Everything you need to know about how much you can sue for in small claims, what’s counted toward the cap (and what isn’t), and how the limit fits into the rest of the procedure in first-level courts.

The headline: the cap is ₱1,000,000

Under the Rules on Expedited Procedures in the First Level Courts (A.M. No. 08-8-7-SC), a “small claim” is a purely civil action solely for the payment or reimbursement of a sum of money where the claim does not exceed ₱1,000,000. The cap is exclusive of interest and costs (i.e., you measure only the principal “sum of money” to see if you are within the limit).

The increase to ₱1,000,000 was part of the Court’s 2022 overhaul of first-level court procedures, aligning with Congress’ expansion of first-level civil jurisdiction to ₱2,000,000 under R.A. 11576. (Supreme Court of the Philippines)

What counts as a “small claim” (and what does not)

Covered (examples)

Money owed under a lease, loan or other credit accommodation, services, or sale of personal property.
Enforcement of barangay amicable settlements/arbitration awards where the money claim does not exceed ₱1,000,000.

Not covered

Claims asking for anything other than money (e.g., to compel delivery of a thing, rescission, damages plus injunction).
Recovery of personal property (unless the parties make it part of a compromise).

How to compute the ₱1,000,000 limit

Measure only the principal sum you want the court to award.
Exclude: contractual/statutory interest, penalties, attorney’s fees, litigation expenses, and costs when checking if you fall within ₱1,000,000. (Those can still be claimed or awarded, but they don’t push you over the threshold for jurisdictional purposes.)

Illustration: If the principal debt is ₱980,000 and accrued interest is ₱120,000, you may file as small claims because ₱980,000 ≤ ₱1,000,000.

Common edge cases about the cap

Splitting a single claim into multiple suits to stay under ₱1,000,000 is not allowed; courts look at the true, single cause of action. (If it’s one debt, it belongs in one case.)
Multiple defendants jointly liable for one obligation: still one claim measured against ₱1,000,000.
Several distinct contracts (e.g., three unpaid service jobs with separate invoices): you may sue each in separate small claims if each principal amount is ≤ ₱1,000,000; you can also join them if the aggregate still does not exceed ₱1,000,000.

Where small claims fit in the first-level courts

Small claims cap: ≤ ₱1,000,000 (exclusive of interest/costs).
Summary procedure (civil damages): > ₱1,000,000 up to ₱2,000,000.
The ₱2,000,000 ceiling is the general civil jurisdiction of first-level courts as expanded by R.A. 11576; small claims were calibrated to half of that. (Supreme Court of the Philippines)

Finality of judgments (important!)

Decisions in small claims cases are final, executory, and unappealable—one hearing day, judgment within 24 hours after it ends. This is why the ₱1,000,000 cap matters: once you choose small claims and win/lose, there is no ordinary appeal. (Supreme Court of the Philippines)

Quick procedural notes that interact with the cap

Parties & representation. Small claims are designed for self-representation; lawyers generally cannot appear as counsel (they may help you prepare). Juridical persons may appear through an authorized representative. (See small-claims forms and guidance appended to A.M. No. 08-8-7-SC.) (Supreme Court of the Philippines)
Barangay conciliation. If the parties are natural persons living in the same city/municipality, a Certificate to File Action from the barangay is usually a condition precedent, even if the amount is within ₱1,000,000. (If an exception applies—e.g., a juridical party—file directly.)
Prohibited pleadings. Motions to dismiss, new trial, or extensive discovery are barred; the judge actively elicits facts to reach a quick decision. (Supreme Court of the Philippines)
Enforcement. Because the judgment is immediately final, you proceed directly to execution (garnishment, levy) if the debtor does not pay. (Supreme Court of the Philippines)

FAQs about the amount limit

Is the ₱1,000,000 cap different inside and outside Metro Manila? No. The rule no longer distinguishes by location; the cap is uniform nationwide. (Supreme Court of the Philippines)

Can I add interest and penalties on top of ₱1,000,000? Yes, you can claim them, but they don’t count toward the jurisdictional cap. The principal must be ≤ ₱1,000,000.

What if my principal claim is ₱1,100,000? That exceeds the small-claims cap. You may file under the summary procedure (still first-level court) if within ₱2,000,000, or in the RTC if above ₱2,000,000. (Supreme Court of the Philippines)

One-page checklist

Principal amount ≤ ₱1,000,000 (ignore interest/costs for the threshold).
Pure sum-of-money claim (lease/loan/services/sale of personal property).
Barangay certificate (if required) secured.
Use small-claims forms; expect one hearing; decision final. (Supreme Court of the Philippines)

Bottom line (2025)

For 2025, the maximum principal claim you can file under Philippine small claims is ₱1,000,000, exclusive of interest and costs—nationwide, with fast, final outcomes designed to keep routine money disputes simple and affordable.