________(Kung oo, meron ka bang Patunay sa Pagsampa ng Kaso o Kasunduanna isinagawa sa barangay?)

6-A. How many small claims cases have you filed within this calendaryear prior to this present case, in this court station and in the entirecountry: _____(Pang ilang kaso na itong isinampa mo sa loob ng kasalakuyangtaon sa korte na ito at sa buong bansa?)


7. By the filing of this action, plaintiff hereby waives any amount in excessof P200,000.00, excluding interest and costs.(Sa pagsampa ng kasong ito, ang Naghahabla ay isinusuko ang anumanghalaga na higit sa P200,000.00, hindi kasama ang tubo at gastos sapagsampa ng kasong ito.)

P R A Y E R(PAGSAMO)

WHEREFORE, plaintiff respectfully prays for judgment ordering defen-dant to pay the amount of P ____________, with interest at the rate of_____% per annum/per month from ___________________ until fully paid.

(DAHIL DITO, ang Naghahabla ay magalang na sumasamo na igawadang kapasiyahang utusan ang Hinahabla na magbayad sa Naghahabla nghalagang P_____________, pati ang tubo na ______% bawat taon/buwan simula _______________ hanggang ganap o lubos na mabayaranito.) __________________________________, ____________, 20___.

______________________PLAINTIFF

(Naghahabla)FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY(Para sa Opisyal na gamit lamang)- To be accomplished by the Branch Clerk ofCourt-(Sasagutan ng Kawani ng Hukuman)

1. Cause of actionCheckPromissory NoteContract

Oral WrittenBarangay Agreement

Others (Please specify):_________________________________.

2. _____ Barangay conciliation required.If yes, _____ Certificate to File Action

_____ Compromise Agreementattached.

_____ Barangay conciliation not required.Please state the reason):________________________________________.

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FORM 1-A-SCC

VERIFICATION AND CERTIFICATION AGAINSTNON-FORUM SHOPPING, SPLITTING A SINGLE CAUSE

OF ACTION AND MULTIPLICITY OF SUITS

I,_________________________ of legal age, _________________,

__________________, and a resident of _________________________,

on oath, state:

1. That I am the _____________________ in the above-entitled case havecaused this _______________________________ to be prepared; thatI read and understood its contents which are true and correct of my ownpersonal knowledge and/or based on true records;

2. That I have not commenced any action or proceeding involving the sameissue or subject matter, and specifically the same check/s in the SupremeCourt, the Court of Appeals or any other tribunal or agency, particularlybefore the Office of the City Prosecutor of _______________________; that to the best of my knowledge, no such action or proceeding ispending in the Supreme Court, the Court of Appeals or any other tribunalor agency, and that, if I should learn thereafter that a similar action orproceeding has been filed or is pending before these courts or tribunal oragency, I undertake to report that fact to the Court within five (5) daystherefrom.

3. That the filing of this case is not in violation of the rule against splittinga single cause of action or multiplicity of suits.

4. That I knowingly and voluntarily waive and forego the institution of anycriminal complaint for Violation of Batas Pambansa Blg. 22 against thedefendant herein based on the same check/s subject matter of this SmallClaims Complaint.

(name) (citizenship)

(civil status) (residence)


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this day of______________, 20_____.

______________________Affiant

SUBSCRIBED AND SWORN to before me this ____________ day of______________, 20_____.

______________________ NOTARY PUBLIC

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FORM 2-SCC

REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________,Plaintiff,

vs. Civil Case No. ________________For: _______________________

_____________________________,Defendant.

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SUMMONS

TO: ___________________________________________________________________________________

GREETINGS:

You are hereby required, within ten (10) days from receipt of this Sum-mons, to file with this Court and serve on plaintiff, your verified Response tothe attached Statement of Claim. The form of the required Response is attachedhereto.

You are required to submit with your Response certified copies of docu-ments as well as affidavits of any witness to stand as your evidence in thiscase. You must present the original document/s on the day of hearing.

A motion to dismiss is prohibited and shall not be entertained. Anyground for dismissal should be included in your Response. Likewise, motionsfor bill of particulars and for extension to file pleadings, affidavits or any otherpaper are prohibited.

Your failure to respond within the 10-day period AND TO APPEAR ATTHE HEARING OF THIS CASE will authorize the Court to render judgment.


Witness my hand under the seal of this Court, this _______day of____________, 20_____, at ____________________________, Philippines.

_________________________BRANCH CLERK OF COURT

NOTE: FOR INQUIRIES, CALL TEL. #_________________

28 A.M. No. 08-8-7-SC

FORM 3-SCC


_____________________________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________,Plaintiff,

vs. Civil Case No. ________________For: _______________________

_____________________________,Defendant.

x- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -x

RESPONSE(SAGOT)

Defendant/s state/s:

(Ang Hinahabla ay nagsasaad:)

1. Defendant denies the Statement of Claim for any of the following reasons:(Put a check in any of the following)(Tinatanggihan ng Hinahabla ang Habla ng Pagsingil sa alinmangsumusunod na dahilan): [Pumili sa mga sumusunod at lagyan ng tsek]

(a) ____ Defendant does not owe plaintiff any money.(Ang Hinahabla ay walang pagkakautang na salapi saNaghahabla.)

____ Defendant owes plaintiff only a portion of the amount claimed.(Ang utang ng Hinahabla ay bahagi lamang ng halagangsinisingil ng Naghahabla.)


____ It is the plaintiff who owes defendant money.(Ang Naghahabla ang siyang may utang na salapi saHinahabla.)

(b) If defendant owes plaintiff only a portion of the amount claimed, howmuch is this?(Kung ang utang ng Hinahabla ay bahagi lamang ng halagangsinisingil ng Naghahabla, magkano ito?)_________________________________________________._________________________________________________.

(c) If it is the plaintiff who owes defendant money, how much and whendid this happen?(Kung ang Naghahabla ang siyang may utang na salapi saHinahabla, magkano at kailan ito nangyari?)_________________________________________________._________________________________________________.If no specific date, estimate the time period:(Kung walang tiyak na petsa, ibigay ang tantiyang panahon)Date started _______________(Petsa nagsimula)Through__________________(Hanggang)

(d) How did you compute the money owed you? (Do not include courtcosts or fees for service.)

(Paano mo kinuwenta ang salaping pagkakautang sa iyo?) (Huwagisama ang filing fees at bayad sa serbisyo.)

_________________________________________________._________________________________________________.

2. If plaintiff owes you money, did you ask plaintiff to pay you?(Kung ang Naghahabla ay siyang may pagkakautang sa iyo, siningil moba siya?)

_____ Yes _____ No (Oo) (Hindi)

If yes, how?(Kung oo, paano?)

30 A.M. No. 08-8-7-SC

____ In person ____ Others (specify) ___________(Sa kanya mismo) (Iba pa) [ano ito?]

____ In writing(Sa sulat)

____ By phone(Sa telepono)

3. Do you have any proof? _____Yes _____No(Meron ka bang anumang katibayan?) (Oo) (Hindi)

What is this proof? _____ Receipt(Anong katibayan ito?) Resibo)

_____ Other document(Iba pang dokumento)

_____ Witness(Saksi/testigo)

4. As the Statement of Claim is baseless, defendant is entitled to the followingcounterclaims:(Sa dahilang walang basehan ang Habla ng Pagsingil, ang Hinahablaay may karapatan sa mga ganting-habol na sumusunod)

____ Actual Damages for the value of the loss suffered by the filing ofthe case P _______________.(Bayad para sa aktwal na pinsalang idinulot ng pagsampa ngkaso)

____ Costs of suit for the money defendant spent in filing acountercharge against plaintiff P ________________.(Kabayaran/Gastos sa kasong isinampa)

________________________DEFENDANT(Hinahabla)


VERIFICATION AND CERTIFICATION AGAINST NON-FORUMSHOPPING, SPLITTING A SINGLE CAUSE OF ACTION AND

MULTIPLICITY OF SUITS (if with permissive counterclaim)

(PAGPAPATOTOO O PAGPAPATUNAY NA WALANG IBANGKASONG NAKASAMPA/NAKABINBIN SA IBANG HUKUMAN)

(kapag may ganting habol na pinahihintulutan)

32 A.M. No. 08-8-7-SC

FORM 4-SCC

REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES_____________________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________,Plaintiff,

vs. Civil Case No. ________For: _________________

__________________________________,Defendant.

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NOTICE OF HEARING(ABISO NG PAGDINIG)

YOUR CASE IS SET for hearing before the Presiding Judge of this Courton _______________________ at _______________.

(Ang inyong kaso ay diringgin ng Pinunong Hukom ng Hukumang itosa _______________________________, sa ganap na _________.)

YOU MUST ATTEND THE HEARING. IF YOU CANNOT ATTENDBECAUSE IT IS PHYSICALLY IMPOSSIBLE FOR YOU TO DO SO, YOU MAYAUTHORIZE A REPRESENTATIVE WHO IS NOT A LAWYER TO APPEARFOR YOU. FOR THIS PURPOSE YOU SHOULD FILL UP FORM 5-SCC(SPECIAL POWER OF ATTORNEY).

(KINAKAILANGAN NINYONG DUMALO SA PAGDINIG. KUNG HINDIKAYA NG KATAWAN NINYO ANG PAGDALO NANG PERSONAL SA PAGDINIGNG IYONG KASO, MAAARI KANG MAGPADALA NG IYONG KINATAWAN NAHINDI ABOGADO SA PAGDINIG. SA GANITONG LAYUNIN, PUNUAN NINYOANG FORM 5-SCC [NATATANGING GAWAD-KAPANGYARIHAN - SPECIALPOWER OF ATTORNEY.])


WITNESS the HON.______________________________________,Presiding Judge of this Court, this ____ day of ________________,20___, at

__________________________, Philippines.

(Saksi si Kgg. __________________________________________,Pinunong Hukom ng Hukumang ito, ngayong ____________________,20___ dito sa ______________, Pilipinas.)

_______________________________Branch Clerk of Court

(Sangay na Kawani ng Hukuman)

NOTE: FOR INQUIRIES, CALL TEL. #____________(Tala: Para sa katanungan, tumawag sa Korte sa Tel. Blg. _________)

34 A.M. No. 08-8-7-SC

FORM 5-SCC


__________________________________,Plaintiff,

vs. Civil Case No. ________For: _________________

__________________________________,Defendant.

x- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -x

PLAINTIFF’S RETURN/MANIFESTATION

This is to certify that on (date) and (date) , theundersigned tried to serve the Summons, Statement of Claim, togetherwith the Annexes and Notice of Hearing upon the defendant/sname/s of defendant/s , but failed and unavailing on the ground that thesaid defendant/s was/were not around during the time of service.

However, on (date) , the Summons, Statement of Claims,Annexes thereto and Notice of Hearing were served personally to(name of defendant who received) , as shown by her/his signatureappearing at the lower portion of the summons.

WHEREFORE, the original copy of the Summons is respectfully returnedto the Honorable Court, DULY SERVED PERSONALLY.

__________________, Philippines, (date).

_____________________PLAINTIFF


FORM 5-A-SCC


__________________________________,Plaintiff,

vs. Civil Case No. ______For: _______________

__________________________________,Defendant.

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PLAINTIFF’S RETURN/MANIFESTATION

This is to certify that on (date) and (date) , the undersignedtried to serve the Summons, Statement of Claim, together with the Annexes andNotice of Hearing upon the defendant/s name/s of defendant/s , butfailed and unavailing on the ground that the said defendant/s was/were notaround during the time of service.

However, on (date) , the Summons, Statement of Claims, Annexesthereto and Notice of Hearing were served through (name of person whoreceived) , who introduced himself/herself as a (relationship of the personto the defendant/s), a person of suitable age and discretion, residing therein,who signed at the lower portion of the summons.

Substituted service was made after the undersigned exerted earnestefforts to serve the Summons, together with the Statement of Claim, Annexesthereto and the Notice of Hearing personally upon the defendant, whichproved futile.

WHEREFORE, the original copy of the Summons is respectfully returnedto the Honorable Court, DULY SERVED.

_________________, Philippines, (date).

_____________________PLAINTIFF

36 A.M. No. 08-8-7-SC

FORM 6-SCC


__________________________________,Plaintiff,


__________________________________,Defendant.

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MOTION TO PLEAD AS INDIGENT

_____________________, unto this Honorable Court, respectfullyalleges that:

1. I am a resident of ___________________;

2. My gross income and that of my immediate family does notexceed __________________;

3. I do not own real property with an assessed value of more than(amount as provided in the Revised Rules of Court, as amended) as shown bythe attached Certification issued by the Office of the City/Municipal Assessorand the City/Municipal Treasurer’s Office;

4. Due to financial constraint, I cannot afford to pay for the expensesof a court litigation as I do not have enough funds for food, shelter and otherbasic necessities;

5. Should the court render judgment in my favor, the amount of thedocket and other legal fees which I was exempted from paying shall be a lienon the judgment, unless the court orders otherwise.


WHEREFORE, premises considered, it is respectfully prayed that I beexempted from the payment of docket and other legal fees as indigent pursuantto Section 21, Rule 3, in relation to Section 18, Rule 141 of the Revised Rulesof Court.

Other reliefs just and equitable under the premises are likewise prayedfor.

______________________PLAINTIFF

38 A.M. No. 08-8-7-SC

FORM 7-SCC

SPECIAL POWER OF ATTORNEY

KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS:

I, __________________________________, of legal age, single/married, with residence at ______________________________do hereby appoint, name and constitute __________________________,likewise of legal age, single/married, with residence at______________________________, who is related to me and/or is my next-of-kin, and is not a lawyer, as my true and legal representative to act for andin my name and stead and to represent me during the hearing of Civil CaseNo.____________, to enter into amicable settlement, to submit to alternativemodes of dispute resolution and to make admissions or stipulations of factsand documents without further consultation from me.

I hereby grant my representative full power and authority to execute andperform every act necessary to render effective the power to compromise asthough I myself have so performed it and hereby approving all that he may doby virtue of these presents.

In witness whereof, I hereunto set my hand this ___________ dayof ______________, 20______, at ______________________________.

_______________________________Principal

_______________________________Agent

Witnesses: _________________ ________________________

(ACKNOWLEDGMENT)


FORM 8-SCC


__________________________________,Plaintiff,


__________________________________,Defendant.

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JOINT MOTION(FOR DISMISSAL)

Plaintiff and defendant, unto this Honorable Court, respectfully allegethat:

1. Plaintiff and defendant have mutually and voluntarily settled theirclaim and counterclaim to the entire satisfaction of each other; and

2. The parties no longer have a cause of action against each other.

WHEREFORE, premises considered, plaintiff and defendant respectfullypray that the plaintiff’s statement of claim and defendant’s counterclaimincorporated in his response be dismissed.

Other reliefs just and equitable under the premises are likewise prayedfor.

(place) , (date) .

_____________________ _____________________ Plaintiff Defendant

40 A.M. No. 08-8-7-SC

To the Branch Clerk of Court:

Please submit the foregoing motion for the consideration of the Courtwithout hearing and further argument from the parties.

_____________________ _____________________ Plaintiff Defendant


FORM 9-SCC


__________________________________,Plaintiff,


__________________________________,Defendant.

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MOTION FOR APPROVAL OF COMPROMISE AGREEMENT

The parties respectfully allege that:

1. Plaintiff filed this claim against defendant for:

_____________ collection of sum of money_____________ liquidated damages_____________ enforcement of barangay agreement

2. The parties have come to an amicable settlement and have executeda compromise agreement with the following terms and conditions.

(copy terms and condition here)

3. The parties agree that the approval of this agreement by the Courtshall put an end to this litigation, except for purposes of execution in case ofdefault.

WHEREFORE, premises considered, the parties respectfully pray thatthe court approve this agreement and render judgment on the basis thereof.

(place) , (date) .

___________________ ______________________ Plaintiff Defendant

42 A.M. No. 08-8-7-SC

FORM 10-SCC


__________________________________,Plaintiff,


__________________________________,Defendant.

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DECISION(BASED ON COMPROMISE AGREEMENT)

Plaintiff filed this case against defendant for _____________________in the amount of ________________________.

Defendant denied plaintiff’s claim on the ground of _________________and set up a counterclaim for _______________________.

The parties, however, reached an amicable settlement and submitted tothe court a compromise agreement, the terms and conditions of which are asfollows:

(terms and condition here)

It appearing that the agreement is not contrary to law, morals, goodcustoms, public moral and public policy, and pursuant to Articles 2028 and 2037of the Civil Code of the Philippines, the same is hereby APPROVED andADOPTED as the Decision of this court.

The parties are hereby ordered to faithfully comply with the terms andconditions of the agreement.


WHEREFORE, judgment is hereby rendered approving the CompromiseAgreement and the parties are ordered to comply with the terms and conditions,as follows:

(The judge should define the rights and obligationsof the parties under the judgment approving the CompromiseAgreement to be enforced by a Writ of Execution.)

SO ORDERED.

(place) , (date) .

________________________Presiding Judge

44 A.M. No. 08-8-7-SC

FORM 11–SCC


_____________________________________________________________________________________________

(Title) (Case Number)

D E C I S I O N

This is a small claims action for (state which of the claims or demandsbelow is the subject of the action filed):

[For money owed under any of the following:

1. Contract of lease2. Contract of loan3. Contract of services4. Contract of sale5. Contract of mortgage; or

For liquidated damages arising from contracts;

The enforcement of a barangay amicable settlement or an arbitrationaward involving a money claim covered by this Rule pursuant toSection 417 of Republic Act 7160, otherwise known as The LocalGovernment Code of 1991.]

Plaintiff alleges that (state material allegations and prayer in the Statementof Claim).

Defendant alleges that (state reasons for denial of the claim and othermaterial allegations in the Response including counterclaims, if any).

On (date), both parties appeared during the hearing conducted by (statename of Judge who conducted the dispute resolution. State whether partiesappeared personally or through a specially authorized representative.)

Considering the failure of the parties to arrive at any settlement of thedispute, this court proceeded with the hearing of the case which was terminatedon _________________.


The issue to be resolved by this court is whether__________________.

Plaintiff’s evidence consists of: (state documents of plaintiff, affidavitssubmitted if any and statements made by plaintiff and witnesses under oathduring the hearing.)

Defendant’s evidence consists of: (state documents of defendant,affidavits submitted if any and statements made by defendant and witnessesunder oath during the hearing.)

This court finds that the claim of plaintiff (or defendant in a counterclaim)is (state whether meritorious or devoid of merit). Under Article/Section (statethe applicable provisions of law) or pursuant to established jurisprudence (citeapplicable jurisprudence). In this case, this court found that (state first thefactual findings established by the evidence and then the legal conclusions).

Wherefore, the (claim/counterclaim) is (granted/denied). This court orders____________________ to pay to _______________________ the amountof (state the monetary award or damages) with interest of (if applicable underCivil Code and/or settled jurisprudence) until fully paid.

SO ORDERED.

(place) , (date) .

____________________Presiding Judge

Copy furnished:

All partiesOffice of the Clerk of Court of ____________

46 A.M. No. 08-8-7-SC

FORM 12-SCC


__________________________________,Plaintiff,


__________________________________,Defendant.

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MOTION FOR EXECUTION

Plaintiff/Defendant, unto this Honorable Court, respectfully alleges that:

1. On _______________, a judgment was rendered by the Court, thedispositive portion of which reads:

2. The judgment is final, executory and unappealable.

3. The defendant has not complied with the judgment.

WHEREFORE, premises considered, it is respectfully prayed that a writof execution be issued to implement the judgment of the Court dated__________________.

______________________, __________________.

_______________________

Plaintiff/Defendant


NOTICE OF HEARING

NAME OF DEFENDANT (If filed by the Plaintiff)NAME OF PLAINTIFF (If filed by the Defendant)

NAME OF CLERK OF COURT

Please be notified that the undersigned will submit the foregoing motionfor the consideration and approval of the Court on _________________at ______________.

(place) , (date) .

_____________________ Plaintiff/Defendant

48 A.M. No. 08-8-7-SC

COMPARATIVE STUDY BETWEENTHE 2008 RULES AND

THE 2016 REVISED RULES OF PROCEDUREFOR SMALL CLAIMS CASES

(Amendments in bold letters)

THE RULE OFPROCEDURE FOR SMALL

CLAIMS CASES

SECTION 1. Title.– This Ruleshall be known as “The Rule ofProcedure for Small ClaimsCases.”

SEC. 2. Scope.– This Rule shallgovern the procedure in actionsbefore the Metropolitan TrialCourts, Municipal Trial Courts inCities, Municipal Trial Courts andMunicipal Circuit Trial Courts forpayment of money where the valueof the claim does not exceed OneHundred Thousand Pesos(P100,000.00) exclusive of interestand costs.

THE REVISED RULES OFPROCEDURE FOR SMALL

CLAIMS CASES

SECTION 1. Title.– These Rulesshall be known as “The RevisedRules of Procedure for SmallClaims Cases.”

SEC. 2. Scope.– These Rules shallgovern the procedure in actionsbefore the Metropolitan TrialCourts (MeTCs), Municipal TrialCourts in Cities (MTCCs) ,Municipal Trial Courts (MTCs)and Municipal Circuit Trial Courts(MCTCs) for payment of moneywhere the value of the claim doesnot exceed Two HundredThousand Pesos (P200,000.00)exclusive of interest and costs.

SEC. 3. Objectives

(a) To protect and advancethe constitutional right ofpersons to a speedy dispositionof their cases;

(b) To provide a simplifiedand inexpensive procedure forthe disposition of small claimscases; and,


(c) To introduce innovationsand best practices for thebenefit of the underprivileged.

SEC. 4. Definition of Terms.– Forpurposes of this Rule:

(a) Plaintiff refers to the partywho initiated a small claims action.The term includes a defendant whohas filed a counterclaim againstplaintiff;

(b) Defendant is the partyagainst whom the plaintiff has fileda small claims action. The termincludes a plaintiff against whom adefendant has filed a claim, or aperson who replies to the claim;

(c) Person is an individual,corporation, partnership, limitedliability partnership, association, orother juridical entity endowed withpersonality by law;

(d) Individual is a naturalperson;

(e) Motion means a party’srequest, written or oral, to the courtfor an order or other action. It shallinclude an informal written requestto the court, such as a letter;

(f) Good cause meanscircumstances sufficient to justifythe requested order or other action,as determined by the judge; and,

(g) Affidavit means a writtenstatement or declaration of factsthat are sworn to or affirmed to betrue.

SEC. 3. Definition of Terms.– Forpurposes of this Rule:

(a) Plaintiff refers to the partywho initiated a small claims action.The term includes a defendant whohas filed a counterclaim againstplaintiff;

(b) Defendant is the partyagainst whom the plaintiff has fileda small claims action. The termincludes a plaintiff against whom adefendant has filed a claim, or aperson who replies to the claim;

(c) Person is an individual,corporation, partnership, limitedliability partnership, association, orother juridical entity endowed withpersonality by law;

(d) Individual is a naturalperson;

(e) Motion means a party’srequest, written or oral, to the courtfor an order or other action. It shallinclude an informal written requestto the court, such as a letter;

(f) Good cause meanscircumstances sufficient to justifythe requested order or other action,as determined by the judge; and

(g) Affidavit means a writtenstatement or declaration of factsthat are sworn or affirmed to betrue.

50 A.M. No. 08-8-7-SC

SEC. 4. Applicability.– TheMetropolitan Trial Courts,Municipal Trial Courts in Cities,Municipal Trial Courts, andMunicipal Circuit Trial Courts shallapply this Rule in all actions whichare: (a) purely civil in nature wherethe claim or relief prayed for bythe plaintiff is solely for paymentor reimbursement of sum of money,and (b) the civil aspect of criminalactions, either filed before theinstitution of the criminal action, orreserved upon the filing of thecriminal action in court, pursuantto Rule 111 of the Revised Rulesof Criminal Procedure.

These claims or demands may be:

(a) For money owed under anyof the following:

1. Contract of Lease;2. Contract of Loan;3. Contract of Services;4. Contract of Sale; or5. Contract of Mortgage;

(b) For damages arising fromany of the following:

1. Fault or negligence;2. Quasi-contract; or3. Contract;

(c) The enforcement of abarangay amicable settlement oran arbitration award involving amoney claim covered by this Rulepursuant to Sec. 417 of RepublicAct 7160, otherwise known as the

SEC. 5. Applicability.– TheMetropolitan Trial Courts,Municipal Trial Courts in Cities,Municipal Trial Courts, andMunicipal Circuit Trial Courts shallapply this Rule in all actions thatare purely civil in nature where theclaim or relief prayed for by theplaintiff is solely for payment orreimbursement of sum of money.

The claims or demands may be:

(a) For money owed under anyof the following:

1. Contract of Lease;2. Contract of Loan;3. Contract of Services;4. Contract of Sale; or5. Contract of Mortgage;

(b) For liquidated damagesarising from contracts;

(c) The enforcement of abarangay amicable settlement oran arbitration award involving amoney claim covered by this Rulepursuant to Sec. 417 of RepublicAct 7160, otherwise known as the


Local Government Code of 1991.

SEC. 5. Commencement ofSmall Claims Action.– A smallclaims action is commenced byfiling with the court anaccomplished and verifiedStatement of Claim (Form 1-SCC)in duplicate, accompanied by aCertification of Non-ForumShopping (Form 1-A, SCC), andtwo (2) duly certified photocopiesof the actionable document/ssubject of the claim, as well as theaffidavits of witnesses and otherevidence to support the claim. Noevidence shall be allowed duringthe hearing which was not attachedto or submitted together with theClaim, unless good cause is shownfor the admission of additionalevidence.

No formal pleading, other thanthe Statement of Claim describedin this Rule, is necessary to initiatea small claims action.

Local Government Code of 1991.

SEC. 6. Commencement of SmallClaims Action.– A small claimsaction is commenced by filing withthe court an accomplished andverified Statement of Claim (Form1-SCC) in duplicate, accompaniedby a Certification Against ForumShopping, Splitting a SingleCause of Action, andMultiplicity of Suits (Form 1-A-SCC), and two (2) duly certifiedphotocopies of the actionabledocument/s subject of the claim,as well as the affidavits ofwitnesses and other evidence tosupport the claim. No evidenceshall be allowed during the hearingwhich was not attached to orsubmitted together with theStatement of Claim, unless goodcause is shown for the admissionof additional evidence.

The plaintiff must state in theStatement of Claim if he/she/itis engaged in the business oflending, banking and similaractivities, and the number ofsmall claims cases filed withinthe calendar year regardless ofjudicial station.

No formal pleading, other thanthe Statement of Claim/s describedin this Rule, is necessary to initiatea small claims action.

SEC. 7. Venue.– The regularrules on venue shall apply.

52 A.M. No. 08-8-7-SC

However, if the plaintiff isengaged in the business oflending, banking and similaractivities, and has a branchwithin the municipality or citywhere the defendant resides,the Statement of Claim/s shallbe filed where that branch islocated.

SEC. 8. Joinder of Claims.–Plaintiff may join in a singlestatement of claim one or moreseparate small claims against adefendant provided that the totalamount claimed, exclusive ofinterest and costs, does not exceedTwo Hundred Thousand Pesos(P200,000.00).

SEC. 9. Affidavits.– The affidavitssubmitted under this Rule shall stateonly facts of direct personalknowledge of the affiants or basedon authentic records, which areadmissible in evidence.

A violation of this requirementshall subject the party, and thecounsel who assisted the party inthe preparation of the affidavits, ifany, to appropriate disciplinaryaction. The inadmissibleaffidavit(s) or portion(s) thereofshall be expunged from the record.

The non-submission of therequired affidavits will cause theimmediate dismissal of theclaim or counterclaim.

SEC. 6. Joinder of Claims.–Plaintiff may join in a singlestatement of claim one or moreseparate small claims against adefendant provided that the totalamount claimed, exclusive ofinterest and costs, does not exceedP100,000.00.

SEC. 7. Affidavits.– The affidavitssubmitted under this Rule shall stateonly facts of direct personalknowledge of the affiants whichare admissible in evidence.

A violation of this requirementshall subject the party, and thecounsel who assisted the party inthe preparation of the affidavits, ifany, to appropriate disciplinaryaction. The inadmissibleaffidavit(s) or portion(s) thereofshall be expunged from the record.


SEC. 8. Payment of Filing Fees.–The plaintiff shall pay the docketand other legal fees prescribedunder Rule 141 of the RevisedRules of Court, unless allowed tolitigate as an indigent.

A claim filed with a motion tosue as indigent (Form 6-SCC) shallbe referred to the Executive Judgefor immediate action in case ofmulti-sala courts, or to the PresidingJudge of the court hearing the smallclaims case. If the motion is

SEC. 10. Payment of FilingFees.– The plaintiff shall pay thedocket and other legal feesprescribed under Rule 141 of theRevised Rules of Court, unlessallowed to litigate as an indigent.Exemption from the payment offiling fees shall be granted onlyby the Supreme Court.However, if more than five (5)small claims are filed by oneparty within the calendar year,regardless of the judicialstation, an additional filing feeof P500.00 shall be paid forevery claim filed after the fifth(5th) claim, and an additional 100or a total of P600.00 for everyclaim filed after the tenth (10th)claim, and another P100.00 ora total of P700 for every claimfiled after the fifteenth (15th)claim, progressively andcumulatively.

If the plaintiff is engaged inthe business of banking,lending and similar activities,the amount of filing and otherlegal fees shall be the same asthose applicable to cases filedunder the regular rules.

A claim filed with a motion tosue as indigent (Form 6-SCC) shallbe referred to the Executive Judgefor immediate action in case ofmulti-sala courts. If the motion isgranted by the Executive Judge,the case shall be raffled off or

54 A.M. No. 08-8-7-SC

granted by the Executive Judge,the case shall be raffled off orassigned to the court designated tohear small claims cases. If themotion is denied, the plaintiff shallbe given five (5) days within whichto pay the docket fees, otherwise,the case shall be dismissed withoutprejudice. In no case shall a party,even if declared an indigent, beexempt from the payment of theP1,000.00 fee for service ofsummons and processes in civilcases.

SEC. 9. Dismissal of the Claim.–After the court determines that thecase falls under this Rule, it may,from an examination of theallegations of the Statement ofClaim and such evidence attachedthereto, by itself, dismiss the caseoutright on any of the groundsapparent from the Claim for thedismissal of a civil action.

assigned to the court designated tohear small claims cases. If themotion is denied, the plaintiff shallbe given five (5) days within whichto pay the docket fees, otherwise,the case shall be dismissed withoutprejudice. In no case shall a party,even if declared an indigent, beexempt from the payment of theP1,000.00 fee for service ofsummons and processes.

SEC. 11. Dismissal of the Claim.–After the court determines that thecase falls under this Rule, it may,from an examination of theallegations of the Statement ofClaim/s and such evidenceattached thereto, by itself, dismissthe case outright on any of thegrounds for the dismissal of thecase. The order of dismissalshall state if it is with or withoutprejudice.

If, during the hearing, thecourt is able to determine thatthere exists a ground fordismissal of the Statement ofClaim/s, the court may, by itself,dismiss the case even if suchground is not pleaded in thedefendant’s Response.

If plaintiff misrepresents thathe/she/ it is not engaged in thebusiness of banking, lending or


SEC. 10. Summons and Notice ofHearing.– If no ground fordismissal is found, the court shallforthwith issue Summons (Form 2-SCC) on the day of receipt of theStatement of Claim, directing thedefendant to submit a verifiedResponse.

The court shall also issue aNotice (Form 4-SCC) to bothparties, directing them to appearbefore it on a specific date andtime for hearing, with a warning

similar activities when in facthe/she/it is so engaged, theStatement of Claim/s shall bedismissed with prejudice andplaintiff shall be meted theappropriate sanctions, such asdirect contempt.

However, if the case does notfall under this Rule, but fallsunder summary or regularprocedure, the case shall notbe dismissed. Instead, the caseshall be re-docketed under theappropriate procedure, andreturned to the court where itwas assigned, subject topayment of any deficiency in theapplicable regular rate of filingfees. If a case is filed under theregular or summary procedure,but actually falls under thisRule, the case shall be referredto the Executive Judge forappropriate assignment.

SEC. 12. Summons and Notice ofHearing.– If no ground fordismissal is found, the court shallforthwith issue Summons (Form 2-SCC) on the day of receipt of theStatement of Claim/s, directing thedefendant to submit a verifiedResponse.

The court shall also issue aNotice of Hearing (Form 4-SCC) to both parties, directing themto appear before it on a specificdate and time for hearing, with a

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that no unjustified postponementshall be allowed, as provided inSection 19 of this Rule. Thesummons and notice to be servedon the defendant shall beaccompanied by a copy of theStatement of Claim and documentssubmitted by plaintiff, and a copyof the Response (Form 3-SCC) tobe accomplished by the defendant.The Notice shall contain an expressprohibition against the filing of amotion to dismiss or any othermotion under Section 14 of thisRule.

SEC. 11. Response.– Thedefendant shall file with the court

warning that no unjustifiedpostponement shall be allowed, asprovided in Section 21 of this Rule.

The Summons to be servedon the defendant shall beaccompanied by a copy of theStatement of Claim/s anddocuments submitted byplaintiff, and a blank ResponseForm (Form 3-SCC) to beaccomplished by thedefendant.A Notice of Hearingshall accompany the Summonsand shall contain: (a) the dateof the hearing, which shall notbe more than thirty (30) daysfrom the filing of the Statementof Claim/s; and (b) the expressprohibition against the filing ofa motion to dismiss or any othermotion under Section 16 of thisRule.

If Summons is returnedwithout being served on any orall of the defendants, the courtshall order the plaintiff to causethe service of summons and toinform the court within thirty(30) days from notice if saidsummons was served or not;otherwise, the Statement ofClaim/s shall be dismissedwithout prejudice as to thosewho were not served withsummons.

SEC. 13. Response.– Thedefendant shall file with the court


and serve on the plaintiff a dulyaccomplished and verifiedResponse within a non-extendibleperiod of ten (10) days from receiptof summons. The Response shallbe accompanied by certifiedphotocopies of documents, as wellas affidavits of witnesses and otherevidence in support thereof. Noevidence shall be allowed duringthe hearing which was not attachedto or submitted together with theResponse, unless good cause isshown for the admission ofadditional evidence.

The grounds for the dismissal ofthe claim, under Rule 16 of theRules of Court, should be pleaded.

SEC. 12. Effect of Failure to FileResponse.– Should the defendantfail to file his Response within therequired period, and likewise failto appear at the date set forhearing, the court shall renderjudgment on the same day, as maybe warranted by the facts.

Should the defendant fail to filehis Response within the requiredperiod but appears at the date setfor hearing, the court shall ascertainwhat defense he has to offer andproceed to hear, mediate oradjudicate the case on the sameday as if a Response has been filed.

and serve on the plaintiff a dulyaccomplished and verifiedResponse within a non-extendibleperiod of ten (10) days from receiptof summons. The Response shallbe accompanied by certifiedphotocopies of documents, as wellas affidavits of witnesses and otherevidence in support thereof. Noevidence shall be allowed duringthe hearing which was not attachedto or submitted together with theResponse, unless good cause isshown for the admission ofadditional evidence.

SEC. 14. Effect of Failure to FileResponse.– Should the defendantfail to file his/her/its Responsewithin the required period, andlikewise fail to appear on the dateset for hearing, the court shallrender judgment on the same day,as may be warranted by the factsalleged in the Statement ofClaim/s.

Should the defendant fail to filehis/her/its Response within therequired period but appears on thedate set for hearing, the court shallascertain what defense he/she/ithas to offer which shallconstitute his/her/itsResponse, and proceed to hearor adjudicate the case on the sameday as if a Response has been filed.

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SEC. 15. Counterclaims Withinthe Coverage of this Rule.– If atthe time the action is commenced,the defendant possesses a claimagainst the plaintiff that (a) is withinthe coverage of this Rule, exclusiveof interest and costs; (b) arises outof the same transaction or eventthat is the subject matter of theplaintiff’s claim; (c) does notrequire for its adjudication thejoinder of third parties; and (d) isnot the subject of another pendingaction, the claim shall be filed as acounterclaim in the Response;otherwise, the defendant shall bebarred from suing on thecounterclaim.

The defendant may also elect tofile a counterclaim against theplaintiff that does not arise out ofthe same transaction or occurrence,provided that the amount and naturethereof are within the coverage ofthis Rule and the prescribed docketand other legal fees are paid.

SEC. 16. Prohibited Pleadingsand Motions.– The followingpleadings, motions, or petitions shallnot be allowed in the cases coveredby this Rule:

(a) Motion to dismiss theStatement of Claim/s;

(b) Motion for a bill ofparticulars;

(c) Motion for new trial, or for

SEC. 13. Counterclaims Withinthe Coverage of this Rule.– If atthe time the action is commenced,the defendant possesses a claimagainst the plaintiff that (a) is withinthe coverage of this Rule, exclusiveof interest and costs; (b) arises outof the same transaction or eventthat is the subject matter of theplaintiff ’s claim; (c) does notrequire for its adjudication thejoinder of third parties; and (d) isnot the subject of another pendingaction, the claim shall be filed as acounterclaim in the Response;otherwise, the defendant shall bebarred from suit on thecounterclaim.

The defendant may also elect tofile a counterclaim against theplaintiff that does not arise out ofthe same transaction or occurrence,provided that the amount and naturethereof are within the coverage ofthis Rule and the prescribed docketand other legal fees are paid.

SEC. 14. Prohibited Pleadingsand Motions.– The followingpleadings, motions, or petitions shallnot be allowed in the cases coveredby this Rule:

(a) Motion to dismiss thecomplaint;

(b) Motion for a bill ofparticulars;

(c) Motion for new trial, or for


reconsideration of a judgment, orfor reopening of trial;

(d) Petition for relief fromjudgment;

(e) Motion for extension of timeto file pleadings, affidavits, or anyother paper;

(f) Memoranda;

(g) Petition for certiorari,mandamus, or prohibition againstany interlocutory order issued bythe court;

(h) Motion to declare thedefendant in default;

(i) Dilatory motions forpostponement;

(j) Reply;


(l) Interventions.

SEC. 15. Availability of Forms;Assistance by Court Personnel.–The Clerk of Court or other courtpersonnel shall provide suchassistance as may be requested bya plaintiff or a defendant regardingthe availability of forms and otherinformation about the coverage,requirements as well as procedurefor small claims cases.

SEC. 16. Appearance.– The partiesshall appear at the designated dateof hearing personally.

Appearance through a

reconsideration of a judgment, orfor reopening of trial;

(d) Petition for relief fromjudgment;

(e) Motion for extension of timeto file pleadings, affidavits, or anyother paper;

(f) Memoranda;

(g) Petition for certiorari,mandamus, or prohibition againstany interlocutory order issued bythe court;

(h) Motion to declare thedefendant in default;

(i) Dilatory motions forpostponement;

(j) Reply and rejoinder;


(l) Interventions.

SEC. 17. Availability of Forms;Assistance by Court Personnel.–The Clerk of Court or other courtpersonnel shall provide suchassistance as may be requested bya plaintiff or a defendant regardingthe availability of forms and otherinformation about the coverage,requirements as well as procedurefor small claims cases.

SEC. 18. Appearance .– Theparties shall personally appear onthe designated date of hearing.

Appearance through a

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representative must be for a validcause. The representative of anindividual-party must not be alawyer, and must be related to ornext-of-kin of the individual-party.Juridical entities shall not berepresented by a lawyer in anycapacity.

The representative must beauthorized under a Special Powerof Attorney (Form 5-SCC) to enterinto an amicable settlement of thedispute and to enter into stipulationsor admissions of facts and ofdocumentary exhibits.

SEC. 17. Appearance ofAttorneys Not Allowed.– Noattorney shall appear in behalf ofor represent a party at the hearing,unless the attorney is the plaintiffor defendant.

If the court determines that aparty cannot properly present his/her claim or defense and needsassistance, the court may, in itsdiscretion, allow another individualwho is not an attorney to assistthat party upon the latter’s consent.

SEC. 18. Non-appearance ofParties.– Failure of the plaintiff toappear shall be cause for thedismissal of the claim withoutprejudice. The defendant whoappears shall be entitled tojudgment on a permissivecounterclaim.

representative must be for a validcause. The representative of anindividual-party must not be alawyer, and must be related to ornext-of-kin of the individual-party.Juridical entities shall not berepresented by a lawyer in anycapacity.

The representative must beauthorized under a Special Powerof Attorney (Form 7-SCC) toenter into an amicable settlementof the dispute and to enter intostipulations or admissions of factsand of documentary exhibits.

SEC. 19. Appearance ofAttorneys Not Allowed.– Noattorney shall appear in behalf ofor represent a party at the hearing,unless the attorney is the plaintiffor defendant.

If the court determines that aparty cannot properly present his/her claim or defense and needsassistance, the court may, in itsdiscretion, allow another individualwho is not an attorney to assistthat party upon the latter’s consent.

SEC. 20. Non-appearance ofParties.– Failure of the plaintiff toappear shall be cause for thedismissal of the claim withoutprejudice. The defendant whoappears in the absence of theplaintiff shall be entitled tojudgment on a permissivecounterclaim.


Failure of the defendant toappear shall have the same effectas failure to file a Response underSection 12 of this Rule. This shallnot apply where one of two or moredefendants who are sued under acommon cause of action and havepleaded a common defenseappears at the hearing.

Failure of both parties to appearshall cause the dismissal withprejudice of both the claim andcounterclaim.

SEC. 19. Postponement WhenAllowed.– A request forpostponement of a hearing may begranted only upon proof of thephysical inability of the party toappear before the court on thescheduled date and time. A partymay avail of only one (1)postponement.

SEC. 20. Duty of the Court.– Atthe beginning of the court session,the judge shall read aloud a shortstatement explaining the nature,purpose and the rule of procedureof small claims cases.

SEC. 21. Hearing.– At thehearing, the judge shall exert effortsto bring the parties to an amicablesettlement of their dispute. Anysettlement (Form 7-SCC) orresolution (Form 8-SCC) of thedispute shall be reduced intowriting, signed by the parties and

Failure of the defendant toappear shall have the same effectas failure to file a Response underSection 14 of this Rule. This shallnot apply where one of two or moredefendants who are sued under acommon cause of action and havepleaded a common defenseappears at the hearing.

Failure of both parties to appearshall cause the dismissal withprejudice of both the Statement ofClaim/s and counterclaim.

SEC. 21. Postponement WhenAllowed.– A request forpostponement of a hearing may begranted only upon proof of thephysical inability of the party toappear before the court on thescheduled date and time. A partymay avail of only one (1)postponement.

SEC. 22. Duty of the Court.– Atthe beginning of the court session,the judge shall read aloud a shortstatement explaining the nature,purpose and the rule of procedureof small claims cases.

SEC. 23. Hearing.– At thehearing, the judge shall first exertefforts to bring the parties to anamicable settlement of theirdispute. If efforts at settlementfail, the hearing shallimmediately proceed in aninformal and expeditious

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submitted to the court for approval(Form 12-SCC).

Settlement discussions shall bestrictly confidential and anyreference to any settlement madein the course of such discussionsshall be punishable by contempt.

SEC. 22. Failure of Settlement.–If efforts at settlement fail, thehearing shall proceed in an informaland expeditious manner and beterminated within one (1) day.Either party may move in writing(Form 10-SCC) to have anotherjudge hear and decide the case.The reassignment of the case shallbe done in accordance withexisting issuances.

The referral by the original judgeto the Executive Judge shall bemade within the same day themotion is filed and granted, and bythe Executive Judge to thedesignated judge within the sameday of the referral. The new judgeshall hear and decide the casewithin five (5) working days fromreceipt of the order ofreassignment.

SEC. 23. Decision.– After thehearing, the court shall render itsdecision on the same day, based onthe facts established by theevidence (Form 13-SCC). Thedecision shall immediately beentered by the Clerk of Court inthe court docket for civil cases and

manner and be terminatedwithin the same day.

Any settlement (Form 8-SCC)or resolution of the dispute shall bereduced into writing, signed by theparties and submitted to the courtfor approval (Form 9-SCC andForm 10-SCC).

SEC. 24. Decision.– After thehearing, the court shall render itsdecision based on the factsestablished by the evidence(Form 11-SCC), within twentyfour (24) hours fromtermination of the hearing. Thedecision shall immediately be


a copy thereof forthwith served onthe parties.

The decision shall be final andunappealable.

SEC. 24. Execution.– If thedecision is rendered in favor of theplaintiff, execution shall issue uponmotion (Form 9-SCC).

SEC. 25. Applicability of theRules of Civil Procedure.– TheRules of Civil Procedure shall applysuppletorily insofar as they are notinconsistent with this Rule.

SEC. 26. Effectivity.– This Ruleshall take effect on October 01,2008 for the pilot courts designatedto apply the procedure for smallclaims cases following itspublication in two newspapers of

entered by the Clerk of Court inthe court docket for civil cases anda copy thereof forthwith served onthe parties.

The decision shall be final,executory and unappealable.

SEC. 25. Execution.– When thedecision is rendered, execution shallissue upon motion (Form 12-SCC)of the winning party.

SEC. 26. Certification ofdocuments. All documentsattached to the Statement ofClaim/s or Response that arerequired to be certified, exceptpublic or official documents,shall be certified by thesignature of the plaintiff ordefendant concerned.

SEC. 27. Applicability of theRules of Civil Procedure.– TheRules of Civil Procedure shall applysuppletorily insofar as they are notinconsistent with this Rule.

SEC. 28. Non-applicability. Therules on mediation/judicialdispute resolution shall notapply, inasmuch as the partiesmay enter into compromise atany stage of the proceedings.

SEC. 29. Effectivity.– TheseRevised Rules shall take effecton February 1, 2016 following theirpublication in two newspapers ofgeneral circulation. They shallgovern all cases filed after their

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general circulation. Theamendments to this Rule shall takeeffect ninety (90) days frompublication in two (2) newspapersof general circulation.

effectivity, and also all pendingproceedings, except to theextent that in the opinion of thecourt, their application wouldnot be feasible or would workinjustice, in which case theprocedure under which thecases were filed shall govern.

SMALL CLAIMSSTANDARD FORMS

The following forms shall beused. Substantial compliancetherewith shall be sufficient.

(See attached forms)

small claims pamphlet

Documents