What is small claims court and how do I file a case?
Last updated: 2026-07-11 · Educational content; not legal advice.
Short answer
Small claims is a fast, simplified court process for purely money claims — an unpaid debt, a refund, a bounced check, or damages up to ₱1,000,000 — under the Rules on Expedited Procedures in the First Level Courts (A.M. No. 08-8-7-SC). You file a verified Statement of Claim form (with your evidence and, where required, a barangay Certificate to File Action) at the Metropolitan, Municipal, or Municipal Trial Court in Cities where you or the defendant resides, or where the defendant does business. No lawyers appear, there is a single hearing, and the decision is final and unappealable.
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Frequently asked
What kinds of cases can go to small claims?
Only purely civil money claims — collection of sums owed, refunds, damages from contracts, and similar — at or below ₱1,000,000. It cannot be used for criminal matters, ejectment, or claims needing complex title/ownership rulings.
Which court do I file in?
The first-level court (MeTC, MTC, or MTCC) of the place where you reside, where the defendant resides, or where the defendant does business — at your option, per the venue rules of A.M. No. 08-8-7-SC.
What form do I use?
The Statement of Claim (Form 1-SCC) supplied by the court, filled out and verified, together with the Certification of Non-Forum Shopping and your documentary evidence. Court staff can give you the forms.
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