Mga Form, template
& paano mag-file.
I-download ang opisyal na SC forms, sundin ang hakbang-hakbang na gabay, at kopyahin ang aming mga template ng reklamo — may tunay na halimbawa.
Confirm your case qualifies for Small Claims
Small claims only covers money disputes of ₱400,000 or below between individuals. Not for property disputes, family law, or employment issues.
- Unpaid loans, bounced checks, unpaid rent — YES
- Security deposit not returned — YES
- Moral damages only — NO
- Claims above ₱400,000 — NO (use MTC)
Send a formal demand letter first
The court will ask if you demanded payment before filing. Give at least 15 days to pay. Send via registered mail and keep the registry return card — this becomes Exhibit D.
Go to the Barangay first (if required)
If you and the defendant both live in the same city or municipality, barangay conciliation is mandatory. The Lupon Tagapamayapa will issue a Certificate to File Action (CFA) — you cannot file in court without it.
Download and fill out Form 1-SCC
Get the official Form 1-SCC from the Supreme Court (link below). Fill pages 1–6. Print on A4 or 8½×13" bond paper, single-sided, 1.5 line spacing, Arial or Times New Roman 12pt.
- Be specific about the amount — break down principal and interest separately
- Label all exhibits: Exhibit A, B, C… in sequence
- Make original + one copy per defendant + one extra for yourself
Get your form notarized — or do it at the court for free
You can swear your Form 1-SCC before the Clerk of Court at the filing office, free of charge. A notary public charges ₱100–₱300 per document. No need to go to a notary first if you do it at the court.
Go to the Office of the Clerk of Court
Bring everything in a long brown envelope labeled "SMALL CLAIMS — [YOUR NAME] vs. [DEFENDANT NAME]". Go to the Clerk of Court's office — not the judge's room. The docketing clerk pre-assesses your fees before you pay at the cashier.
- Filled and notarized Form 1-SCC (original + copies)
- All exhibits, tabbed and paginated
- Barangay Certificate to File Action (if required)
- Original demand letter + proof of delivery
- Valid government-issued ID
- Cash for the exact filing fee (use our calculator to prepare)
Pay your fees and get your Official Receipt
After the docketing clerk assesses, pay at the cashier. Keep the Official Receipt (OR) — attach the original to your case documents, keep a photocopy. The court will send summons to the defendant automatically.
Wait for your hearing date (usually within 30 days)
Unlike regular civil cases, you do NOT need to personally serve summons. The court does this using Form 2-SCC. Double-check the defendant's complete address before filing — a returned summons can result in dismissal.
Appear on hearing day with your originals
Both you and the defendant must appear in person. No lawyers allowed. The judge will try mediation first; if that fails, the case is decided on the same day based on your documents.
- Bring originals of ALL exhibits — not just photocopies
- Be ready to explain your case simply in 5 minutes or less
- A partial settlement today beats a delayed full judgment
Enforce the judgment if the defendant still doesn't pay
Execution is NOT automatic. File a Motion for Execution with the Clerk of Court. The sheriff can then garnish the defendant's bank account or seize property to satisfy the judgment. Sheriff's fee deposit (₱1,000–₱2,000) is recoverable from the defendant.
Determine the correct court level
MTC/MTCC: ₱400,001 to ₱2,000,000. RTC: above ₱2,000,000. Filing in the wrong level results in dismissal.
Send demand letter and complete barangay step
Same as small claims — send a formal demand letter, wait 15 days, then complete barangay conciliation if required. Obtain your Certificate to File Action.
Prepare a Verified Complaint
Regular civil cases do not use Form 1-SCC. You need a formal Verified Complaint — numbered paragraphs, a cause of action, and a prayer for relief. Strongly recommend consulting a lawyer for amounts above ₱500,000.
File at the Clerk of Court and pay all fees
Pay your docket fee, Legal Research Fund, Victim Compensation Fund, sheriff's trust fund deposit (₱1,000–₱2,000), and mediation fee (₱1,000). Do not understate your claim — filing fees are jurisdictional.
Attend pre-trial and hearings
Expect: defendant's Answer (15–30 days), Pre-Trial Conference, mediation through the Philippine Mediation Center, then actual trial if no settlement. Regular civil cases can take months to years. A lawyer is strongly advised.
Confirm NLRC covers your dispute
NLRC handles employer-employee disputes only. Independent contractor vs. client disputes go to regular courts. Government employee disputes go to the Civil Service Commission.
- Illegal dismissal — YES (file within 4 years)
- Unpaid wages and benefits — YES (file within 3 years)
- Freelancer vs. client — NO (regular court)
Gather your employment documents
- Employment contract or offer letter
- Payslips (as many as you have)
- Termination letter or notice (if dismissed)
- Company ID and SSS records showing employer contributions
- Text messages or emails with your employer
No barangay step required for labor cases
Labor cases at the NLRC are exempt from barangay conciliation. Go directly to the NLRC Regional Arbitration Branch (RAB) that covers your employer's location.
File at the NLRC RAB and pay the filing fee
Get the official complaint form from the RAB office. Fill it out, attach supporting documents, submit to the docket clerk, and pay the filing fee. For illegal dismissal, you have 4 years to file. For money claims, 3 years. Do not delay.
Attend mandatory SEnA conciliation
The NLRC schedules a Single Entry Approach (SEnA) conference — a mandatory 30-day conciliation-mediation period. If no settlement, the case is referred to a Labor Arbiter. The full NLRC process typically takes 6 months to 2 years.
Form 1-SCC — Statement of Claim
The main form for filing a small claims case. Fill out pages 1–6, notarize, and bring copies for each defendant.
Download PDF (SC / OCA) →All Small Claims Forms (SC Page)
Access Forms 1-SCC through 10-SCC — the complete set including the response form, decision template, and indigency affidavit (Form 6-SCC).
Go to SC Small Claims Page →NLRC Complaint Form
Official complaint form for filing labor cases before the NLRC Regional Arbitration Branch.
Go to NLRC Forms Page →Katarungang Pambarangay Rules
R.A. 7160 Chapter VII — the law requiring barangay conciliation before court filing in covered disputes.
Read the Law (Lawphil) →Rule 141 — Legal Fees
The Supreme Court's authoritative fee schedule for all Philippine courts — the basis for all calculations on this site.
SC Filing Fees Page →Form 1-SCC — Bisaya Version
Official Visayan (Cebuano) version of Form 1-SCC issued by the Supreme Court. Same legal effect.
Download PDF (SC) →Know exactly how much you'll pay before you walk into the Clerk of Court's office.
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