Survey on the Number of Cases Involving Small Claims

January 7, 2008

OCA CIRCULAR NO. 01-08

The American Bar Association-Rule of Law Initiative (ABA-ROLI) is proposing the establishment of small claims courts (SCC) in the Philippines, in line with the Supreme Court's Action Program for Judicial Reforms. A pilot project on small claims is to be first conducted in selected first level courts in the country.

The small claims courts shall resolve legal disputes involving simple issues of law and procedure without the need for legal representation and extensive judicial intervention.

In connection therewith, this Office is conducting a survey to determine the cases to be covered by the SCC project and the procedures to be observed thereunder.

In this respect, you are directed to submit to the Court Management Office, OCA, on or before January 15, 2008, a list of cases and their status, where the amount involved in civil cases or the amount of civil liability in criminal cases is: a) Fifty Thousand Pesos or below; and b) where the amount is more than Fifty Thousand Pesos but not more than One Hundred Thousand Pesos. For uniformity in compliance, please use the attached form in your report. IcCATD

For strict compliance.

(SGD.) ZENAIDA N. ELEPAÑOCourt Administrator