The Philippine Embassy in The Hague wishes to inform the public of the 2016 Revised Rules of Procedure for Small Claims Cases (A.M. No. 08-8-7-SC), which took effect on 01 February 2016.

The Revised Rules increased from P100,000 to P200,000, exclusive of interests and costs, the maximum amount of claim that may be filed before the appropriate Metropolitan and Municipal Trial Courts (MTCs) without the assistance of lawyers. It applies to all actions that are purely civil in nature where the claim or relief prayed for by the plaintiff is solely for payment or reimbursement of sum of money.

Under the Rules, the parties should personally appear during hearings. Appearance through a representative is allowed on a valid cause. The representative, who must not be a lawyer, must be related to or next-of-kin of the party-litigant. No lawyer is allowed to appear in behalf of any of the parties, unless the lawyer is the plaintiff or defendant.

The Revised Rules were promulgated 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.

A copy of the 2016 Revised Rules for Small Claims Cases is available for download at http://sc.judiciary.gov.ph/smallclaims/SMALL%20CLAIMS%20PAMPHLET.pdf.