Rules on Expedited Procedure in the First Level Courts

The Rules on Expedited Procedures in the First Level Courts (A.M. No. 08-8-7-SC), effective April 11, 2022, unify and modernize the summary procedure and small claims rules for Metropolitan, Municipal, and Municipal Circuit Trial Courts in the Philippines, aiming to ensure the speedy, inexpensive, and simplified resolution of civil and criminal cases within their jurisdiction. Prompted by legislative changes expanding jurisdictional amounts (up to ₱2,000,000 for summary civil cases and ₱1,000,000 for small claims), the Rules harmonize and update procedures, incorporating technological innovations such as electronic service and videoconferencing, and best practices to enhance access to justice, especially for the underprivileged. The Rules strictly limit pleadings, motions, and postponements to prevent delays, require verified statements and affidavits, and emphasize amicable settlement and mediation. For small claims, lawyers are not allowed to appear (except as parties), forms are provided in English, Filipino, and Visayan, and decisions are rendered within 24 hours after hearing, with no appeal allowed. The Rules also clarify the scope of covered cases, including certain criminal offenses (e.g., traffic violations, B.P. 22, and minor penalties), and provide for efficient service of summons, including substituted and electronic means. The reforms aim to declog court dockets, reduce litigation costs, and make justice more accessible, with clear timelines, standardized forms, and user-friendly procedures, while ensuring that pending cases prior to effectivity remain governed by the rules in force at the time of their filing.