The Embassy of the Republic of the Philippines in Phnom Penh informs the Filipino Community in Cambodia that the Supreme Court of the Philippines has promulgated the 2016  Revised Rules of Procedures for Small Claims Cases, which would now allow indigent litigants (poor/underprivileged complainants) in the Philippines to file money claims from the previous ceiling of Php100,000.00 to a new ceiling of Php200,000.00, exclusive of interest and costs.

           This applies only to actions that are purely civil in nature, where the claim being asked for by the plaintiff (a person who initiates/files a case against another in court) is solely for payment or reimbursement of a sum of money.

            The claim or demand for money may be:

            1. Contract of Lease;

            2. Contract of Loan;

            3. Contract of Services;

            4. Contract of Sale; or

            5. Contract of Mortgage;

            It also pertains to liquidated damages (compensation to the injured party for violation of contact of the other party) arising from contracts.

          The new rules have been promulgated with a view to protecting and advancing 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.

For information.

Phnom Penh, 6 March 2017