The Rules of Procedure for Small Claims Cases
On December 8, 2015, the Philippine Supreme Court approved the Revised Rules of Procedure for Small Claims Cases, which take effect on February 1, 2016. This revision follows a successful pilot test and aims to simplify and expedite the process for litigants in first-level courts, making it more accessible for underprivileged individuals. A Special Committee and a Technical Working Group were formed to review the existing rules and propose enhancements, focusing on issues like threshold amounts and causes of action. The revisions intend to uphold constitutional rights to a speedy trial and provide a cost-effective method for resolving small claims.
December 8, 2015
A.M. No. 08-8-7-SC
THE RULES OF PROCEDURE FOR SMALL CLAIMS CASES
RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, after a two-year pilot test, on March 18, 2010, the Rules of Procedure for Small Claims Cases was promulgated and made effective to all first level courts nationwide;
WHEREAS, from the time the Rules of Procedure for Small Claims Cases was implemented, it has been found to be an effective tool in providing a simplified and inexpensive recourse for litigants to assert their claims; ATICcS
WHEREAS, due to its success, there is a need to introduce amendments to the existing Rules to be more effective in reducing the dockets of the first level courts, a wider coverage, and better access to the courts by the underprivileged, among others;
WHEREAS, on August 11, 2015, the Special Committee on Small Claims Cases (Committee) was created under Memorandum Order No. 32-2015 to "review the existing Rules of Procedure for Small Claims Cases to fulfill the Judiciary's objective of expediting trial and resolving cases effectively and efficiently."
WHEREAS, the Committee is composed of the following:
| Chairperson: | Hon. Diosdado M. Peralta |
| Associate Justice, Supreme Court | |
| Vice-Chairperson: | Hon. Lucas P. Bersamin |
| Associate Justice, Supreme Court | |
| Members: | Hon. Martin S. Villarama, Jr. |
| Associate Justice, Supreme Court | |
| Hon. Jose C. Mendoza | |
| Associate Justice, Supreme Court | |
| Hon. Estela M. Perlas-Bernabe | |
| Associate Justice, Supreme Court | |
| Hon. Jose Midas P. Marquez | |
| Court Administrator, Supreme Court | |
| Hon. Fernanda Lampas-Peralta | |
| Associate Justice, Court of Appeals | |
| Hon. Jackie B. Crisologo-Saguisag | |
| Metropolitan Trial Court, Makati City, Branch 67 | |
| Atty. Ma. Lourdes E.B. Oliveros | |
| Office of the Chief Justice | |
| Secretary: | Atty. Jason J. Zapanta |
| Office of Associate Justice Diosdado M. Peralta | |
| Assistant Secretary: | Atty. Jilliane Joyce R. De Dumo |
| Office of the Chief Justice |
WHEREAS, to aid the Committee in reviewing pending issues on the Rules of Procedure for Small Claims Cases, a Technical Working Group (TWG) was created as follows:
| Chairperson: | Hon. Fernanda Lampas-Peralta |
| Associate Justice, Court of Appeals | |
| Members: | Hon. Jackie B. Crisologo-Saguisag |
| Metropolitan Trial Court, Makati City, Branch 67 | |
| Hon. Juris D. Dilinila-Callanta | |
| Metropolitan Trial Court, Quezon City, Branch 42 | |
| Hon. Maria Zoraida S. Zabat-Tuazon | |
| Metropolitan Trial Court, Manila City, Branch 23 | |
| Atty. Joachim Florencio Q. Corsiga | |
| Office of the Court Administrator |
WHEREAS, the Committee and the TWG conducted several consultative meetings, tackling issues such as the threshold amount, causes of action, and venue, among others;
WHEREAS, on November 10, 2015, the Committee and the TWG submitted its proposed "The Revised Rules of Procedure for Small Claims Cases," to protect and advance the constitutional rights of persons to a speedy disposition of their cases, provide a simplified and inexpensive procedure for the disposition of small, claims cases, and, introduce innovations and best practice for the benefit of the underprivileged;
WHEREAS, acting on the recommendation of the Chairperson, the Committee, and the TWG, submitting for the consideration and approval of the Court the proposed "The Revised Rules of Procedure for Small Claims Cases," the Court resolved to APPROVE the same.
The Revised Rules shall take effect on February 1, 2016 following its publication in two (2) newspapers of general circulation.
(SGD.) MARIA LOURDES P.A. SERENOChief Justice
(SGD.) ANTONIO T. CARPIOAssociate Justice
(SGD.) PRESBITERO J. VELASCO, JR.Associate Justice
(SGD.) TERESITA J. LEONARDO-DE CASTRO Associate Justice
On official leaveARTURO D. BRIONAssociate Justice
(SGD.) DIOSDADO M. PERALTA Associate Justice
(SGD.) LUCAS P. BERSAMIN Associate Justice
(SGD.) MARIANO C. DEL CASTILLOAssociate Justice
(SGD.) MARTIN S. VILLARAMA, JR.Associate Justice
(SGD.) JOSE PORTUGAL PEREZAssociate Justice
(SGD.) JOSE CATRAL MENDOZA Associate Justice
(SGD.) BIENVENIDO L. REYES Associate Justice
(SGD.) ESTELA M. PERLAS-BERNABE Associate Justice
(SGD.) MARVIC M.V.F. LEONEN Associate Justice
(SGD.) FRANCIS H. JARDELEZA Associate Justice
ATTACHMENT
The Revised Rules of Procedure for Small Claims Cases