Re: Rule of Procedure for Small Claims Cases
On July 10, 2018, the Philippine Supreme Court issued a resolution amending the Revised Rules of Procedure for Small Claims Cases. The amendments include an increase in the maximum claim amount to Three Hundred Thousand Pesos (P300,000.00), applicable to actions in various trial courts. Additionally, plaintiffs are now permitted to join multiple small claims in a single statement, provided the total amount does not exceed the new threshold. These changes are set to take effect on August 1, 2018, following publication in two newspapers.
July 10, 2018
EN BANC
A.M. No. 08-8-7-SC
RE: RULE OF PROCEDURE FOR SMALL CLAIMS CASES
NOTICE
Sirs/Mesdames :
Please take notice that the Court en banc issued a Resolution dated JULY 10, 2018, which reads as follows:
"A.M. No. 08-8-7-SC (Re: Rule of Procedure for Small Claims Cases). — Acting on the Letter dated June 25, 2018 of Associate Justice Diosdado M. Peralta, the Court Resolved to AMEND Sections 2 and 8 of The Revised Rules of Procedure for Small Claims Cases, to read as follows:
SEC. 2. Scope. — These Rules shall govern the procedure in actions before the Metropolitan Trial Courts (MeTCs), Municipal Trial Courts in Cities (MTCCs), Municipal Trial Courts (MTCs) and Municipal Circuit Trial Courts (MCTCs) for payment of money value where the value of the claim does not exceed Three Hundred Thousand Pesos (P300,000.00) exclusive of interest and costs.
xxx xxx xxx
SEC. 8. Joinder of Claims. — Plaintiff may join in a single statement of claim one or more separate small claims against a defendant provided that the total amount claimed, exclusive of interest and costs, does not exceed Three Hundred Thousand Pesos (P300,000.00). [Amendments in bold]
The appropriate Small Claims Forms are likewise amended to reflect the increased threshold amount of P300,000.00.
The foregoing amendments shall take effect on August 1, 2018 following their publication in two (2) newspapers of general circulation." Leonen, J., on official business. (adv27)
Very truly yours,
(SGD.) EDGAR O. ARICHETAClerk of Court
Published in The Philippine Daily Inquirer on July 17, 2018.