R e p u b l i c of the Mbhilippines

Supreme Court
Stlanila

EN B A N C

N O T I C E

Sirs/Mesdames:

Please take notice that the Court en bane issued a Resolution

d a t e d M A R C H 1, 2 0 2 2 , w h i c h reads as f o l l o w s :

?A.M. No. 08-8-7-SC

RULES O N E X P E D I T E D P R O C E D U R E S
I N T H E FIRST L E V E L C O U R T S

RESOLUTION

W H E R E A S , p u r s u a n t to Section 5 (5), Article V I I I of the

Constitution, the Supreme C o u r t is vested w i t h the p o w e r to promulgate
rules concerning the pleading, practice, and procedure in all courts, the
admission to the practice of law, the Integrated Bar, and legal assistance to
the u n d e r p r i v i l e g e d ;

WHEREAS, Congress enacted Republic Act No. 11576, which

e x p a n d e d the j u r i s d i c t i o n a l a m o u n t cognizable by t h e First L e v e l C o u r t s i n
c i v i l cases to T w o M i l l i o n Pesos (P2,000,000.00) a n d the j u r i s d i c t i o n a l
a m o u n t f o r r e c o v e r y o f r e a l p r o p e r t y w i t h t h e assessed v a l u e to F o u r
H u n d r e d T h o u s a n d Pesos (P400,000.00);

WHEREAS, Congress enacted Republic Act No. 10951, which

a d j u s t e d t h e v a l u e o f p r o p e r t y a n d d a m a g e o n w h i c h a p e n a l t y is based,
a n d the fines i m p o s e d u n d e r A c t No. 3815, o t h e r w i s e k n o w n as T h e
Revised Penal C o d e , A s A m e n d e d ;

W H E R E A S , the 1991 Revised Rule on S u m m a r y Procedure and the

2016 Revised Rules on Small Claims Cases were p r o m u l g a t e d to s i m p l i f y
and expedite proceedings, taking into account the recent developments i n
procedural a n d substantive l a w and jurisprudence, as w e l l as technological
advancements;
c a e -3
wre ogee

N o t i c eo f Résolution -2- A . M . No. 08-8-7-SC

: ? M a r c h 1, 2022

W H E R E A S , c o n s i d e r i n g t h e p a s s a g e o f R . A . N o s . 11576 a n d 10951,
t h e r e is a n e e d t o r e c a l i b r a t e , r e c o n c i l e , a n d h a r m o n i z e t h e c o v e r a g e o f t h e
1991 R e v i s e d R u l e o n S u m m a r y P r o c e d u r e a n d 2016 R e v i s e d R u l e s o n
S m a l l C l a i m s Cases to e f f i c i e n t l y a t t a i n t h e i r o b j e c t i v e s ;

W H E R E A S , t h r o u g h M e m o r a n d u m O r d e r No, 70-2021 dated 16

A u g u s t 2021 a n d 31 A u g u s t 2021, as amended b y M e m o r a n d u m O r d e r No.
116-2021 dated 29 N o v e m b e r 2021, the C o m m i t t e e o n the Revision of the
Rule on S u m m a r y Procedure and Smail Claims Cases w a s reorganized to
r e v i e w the rules and s t u d y proposals received by the Court. The
C o m m i t t e e is composed of the f o l l o w i n g :

Chairperson: H o n . H e n r i Jean P a u l B. I n t i n g
Associate Justice, Supreme C o u r t

Vice Chairperson: H o n . S a m u e l H. G a e r l a n
Associate Justice, Supreme Court

Members: H o n . Jose M i d a s P. M a r q u e z
Associate Justice, Supreme C o u r t

H o n . E d u a r d o B. Peralta, Jr.
Associate Justice, Court o f Appeals

H o n . M a r i a Filomena D. S i n g h
Associate Justice, Court o f Appeals

H o n . G e r m a n o Francisco D. Legaspi
Associate Justice, C o u r t o f Appeals

H o n . M a . T h e r e s a D o l o r e s C. G o m e z - E s t o e s t a
Associate Justice, Sandiganbayan

Hon. Raul Bautista V i l l a n u e v a

Deputy Court Adntinistrator (now Court Administrator)

H o n . E v a n g e l i n e C. C a b o c h a n - S a n t o s
Presiding Judge, RTC, Br. 304, Quezon C i t y

H o n , Jackie B. C r i s o l o g o - S a g u i s a g
Presiding Judge, MeTC, Br. 67, Makati City

H o n . K a r l a A. F u n t i l a - A b u g a n
Presiding Judge, MeTC, Br. 17, M a n i l a

H o n , C a r l o D. V i l l a r a m a
Presiding Judge, M e T C , Br.36, Quezon C i t y
( n o w Presiding Judge, RTC, Br. 217, Quezon C i t y )

ow
Notice o f Resolution -3- A.M. No. 08-8-7-SC
March 1, 2022

A t t y . M a r c e l i n o M i c h a e l J. A t a n a n t e I V
IBP Governor f o r Greater Manila

A t t y . A n t o n i o Ceasar R. M a n i l a
Office of the Chief Justice

Secretariat: A t t y . R y a n De L e o n Ferraren
A t t y . H a n n a h Joy A. V i l l a r t a
Office of Associate Justice Henri Jean Paul B. Inting

A t t y . B a r b i e K a y e Perez L o p e z
A t t y . T h e o d o r e Joseph M . J u m a m i l
Office of Associate Justice Samuel H, Gaerlan

A t t y . C a m i l l e Sue M a e L. T i n g
Office of Associate Justice Jose Midas P. Marquez

W H E R E A S , p u r s u a n t t o M e m o r a n d u m O r d e r N o . 116-2021 d a t e d 29
N o v e m b e r 2021, t h e T e c h n i c a l W o r k i n g G r o u p f o r t h e C o m m i t t e e o n t h e
R e v i s i o n o f t h e R u l e s o n S u m m a r y P r o c e d u r e a n d S m a l l C l a i m s Cases w a s
r e o r g a n i z e d a n d is c o m p o s e d o f t h e f o l l o w i n g :

Chairperson: H o n . M a r i a F i l o m e n a D. S i n g h
Associate Justice, Court o f Appeals

Vice Chairperson: Hon. Raul Bautista V i l l a n u e v a

Deputy Court Administrator (now Court Administrator)

Members: H o n . M a . T h e r e s a D o l o r e s C. G o m e z - E s t o e s t a
Associate Justice, Sandiganbayan

H o n . E v a n g e l i n e C. C a b o c h a n - S a n t o s
Presiding Judge, RTC, Br. 304, Quezon C i t y

H o n . J a c k i e B, C r i s o l o g o - S a g u i s a g
Presiding Judge, M e T C , Br. 67, M a k a t i C i t y

H o n , K a r l a A. F u n t i l a - A b u g a n
Presiding Judge, M e T C , Br. 17, M a n i l a

H o n . Carlo D. V i l l a r a m a
Presiding Judge, MeTC, Br.36, Quezon City
(now Presiding Judge, RTC, Br. 217, Quezon City)

A t t y . M a r c e l i n o M i c h a e l I. A t a n a n t e I V
IBP Governor for Greater Manila

A t t y . A n t o n i o Ceasar R. M a n i l a
Office of the Chief Justice
 Notice o f Resolution -4- A . M . No. 08-8-7-SC
M a r c h 1, 2022

A t t y . Barbie K a y e Perez Lopez

A t t y . T h e o d o r e Joseph M . J u m a m i l
Office of Associate Justice Samuel H. Gaerlan

Secretariat: A t t y . R y a n De L e o n Ferraren
A t t y . H a n n a h Joy A. V i l l a r t a
Officeo f Associate Justice Henri Jean Paul B. Inting

A t t y . C a m i l l e Sue M a e L. T i n g
Office of Associate Justice Jose Midas P. Marquez

NOW, THEREFORE, acting on the recommendation of the

C h a i r p e r s o n o f t h e C o m m i t t e e o n t h e Revision of the R u l e o n S u m m a r y
P r o c e d u r e a n d S m a l l C l a i m s Cases, t h e C o u r t r e s o l v e s to A P P R O V E t h e
?Rules on Expedited Procedures in the First Level Courts.?

These Rules shall take effect on 11 A p r i l 2022 f o l l o w i n g their

p u b l i c a t i o n i n t w o (2) newspapers o f general circulation.

1 M a r c h 2022

( O r i g i n a l signed)
A L E X A N D E R G. G E S M U N D O
C h i e f Justice

( O r i g i n a l signed) ( O r i g i n a l signed)
ESTELA M. PERLAS-BERNABE M A R V I C M.V.F. L E O N E N
Senior Associate Justice Associate Justice

( O r i g i n a l signed) ( O r i g i n a l signed)
A L F R E D O B E N J A M I N S. C A G U I O A R A M O N P A U L L. H E R N A N D O
Associate Justice Associate Justice

( O r i g i n a l signed) ( O r i g i n a l signed)
A M Y C. L A Z A R O - J A V I E R H E N R I J E A N P A U L B. I N T I N G
Associate Justice Associate Justice

{ O r i g i n a l signed) ( O r i g i n a l signed)
R O D I L V. Z A L A M E D A M A R I O V. L O P E Z
Associate Justice Associate Justice

of
Notice o f Resolution -§- A . M . No. 08-8-7-SC
M a r c h 1, 2022

( O r i g i n a l signed) ( O r i g i n a l signed)
S A M U E L H. G A E R L A N R I C A R D O R. R O S A R I O
Associate Justice Associate Justice

( O r i g i n a l signed) ( O r i g i n a l signed)
SJHOSEP Y. L O P E Z J A P A R B. D I M A A M P A O
Associate Justice Associate Justice

( O r i g i n a l signed) ( O r i g i n a l signed)
J O S E M I D A S P. M A R Q U E Z A N T O N I O T. K H O , JR.
Associate Justice Associate Justice
Notice of R e s o l u t i o n -6- A.M. No. 08-8-7-SC
March 1, 2022

RULES O N E X P E D I T E D P R O C E D U R E S
I N T H E FIRST LEVEL COURTS

RULEI
APPLICABILITY

Section 1. Coverage. - These rules shall govern the expedited procedures in

the M e t r o p o l i t a n T r i a l Courts, the M u n i c i p a l T r i a l Courts i n Cities, the
M u n i c i p a l T r i a l Courts, and the M u n i c i p a l C i r c u i t T r i a l Courts, f o r the
f o l l o w i n g cases f a l l i n g w i t h i n their jurisdiction:

A. C I V I L C A S E S

(1) S u m m a r y Procedure Cases, as follows:

(a) Forcible e n t r y a n d u n l a w f u l detainer cases, regardless of the a m o u n t o f

damages o r u n p a i d rentals sought to be recovered. W h e r e attorney?s
fees are awarded, the same shall n o t exceed One H u n d r e d T h o u s a n d
Pesos (P100,000.00).

(b) A l l c i v i l actions, except probate proceedings, a d m i r a l t y a n d m a r i t i m e

actions, a n d small claims cases falling u n d e r Rule IV hereof, where the
total a m o u n t of the p l a i n t i f f ' s c l a i m does n o t exceed T w o M i l l i o n Pesos
(?2,000,000.00), exclusive of interest, damages of w h a t e v e r k i n d ,
attorney's fees, l i t i g a t i o n expenses a n d costs.

(c) C o m p l a i n t s f o r damages w h e r e the claim does n o t exceed T w o M i l l i o n

Pesos (P2,000,000.00), exclusive of interest and costs.

(d) Cases f o r enforcement of barangay amicable settlement agreements and

a r b i t r a t i o n a w a r d s where the money c l a i m exceeds One M i l l i o n Pesos
(#1,000,000.00), p r o v i d e d that no execution has been enforced b y the
barangay w i t h i n six (6) m o n t h s f r o m the date of the settlement or date o f
receipt of the a w a r d o r f r o m the date the o b l i g a t i o n s t i p u l a t e d _or
a d j u d g e d _ i n the a r b i t r a t i o n a w a r d becomes d u e a n d demandable,
p u r s u a n t to Section 417, C h a p t e r V I i _ o f Republic A c t N o . 7160
o t h e r w i s e k n o w n as The Local G o v e r n m e n t C o d e of 1991.

( e ) Cases s o l e l y f o r t h e r e v i v a l o fj u d g m e n t o f a n y M e t r o p o l i t a n T r i a l C o u r t ,
M u n i c i p a l T r i a l C o u r t i n Cities, M u n i c i p a l T r i a l Court, and Municipal
C i r c u i t T r i a l C o u r t , p u r s u a n t t o R u l e 39, S e c t i o n 6 o f t h e R u l e s o f C o u r t .

{f) The c i v i l aspect of a v i o l a t i o n of Batas Pambansa Blg. 22 (the B o u n c i n g

Checks Law), if no c r i m i n a l action has been instituted therefor. Should
a _ c r i m i n a l action be later instituted for the same violation, the c i v i l
aspect shail be consolidated w i t h the c r i m i n a l action a n d shall be t r i e d
and decided j o i n t l y u n d e r the Rule on S u m m a r y Procedure.

A l l other cases n o t i n c l u d e d herein shall be governed b y the regular

rules of procedure.
Notice o f Resolution -8- A . M . N o . 08-8-7-SC
M a r c h 1, 2022

If the prescribed penalty consists of i m p r i s o n m e n t a n d / o r a fine, the

prescribed i m p r i s o n m e n t shall be the basis for d e t e r m i n i n g the applicable
procedure.

A l l other cases n o t i n c l u d e d herein shal] beg o v e r n e d b y the r e g u l a r

rules of procedure.

Sec. 2. Non-applicability. - These Rules shall n o t a p p l y to c i v i l cases where

the plaintiff's cause of action is pleaded i n the same c o m p l a i n t w i t h
another cause of action subject to the regular procedure; n o r to c r i m i n a l
cases where the offense charged is necessarily related to another c r i m i n a l
case subject to the regular procedure.

RULE II
GENERAL C O M M O N PROVISIONS

Section 1. Applicability o f the regular rules. - The r e g u l a r procedure

prescribed i n the Rules o f C o u r t shall a p p l y to the cases covered by these
Rules w h e r e no specific p r o v i s i o n is f o u n d herein. It shall also a p p l y i n a
suppletory m a n n e r even i f there is a specific p r o v i s i o n f o u n d i n these
Rules, b u t o n l y i n so far as n o t inconsistent. _In case of inconsistency, these
Rules shall prevail.

Sec. 2. Prohibited pleadings and motions. - The f o l l o w i n g pleadings, motions,

o r petitions shall not be a l l o w e d in cases governed b y these Rules:

(a) In c i v i l cases, a m o t i o n to dismiss the c o m p l a i n t osr tth ea t e m o ef c lna i m t ,

and_in criminal _cases, a m o t i o n to quash the c o m p l a i n t o r i n f o r m a t i o n ,
except on the g r o u n d of lack of j u r i s d i c t i o n o v e r the subject m a t t e r o r failure
to c o m p l y w i t h the r e q u i r e m e n t of barangay conciliation, p u r s u a n t to C h a p t e r
VIL T i t l e| , Book I l of Republic A c t No. 7160;
(b) M o t i o n to hear a n d / o r resolve a f f i r m a t i v e defenses;
(c) M o t i o n f o r a bill o f particulars;
(d) M o t i o n f o r n e w trial, o r for reconsideration of a j u d g m e n t on the merits, or
f o r r e o p e n i n g o f proceedings;
{e) Petition f o r relief f r o m j u d g m e n t ;
(f) M o t i o n f o r extension of t i m e to file pleadings, affidavits o r a n y o t h e r paper;
(g) M e m o r a n d a ;
(h) Petition f o r certiorari, mandanius, o r p r o h i b i t i o n against any i n t e r l o c u t o r y
order issued b y the court;
(i) M o t i o n t o d e c l a r e t h e d e f e n d a n t i n d e f a u l t ;
( ) D i l a t o r y m o t i o n s f o r postponement. A n y m o t i o n f o r p o s t p o n e m e n t shall be
p r e s u m e d d i l a t o r y unless g r o u n d e d on acts of God, force majeure, or physical
i n a b i l i t y o f a counsel o r witness to personally appear i n court, as s u p p o r t e d
by the requisite a f f i d a v i t a n d medica] p r o o f ;
(k) Rejoinder;
( ) T h i r d - p a r t y complaints;
(m) M o t i o n f o r and C o m p l a i n t in Intervention;
(n) M o t i o n to a d m i t late judicial affidavit/s, p o s i t i o n papers, o r o t h e r evidence
except on t h e g r o u n d of force majeure or acts of God;
Notice o f Resolution -9- A . M . No. 08-8-7-SC
M a r c h 1, 2022

{o) M o t i o n f o r j u d i c i a l d e t e r m i n a t i o n o f probable cause in c r i m i n a l cases.

Sec, 3. Videoconference. ~ A s f a r as practicable, a n d i f t h e c o u r t f i n d s t h a t t h e

c o n d u c t o f a v i d e o c o n f e r e n c e h e a r i n g w i l l be b e n e f i c i a l to t h e fair, s p e e d y
a n d _ e f f i c i e n t _ a d m i n i s t r a t i o n o f j u s t i c e , the court, o n its o w n i n i t i a t i v e o r
u p o n motion, m a y set t h e case f o r a v i d e o c o n f e r e n c e h e a r i n g at a n y stage
of the proceedings.

Sec. 4, Service pursuant to international convention. - Service made p u r s u a n t

to the Hague Convention on the Service Abrond of Judicial and Extrajudictal
Documents in Civil or Commercial Matters shall be valid, and the period to
answer shall commence f r o m receipt of the d o c u m e n t served.

RULE I l i
THE RULE O N S U M M A R Y PROCEDURE

A. C I V I L C A S E S

Section 1. Pleadings and Verification.~ The o n l y pleadings a l l o w e d to be

filed are the complaint, c o m p u l s o r y counterclaim, cross-claim pleaded in
the answer, and reply, as p r o v i d e d i n Section 8 of this Rule.

A l l pleadings shall be verified.

Sec. 2. Form and contentsofp l e a d i n g s . - A l l pleadings s u b m i t t e d u n d e r this

Rule shall c o m p l y w i t h Rule 7 of the 2019 Amendments to the 1997 Rules o f
Civil Procedure.

A l l cases r e q u i r i n g p r i o r referral to barangay conciliation m u s t

contain a statement o f compliance, p u r s u a n t to C h a p t e r VIL Title I, Book
IIll_of Republic A c t No. 7160. Where there is no s h o w i n g of compliance
w i t h such requirement, the c o m p l a i n t shall be dismissed w i t h o u t
prejudice, on the court?s o w n initiative or u p o n m o t i o n b y the defendant,
and m a y be re-filed o n l y after the r e q u i r e m e n t has been c o m p l i e d with.

Sec. 3. Complaint. - The c o m p l a i n t shall state the f o l l o w i n g :

(a) The names of the affiants whose j u d i c i a l a f f i d a v i t s w i l l be presented to

p r o v e the p l a i n t i f f ' s claim. The judicial a f f i d a v i t s shall be attached to the
c o m p l a i n t a n d f o r m an i n t e g r a l p a r t thereof. Judicial a f f i d a v i t s n o t attached
to the c o m p l a i n t shall n o t be considered;
(b) The s u m m a r y of the statementsi n the judicial affidavits;
(c) The documentary and other object evidence in support of the allegations in
the complaint; and
(da) W h e t h e r the p l a i n t i f f consents to service by electronic means o r facsimile
and, if so, the p l a i n t i f f ' s e-mail addresses o r facsimile n u m b e r s f o r such
purpose.
Notice o f Resolution -10- A . M . N o . 08-8-7-SC
M a r c h 1, 2022

Sec. 4, Summons. ~ W i t h i n f i v e (5) c a l e n d a r d a y s f r o m r e c e i p t o f a n e w c i v i l

case, if t h e c o u r t d e t e r m i n e s t h a t t h e case falls u n d e r t h i s R u l e , t h e c o u r t
s h a l l d i r e c t t h e B r a n c h C l e r k t o issue s u m m o n s to t h e d e f e n d a n t , stating
c l e a r l y t h a t t h e case s h a l l be g o v e r n e d b y t h e R u l e o n S u m m a r y P r o c e d u r e .

H o w e v e r , if f r o m an e x a m i n a t i o n o f t h e a l l e g a t i o n s i n t h e i n i t i a t o r y
p l e a d i n g a n d s u c h e v i d e n c e as m a y be a t t a c h e d thereto, a g r o u n d f o r the
o u t r i g h t d i s m i s s a l o f t h e case is a p p a r e n t , t h e c o u r t m a y d i s m i s s t h e case
on_its o w n initiative, These grounds include lack of subject_matter
j u r i s d i c t i o n , i m p r o p e r venue, l a c k o f legal c a p a c i t y to sue, l i t i s pendentia, res
judicata, p r e s c r i p t i o n , f a i l u r e to state a cause o f a c t i o n , n o n - s u b m i s s i o n o f a
certification against f o r u m shopping and_lack of compliance w i t h a
condition precedent _such as absence o f barangay c o n c i l i a t i o n , among
others.

A patently erroneous d e t e r m i n a t i o n to a v o i d the application of the

Rule on S u m m a r y Procedure is a g r o u n d for d i s c i p l i n a r y action.

Sec. 5. F i l i n g and Service. - T h e r u l e s o n f i l i n g a n d s e r v i c e o f p l e a d i n g s

u n d e r R u l e 13 a n d _ s e r v i c e o f s u m m o n s u n d e r R u l e 14 o f t h e 2019
A m e n d m e n t s to the 1997 Rules o f C i v i l Procedure s h a l l b e a p p l i c a b l e to cases
u n d e r t h i s Rule, u n l e s s i n c o n s i s t e n t .

Sec. 6. Answer. - Within thirty @0) calendar_days from service of

s u m m o n s , t h e d e f e n d a n t s h a l l f i l e an a n s w e r to t h e c o m p l a i n t a n d s e r v e a
c o p y t h e r e o f o n the p l a i n t i f f .

The answer shall state the f o l l o w i n g :

{a) The names of the affiants whose j u d i c i a l affidavits w i l l be

presented to prove the defendant's allegations. The judicial
affidavits shall be attached to the answer and f o r m an integral
p a r t thereof, Judicial affidavits not_attached to the answer shall
n o t be considered;
(b) T h e s u m m a r y of the statements in the judicial affidavits;
(c) T h e d o c u m e n t a r y a n d o t h e r o b j e c t e v i d e n c e i n s u p p o r t _of the
allegations in the answer; and
{ d ) W h e t h e r t h e d e f e n d a n t c o n s e n t s to s e r v i c e b y e l e c t r o n i c m e a n s o r
f a c s i m i l e and, i f so, t h e d e f e n d a n t ' s e - m a i l a d d r e s s e s o r f a c s i m i l e
numbers for such purpose.

A f f i r m a t i v e defenses n o t pleaded i n t h e a n s w e r s h a l l be d e e m e d
waived, except for lack of jurisdiction over the subject matter, litis
pendentia, res judicata, a n d p r e s c r i p t i o n .

Cross-claims and c o m p u l s o r y counterclaims n o t asserted i n the

answer shall be considered barred.
Notice o f Resolution - l l - A . M . No. 08-8-7-SC
M a r c h 1, 2022

Sec. 7. C o u n t e r c l a i m s W i t h i n the Coverageo f this Rule. ~ I f a t t h e t i m e t h e

a c t i o n is c o m m e n c e d , t h e d e f e n d a n t possesses a c l a i m a g a i n s t t h e p l a i n t i f f
t h a t (a) is w i t h i n t h e c o v e r a g e o f t h i s Rule, e x c l u s i v e o f i n t e r e s t a n d costs;
{b) arises o u t o f t h e s a m e t r a n s a c t i o n o r e v e n t t h a t is t h e s u b j e c t m a t t e r o f
t h e p l a i n t i f f ' s c l a i m ; (c) d o e s n o t r e q u i r e f o r its a d j u d i c a t i o n t h e j o i n d e r o f
t h i r d p a r t i e s ; a n d ( d ) is n o t t h e s u b j e c t o f a n o t h e r p e n d i n g action, t h e c l a i m
s h a l l be f i l e d as a c o u n t e r c l a i m i n t h e a n s w e r ; o t h e r w i s e , t h e d e f e n d a n t
s h a l l be b a r r e d f r o m s u i n g o n s u c h c o u n t e r c l a i m ,

The d e f e n d a n t m a y also elect to file a c o u n t e r c l a i m against the

p l a i n t i f f that does n o t arise o u t of the same transaction o r occurrence,
p r o v i d e d that the a m o u n t a n d nature thereof are w i t h i n the coverage of
this Rule and the prescribed docket and other legal fees are paid.

A n y amount_pleaded in a counterclaim i n excess of T w o M i l l i o n

Pesos _(P2,000,000,00), excluding interests and_ costs, shall_be deemed
waived.

Sec. 8. Reply. - A l l n e w matters alleged in the answer shall be deemed

controverted.

The_ p l a i n t i f f may file a reply to_a counterclaim only when an

a c t i o n a b l e d o c u m e n t is a t t a c h e d t o t h e a n s w e r . T h e r e p l y s h a l l be f i l e d
w i t h i n t e n (10) c a l e n d a r d a y s f r o m r e c e i p t o f t h e a n s w e r .

Sec. 9. Effecto f f a i l u r e to answer. - Should the d e f e n d a n t fail to answer the

c o m p l a i n t w i t h i n the period p r o v i d e d , the court, on its o w n initiative, o r
u p o n manifestation b y the p l a i n t i f f that the period for f i l i n g an answer has
already lapsed, shall render j u d g m e n t as m a y be w a r r a n t e d b y the facts
alleged i n the c o m p l a i n t and its attachments, l i m i t e d to w h a t is prayed for
therein.

The c o u r t m a y reduce the a m o u n t of damages and attorney's fees

claimed for being excessive o r otherwise unconscionable.

Sec. 10. P r e l i m i n a r y Conference; notice. - W i t h i n f i v e (5) c a l e n d a r d a y s a f t e r

the last responsive p l e a d i n g is filed, the Branch Clerk o f C o u r t shall issue a
Notice of P r e l i m i n a r y Conference, w h i c h shall be held w i t h i n t h i r t y (30)
calendar days f r o m the date of filing of such last responsive pleading. The
rules on pre-trial_under Rule 18 of the 2019 Amendments to the 1997 Rules o f
Civil Procedure shall be applicable to the P r e l i m i n a r y Conference, unless
inconsistent.

The Notice of P r e l i m i n a r y Conference shall include the dates

respectively set for:
Notice o f Resolution -12- A . M . No. 08-8-7-SC
M a r c h 1, 2022

(a) P r e l i m i n a r y Conference ( w i t h i n 30 calendar days f r o m the f i l i n g of the

l a s t responsive pleading);
(b) C o u r t - A n n e x e d M e d i a t i o n ( w i t h i n an inextendible p e r i o d of 30 calendar
days f r o m date o f referral f o r mediation); and
(c) J u d i c i a l _ D i s p u t e Resolution, i n the court?s_discretion ( w i t h i n _an
i n e x t e n d i b l e p e r i o d of 15 calendar days f r o m notice of f a i l u r e _ o f the
Court-Annexed Mediation).

N o n - a p p e a r a n c e a t a n y o f t h e f o r e g o i n g s e t t i n g s s h a l l be d e e m e d as
n o n - a p p e a r a n c e at t h e P r e l i m i n a r y C o n f e r e n c e a n d s h a l l m e r i t t h e s a m e
s a n c t i o n s u n d e r S e c t i o n 12 o f t h i s Rule.

Sec. 11. Preliminary Conference Brief. - The parties shall file w i t h the c o u r t
and serve on the adverse p a r t y i n such a w a y as to ensure receipt, at least
three (3) calendar days before the scheduled P r e l i m i n a r y Conference, their
respective P r e l i m i n a r y Conference Briefs, w h i c h shall contain, among
others:

(a) A s u m m a r y of a d m i t t e d facts;
(b) A s u m m a r y of d i s p u t e d facts and proposals f o r s t i p u l a t i o n s on the same;
(c) A statement of factual and legal issues; a n d
(d) A list of testimonial, object, and o t h e r d o c u m e n t a r y evidence offered i n
s u p p o r t of the p a r t y ' s claims o r defenses, a n d their markings, if any.

Failure _to_submit_a Preliminary Conference Brief w i t h i n the period

given shall m e r i t the same sanction as non-appearance at the P r e l i m i n a r y
Conference.

Sec. 12. Appearance at P r e l i m i n a r y Conference. - I t s h a l l be t h e d u t y o f t h e

p a r t i e s a n d t h e i r c o u n s e l t o a p p e a r at t h e P r e l i m i n a r y C o n f e r e n c e , C o u r t -
Annexed_ M e d i a t i o n , and_ J u d i c i a l Dispute Resolution, if the latter _is

o r d e r e d b y the court. The n o n - a p p e a r a n c e of a p a r t y a n d / o r counsel m a y

be_ e x c u s e d o n l y f o r acts o f God, force ntajeure, o r d u l y s u b s t a n t i a t e d
physical inability.

A r e p r e s e n t a t i v e m a y a p p e a r on b e h a l f o f a party, b u t _ m u s t be f u l l y
a u t h o r i z e d t h r o u g h a S p e c i a l P o w e r o f A t t o r n e y o r a b o a r d r e s o l u t i o n , as
the case m a y be, to: (1) e n t e r i n t o an a m i c a b l e s e t t l e m e n t , (2) to s u b m i t t o
a l t e r n a t i v e m o d e s o f d i s p u t e r e s o l u t i o n , a n d (3) t o e n t e r i n t o s t i p u l a t i o n s
o r a d m i s s i o n s o f facts a n d d o c u m e n t s . A n a u t h o r i t y w h i c h f a i l s t o i n c l u d e
all these acts s h a l l be i n e f f e c t i v e a n d t h e p a r t y r e p r e s e n t e d s h a l l be d e e m e d
absent.

The failure despite notice of the p l a i n t i f f a n d / o r his or her counsel to

appear at the P r e l i m i n a r y Conference shall be a cause for the dismissal of
the complaint. The defendant w h o appears i n the absence of the p l a i n t i f f
shall be entitled to j u d g m e n t on the counterclaim, in accordance w i t h
Section 9 of this Rule. A l l cross-claims shall be dismissed.
Notice o f Resolution ~13- A . M . No. 08-8-7-SC
M a r c h 1, 2 0 2 2

I f a sole d e f e n d a n t a n d / o r his o r her counsel fail to appear at the

P r e l i m i n a r y Conference, the p l a i n t i f f shall be entitled to j u d g m e n t i n
accordance w i t h Section 9 o f this Rule. ?This Rule shall n o t a p p l y , h o w e v e r ,
where one o f t w o o r m o r e defendants sued u n d e r a c o m m o n cause of
action a n d w h o h a d pleaded a c o m m o n defense, shall appear at the
P r e l i m i n a r y Conference.

Sec. 13. P r e l i m i n a r y Conference Order. - I m m e d i a t e l y after the p r e l i m i n a r y

conference _and_ t h e issues h a v i n g b e e n joined, the c o u r t shall issue_a
Preliminary Conference Order referring the parties to the mandatory
C o u r t - A n n e x e d M e d i a t i o n , a n d J u d i c i a l D i s p u t e R e s o l u t i o n , w h i c h s h a l l be
c o n d u c t e d i n a c c o r d a n c e w i t h t h e p r o v i s i o n s o f A . M , N o . 19-10-20-SC o r
t h e 2020 G u i d e l i n e s f o r t h e C o n d u c t o f t h e C o u r t - A n n e x e d M e d i a t i o n
( C A M ) a n d J u d i c i a l D i s p u t e R e s o l u t i o n (JDR) i n C i v i l Cases.

T h e c o u r t may, in the same P r e l i m i n a r y Conference Order, declare

t h e case s u b m i t t e d f o r j u d g m e n t if, o n t h e basis o f t h e p l e a d i n g s a n d t h e i r
a t t a c h m e n t s , as w e l l as t h e s t i p u l a t i o n s a n d a d m i s s i o n s m a d e b y t h e
p a r t i e s , j u d g m e n t m a y be r e n d e r e d w i t h o u t t h e n e e d _ o f s u b m i s s i o n o f
p o s i t i o n p a p e r s . I n t h i s event, t h e c o u r t s h a l l r e n d e r j u d g m e n t w i t h i n t h i r t y
(30) c a l e n d a r d a y s f r o m issuance o f t h e o r d e r . T h e c o u r t ' s o r d e r s h a l l n o t
be t h e s u b j e c t o f a m o t i o n f o r r e c o n s i d e r a t i o n o r a p e t i t i o n f o r certiorari,
p r o h i b i t i o n , o r mandamus, b u t m a y be a m o n g t h e m a t t e r s r a i s e d o n a p p e a l
after a j u d g m e n t o n t h e m e r i t s .

If the court, however, deems the submission of p o s i t i o n papers.still

necessary, i t shall require the parties, i n the P r e l i m i n a r y Conference Order,
to s u b m i t t h e i r respective position papers w i t h i n ten (10) calendar days
f r o m receipt of such order. N o other judicial affidavits o r evidence w i l l be
a d m i t t e d even i f filed w i t h the position papers.

Sec. 14. Rendition o f judgment. - W i t h i n t h i r t y (30) calendar days f r o m

receipt by the c o u r t of the Mediator?s Report o r the [DR Report on the
parties? failure to reach an amicable settlement, the c o u r t shall render
judgment.

H o w e v e r , should the c o u r t f i n d it necessary to c l a r i f y certain material

facts, i t may, d u r i n g the said period, issue an order specifying the matters
to be clarified, and r e q u i r e the parties to s u b m i t a d d i t i o n a l judicial
affidavits o r o t h e r evidence on the said matters, w i t h i n ten (10) calendar
days f r o m receipt of said order. J u d g m e n t shall be rendered w i t h i n fifteen
(15) calendar days after the receipt of the last c l a r i f i c a t o r y judicial
affidavits, o r the e x p i r a t i o n of the period for filing the same.

The c o u r t shall n o t resort to the clarificatory procedure to gain time

for the r e n d i t i o n of the judgment.
Notice o f Resolution -14- A . M . No. 08-8-7-SC
M a r c h 1, 2022

B. C R I M I N A L CASES

Section 1. How commenced; f i l i n g and service. ? The f i l i n g of c r i m i n a l cases

governed b y the Rule on S u m m a r y Procedure shall either be b y c o m p l a i n t
o r by i n f o r m a t i o n .

T h e c o m p l a i n t o r i n f o r m a t i o n s h a l l be a c c o m p a n i e d b y t h e j u d i c i a l
affidavits of the c o m p l a i n a n t a n d of his o r her witnesses, i n such n u m b e r
of copies as there are accused, plus one (1) c o p y for the court.

The c o m p l a i n t o r i n f o r m a t i o n a n d other s u b m i s s i o n s of the_parties

m a y be f i l e d w i t h t h e c o u r t a n d s e r v e d o n t h e a d v e r s e p a r t y / i e s , a n d
j u d g m e n t s , r e s o l u t i o n s , orders, a n d o t h e r c o u r t processes m a y be s e r v e d to
t h e parties, e l e c t r o n i c a l l y w i t h t h e i r consent, i n a c c o r d a n c e w i t h t h e
p r e v a i l i n g R u l e s a n d o t h e r C o u r t issuances.

Sec. 2. D u t y o f court; Judicial Affidavits. ?

(a) I f c o m m e n c e d by c o m p l a i n t . ? O n the basis of the c o m p l a i n t a n d the

judicial a f f i d a v i t s a n d o t h e r evidence a c c o m p a n y i n g the same, t h e c o u r t m a y
dismiss the case o u t r i g h t f o r lack of probable cause, a n d o r d e r the release of the
accused if i n custody.

(b) If c o m m e n c e d b y i n f o r m a t i o n . ? W h e n the case is c o m m e n c e d b y

i n f o r m a t i o n , o r is n o t dismissed p u r s u a n t to p a r a g r a p h (a), the court shall issue
an o r d e r w h i c h , together w i t h copies of the resolution of the i n v e s t i g a t i n g officer
and the j u d i c i a l a f f i d a v i t s and other evidence s u b m i t t e d by the prosecution, shall
require the accused to s u b m i t a judicial c o u n t e r - a f f i d a v i t _ a n d _ t h e j u d i c i a l
affidavits o f his o r her witnesses, as well as any o t h e r evidence i n his o r her
behalf, w i t h i n fifteen (15) calendar days f r o m receipt of the order. The accused
shall serve copies thereof on the private c o m p l a i n a n t a n d the public prosecutor
w i t h i n the same period.

Except on rebuttal, no witness shall be a l l o w e d to testify unless his

o r her judicial a f f i d a v i t was s u b m i t t e d i n accordance w i t h this provision.
The judicial a f f i d a v i t shall take the place of the direct t e s t i m o n y of a
witness.

However, i n s t e a d of j u d i c i a l affidavits, the p r o s e c u t i o n m a y s u b m i t

the w r i t t e n s w o r n statements o f the c o m p l a i n a n t a n d / o r the witnesses
p r e p a r e d _by t h e l a w e n f o r c e m e n t a g e n t s a s s i g n e d t o _ t h e case, o r t h e
affidavits submitted to the public prosecutor during preliminary
i n v e s t i g a t i o n . I f t h e p r o s e c u t i o n chooses t h i s o p t i o n , the p r o s e c u t o r shall
not be a l l o w e d to a s k a d d i t i o n a l d i r e c t e x a m i n a t i o n q u e s t i o n s o f the
c o m p l a i n a n t a n d / o r t h e witnesses, e x c e p t f o r m e r i t o r i o u s reasons. T h e
s w o r n s t a t e m e n t s a n d a f f i d a v i t s s h a l l stand_as t h e d i r e c t t e s t i m o n y o f t h e
affiants, s u p p l e m e n t e d b y a d d i t i o n a l d i r e c t e x a m i n a t i o n i f a l l o w e d b y t h e
court.
Notice o f Resolution -15- A . M . No, 08-8-7-SC
March 1, 2022

Sec 3. Determination of probable cause. ? Upon receipt of the accused's judicial

counter-affidavit a n d / o r the judicial affidavits of his or her witnesses, or the
lapse of the period given for the submission thereof, the court shall determine if
probable cause exists to hold the accused for trial.

I f the c o u r t finds that no probable cause exists, it shall o r d e r the dismissal

o f the case and the i m m e d i a t e release of the accused, if i n c u s t o d y .

If the c o u r t f i n d s that probable cause exists, the c o u r t shall set the

case for a r r a i g n m e n t and p r e - t r i a l

For detained accused, if the period for submission of judicial affidavits and
other evidence by the accused has not yet lapsed and no submission has been
made on the date set for the arraignment and pre-trial, the court may proceed
w i t h the arraignment if the accused waives the court?s consideration of his or her
judicial counter-affidavit a n d / o r the judicial affidavits of his or her witnesses in
the determination of probable cause, without waiver of the admission of such
judicial counter-affidavit_and/or the judicial affidavits of his or her witnesses
w i t h i n a fresh period of ten (10) calendar days from the date of the arraignment
a n d the pre-trial.

Sec. 4. Arrest. - The c o u r t shall not issue _a

w a r r a n t for the arrest of the
accused i n c r i m i n a l cases governed b y the Rule on S u m m a r y Procedure,
except for failure to appear despite notice, w h e n e v e r required b y the court.
Release of the person arrested shall either be on bail, o r on his or her o w n
recognizance, o r t h a t o f a responsible citizen acceptable to the court.

I f t h e w a r r a n t o f a r r e s t c o u l d n o t be s e r v e d o n t h e accused b e c a u s e
he o r she c o u l d n o t be l o c a t e d , t h e c o u r t s h a l l i s s u e a n o r d e r a r c h i v i n g t h e
case o n c e t h e l a w e n f o r c e m e n t a g e n c y e n t r u s t e d w i t h t h e s e r v i c e o f t h e
w a r r a n t o f a r r e s t f i l e s a r e t u r n to t h a t effect, o r a f t e r six (6) m o n t h s f r o m
t h e i s s u a n c e o f t h e w a r r a n t o f arrest, t h e r e b e i n g n o r e t u r n f i l e d b y the l a w
e n f o r c e m e n t agency.

Sec. 5. Arraignment and pre-trial. -

(a) Upon receipt of the case, the court shall set the arraignment and pre-
trial w i t h i n ten (10) calendar days for detained accused and thirty (30) calendar
days f o r n o n - d e t a i n e d accused.

The notice o f a r r a i g n m e n t and p r e - t r i a l shall require t h e attendance o f the

accused and his o r her counsel a n d all defense witnesses, the p r i v a t e c o m p l a i n a n t
and_his or her witnesses, the p u b l i cp r o s e c u t o r a n d privatep r o s e c u t o r , where
allowed, as w e l l as the l a w e n f o r c e m e n t agents assigned to the case.

Before_arraigning the accused, the c o u r t shall i n q u i r e into the

possibility o f a plea bargain between the parties, If there is no plea
bargain, the c o u r t shall arraign the accused o n the original charge and
enter his o r h e r plea i n the record.
Notice o f Resolution -16- A . M . N o . 08-8-7-SC
M a r c h 1, 2022

I f t h e a c c u s e d _pleads g u i l t y to t h e o r i g i n a l charge, the c o u r t shall

f o r t h w i t h sentence h i m o r her.

I f t h e a c c u s e d o f f e r s to p l e a d g u i l t y t o a lesser offense, t h e c o n s e n t o f
t h e p u b l i c p r o s e c u t o r a n d t h e p r i v a t e c o m p l a i n a not r, t h e l a w e n f o r c e m e n t
a g e n t a s s i g n e d to t h e case i n v i c t i m l e s s crimes, s h a l l be s e c u r e d , u n l e s s t h e
l a t t e r _ a r e a b s e n t d e s p i t e n o t i c e , i n w h i c h case t h e c o n s e n t o f t h e p u b l i c
p r o s e c u t o r shall suffice,

( b ) _ A f t e r a r r a i g n m e n t , t h e c o u r t s h a l l c o n d u c t _the P r e - T r i a l
C o n f e r e n c e i n a c c o r d a n c e w i t h t h e Revised Guidelines f o r C o n t i n u o u s Trial o f
C r i m i n a l Cases.

N o a d m i s s i o n b y t h e a c c u s e d s h a l l be u s e d a g a i n s t h i m o r h e r u n l e s s
r e d u c e d i n t o w r i t i n g a n d signed b y the accused a n d t h e defense counsel.
The signatures of t h e accused a n d the defense counsel either o n the Pre-
T r i a l O r d e r o r t h e M i n u t e s o f t h e P r e - T r i a l Conference, w h i c h e m b o d i e s
such a d m i s s i o n s , shal] suffice.

Sec. 6. Trial and Offer. - A t the trial, the testimonies of witnesses shall consist_of
the d u l y subscribed w r i t t e n statements given to l a w e n f o r c e m e n t agents, or the
affidavits o r c o u n t e r - a f f i d a v i t s submitted before the i n v e s t i g a t i n g officer, o r their
judicial affidavits, subject to cross, re-direct, and re-cross e x a m i n a t i o n questions,

Should any affiant fail to_testify, his o r her a f f i d a v i t shall not be

considered_as competent evidence for the p a r t y presenting the affidavit,
b u t the adverse p a r t y may utilize the same for any admissible purpose.

E x c e p t o n r e b u t t a l , n o w i t n e s s s h a l l be a l l o w e d t o t e s t i f y u n l e s s h i s
o r h e r a f f i d a v i t w a s p r e v i o u s l y s u b m i t t e d to t h e c o u r t i n a c c o r d a n c e w i t h
Section 2 hereof.

The p r o s e c u t i o n shall have sixty (60) calendar days to complete its

evidence presentation. O n the last day of its presentation of evidence, the
public prosecutor shall o r a l l y offer the prosecution evidence. The defense
counsel shall then make his o r her oral comments _on the offer, and
thereafter, the c o u r t shall orally resolve the offer_of evidence of the
prosecution. The r u l i n g shall be embodied in the w r i t t e n order the c o u r t
w i l l issue thereafter.

T h e d e f e n s e s h a l l a l s o h a v e s i x t y (60) c a l e n d a r d a y s to c o m p l e t e its
evidence presentation. O n t h e l a s t d a y o f its p r e s e n t a t i o n o f evidence, t h e
defense_counse!_shall_ orally offer _the defense evidence, The public
p r o s e c u t o r shall t h e n m a k e his or her oral c o m m e n t s o n the offer, a n d
thereafter, the c o u r t shall orally resolve the o f f e r _ o f e v i d e n c e of the
defense. T h e r u l i n g s h a l l be e m b o d i e d i n the w r i t t e n o r d e r t h e c o u r t w i l l
issue thereafter.
 Notice o f Resolution -17- A . M . No. 08-8-7-SC
M a r c h 1, 2022

I f t h e p r o s e c u t i o n d e c i d e s t o p r e s e n t r e b u t t a l evidence, it s h a l l h a v e
f i f t e e n (15) c a l e n d a r d a y s f r o m t h e c o u r t a c t i o n o n t h e o f f e r o f d e f e n s e
e v i d e n c e to c o m p l e t e t h e same.

A m o t i o n f o r p o s t p o n e m e n t o f a n y t r i a l d a t e s h a l l be p r e s u m e d
d i l a t o r y a n d _ d e n i e d o u t r i g h t , u n l e s s g r o u n d e d on acts o f God, force
majeure, o r d u l y s u b s t a n t i a t e d p h y s i c a l i n a b i l i t y o f t h e c o u n s e l o r w i t n e s s .
A n y p o s t p o n e m e n t g r a n t e d b y t h e c o u r t f o r t h e a u t h o r i z e d causes s h a l l n o t
e x t e n d t h e p e r i o d f o r p r e s e n t a t i o n o f a party?s e v i d e n c e . The party w h o
sought the postponement shall only have the remaining trial dates
a s s i g n e d to h i m o r h e r to c o m p l e t e h i s o r h e r e v i d e n c e p r e s e n t a t i o n .

Sec. 7. Judgment. - The c o u r t shall render a n d p r o m u l g a t e the j u d g m e n t

n o t later than t h i r t y (30) calendar days f r o m the court?s action o n the last
presenting party?s o f f e r o f evidence.

C. A P P E A L S I N S U M M A R Y P R O C E D U R E

S e c t i o n 1. O r d i n a r y appeal. - A n y j u d g m e n t , f i n a l order, o r f i n a l r e s o l u t i o n
in_a Summary Procedure case _may be a p p e a l e d _ t o _ t h e appropriate
Regional T r i a l C o u r t exercising j u r i s d i c t i o n o v e r the t e r r i t o r y u n d e r Rule
40 f o r c i v i l cases a n d R u l e s 122 f o r c r i m i n a l cases, o f t h e R u l e s o f C o u r t .
T h e a p p e a l s h a l l be t a k e n b y f i l i n g a n o t i c e o f appeal, t o g e t h e r w i t h p r o o f
o f p a y m e n t o f t h e a p p e a l fees, w i t h t h e c o u r t t h a t r e n d e r e d t h e j u d g m e n t ,
o r d e r o r r e s o l u t i o n a p p e a l e d from, w i t h i n f i f t e e n (15) c a l e n d a r days f r o m
receipt o f the same.

Sec. 2. Remedy from judgment on appeal. - The j u d g m e n t of the Regional T r i a l

C o u r t on the appeal shall be final, executory, and unappealable.

RULE I V
THE RULE O N S M A L L C L A I M S

Section 1. Scope. - This Rule shall g o v e r n the procedure i n actions before

the M e t r o p o l i t a n T r i a l Courts (MeTCs), M u n i c i p a l T r i a l Courts i n Cities
(MTCCs), M u n i c i p a l T r i a l C o u r t s (MTCs) and M u n i c i p a l C i r c u i t T r i a l
Courts ( M C T C s ) for p a y m e n t or r e i m b u r s e m e n t of a s u m of m o n e y w h e r e
the v a l u e of the c l a i m does n o t exceed One M i l l i o n Pesos (R1,000,000.00).

Sec. 2. Objectives. -

(a) To protect and advance the constitutional right of persons to a

speedy disposition of their cases;

To P?provide
a s i m pP.l i f i e d and i n e x pPe n s i v e P procedure for the
?b)

d i s p o s i t i o n o f smail claims cases; a n d

Notice o f Resolution - 18- A . M . No, 08-8-7-SC
M a r c h 1, 2022

(c) To introduce innovations and best practices for the benefit of the
underprivileged.

Sec. 3. Definition o f Terms. - For purposes of this Rule:

(a) P l a i n t i f f refers to the p a r t y w h o i n i t i a t e d a small claims action. The

t e r m includes a d e f e n d a n t w h o has filed a c o u n t e r c l a i m against a
plaintiff;

(b) Defendant is the p a r t y against w h o m the p l a i n t i f f has f i l e d a small

claims action. The term includes a p l a i n t i f f against w h o m a
d e f e n d a n t has filed a claim, o r a person w h o replies to the claim;

(c) Person is an i n d i v i d u a l , corporation, partnership, l i m i t e d l i a b i l i t y

p a r t n e r s h i p , association, o r o t h e r j u r i d i c a l e n t i t y e n d o w e d w i t h
personality by law;

(d) Individual is a n a t u r a l person;

(e) M o t i o n means a party?s request, w r i t t e n or oral, t o the c o u r t for an

o r d e r o r o t h e r a c t i o n . I t s h a l l i n c l u d e a n i n f o r m a l w r i t t e n r e q u e s t to
t h e c o u r t , s u c h asa letter;

(f) Good cause means circumstances sufficient to j u s t i f y t h e requested

o r d e r o r other action, as d e t e r m i n e d by the judge;

(g) Affidavit means a written statement or declaration of facts that are

sworn to or affirmed to be true;

(h) Business o f Lending refers to any l e n d i n g a c t i v i t y p u r s u e d w i t h

regularity;

(i) Business of Banking refers to the business of lending funds obtained

in the form of deposits.

Sec. 4. Commencement o f Small Claims Action. - A small claims action is

commenced by f i l i n g w i t h the c o u r t an accomplished Statement of C l a i m / s
w i t h V e r i f i c a t i o n and Certification Against F o r u m Shopping, Splitting a
Single Cause of Action, a n d M u l t i p l i c i t y of Suits (Form 1-SCC) and d u l y
certified photocopies of the actionable d o c u m e n t / s subject of the claim,
affidavits o f witnesses, and other evidence to s u p p o r t the claim, w i t h as
m a n y copies thereof as there are defendants. N o evidence shall be a l l o w e d
d u r i n g the hearing w h i c h was n o t attached to o r s u b m i t t e d together w i t h
the Statement o f C l a i m / s , unless g o o d cause is s h o w n for the admission of
a d d i t i o n a l evidence.

The p l a i n t i f f m u s t state i n the Statement of C l a i m / s i f h e / s h e / i t is

engaged i n the business of lending, banking and similar activities, and the

oe
Notice o f Resolution ~19- A . M . No. 08-8-7-SC
M a r c h 1, 2022

n u m b e r of small claims cases filed w i t h i n the calendar y e a r regardless of

judicial station.

For j u r i d i c a l entities, a_board resolution or secretary's certificate

a u t h o r i z i n g the person to file the claim m u s t be attached to the Statement
of C l a i m / s . !

N o f o r m a l p l e a d i n g , o t h e r t h a n the S t a t e m e n t of C l a i m / s d e s c r i b e d
i n t h i s R u l e , is n e c e s s a r y to i n i t i a t e a s m a l l c l a i m s a c t i o n .

Sec. 5. Venue f o r Small Claims Cases. - T h e r e g u l a r r u l e s o n v e n u e s h a l l

apply.

H o w e v e r , i f the p l a i n t i f f is engaged i n the business of lending,

b a n k i n g and s i m i l a r activities, and has a branch w i t h i n the m u n i c i p a l i t y o r
city where the d e f e n d a n t resides o r is h o l d i n g business, the Statement of
C l a i m / s shall be f i l e d i n the c o u r t o f the city or m u n i c i p a l i t y where the
d e f e n d a n t resides o r is h o l d i n g business. If there are t w o (2) o r more
defendants, i t shall be f i l e d i n the c o u r t of the city or m u n i c i p a l i t y w h e r e
any of t h e m resides o r is h o l d i n g business, at the o p t i o n of the p l a i n t i f f .

Sec. 6. Joinder o f Claims. - P l a i n t i f f may join in a single statement of claim

one o r more separate small claims against a d e f e n d a n t p r o v i d e d that the
total a m o u n t claimed, exclusive of interest and costs, does n o t exceed One
M i l l i o n Pesos (P1,000,000.00).

Sec. 7. Affidavits. - T h e a f f i d a v i t s s u b m i t t e d u n d e r t h i s R u l e s h a l l state o n l y

facts o f d i r e c t p e r s o n a l k n o w l e d g e o f t h e a f f i a n t s o r b a s e d o n a u t h e n t i c
r e c o r d s , w h i c h are a d m i s s i b l e i n e v i d e n c e .

A violation of this requirement shall subject the party, and the counsel
who assisted the party in the preparation of the affidavits, if any, to appropriate
disciplinary action. The inadmissible affidavit(s) or portion(s) thereof shall be
expunged from the record.

The non-submission of the required affidavits will cause the immediate

dismissal of the claim or counterclaim.

Sec. 8. Payment o f Filing Fees. - The p l a i n t i f f shall pay the docket a n d other
legal fees prescribed u n d e r Rule 141 of the Revised Rules of Court, unless
allowed to litigate as an indigent. E x e m p t i o n f r o m the p a y m e n t of f i l i n g
fees shall be granted o n l y b y the Supreme Court.

H o w e v e r , i f m o r e than five (5) small claims are filed b y one p a r t y

w i t h i n the calendar year, regardless of the judicial station, an a d d i t i o n a l
f i l i n g fee of Five H u n d r e d Pesos (2500.00) shall be paid f o r every claim
filed after the f i f t h (5th) claim, and an additional One H u n d r e d Pesos

' Per Resolution dated March 15, 2022, A.M. No. 08-8-7-SC,
Notice o f Resolution - 20- A . M . N o . 08-8-7-SC
Mareh 1, 2022

(P100.00) o r a total of Six H u n d r e d Pesos (2600.00) for every claim filed

after the tenth (10th) claim, and another One H u n d r e d Pesos (2100.00) or a
total of Seven H u n d r e d Pesos (2700) for every claim filed after the fifteenth
(15th) claim, progressively a n d c u m u l a t i v e l y .

I f a c a s e is d i s m i s s e d w i t h o u t p r e j u d i c e u n d e r Sec. 1 2 ( f } o f t h i s R u l e ,
a n d is r e - f i l e d w i t h i n o n e (1) y e a r from, n o t i c e o f d i s m i s s a l , t h e p l a i n t i f f
s h a l l p a y a f i x e d a m o u n t o f T w o T h o u s a n d P e s o s ( 2 2 , 0 0 0 . 0 0 ) as f i l i n g f e e
i n c l u s i v e o f the O n e T h o u s a n d Peso (21,000.00) fee for service o f s u m m o n s

a n d processes.

I f t h e p l a i n t i f f is e n g a g e d i n t h e b u s i n e s s o f l e n d i n g , b a n k i n g , a n d
s i m i l a r a c t i v i t i e s , t h e a m o u n t o f f i l i n g a n d o t h e r l e g a l fees s h a l l be t h e s a m e
as t h o s e a p p l i c a b l e to cases f i l e d u n d e r t h e r e g u l a r r u l e s o f p r o c e d u r e .

A claim filed w i t h a m o t i o n to sue as i n d i g e n t ( F o r m 6-SCC) shall be

referred to the Executive Judge for immediate action i n case of multi-sala
courts. If the m o t i o n is granted b y the Executive Judge, the case shall be
raffled off o r assigned to the c o u r t designated to hear small claims cases. I f
the m o t i o n is denied, the p l a i n t i f f shall be g i v e n five (5) calendar days
w i t h i n w h i c h to pay the docket fees, otherwise, the case shall be dismissed
w i t h o u t prejudice. In no case shall a party, even i f declared an indigent, be
e x e m p t f r o m the p a y m e n t o f the One Thousand Peso (21,000.00) fee for
service of s u m m o n s and processes.

Sec. 9. Dismissal o f the Clain. - A f t e r the c o u r t determines that the case falls
u n d e r t h i s Rule, it may, f r o m an e x a m i n a t i o n o f the allegations of the
Statement of C l a i m / s and such evidence attached thereto, on its o w n
initiative, dismiss the case o u t r i g h t on any of the f o l l o w i n g grounds:

(a) T h e c o u r t has n o j u r i s d i c t i o n o v e r t h e s u b j e c t m a t t e r ;
(b) There is another action pending between the same parties for the same
cause;
({c) The action is barred by p r i o r j u d g m e n t ;
{J) The c l a i m is barred by the statute of limitations;
(e) The court has no jurisdiction over the person of the defendant;
(f) V e n u e is i m p r o p e r l y laid;
(g) P l a i n t i f f has no legal capacity to sue;
(h) The Statement of C l a i m / s states no cause of action;
{i) That a c o n d i t i o n precedent f o r f i l i n g the claim has n o t been c o m p l i e d
with; and
@) Plaintiff failed to submit the required affidavits, as provided in Section
Z of this Rule.

The order of dismissal shall state if i t is w i t h or w i t h o u t prejudice.

If, d u r i n g t h e h e a r i n g , t h e c o u r t is a b l e to d e t e r m i n e t h a t t h e r e exists a
g r o u n d f o r d i s m i s s a l o f t h e S t a t e m e n t o f C l a i m / s , t h e c o u r t may, on its
Notice o f Resolution -21- A . M . No. 08-8-7-SC
M a r c h 1, 2 0 2 2

own initiative, dismiss the case even if such ground is not pleaded in the
d e f e n d a n t ? s R e s p o n s e ( F o r m 3-SCC).

If p l a i n t i f f misrepresents that h e / s h e / it is n o t engaged i n the business

of lending, banking, o r s i m i l a r activities w h e n i n fact h e / s h e / i t is so
engaged, the Statement o f C l a i m / s shall be dismissed w i t h prejudice and
p l a i n t i f f shall be meted the a p p r o p r i a t e sanctions, i n c l u d i n g citation for
direct contempt.

H o w e v e r , i f t h e case does n o t f a l l u n d e r t h i s R u l e , b u t f a l l s u n d e r
s u m m a r y o r r e g u l a r p r o c e d u r e , o r i f t h e case is f i l e d u n d e r s u m m a r y o r
r e g u l a r p r o c e d u r e b u t f a l l s u n d e r t h i s Rule, t h e case s h a l l n o t be d i s m i s s e d .
I n s t e a d , t h e case s h a l l be r e - d o c k e t e d u n d e r t h e a p p r o p r i a t e p r o c e d u r e ,
a n d r e t u r n e d t o t h e c o u r t w h e r e i t w a s a s s i g n e d , s u b j e c t to p a y m e n t o f a n y
d e f i c i e n c y i n t h e a p p l i c a b l e r e g u l a r r a t e of f i l i n g fees.

Sec. 10. Summons and Notice of Hearing. - If no g r o u n d for dismissal is

found, the c o u r t shall f o r t h w i t h issue S u m m o n s ( F o r m 2-SCC) w i t h i n
t w e n t y - f o u r (24) h o u r s f r o m receipt of the Statement o f C l a i m / s , directing
the defendant to s u b m i t a verified Response.

T h e S u m m o n s t o be s e r v e d o n t h e d e f e n d a n t s h a l l be a c c o m p a n i e d
by_a c o p y of the S t a t e m e n t of C l a i m / s a n d documents submitted by
p l a i n t i f f , a n d a b l a n k R e s p o n s e F o r m ( F o r m 3-SCC) to be a c c o m p l i s h e d b y
the d e f e n d a n t .

The c o u r t shall also issue a Notice of H e a r i n g ( F o r m 4-SCC) to both

parties, d i r e c t i n g t h e m to appear before it on a specific date and time for
hearing, w i t h _a w a r n i n g that no unjustified p o s t p o n e m e n t _ s h a l l be
allowed, as p r o v i d e d i n Section 20 of this Rule. A b l a n k Special P o w e r of
A t t o r n e y (Form 7-SCC) shall be attached to the Notice of H e a r i n g .

The N o t i c e of H e a r i n g shall accompany the S u m m o n s a n d shall

contain: (a) the date of the hearing, w h i c h shall n o t be more than t h i r t y (30)
calendar days f r o m the f i l i n g of the Statement of C l a i m / s , o r n o t more than
sixty (60) calendar days i f one o f the defendants resides o r holds business
outside the judicial region; and (b) the express p r o h i b i t i o n against the
f i l i n g of a m o t i o n to dismiss o r other p r o h i b i t e d motions u n d e r Section 2,
Rule II.

Sec. 11. E l e c t r o n i c F i l i n g a n d Service. - T h e service of c o u r t issuances a n d

f i l i n g s b y t h e p l a i n t i f f / s a n d d e f e n d a n t / s m a y be m a d e t h r o u g h e m a i l
facsimile, a n d o t h e r e l e c t r o n i c m e a n s . N o t i c e s m a y a l s o be s e r v e d t h r o u g h
m o b i l e p h o n e calls, s h o r t m e s s a g i n g s e r v i c e (SMS), o r i n s t a n t m e s s a g i n g
( I M ) s o f t w a r e a p p l i c a t i o n s . T h e c o n s e n t to, a n d c h o s e n m o d e of, e l e c t r o n i c
s e r v i c e _ a n d n o t i c e s h a l l be i n d i c a t e d in the S t a t e m e n t of C l a i m / s or
Response, as t h e case m a y be.
Notice o f Resolution -22- A . M . N o . 08-8-7-SC
M a r c h 1, 2022

Sec. 12. Service of S u m m o n s . -

(a) The S u m m o n s and N o t i c e of H e a r i n g m u s t be issued w i t h i n t w e n t y - f o u r (24)

hours f r o m receipt of the Statement o f C l a i m / s .

The Summons, together_with the Notice of Hearing, shall be served by the

sheriff, his or her deputy, or other proper court officer w i t h i n ten (10) calendar
days from issuance. Within five calendar (5) days from such service, the
Officer?s Return shall be filed w i t h the court w i t h a copy furnished to the
p l a i n t i f f at the g i v e n a d d r e s s / e s of record.

(b) If Summons is returned w i t h o u t being served on any or all of the defendants

the court shall order the plaintiff or his or her representative to serve or cause
the service of Summons.

(c) In cases w h e r e S u m m o n s is to be served outside the judicial r e g i o n of the

c o u r t where the case is p e n d i n g , the c o u r t m a y order the p l a i n t i f f o r his or her
representative to serve o r cause the service o f S a m m o n s .

(d) I f the p l a i n t i f f is a j u r i d i c a l entity, it shall n o t i f y the court, i n writing, and

name its a u t h o r i z e d representative therein, attaching a b o a r d r e s o l u t i o n o r
secretary?s certificate thereto, as the case _may be, stating t h a t _ s u c h
representative is d u l y a u t h o r i z e d to serve t h e S u m m o n s on behalf of the
plaintiff.

(e) If. the plaintiff misrepresents that the defendant was served w i t h Summons
and_it is later proved that_no Summons was served, the case shall be
dismissed w i t h prejudice, the proceedings shall_be nullified, and the plaintiff
shall be declared in indirect contempt under Rule 71 of the Rules of Court
a n d / o r be meted a fine in the amount of P5,000.00.

(f) In both instances u n d e r p a r a g r a p h s (b) and (c), the p l a i n t i f f shall i n f o r m the

c o u r t w i t h i n t h i r t y (30) calendar days f r o m notice if said S u m m o n s w a s
served; otherwise, the Statement _of C l a i m / s shall be dismissed w i t h o u t
p r e j u d i c e as _to those w h o were not served w i t h S u m m o n s . This is n o t _a
g r o u n d to archive the case. The case, however, m a y be re-filed w i t h i n one year
f r o m notice of dismissal, subject to p a y m e n t of reduced f i l i n g fees u n d e r
Section 8 hereof.

Sec. 13. Response. - The defendant shall file w i t h the c o u r t and serve on the
p l a i n t i f f a d u l y accomplished and verified Response ( F o r m 3-SCC) w i t h i n
a non-extendible period of ten (10) calendar days f r o m receipt of
Summons. The Response shall be accompanied by certified photocopies of
documents, as w e l l as affidavits of witnesses and other evidence i n
s u p p o r t thereof. N o evidence shall be a l l o w e d d u r i n g the hearing w h i c h
was n o t attached to o r s u b m i t t e d together w i t h the Response, unless g o o d
cause is s h o w n f o r the admission of additional evidence.

Sec. 14. Effect o f Failure to File Response. - S h o u l d the d e f e n d a n t fail to file

h i s / h e r / i t s Response w i t h i n the required period, and likewise fail to

oF
Notice o f Resolution -23- A . M . No. 08-8-7-SC
M a r c h I, 2022

appear on the date set f o r hearing, the c o u r t shall render j u d g m e n t w i t h i n

t w e n t y - f o u r (24) hours f r o m the t e r m i n a t i o n of the hearing, as m a y be
w a r r a n t e d b y the facts alleged in the Statement of C l a i m / s and_its
attachments.

S h o u l d the d e f e n d a n t fail to file h i s / h e r / i t s Response w i t h i n the

r e q u i r e d p e r i o d b u t a p p e a r o n t h e d a t e set f o r h e a r i n g , t h e c o u r t s h a l l
a s c e r t a i n w h a t d e f e n s e h e / s h e / i t has to o f f e r , w h i c h s h a l l c o n s t i t u t e
h i s / h e r / i t s R e s p o n s e , p r o c e e d to h e a r t h e case o n t h e s a m e d a y as i f a
R e s p o n s e has b e e n f i l e d and, t h e r e a f t e r , r e n d e r j u d g m e n t w i t h i n t w e n t y -
f o u r (24) h o u r s f r o m t h e t e r m i n a t i o n o f t h e h e a r i n g . I f t h e d e f e n d a n t relies
on_ d o c u m e n t a r y e v i d e n c e to s u p p o r t h i s d e f e n s e , t h e c o u r t s h a l l o r d e r
h i m / h e r / i t to s u b m i t o r i g i n a l c o p i e s o f s u c h d o c u m e n t s w i t h i n t h r e e (3)
calendar days f r o m t h e t e r m i n a t i o n o f t h e h e a r i n g and, u p o n receipt
t h e r e o f o r e x p i r a t i o n o f t h e p e r i o d to file, t h e c o u r t s h a l l r e n d e r j u d g m e n t
w i t h i n t w e n t y f o u r (24) h o u r s .

Sec. 15. Counterclaims Within the Coverage of this Rule. - If at the time the
action is commenced, the defendant possesses a claim against the p l a i n t i f f
that (a) is w i t h i n the coverage o f this Rule, exclusive o f interest and costs;
(b) arises o u t of the same transaction o r event that is the subject matter of
the p l a i n t i f f s claim; (c) does n o t require for its a d j u d i c a t i o n the j o i n d e r of
t h i r d parties; and (d) is n o t the subject o f another p e n d i n g action, the claim
shall be filed as a counterclaim in the Response; otherwise, the defendant
shall be barred f r o m s u i n g on such counterclaim.

The defendant m a y also elect to file a counterclaim against the

p l a i n t i f f t h a t does n o t arise o u t of the same transaction or occurrence,
p r o v i d e d that the a m o u n t and nature thereof are w i t h i n the coverage of
this Rule and the prescribed docket and other legal fees are paid.

A n y a m o u n t p l e a d e d _ i n a c o u n t e r c l a i m i n excess o f O n e M i l l i o n
Pesos _(P1,000,000.00), excluding interests_and_ costs, shail be_deemed
waived.

Sec. 16. A v n i l a b i l i t y o f Forms; Assistance b y C o u r t Personnel. - The C l e r k of

C o u r t o r o t h e r c o u r t p e r s o n n e l s h a l l p r o v i d e s u c h assistance as m a y be
requested b y a p l a i n t i f f or a d e f e n d a n t r e g a r d i n g the a v a i l a b i l i t y o f f o r m s
and other information about the coverage, requirements, as well as
p r o c e d u r e , f o r s m a l l c l a i m s cases.

Plaintiff_shall_be g i v e n copies of Forms 1-SCC_ (Statement_of

Claim/s), 1-A-SCC (Other Plaintiffs or Defendants) for additional plaintiffs
o r d e f e n d a n t s , i f any, a n d 1-B-SCC ( P l a i n t i f f ' s I n f o r m a t i o n Sheet),

The Branch C l e r k of C o u r t m u s t ensure that there s h o u l d be, at least,

one (1) hearing day every week d e v o t e d to Small Claims, w i t h a m i n i m u m
of five (5) cases scheduled_per hearing day. Cases w i t h the same p a r t y -

a
Notice o f Resolution ~24- A . M . No, 08-8-7-SC
M a r c h I, 2022

p l a i n t i f f m a y all be set on the same date for facility in the preparation o f

notices and judgments. The C o u r t should post a notice of its Small Claims
hearing day conspicuously at the Branch a n d at the Office of the Clerk o f
Court.

Sec. 17. Appearance. - The parties shall personally appear on the designated
date of hearing.

Appearance t h r o u g h a representative m u s t be for a v a l i d cause. The

representative of an i n d i v i d u a l - p a r t y must_not_ be a l a w y e r . J u r i d i c a l
entities shall n o t be represented b y a l a w y e r in any capacity.

The representative m u s t be authorized u n d e r a Special P o w e r of

A t t o r n e y ( F o r m 7-SCC), board resolution o r secretary's certificate, as the
case may be, to enter into an amicable settlement of the dispute and to
enter into stipulations or admissions of facts a n d of d o c u m e n t a r y exhibits.

Sec. 18. Appearance o f A t t o r n e y s N o t A l l o w e d . - N o a t t o r n e y s h a l l a p p e a r i n

b e h a l f o f o r r e p r e s e n t a p a r t y a t t h e h e a r i n g , u n l e s s t h e a t t o r n e y is t h e
plaintiff or defendant.

If the court determines that a party cannot properly present

h i s / h e r / i t s c l a i m o r d e f e n s e a n d n e e d s assistance, t h e c o u r t m a y , i n its
d i s c r e t i o n , a l l o w a n o t h e r i n d i v i d u a l w h o is n o t a n a t t o r n e y to assist t h a t
p a r t y u p o n t h e latter?s c o n s e n t .

Sec. 19. Non-appearance of parties. - Failure of the p l a i n t i f f to appear shall be

cause for the dismissal of the Statement of C l a i m / s w i t h o u t prejudice. The
defendant w h o appears i n the absence of the p l a i n t i f f shall be entitled to
j u d g m e n t on the counterclaim.

Failure of the defendant to appear shall have the same effect as

failure to file a Response u n d e r Section 14 of this Rule. This shall n o t a p p l y
w h e r e one of t w o o r more defendants w h o are sued u n d e r a c o m m o n
cause of action and have pleaded a c o m m o n defense appears at the
hearing.

Failure of b o t h parties to appear shall cause the dismissal w i t h

prejudice of both the Statement of C l a i m / s and the counterclaim.

Sec. 20. Postponement When Allowed. - A request for p o s t p o n e m e n t of a

hearing m a y be granted o n l y u p o n p r o o f of the physical i n a b i l i t y of the
p a r t y to appear before the c o u r t on the scheduled date and time. A p a r t y
may avail of o n l y one (1) postponement.

Sec. 21. D u t y of the Court. - A t the beginning of the c o u r t session, the judge
shall read aloud a s h o r t statement e x p l a i n i n g the nature, purpose a n d the
r u l e of procedure o f small claims cases.
 Notice o f Resolution - 25 - A . M . No. 08-8-7-SC
M a r c h 1, 2022

Sec. 22. Hearing. - A t the hearing, the judge shall first exert efforts to bring
the parties to an amicable settlement of their dispute. Settlement
discussions must be conducted in strict confidentiality.

A n y s e t t l e m e n t o r r e s o l u t i o n o f t h e d i s p u t e s h a l l be r e d u c e d i n t o
w r i t i n g , s i g n e d b y the parties, a n d i m m e d i a t e l y s u b m i t t e d to the c o u r t for
a p p r o v a l at t h e h e a r i n g ( F o r m 9-SCC). T h e c o u r t s h a l l r e n d e r j u d g m e n t
b a s e d _ o n t h e c o m p r o m i s e a g r e e m e n t w i t h i n t w e n t y - f o u r (24) hours, a n d
f u r n i s h c o p i e s t h e r e o f t o t h e p a r t i e s ( F o r m 10-SCC).

I f a t a n y t i m e b e f o r e o r at the hearing, a c o m p r o m i s e a g r e e m e n t is
submitted, signed b y both parties, but only one (1) o r n e i t h e r p a r t y
a p p e a r s t o c o n f i r m it, t h e c o u r t s h a l l i s s u e a n o r d e r d i r e c t i n g t h e n o n -
a p p e a r i n g p a r t y / i e s t o c o n f i r m t h e c o m p r o m i s e a g r e e m e n t w i t h i n t h r e e (3)
calendar days f r o m notice thereof; otherwise, it s h a l l be d e e m e d
confirmed.

I f e f f o r t s a t s e t t l e m e n t fail, t h e c o u r t s h a l l _ i m m e d i a t e l y p r o c e e d _to

h e a r t h e case i n _ a n i n f o r m a l a n d e x p e d i t i o u s m a n n e r and, thereafter,

r e n d e r j u d g m e n t w i t h i n t w e n t y - f o u r (24) h o u r s f r o m t e r m i n a t i o n o f the
hearing.

Sec. 23. Resort to alternative videoconferencing p l a t f o r m-. S h o u l d the hearing

be done t h r o u g h videoconferencing, the c o u r t shall r e q u i r e the parties to
participate t h r o u g h the use of the Court-prescribed_videoconferencing
p l a t f o r m , However, i f any of the participants communicates his or her
d i f f i c u l t y i n accessing o r u s i n g the said v i d e o c o n f e r e n c i n g p l a t f o r m , the
court may a l l o w the use of alternative videoconferencing p l a t f o r m s o r
instant messaging ( I M ) applications w i t h v i d e o call features, provided that
the f o l l o w i n g c o n d i t i o n s are met:

(a) The c o u r t shall use either its official e-mail address o r cell phone
n u m b e r _to_access_the_ alternative _videoconferencing p l a t f o r m o r
instant messaging (IM) application;
(b) The parties shall use the e-mail_address o r cell phone n u m b e r they
indicated i n their Statement of C l a i m / s o r Response, as the case m a y
be, to_access the alternative videoconferencing p l a t f o r m o r instant
messaging (IM) application; and
(c) The court shall maintain _a
record and_ transcription of the
proceedings.

Sec. 24. Decision. - A f t e r the hearing, the c o u r t shall render its decision
based on the facts established b y the evidence, w i t h i n t w e n t y - f o u r (24)
hours f r o m t e r m i n a t i o n of the hearing ( F o r m 11-SCC). The r e f u n d of the
r e m a i n i n g balance f r o m the Sheriff's T r u s t F u n d (STF), subject to
accounting and a u d i t i n g procedures, shall be i n c l u d e d i n the decision.

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Noticeo f Resolution ~ 26- A . M . N o . 08-8-7-SC
M a r c h 1, 2022

The decision shall i m m e d i a t e l y be entered by the C l e r k of C o u r t i n

the c o u r t docket for c i v i l cases and a copy thereof f o r t h w i t h served on the
parties.

The decision shall be final, executory and unappealable.

Sec. 25. Execution. - W h e n t h e d e c i s i o n is r e n d e r e d a n d p r o o f o f r e c e i p t

t h e r e o f is o n r e c o r d , e x e c u t i o n s h a l l issue (Forms 13-SCC, 13-A-SCC, o r 13-
B-SCC) u p o n ex_parte m o t i o n o f the w i n n i n g p a r t y (Form 12-SCC).
H o w e v e r , a d e c i s i o n b a s e d o n c o m p r o m i s e s h a l l n o t be c o v e r e d b y t h e
r e q u i r e m e n t of p r o o f o f receipt.

Sec. 26. Certification o f documents. - A l l documents attached to the

Statement of C l a i m / s or Response that are required to be certified, except
public or official documents, shall be certified b y the signature of the
p l a i n t i f f o r d e f e n d a n t concerned.

Sec. 27. Non-applicability. - The rules on m e d i a t i o n a n d j u d i c i a l dispute

resolution shall not a p p l y , as the parties m a y enter into c o m p r o m i s e at any
stage of the proceedings.

RULE V
EFFECTIVITY

The Rules on E x p e d i t e d Procedures i n the First Level C o u r t s shall

take effect on 11 A p r i l 2022 and shall prospectively a p p l y o n l y to cases
filed f r o m the said date of effectivity. Those p e n d i n g cases covered b y
these Rules, w h i c h are currently before the second and first level courts,
shall r e m a i n w i t h and be decided _by those same courts based_on the rules
applicable at the t i m e those cases were filed.?
--000--
(19 & 4o)

By authority o f the Court:

MARIFE M. I t S T M 2 O C U E V A S

Clerk of Court a
Notice of Resolution
HON. ALEXANDER G, GESMUNDO (x)
Chief Justice
HON. ESTELA M. PERLAS-BERNABE (x)
Senior Associate Justice
HON. MARVIC MARIO VICTOR F. LEONEN {x}
HON. ALFREDO BENJAMIN S. CAGUIOA (x)
HON. RAMON PAUL L. HERNANDO {x}
HON. AMY C. LAZARO-JAVIER (x)
HON. RODIL V. ZALAMEDA (x)
HON. MARIO V. LOPEZ (x)
HON. SAMUEL H. GAERLAN (x}
HON. RICARDO R. ROSARIO (x}
HON. JHOSEP Y. LOPEZ {x)
HON. JAPAR B. DIMAAMPAQ (x)
HON. JOSE MIDAS P, MARQUEZ (x)
HON. ANTONIO TONGIO KHO, JR. (x)
Associate Justices
Supreme Court
Court Administrator
*HON. RAUL B, VILLANUEVA (x)
Deputy Court Administrators
HON. JENNY LIND R. ALDECOA-DELORINO (x)
HON. LEO T. MADRAZO {x}
Assistant Court Administrators
HON. LILIAN BARRIBAL-CO (x)
HON. MARIA REGINA ADORACION
FILOMENA M. IGNACIO (x)
Supreme Court
PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICE (x)
Supreme Court
Yor circularization
A.M. No. 08-8-7-SC
kat 3/1/22 (Sres19 & 40) 3/25/22
?ae A.M. No. 08-8-7-SC
March 1, 2022
HON. HENRI JEAN PAUL B. INTING (x)
Associate Justice and Chairperson
Committee on the Revision of the Rules on Summary
Procedure and Small Claims Cases
Supreme Court
HON. ROSMARI D. CARANDANG (x)
Chancellor
PhilJA, Supreme Court
THE SECRETARY (x)
Department of Justice
DOJ Building, Padre Faura St.,
Emnita, Manila
THE SOLICITOR GENERAL (reg)
Office of the Solicitor General
134 Amorsoio Street
Legaspi Village, Makati City
INTEGRATED BAR OF THE PHILIPPINES (reg)
15 Dofia Julia Vargas Avenue
Ortigas Center, Pasig City 1600
MANDATORY CONTINUING LEGAL EDUCATION
OFFICE (reg)
4 " Fir, IBP Bldg.,15 Dofia Julia Vargas Ave.
Ortigas Center, Pasig City J
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