Who and how much
Natural persons and sole proprietors sue for money from contract, loan, services or rent. Confirm the jurisdictional ceiling in the current Rules of Procedure for Small Claims Cases (A.M. No. 08-8-7-SC, as amended).
Where and forms
Venue is the first-level court where plaintiff or defendant resides. Use Form 1-SCC, attach contracts, demand proof and non-forum shopping certification.
Hearing
One-day hearing; lawyers do not appear as counsel. Judgment is final and unappealable, subject only to Rule 65 certiorari for jurisdictional error.
Sources
Last reviewed November 9, 2026. Laws, rules and Bar Bulletins change; if a source above has been amended or superseded, the official text controls.