Text messages can help prove a loan agreement in Philippine small claims court, especially when there is no notarized promissory note or written loan contract. The important question is not simply “May I show screenshots?” but whether the messages, together with proof of money delivery and non-payment, clearly show that a real loan existed, who borrowed, how much was borrowed, when it should be paid, and whether the borrower failed or refused to pay. In many everyday cases—utang between friends, relatives, co-workers, online sellers, OFWs, or foreigners lending money to someone in the Philippines—SMS, Messenger, Viber, WhatsApp, or email conversations may become the practical backbone of the case.

Yes, Text Messages Can Be Evidence of a Loan

In Philippine law, a loan agreement does not always need to be notarized to be valid. A simple loan of money, called mutuum under the Civil Code, is generally created when one person delivers money to another, and the borrower is obliged to return the same amount.

For small claims purposes, text messages may help prove:

the borrower asked for money;
the lender agreed to lend;
the amount was actually released;
the borrower acknowledged receiving the money;
the borrower promised to pay on a certain date;
the borrower later asked for extensions;
the borrower admitted the balance; or
the borrower refused to pay despite demand.

A typical helpful exchange might look like this:

“Pahiram muna ng ₱50,000. Babayaran ko sa July 30.” “Okay, I’ll send via GCash today.” “Received na. Thanks. Bayaran ko end of the month.” “Please pay the ₱50,000 you borrowed.” “Pasensya na, next week ko mababayaran.”

That kind of conversation can be powerful because it shows the essential facts: the loan request, amount, receipt, due date, and admission of debt.

But text messages are usually stronger when supported by other proof, such as a GCash receipt, bank transfer slip, pawnshop remittance receipt, deposit slip, screenshot of the payment confirmation, or written demand.

Legal Basis: Why Text Messages May Be Accepted in Court

Civil Code rules on loans and contracts

The Civil Code of the Philippines recognizes that contracts are generally binding in whatever form they are made, as long as the essential requirements are present. Article 1318 of the Civil Code requires consent, object, and cause. Article 1356 states that contracts are obligatory in whatever form they were entered into, provided the essential requisites for validity are present.

For loans, Article 1933 of the Civil Code provides that in a simple loan or mutuum, money or another consumable thing is delivered on the condition that the borrower will pay the same amount of the same kind and quality. Article 1934 is especially important: a loan is perfected only upon delivery of the money or object loaned.

In practical terms, this means a text message saying “I will borrow ₱50,000” may not be enough by itself. The claimant must also show that the money was actually delivered.

Electronic evidence rules

Electronic messages are not rejected just because they are digital. Republic Act No. 8792, or the Electronic Commerce Act of 2000, recognizes electronic data messages and electronic documents. Section 12 of RA 8792 states that electronic data messages or electronic documents should not be denied admissibility solely because they are in electronic form.

The Rules on Electronic Evidence, A.M. No. 01-7-01-SC, also provide that electronic documents may be admitted if they comply with the rules on admissibility and are properly authenticated.

Text messages, chats, and similar communications are commonly treated as electronic evidence. For “ephemeral electronic communications” such as text messages, the Rules on Electronic Evidence allow proof through the testimony of a person who was a party to the communication or has personal knowledge of it.

So if you are the lender and you personally exchanged the messages with the borrower, you can explain to the court:

whose number or account it was;
how you know it belonged to the borrower;
when the messages were sent;
what the messages meant in the context of the loan; and
whether the screenshots or printouts accurately reflect the conversation.

Supreme Court guidance on electronic messages

The Supreme Court has recognized the admissibility of electronic communications when properly presented and authenticated. In Cadajas y Cabias v. People, G.R. No. 247348, November 16, 2021, the Court discussed the admissibility of Facebook Messenger communications and rejected a blanket exclusion of private-obtained messages simply because they came from an online account. The Court’s public summary is available on the Supreme Court website, and the full decision is available through the Supreme Court E-Library.

In RCBC Bankard Services Corporation v. Lao, G.R. No. 223274, June 19, 2019, the Supreme Court also discussed electronic documents, printouts, and the need to satisfy admissibility and authentication requirements under the Rules on Electronic Evidence. The decision is available through the Supreme Court E-Library.

For small claims, judges usually focus on practical reliability: Do the messages appear complete? Are they connected to the defendant? Do they match the payment records? Is there a clear admission of debt? Is there a credible explanation from the person presenting them?

When a Loan Case May Be Filed as a Small Claim

A loan collection case may fall under the Philippine small claims procedure if it is purely civil and seeks only payment or reimbursement of money.

Under the Rules on Expedited Procedures in the First Level Courts, A.M. No. 08-8-7-SC, small claims cases cover claims not exceeding ₱1,000,000, exclusive of interest and costs. The rule applies in first-level courts: Metropolitan Trial Courts, Municipal Trial Courts in Cities, Municipal Trial Courts, and Municipal Circuit Trial Courts.

Small claims may include money owed under:

a contract of loan or other credit accommodation;
a contract of lease;
a contract of services;
a contract of sale of personal property;
liquidated damages arising from contracts; and
enforcement of certain barangay amicable settlements or arbitration awards involving money claims.

For a personal loan, the usual small claims theory is simple: the defendant borrowed money and failed to pay.

What the Text Messages Must Prove

Text messages are useful only if they help prove the elements of the claim. A judge will usually look for a clear story supported by documents.

What you need to prove	How text messages may help	Stronger supporting proof
Identity of borrower	Messages from the borrower’s known number or account	Contact details, ID, prior conversations, acknowledgment by borrower
Loan request	“Can I borrow ₱___?”	Chat thread showing purpose and amount
Delivery of money	“Received na,” “Nakuha ko na,” “Thanks for the transfer”	GCash receipt, bank transfer, remittance slip, deposit slip
Terms of payment	“I’ll pay on July 30” or “₱5,000 monthly”	Promissory note, written payment schedule, demand letter
Admission of debt	“I know I still owe you ₱___”	Partial payment receipts, updated balance messages
Default or non-payment	Requests for extension, refusal, silence after demand	Demand letter, proof of service, barangay record if applicable

The best text evidence is not one isolated screenshot. It is a complete and coherent chain of messages that matches your financial records.

Text Messages Alone May Not Be Enough

A text message can prove a loan agreement, but it depends on what the message says.

A message like this is strong:

“I received the ₱80,000 loan today. I’ll pay ₱20,000 monthly starting August 15.”

A message like this is weaker:

“Salamat sa tulong.”

A vague “thank you” may refer to a gift, payment, assistance, or another transaction. The court may not automatically treat it as a loan.

The main risk is that the defendant may claim:

the money was a gift;
the money was payment for something else;
the account or number was not theirs;
the screenshots were edited;
the messages were taken out of context;
the loan was already paid;
the lender added illegal or excessive interest; or
the real borrower was another person.

Because of this, it is best to present the messages together with proof of transfer, demand, and non-payment.

How to Prepare Text Messages for Small Claims Court

1. Preserve the original messages

Do not delete the conversation. Keep the original phone, SIM, messaging app, email account, or social media account.

Avoid editing the screenshots. Do not crop out important parts like:

sender name or number;
date and time;
message sequence;
amount;
payment terms;
admission of receipt;
admission of debt; and
demand for payment.

If the case reaches hearing, the judge may ask questions about the messages. Having the original device or account available helps.

2. Take clear screenshots

Capture the conversation in order. Include:

the borrower’s name or number;
dates and timestamps;
the full message bubbles;
messages immediately before and after the loan discussion;
acknowledgment of receipt;
promises to pay;
excuses for delay; and
your demand for payment.

For long conversations, make a simple index:

Screenshot	Date	What it shows
Annex A	June 1, 2026	Borrower asked for ₱50,000
Annex B	June 1, 2026	Lender sent money via GCash
Annex C	June 1, 2026	Borrower confirmed receipt
Annex D	July 30, 2026	Borrower promised to pay
Annex E	August 10, 2026	Borrower admitted delay

3. Print the screenshots

Small claims filings still require documentary evidence to be attached to the Statement of Claim. Print the screenshots in a readable format.

Practical tips:

Use A4 or short bond paper.
Print in color if names, timestamps, or app indicators are clearer in color.
Number each page.
Label each screenshot as an annex.
Highlight the key messages lightly, but do not cover or obscure text.
Keep an unmarked copy in case the court wants a clean version.

4. Attach proof of money delivery

This is often the most important part. Because a loan is perfected by delivery, show that the borrower actually received the money.

Useful proof includes:

bank transfer confirmation;
GCash, Maya, or other e-wallet receipt;
remittance receipt from Palawan, Cebuana, Western Union, Wise, Remitly, or similar channels;
deposit slip;
acknowledgment receipt;
screenshot of successful transfer;
proof that the receiving account belongs to the borrower;
messages where the borrower confirms receipt.

If you sent cash by hand, prepare a detailed affidavit explaining when, where, how much, who was present, and what was said. If there were witnesses, their affidavits may help.

5. Prepare a short affidavit

In small claims, affidavits of witnesses and supporting evidence should be attached to the Statement of Claim. Your affidavit should be clear and factual.

It should explain:

your relationship with the borrower;
when the borrower asked for the loan;
how much was borrowed;
how you released the money;
what repayment terms were agreed upon;
what messages prove the agreement;
whether any partial payments were made;
the unpaid balance; and
what efforts you made to collect.

Avoid emotional statements like “the borrower is a scammer” unless you are filing a separate criminal complaint with proper basis. For small claims, focus on the unpaid money.

6. Make a clear computation

Judges appreciate a simple computation.

Example:

Item	Amount
Principal loan	₱80,000
Less: partial payment on July 15	₱10,000
Less: partial payment on August 15	₱5,000
Unpaid principal	₱65,000
Filing fees and costs	As assessed by court
Interest	Only if legally recoverable

Be careful with interest. Article 1956 of the Civil Code states that no interest is due unless it has been expressly stipulated in writing. A text message may satisfy the “in writing” requirement if it clearly states that the borrower agreed to interest, but the court may still reduce or reject interest that is excessive, unclear, or unconscionable.

Filing a Small Claims Case Based on Text Messages

The small claims process is designed for ordinary people. Lawyers are generally not allowed to appear for parties at the hearing unless the lawyer is the plaintiff or defendant.

Step 1: Check if the claim qualifies

Your case is usually suitable for small claims if:

you are asking only for payment of money;
the amount does not exceed ₱1,000,000, excluding interest and costs;
the case is based on a loan, sale, lease, service, or similar money claim;
you are not asking for imprisonment, moral damages, injunction, attachment, or other relief outside payment; and
the defendant can be identified and served with summons.

If you want the borrower jailed, that is not small claims. Small claims is for civil collection of money.

Step 2: Determine the correct court

Small claims are filed in first-level courts, such as the MTC, MTCC, MeTC, or MCTC.

Venue usually follows the regular rules: the case is generally filed where the plaintiff or defendant resides, at the plaintiff’s option, unless a specific rule applies. If the plaintiff is engaged in lending, banking, or similar activities and has a branch in the city or municipality where the defendant resides or holds business, the case should be filed in the court of that city or municipality.

For ordinary personal loans between individuals, filing is often based on residence and practical service of summons. The defendant’s correct address matters because the case cannot move efficiently if summons cannot be served.

Step 3: Check if barangay conciliation is required

For disputes between individuals residing in the same city or municipality, barangay conciliation under the Katarungang Pambarangay system in Republic Act No. 7160, or the Local Government Code of 1991, may be required before filing in court.

This usually means going first to the barangay so the Lupon can attempt settlement. If settlement fails, the barangay may issue a Certificate to File Action.

Common situations:

Situation	Barangay conciliation usually needed?
Lender and borrower are individuals living in the same city or municipality	Usually yes
Parties live in different cities or municipalities	Usually no, subject to specific barangay rules
One party is a corporation	Usually not covered by ordinary barangay conciliation between individuals
Defendant is abroad or cannot be personally confronted locally	Often impractical; court may examine the circumstances
There is already a barangay settlement but borrower failed to comply	Small claims may be used to enforce it if within the rules

A missing barangay certificate can cause delay or dismissal if barangay conciliation was legally required.

Step 4: Complete the small claims forms

The Supreme Court provides small claims forms through its Small Claims page. The main form is the Statement of Claim/s.

You will usually prepare:

Statement of Claim/s;
Verification and Certification Against Forum Shopping, Splitting a Single Cause of Action, and Multiplicity of Suits;
photocopies of text messages or chat screenshots;
proof of transfer or receipt of money;
affidavit of the lender;
affidavits of witnesses, if any;
demand letter and proof of sending, if available;
barangay Certificate to File Action, if required;
Special Power of Attorney if a representative will appear for you;
board resolution or secretary’s certificate if the claimant is a corporation or juridical entity.

Step 5: Pay filing fees

The plaintiff pays docket and other legal fees under Rule 141 of the Rules of Court, unless allowed to litigate as an indigent. Under the small claims rules, even an indigent party is not exempt from the ₱1,000 fee for service of summons and processes.

The exact filing fees depend on the amount claimed and court assessment. Bring extra cash and ask the Office of the Clerk of Court for the official computation.

Step 6: Submit printed and electronic copies when required

The Supreme Court’s electronic filing guidelines for civil cases took effect in trial courts, and small claims are included among covered civil cases. The Supreme Court Electronic Filing page explains that electronic copies of pleadings and attachments may need to be sent to the court’s official email address in PDF format, depending on the applicable filing mode and current implementation.

In practice, court branches may have specific instructions. Bring printed documents and be ready to submit PDF copies of the Statement of Claim and annexes.

Step 7: Attend the hearing personally

The Notice of Hearing will state the hearing date. Under the small claims rules, the hearing should generally be set not more than 30 calendar days from filing, or not more than 60 calendar days if one defendant resides or holds business outside the judicial region.

At the hearing, the judge first tries to help the parties settle. If settlement fails, the judge hears the case in an informal and expeditious manner.

Lawyers generally cannot appear for parties at the hearing unless they are themselves the plaintiff or defendant. A representative may appear only with proper authority, such as a Special Power of Attorney, and must be authorized to settle, admit facts, and enter stipulations.

Step 8: Be ready to explain the messages

The judge may ask:

Who sent these messages?
How do you know this number or account belongs to the defendant?
Did you personally exchange these messages?
Are these screenshots complete and accurate?
Where is the original phone or account?
How was the money sent?
Did the defendant pay anything?
Why do you say the balance is this amount?

Answer simply and directly. Small claims hearings are not meant to be theatrical. The strongest presentation is usually chronological and document-based.

Step 9: Wait for the decision

After the hearing, the court must render its decision based on the facts established by the evidence within 24 hours from termination of the hearing. The small claims decision is final, executory, and unappealable under the rules.

If the borrower still does not pay after judgment, the winning party may proceed to execution, where the sheriff may enforce the judgment according to the Rules of Court.

How to Authenticate Text Messages in a Practical Way

Authentication means showing that the messages are what you claim they are.

For ordinary lenders, authentication usually involves a combination of testimony, surrounding circumstances, and supporting documents.

Useful details include:

the phone number is saved under the borrower’s name;
the borrower used the same number in previous dealings;
the borrower’s profile photo matches them;
the account name matches the borrower;
the borrower refers to personal facts only they would know;
the payment was sent to an account under the borrower’s name;
the borrower admitted receiving the money;
the borrower made partial payments from the same account;
the borrower later apologized or asked for more time.

If the borrower denies owning the number or account, the court will weigh all circumstances. A bare denial may not defeat consistent messages, transfer receipts, and partial payments. But if the messages are incomplete, cropped, or unsupported, the denial becomes more dangerous.

What If the Borrower Says the Screenshots Are Fake?

This is a common defense. The borrower may say: “Edited yan,” “Hindi ako yan,” “Na-hack account ko,” or “Incomplete ang conversation.”

To reduce this risk:

Bring the original phone or device.
Keep the SIM card and messaging app active.
Bring the full conversation, not only selected screenshots.
Print the screenshots clearly with dates and timestamps.
Show matching proof of money transfer.
Show messages before and after the loan.
Show partial payment records, if any.
Show that the borrower used the same number or account in other admitted dealings.

If the amount is significant and authenticity is seriously disputed, technical evidence may help, but small claims courts are designed to be summary and practical. The judge will usually decide based on the totality of evidence presented.

What If There Was No Written Promissory Note?

A notarized promissory note is helpful, but it is not always required for a valid personal loan. Text messages can function as written evidence if they clearly show the loan terms and the borrower’s acknowledgment.

However, the absence of a promissory note creates practical problems. You may need stronger proof of:

the exact amount borrowed;
whether the money was a loan or a gift;
the due date;
interest, if any;
partial payments;
the unpaid balance.

A case with no promissory note can still succeed if the messages and payment records are clear.

Interest: Can You Claim Interest Based on Text Messages?

Yes, but only if the interest was clearly agreed upon in writing and is not excessive.

Article 1956 of the Civil Code is strict: no interest shall be due unless it has been expressly stipulated in writing. A text message may be a written stipulation if it clearly states the interest and the borrower agreed to it.

Examples:

Message	Likely effect
“Borrow ₱50,000, pay ₱55,000 on July 30.”	May support agreed return amount, depending on context
“Interest is 5% monthly, okay?” “Okay.”	Written proof of interest agreement, subject to court review
“May tubo yan ha.” “Sige.”	Risky because rate is unclear
No message about interest	Usually no monetary interest under Article 1956, but legal interest may apply after demand or judgment depending on the court’s ruling

Even if written, very high interest may be reduced or struck down as unconscionable. Philippine courts have repeatedly refused to enforce oppressive interest rates.

Demand Letter: Is It Required Before Small Claims?

A written demand letter is not always the element that creates the loan, but it is very useful.

A demand letter helps prove:

the lender gave the borrower a final chance to pay;
the borrower was placed in delay;
the lender is claiming a specific balance;
the borrower ignored or refused payment;
the dispute is ripe for collection.

A simple demand may be sent by personal delivery, registered mail, courier, email, SMS, or messaging app. For court use, keep proof that it was sent and received or at least delivered.

A good demand message includes:

borrower’s name;
principal amount;
partial payments, if any;
unpaid balance;
due date;
deadline to pay;
payment method;
statement that legal action may follow if unpaid.

Avoid threats, insults, public shaming, or messages that may expose you to harassment, unjust vexation, cyberlibel, or data privacy issues.

Common Real-Life Scenarios

Loan through GCash or bank transfer

This is often easier to prove. The messages show the agreement, and the transfer receipt shows delivery. Make sure the recipient account is tied to the borrower.

If the GCash name is different, explain why. For example, the borrower may have asked you to send to a spouse, sibling, or friend. Preserve the message where the borrower instructed you to send to that account.

OFW or foreigner lending money to someone in the Philippines

An OFW or foreigner may rely on remittance receipts, Wise/Remitly/Western Union records, bank transfers, and chat messages.

If documents are executed abroad, notarization and apostille issues may arise for formal affidavits or powers of attorney. For example, if an OFW or foreigner cannot personally attend and appoints a representative in the Philippines, the Special Power of Attorney may need to be notarized abroad and apostilled, depending on the country and court requirements.

If the lender is abroad, practical issues include:

identifying the correct Philippine address of the borrower;
serving summons;
authorizing a representative;
preparing authenticated documents when required;
attending through allowed modes if the court permits; and
coordinating with the court on electronic filing and hearing procedures.

Loan between relatives

Courts see many family loan disputes. The borrower may claim it was help, support, or a gift.

Messages are especially important here. Phrases like “pahiram,” “utang,” “loan,” “babayaran ko,” and “balance ko” help show that the money was not a gift.

Loan to a romantic partner

This is more complicated because defendants often argue that the money was given out of affection. Keep messages showing that repayment was expected.

Helpful proof includes:

“I’ll pay you back” messages;
installment promises;
partial payments;
admissions of debt after the relationship ended;
transfer receipts matching the loan request.

Borrower changed number or deleted account

Deleted messages can still be useful if you preserved screenshots before deletion. But expect the borrower to challenge them.

Strengthen the case with:

transfer records;
old contact information;
common friends or witnesses;
prior messages from the same number;
proof of partial payment;
barangay records;
demand letters sent to last known address.

Borrower says the money was payment for services or sale

The court will look at context. If your messages mention “loan,” “borrow,” “utang,” “pay back,” or “hulugan,” that helps. If the messages also discuss a business transaction, sale, commission, or investment, the case may become more complex.

Small claims is for straightforward money claims. If the real dispute involves partnership accounting, investment losses, fraud, ownership, or damages beyond a fixed sum, the case may not fit neatly into small claims.

Common Mistakes That Weaken a Text Message Loan Case

Filing with screenshots only and no proof of delivery

The borrower may say, “I asked, but I never received the money.” Since a loan is perfected by delivery, proof of transfer is critical.

Cropping screenshots too much

Over-cropped screenshots look suspicious. Include dates, names, numbers, and surrounding messages.

Claiming interest with no written agreement

If interest was not expressly agreed in writing, it may be denied. Do not inflate the claim with unsupported interest.

Filing in the wrong venue

Wrong venue can cause delay or dismissal. Check the defendant’s residence, your residence, and special venue rules for lending businesses.

Ignoring barangay conciliation

If barangay conciliation is required, failure to secure a Certificate to File Action may become a problem.

Not bringing the original phone

Printed screenshots are useful, but the original device or account adds credibility.

Publicly posting the borrower’s debt online

Do not shame the borrower on Facebook, TikTok, group chats, or community pages. That can create separate legal risks. Collection should be done through lawful demand, barangay proceedings when applicable, and court action.

Splitting one loan into multiple cases

Do not split a single cause of action to fit strategy or convenience. The small claims form requires certification against splitting a single cause of action and multiplicity of suits.

Practical Checklist Before Filing

Before going to court, prepare the following:

Requirement	Notes
Borrower’s full name	Use the real legal name if known
Borrower’s address	Needed for summons
Statement of Claim/s	Use the official small claims form
Screenshots or printouts of messages	Arrange chronologically
Original phone/account	Bring to hearing if possible
Proof of money transfer	GCash, bank, remittance, deposit, cash acknowledgment
Demand letter or demand messages	Include proof of sending
Barangay Certificate to File Action	If required
Affidavit of lender	Explain facts based on personal knowledge
Witness affidavits	If someone saw delivery or negotiations
Computation of claim	Principal, payments, balance, interest if valid
Filing fees	Assessed by court
SPA for representative	Needed if someone appears for you
Apostilled documents	May be needed if signed abroad

Frequently Asked Questions

Can screenshots of text messages prove an utang in the Philippines?

Yes. Screenshots can help prove an utang if they clearly show that the borrower asked for money, received it as a loan, promised to repay, and failed to pay. They are stronger when supported by GCash, bank, or remittance receipts.

Are Messenger chats accepted in small claims court?

Messenger chats may be accepted as electronic evidence if properly authenticated. The person presenting them should be able to explain who sent them, how they were obtained, and why they accurately reflect the conversation.

Do I need a notarized promissory note to file small claims?

No. A notarized promissory note is helpful but not always required. A loan may be proven through other evidence, including text messages, payment receipts, admissions, and affidavits.

What if the borrower denies the phone number or Facebook account?

You need to connect the number or account to the borrower through surrounding evidence. This may include profile details, prior conversations, payment instructions, account names, partial payments, or the borrower’s own admissions.

Can I claim interest if the loan was only agreed by text?

You may claim interest only if the interest was expressly agreed in writing. A clear text message agreeing to a specific interest rate may help, but excessive or unconscionable interest may still be reduced or rejected by the court.

What is the maximum amount for small claims in the Philippines?

Under the current small claims rules, the claim must not exceed ₱1,000,000, exclusive of interest and costs.

Are lawyers allowed in small claims hearings?

Lawyers are generally not allowed to appear for or represent parties at the small claims hearing unless the lawyer is the plaintiff or defendant. The process is designed for direct participation by the parties.

How long does a small claims case take?

The rules are designed for speed. The hearing is generally set within 30 calendar days from filing, or up to 60 calendar days if a defendant resides or holds business outside the judicial region. After the hearing, the court should render a decision within 24 hours from termination of the hearing. Actual timing may still depend on service of summons, court workload, holidays, and completeness of documents.

What happens if the borrower does not attend the hearing?

If the defendant fails to file a Response and also fails to appear at the hearing, the court may render judgment based on the Statement of Claim and attachments. If the defendant appears despite not filing a Response, the court may ask for the defense and proceed with the hearing.

Can I file small claims if I am abroad?

Yes, but practical requirements must be handled carefully. You may need a representative with a Special Power of Attorney, and if the SPA is signed abroad, the court may require proper notarization and apostille or consular authentication depending on the country and document.

Key Takeaways

Text messages can prove a loan agreement in Philippine small claims court if they clearly show the loan, amount, receipt, repayment terms, and non-payment.
A loan of money is strongest when messages are supported by proof of delivery, such as GCash, bank, remittance, or deposit records.
Under Philippine law, electronic messages are not rejected simply because they are digital, but they must be properly authenticated.
A notarized promissory note is helpful but not always required.
Interest must be expressly agreed in writing under Article 1956 of the Civil Code.
Small claims cover money claims up to ₱1,000,000, exclusive of interest and costs.
Barangay conciliation may be required before filing if the parties are covered by the Katarungang Pambarangay rules.
Prepare complete screenshots, original devices, affidavits, receipts, demand proof, and a clear computation before filing.
Small claims decisions are final, executory, and unappealable, so the evidence should be complete from the start.