Civil Litigation

Civil Law Practice

Protecting Your Rights in Civil Disputes Across the Philippines

From simple collection cases to complex civil litigation, we represent individuals and businesses in all types of civil disputes under Philippine law. We handle cases from demand letters through Supreme Court appeals.

Civil Law Services We Offer

Comprehensive civil litigation services under the Philippine Civil Code and Rules of Court

Collection of Sum of Money

Recovery of debts, loans, and unpaid obligations through demand letters and court actions

Breach of Contract

Enforcement of contracts, damages for non-performance, and specific performance actions

Damages & Torts

Personal injury claims, property damage, libel/slander, and quasi-delict cases

Property Disputes

Boundary disputes, land ownership, easement rights, and partition of property

Civil Aspect of Criminal Cases

Recovery of damages arising from criminal acts (estafa, BP 22 checks, etc.)

Injunction & Restraining Orders

Temporary and permanent injunctions to prevent irreparable harm

The Civil Litigation Process

Understanding the Philippine court system: From demand letter to Supreme Court

1

Demand Letter

5-15 days

Formal written demand for compliance or payment. This is required before filing most civil cases under Philippine law.

2

Filing of Complaint

1-2 weeks

If demand is ignored, we file a verified complaint with the appropriate court (MTC/RTC depending on amount in controversy).

3

Summons & Answer

1-3 months

Court issues summons to defendant who must file an Answer within 15-30 days. Pre-trial conference follows.

4

Trial & Decision

6 months - 3 years

Presentation of evidence, witness testimony, and arguments. Court decision can be appealed to Court of Appeals and Supreme Court.

Types of Civil Cases We Handle

Experienced in all aspects of Philippine civil litigation

Collection Cases (Small Claims up to ₱400,000)
Contract Disputes (Sales, Lease, Services, Partnership)
Quasi-Delict (Negligence, Reckless Imprudence, Vicarious Liability)
Damages (Moral, Actual, Exemplary, Nominal, Temperate)
Specific Performance (Enforcement of Obligations)
Rescission of Contracts (Mutual Restitution)
Quieting of Title (Remove Clouds on Title)
Accion Publiciana (Recovery of Right to Possess)
Forcible Entry/Unlawful Detainer (Ejectment Cases)
BP 22 Cases (Bouncing Checks - Civil Aspect)
Estafa Cases (Civil Aspect for Restitution)
Interpleader (Competing Claims to Property)
Small Claims Court Procedure

For cases up to ₱400,000, the Philippines has a simplified Small Claims procedure designed for faster resolution without the need for lawyers (though we can help prepare).

Cases up to ₱400,000 (as of 2024)
No need for lawyers (but we can assist in preparation)
Simplified procedure, no formal court rules
Faster resolution (usually 1 hearing)
No appeals allowed (except certiorari for grave abuse)
Available at Metropolitan/Municipal Trial Courts

Note: Even though lawyers are not required in Small Claims cases, proper preparation is crucial. We can assist in preparing your Statement of Claim and evidence.

Important Philippine Civil Law Principles

What you need to know before filing a civil case

Jurisdiction

MTC: ₱0-₱400,000 | RTC: Above ₱400,000 (Metro Manila) or ₱300,000 (provinces). Always check jurisdictional amounts.

Prescription Periods

Written contracts: 10 years | Oral contracts: 6 years | Quasi-delict: 4 years | Injury to rights: 4 years. File within the period!

Preponderance of Evidence

Civil cases require only preponderance (more likely than not), not proof beyond reasonable doubt like criminal cases.

Attorney's Fees

Generally, each party pays their own attorney's fees unless contract/law provides otherwise or bad faith is proven.

Ready to Pursue Your Civil Case?

Let us evaluate your case and guide you through the legal process. Schedule a consultation today for ₱2,500 (waived if you retain our services).

Excellence is our standard. From demand letters to Supreme Court appeals.