Can I File a Lawsuit Online in the Philippines? eCourt, Small Claims, and Electronic Filing

Updated for the Philippine judiciary’s ongoing shift to digital processes. This article is general information, not legal advice.

Short answer

Yes—parts of a lawsuit can now be started and handled online in the Philippines, but there isn’t yet a single, public, “click-to-file” website for all cases nationwide. What you can usually do today:

E-file and e-serve pleadings (often by official court email or a court-approved portal, where available).
Pay filing fees electronically through judiciary-approved payment channels.
Join hearings by videoconference if the court allows (common in many courts).
Use electronic evidence and e-signatures subject to existing rules.

Small claims are the simplest track and are widely standardized; some courts accept email filing of small-claims forms, while others still require in-person filing. Always follow the specific court’s instructions.

What “online filing” actually means (PH context)

Because the judiciary transitioned in phases, “online filing” in the Philippines typically covers several distinct pieces:

E-filing – Sending your initiatory pleading (e.g., complaint) and later pleadings to the official email address of the court or through a court-approved system. Formats, subject lines, and file-size limits are usually prescribed.
E-service – Serving your filed documents on the other parties via email or other electronic means allowed by the court.
E-payment – Paying filing and other lawful fees through the Judiciary ePayment System (JEPS) or other authorized channels.
E-hearing – Proceedings conducted via videoconference (commonly on Zoom or an equivalent platform), either by default or on motion/ court directive.
Electronic evidence – Submitting documents, emails, metadata, text messages, and other digital items in line with the Rules on Electronic Evidence and related circulars.

Key practical point: Venue and court control still matter. Even if e-filing is allowed, each specific court sets implementation details (addresses, file caps, naming conventions, schedules, whether printed “court copies” must follow, etc.).

The Supreme Court’s eCourt system—what it is (and is not)

What it is: eCourt is the judiciary’s case management platform for first- and second-level courts. It handles internal workflows (raffle, calendaring, monitoring, statistics), and, in many courts, supports receiving e-filed pleadings and generating orders.
What it’s not: eCourt is not a nationwide public portal where anyone can file any case end-to-end. Public interaction still typically happens via official court email, sometimes through court-specific online channels, or physically at the filing window.
Practical effect: If your court uses eCourt, your email filing lands inside eCourt’s queue, and you may receive electronic notices. Turnaround and exact mechanics vary by court.

Small claims: the most “online-ready” gateway

Small claims cases (money claims for a limited amount, excluding damages, interest, and costs) are designed to be simple, fast, and mostly document-driven. Key points:

Jurisdictional amount: The ceiling has been increased over time; confirm your amount falls within the latest threshold (widely understood today as ₱1,000,000 or below, but verify the current figure for your court).
Who can file: Natural or juridical persons. Lawyers generally cannot appear for parties (with limited exceptions), which lowers costs.
Where to file: Typically at the metropolitan/municipal trial court where the plaintiff or defendant resides or does business, as the rules specify.
Forms: The Statement of Claim and Response use Supreme Court–issued templates. Many courts provide fillable PDFs/Word forms; some accept email submission.
Filing method:
- Email e-filing where allowed: send the filled forms plus annexes (ID, contracts, invoices, demand letters, proof of service, etc.) to the court’s official email following the required subject line format (e.g., “E-FILING – Small Claims – [Your Name] v. [Defendant]”).
- On-site filing remains available and, in some courts, required.
Fees: Pay via JEPS or at the OCC (Office of the Clerk of Court). Keep proof of payment (screenshot/receipt) and include it in your e-filing packet if you paid online.
Hearings: Often single-day and may be videoconferenced. Bring originals for authentication if the court requests; some courts ask to present devices (phones/laptops) to view native electronic evidence.
Timeline: Small claims are intended to be expeditious—frequently resolved within weeks from filing, subject to court load and party cooperation.
Judgment and execution: Decisions are immediately final and unappealable (save for extraordinary remedies). Execution can likewise be processed with electronic notices, though sheriff’s implementation remains physical.

Can I start other cases online?

Often, yes—especially civil cases and certain criminal incidents requiring protection orders or urgent relief. Typical online-friendly actions include:

Filing complaints/initiatory pleadings by email (civil, family, petitions) if the court allows.
Applying for protection orders (e.g., VAWC) with hybrid intake: online coordination + in-person validation.
Urgent motions and applications (e.g., TROs) with e-service and videoconference hearings on request.

Still mostly physical:

Filing documents that legally require original, wet-ink notarization unless remote notarization is permitted and you comply with its technical requirements.
Processes involving the sheriff or law enforcement (e.g., levy, service of writs, enforcement of judgments) remain on the ground even if your paperwork started online.

E-signatures, notarization, and electronic evidence

E-signatures: Philippine law recognizes electronic data messages and electronic signatures. For court filings, courts commonly accept scanned signatures on PDFs for pleadings, unless a rule requires a wet-ink signature (e.g., certain verifications, affidavits). When in doubt, file with a scanned signature and be ready to produce the wet-signed original if ordered.
Remote notarization: The Supreme Court rolled out videoconference notarization under specific conditions. Availability can be area-based and notary-dependent. Expect strict ID checks, real-time audio-video recording, storage requirements, and technology stipulations.
Electronic evidence: Emails, chats, server logs, and metadata are admissible if you meet authenticity and integrity standards (e.g., who authored it, how it was kept unchanged). For messages (SMS/Viber/WhatsApp), keep exported chats, screenshots with metadata, and, if possible, provider certificates or expert testimony.

Paying court fees online (JEPS and partners)

Channels: The Judiciary ePayment System works with banks, e-wallets, and over-the-counter partners.
Traceability: Always include reference numbers in your e-filing email and attach payment proof.
Surcharges: E-payments can carry convenience fees; courts typically accept them as part of the official receipt trail.

Videoconference hearings

When allowed: Many courts default to or permit VC hearings for efficiency or health/safety. You may file a motion to appear via videoconference stating reasons (distance, cost, health, scheduling).
Etiquette & tech: Neutral background, clear audio, name label “[Case No.] [Your Name – Role]”, screen-sharing enabled for exhibits, and backup connectivity (mobile data).
Oath and exhibits: Witnesses may be placed under oath online; exhibits are pre-marked and emailed in advance, with screen-share for walkthroughs. Be ready to courier originals if ordered.

How to e-file step by step (typical, but court-dependent)

Identify proper venue and court level. (E.g., MTC/MTCC/MeTC for small claims.)
Download the correct templates (for small claims) or draft your complaint (for other civil cases).
Assemble annexes (contracts, IDs, demand letters, receipts). Scan clearly to searchable PDF, 300 dpi where possible.
Name your files per court guide (e.g., Complaint_[Surname]_2025-10-01.pdf, Annex_A-B.pdf, Proof_of_Payment.pdf).
Digitally sign (typed name over signature line + scanned signature) unless a wet-ink notarized doc is required.
Pay fees via JEPS or at the OCC; keep the official receipt or online confirmation.
Email your filing to the official court address (To: the branch; Cc: OCC and parties’ counsel/addresses).
- Subject line: follow the court’s required format.
- Body: short transmittal + list of attachments + contact details.
Request acknowledgment (read receipt) and calendar follow-ups.
Serve copies on the other side via email e-service (or as ordered). Keep proof of e-service (sent email with timestamp, delivery receipt).
Monitor notices (Order setting hearing, directive to pay deficiency fees, or instruction to submit hard copies).

Some courts require subsequent filing of “court copies” (printed, bound) within a set number of days. Watch for this in the first Order.

Common pitfalls (and how to avoid them)

Wrong venue or court level. Use the proper venue rules; wrong filing = dismissal or delay.
Oversized attachments. Split PDFs, compress responsibly, or use court-approved cloud links if allowed.
Unsigned/verifications missing. Check if a pleading must be verified; if yes, include properly notarized verification (remote or physical).
Poor scans. Courts won’t read illegible annexes. Use clear, searchable PDFs.
No proof of e-service. Always Cc opposing party and keep headers/receipts.
Ignoring follow-up directive to submit hard copies or pay deficiency fees. Calendar deadlines immediately.

Privacy and security tips

Use official court addresses only; avoid sending pleadings to personal emails.
Redact sensitive data (TINs, bank numbers, minors’ identities) unless essential.
Password-protect attachments only if the court allows and you can separately transmit passwords securely.
Maintain a case e-docket (folder with subfolders: Pleadings, Annexes, Proof of Service, Payments, Orders, Hearings).

FAQs

1) Is there a single website where I can sue someone now? Not yet. You’ll typically email the specific court or follow its posted e-filing instructions. eCourt is internal; it helps the court manage your case.

2) Can I do a small-claims case 100% online? In many courts you can submit forms and attend hearings online, and pay online—but be ready for in-person steps (e.g., notarization or filing of hard copies) if ordered.

3) Are screenshots and emails enough as evidence? They can be, if properly authenticated. Preserve original files, metadata, and devices; export chats; and be ready to explain the chain of custody.

4) Do I still need a lawyer? Small claims: usually no lawyers at the hearing. Other cases: a lawyer is often advisable to navigate venue, remedies, and evidence rules.

5) What if the other party refuses to accept emails? If the court authorizes e-service, service is valid when sent to the registered/last known address under the rules. Keep proof of transmission.

Quick checklists

Small Claims E-Filing Pack

✅ Statement of Claim (template)
✅ Government-issued ID
✅ Documentary proof (contract, invoices, demands, receipts)
✅ Proof of payment (JEPS receipt/OR)
✅ Proof of e-service (email to defendant)
✅ Cover email with case caption, contact details

General E-Filing

✅ Proper venue confirmed
✅ Pleading (PDF, searchable) + annexes (clear scans)
✅ Signature/verification (and notarization if required)
✅ JEPS proof/fee computation
✅ Service on parties and proof of service
✅ Compliance with any hard-copy follow-up

Final notes

Court-by-court variation: Philippine e-filing is broadly allowed, but local implementation controls the details.
Rules evolve: Thresholds (like small-claims amount) and formats change. If a rule or circular feels new, it probably is—follow the most recent order of your specific court.
When stakes are high: Consult counsel to validate venue, remedies, and evidence strategy, and to align your e-filing with the latest directives.