Procedures
2019 Rules amendments front-loading evidence and requiring judicial affidavits
The Rules of Court, substantially amended in 2019, require parties to attach documentary evidence and witness judicial affidavits to their pleadings, and impose stricter timelines to reduce delay.
Key rules
- Jurisdiction — First-level courts hear claims up to two million pesos after the 2021 jurisdictional increase; Regional Trial Courts hear larger claims, with appeals to the Court of Appeals and the Supreme Court.
Governing law
- Rules of Courtas amended by A.M. No. 19-10-20-SC
- Republic Act 9285Alternative Dispute Resolution Act, 2004
- Civil Code (arts. 1139-1155 (prescription))
In practice
Barangay conciliation is a mandatory precondition for many disputes between residents of the same city or municipality, and skipping it is a ground for dismissal. Prescription is generally ten years for written contracts, six for oral, four for tort and thirty for real actions over immovables. The 2019 amendments limited motions, banned most motions for reconsideration of interlocutory orders, and required courts to resolve cases within set periods. Small claims procedure now covers claims up to one million pesos with no lawyers appearing. Foreign judgments are enforceable by action under Rule 39 section 48, and foreign arbitral awards are enforced under the New York Convention through the Special ADR Rules.