SEOUL, 19 February 2017 - The Philippine Embassy in Seoul 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 Php100,000 to Php200,000, exclusive of interest and costs, the amount or value of the claim falling within the jurisdiction of small claims.

The Revised Rules section on applicability provides that the claim or demand may be, among others, for money owed under contract of lease, contract of loan, contract of services, contract of sale, or contract of mortgage, as well as the enforcement of a barangay amicable settlement or an arbitration award involving a money claim covered.

Section 5 of the Revised Rules, on applicability, states that the rules apply in all actions that are purely civil in nature, where the claim or relief prayed for by the plaintiff is solely for payment.

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."

No formal pleading, other than the Statement of Claim/s, is required to initiate a small claims action. Furthermore, the appearance of lawyers is not allowed in said cases.

For the full text of the 2016 Revised Rules of Procedure for Small Claims Cases, please refer to: http://sc.judiciary.gov.ph/smallclaims/SMALL%20CLAIMS%20PAMPHLET.pdf


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