Small Claims Court: Filing to Final Judgment

Recover money claims up to ₱1,000,000 without a lawyer: standardized forms, one-day hearing, and final unappealable decisions.

Revised Rules of Procedure for Small Claims Cases (A.M. No. 08-8-7-SC, as amended)2deadlines to watch

Who this is for: Individuals, lenders, merchants, landlords, and consumers seeking to recover liquidated money claims up to ₱1,000,000.

Step by step

1Prepare the Statement of ClaimFill out Form 1-SCC. The claim must be purely for payment of money (liquidated debts, promissory notes, unpaid rent, barangay-settlement defaults, or property damages) not exceeding ₱1,000,000. Attach copies of contracts, checks, demand letters, and proof of receipt.Threshold: Up to ₱1,000,000 principal claim exclusive of interest and costs.
2Filing & SummonsFile the verified claim in the first-level court (MTC/MeTC) of the place where plaintiff or defendant resides. The court examines the claim within 24 hours and issues summons with the hearing date.
3Defendant's ResponseThe defendant must file a verified Response (Form 3-SCC) accompanied by supporting documents within 10 calendar days from receipt of summons. Motions to dismiss are prohibited.10 calendar days from service of summons.
4The One-Day HearingBoth plaintiff and defendant must appear personally. Lawyers are strictly prohibited from appearing or representing any party. If a party cannot attend for valid cause, they may send a non-lawyer representative armed with a Special Power of Attorney.
5Decision is Final and UnappealableThe court renders its decision within 24 hours after the hearing ends. The decision is final, executory, and completely non-appealable. No motion for reconsideration or appeal is allowed.

Not legal advice

Pangkalahatang impormasyon lamang ito para sa edukasyon — hindi ito legal advice, at hindi ito sinuri ng abogado. Sinikap naming tama ito ayon sa batas na binanggit, pero para sa sarili mong kaso, kumonsulta sa abogado o sa Public Attorney's Office (PAO).

The whole process

Drawing diagram…

Watch out for

No lawyers are permitted to appear in small claims hearings. Even if a party hires an attorney to help fill out the forms, the lawyer cannot speak or stand beside the party at the hearing.
Postponements are strictly prohibited, except upon physical inability to appear supported by a verified medical certificate.
Splitting a single cause of action to fit within the ₱1,000,000 threshold is prohibited and will result in the dismissal of all claims.