Introduction

Small claims courts in the Philippines provide an accessible, expeditious, and inexpensive mechanism for resolving minor civil disputes without the need for legal representation. Established under the Rules of Procedure for Small Claims Cases, as amended, these courts aim to simplify the judicial process for claims involving money or property up to a certain threshold. The filing fees associated with these cases are designed to be minimal to encourage the use of this system, particularly for low-value disputes. This article comprehensively explores the structure, computation, exemptions, and related aspects of filing fees for small claims cases in the Philippine judicial system, drawing from the relevant rules and administrative issuances.

Overview of Small Claims Courts

Small claims cases in the Philippines are governed by A.M. No. 08-8-7-SC, the "Rules of Procedure for Small Claims Cases," as amended by A.M. No. 20-10-19-SC effective February 1, 2021. These rules apply to actions for payment of money where the value of the claim does not exceed PHP 1,000,000, exclusive of interest and costs. This threshold was increased from previous limits (e.g., PHP 400,000 in Metropolitan Trial Courts) to make the process more inclusive.

The courts with jurisdiction over small claims include:

Metropolitan Trial Courts (MeTCs) in Metro Manila,
Municipal Trial Courts in Cities (MTCCs),
Municipal Trial Courts (MTCs), and
Municipal Circuit Trial Courts (MCTCs) outside Metro Manila.

No attorneys are allowed to appear unless they are parties to the case, and the process emphasizes mediation and quick resolution, often within a single hearing.

Purpose and Rationale of Filing Fees

Filing fees serve as a nominal barrier to frivolous suits while funding court operations. In small claims, fees are kept low to align with the goal of accessibility. The Supreme Court, through the Office of the Court Administrator (OCA), periodically reviews and adjusts these fees via circulars. The fees are computed based on the principal amount claimed, excluding interests, damages, attorney's fees, and litigation expenses, which are not recoverable in small claims except for actual damages.

Schedule of Filing Fees

The filing fees for small claims cases are outlined in the Amended Administrative Circular No. 35-2004, as further modified by subsequent issuances like OCA Circular No. 07-2022. The fees are tiered based on the amount of the claim and the type of court. Below is a detailed breakdown:

For Claims Not Exceeding PHP 1,000,000

Claims up to PHP 20,000: No filing fee is required. This exemption promotes access for the smallest disputes, such as unpaid loans or minor consumer issues.
Claims from PHP 20,001 to PHP 100,000:
- Filing fee: PHP 500 + 1% of the claim amount exceeding PHP 20,000.
- Example: For a PHP 50,000 claim, fee = PHP 500 + 1% of (50,000 - 20,000) = PHP 500 + PHP 300 = PHP 800.
Claims from PHP 100,001 to PHP 200,000:
- Filing fee: PHP 1,500 + 1% of the claim amount exceeding PHP 100,000.
- Example: For a PHP 150,000 claim, fee = PHP 1,500 + 1% of (150,000 - 100,000) = PHP 1,500 + PHP 500 = PHP 2,000.
Claims from PHP 200,001 to PHP 300,000:
- Filing fee: PHP 2,500 + 1% of the claim amount exceeding PHP 200,000.
- Example: For a PHP 250,000 claim, fee = PHP 2,500 + 1% of (50,000) = PHP 2,500 + PHP 500 = PHP 3,000.
Claims from PHP 300,001 to PHP 400,000:
- Filing fee: PHP 3,500 + 1% of the claim amount exceeding PHP 300,000.
- Example: For a PHP 350,000 claim, fee = PHP 3,500 + 1% of (50,000) = PHP 3,500 + PHP 500 = PHP 4,000.
Claims from PHP 400,001 to PHP 500,000:
- Filing fee: PHP 4,500 + 1% of the claim amount exceeding PHP 400,000.
- Example: For a PHP 450,000 claim, fee = PHP 4,500 + 1% of (50,000) = PHP 4,500 + PHP 500 = PHP 5,000.
Claims from PHP 500,001 to PHP 750,000:
- Filing fee: PHP 5,500 + 1% of the claim amount exceeding PHP 500,000.
- Example: For a PHP 600,000 claim, fee = PHP 5,500 + 1% of (100,000) = PHP 5,500 + PHP 1,000 = PHP 6,500.
Claims from PHP 750,001 to PHP 1,000,000:
- Filing fee: PHP 8,000 + 1% of the claim amount exceeding PHP 750,000.
- Example: For a PHP 900,000 claim, fee = PHP 8,000 + 1% of (150,000) = PHP 8,000 + PHP 1,500 = PHP 9,500.

These fees are uniform across all small claims courts, but additional charges may apply for service of summons (e.g., PHP 100-200 depending on location) or other incidental costs like photocopying.

Claim Amount Range (PHP)	Base Fee (PHP)	Additional Percentage
0 - 20,000	0	N/A
20,001 - 100,000	500	1% of excess over 20,000
100,001 - 200,000	1,500	1% of excess over 100,000
200,001 - 300,000	2,500	1% of excess over 200,000
300,001 - 400,000	3,500	1% of excess over 300,000
400,001 - 500,000	4,500	1% of excess over 400,000
500,001 - 750,000	5,500	1% of excess over 500,000
750,001 - 1,000,000	8,000	1% of excess over 750,000

Exemptions and Reductions

Certain parties are exempt from or entitled to reduced filing fees:

Indigent Litigants: Under Republic Act No. 6031 and the Rules of Court, paupers (those with insufficient income or property) may file without fees upon submission of a certificate of indigency from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) or a local social welfare officer.
Government Agencies: National government agencies, local government units, and government-owned corporations are generally exempt when acting in their official capacity.
Barangay Conciliation Cases: If a case originates from barangay (village) mediation and escalates to small claims, no additional fees are charged beyond what was paid at the barangay level (usually none).
Senior Citizens and Persons with Disabilities: While not automatically exempt, they may qualify for indigency exemptions or benefit from priority handling without extra costs.

Failure to pay the correct fee may result in dismissal, but courts often allow correction within a reasonable period.

Payment Procedures

Filing fees must be paid upon submission of the Statement of Claim (Form 1-SCC) at the Office of the Clerk of Court. Payment is typically in cash, but some courts accept manager's checks or postal money orders. Electronic payment options, such as through GCash or bank transfers, are increasingly available in modernized courts under the Supreme Court's eCourt system.

The clerk assesses the fee based on the claimed amount. If the claim is amended upward later, additional fees must be paid. Refunds are rare but possible if the case is dismissed early without fault of the plaintiff.

Additional Costs and Considerations

Beyond filing fees:

Sheriff's Fees: For enforcement of judgments, fees range from PHP 500 to PHP 1,000 plus execution costs.
Mediation Fees: None, as mediation is court-mandated and free.
Appeal Fees: Small claims decisions are final and unappealable, except via certiorari for grave abuse of discretion, which incurs regular court fees.
Inflation Adjustments: The Supreme Court may adjust fees periodically; claimants should verify with the latest OCA circulars.

Common Issues and Remedies

Overpayment/Underpayment: Courts rectify this upon notice; underpayment may delay processing.
Multiple Claims: If consolidated, fees are based on the total amount.
Counterclaims: Defendants file counterclaims without additional fees if within the small claims limit.
Non-Monetary Claims: Purely non-monetary disputes (e.g., ejectment under certain thresholds) may fall under separate rules with different fees.

Conclusion

The filing fee structure for small claims in the Philippines balances affordability with administrative needs, ensuring that justice remains within reach for ordinary Filipinos. By keeping fees proportional and minimal, the system encourages resolution of everyday disputes like unpaid debts, property damage, or consumer complaints without the burden of high costs. Claimants are advised to consult the local court or the Supreme Court's website for the most current rates, as administrative changes can occur. This framework underscores the judiciary's commitment to efficient, equitable access to justice.