How to fill in this demand letter
- 1Date
e.g. November 12, 2026 - 2Debtor's full name
e.g. MR. RAMON D. VILLANUEVA - 3Debtor's address
e.g. 45 Narra St., Brgy. Bagong Pag-asa, Quezon City - 4Reference line
e.g. FINAL DEMAND - 5Greeting
e.g. Dear Mr. Villanueva: - 6What is owed
e.g. your unpaid account for the construction materials delivered under Sales Invoice nos. 1018 and 1022
When to send a final demand
Send a final demand after a first demand went unanswered. It shows the court or the barangay that the debtor had every chance to pay. Give a short deadline and then do what the letter says.
What a demand letter should say
Keep it short, factual and polite. A judge may read it later, so write it as if one will.
- The exact amount, in words and in figures, and where it comes from (a loan, rent, an unpaid invoice).
- The dates: when it was borrowed or became due, and your earlier reminders.
- A clear deadline counted from receipt — five, seven, ten or fifteen days.
- How to pay, and what you will do if they do not.
What NOT to put in it
Never threaten to shame the debtor online, to tell their employer or family, or to harm them. Threats and public shaming can be crimes under the Revised Penal Code and the Cybercrime law, and they weaken your case. Collect through the barangay and the courts.
Questions people ask
How do I prove they received the demand?
Hand it over and have the debtor sign and date the "Received by" line on your copy, or send it by registered mail or courier with a return card. Keep the receipt and the return card — a court or the barangay will ask for proof of receipt.
Do I need a lawyer to send a demand letter?
No. Anyone owed money may write their own demand. A letter on a lawyer's letterhead can carry more weight, and for large amounts or complicated cases a lawyer's advice is worth it. This paper is a format, not legal advice.
What is small claims?
A fast, simple court case for money claims up to ₱1,000,000 (excluding interest and costs) under the Rules on Small Claims. No lawyers are allowed to appear for the parties; you fill in forms and attach your proof, including this demand and the proof it was received.
Do we have to go to the barangay first?
Usually yes, when you and the debtor live in the same city or municipality. The Katarungang Pambarangay law requires a barangay conciliation first, and the court will ask for the barangay's certificate to file action. Ask your barangay hall.
This page explains common practice and is not legal advice. Offices set their own rules — when in doubt, call ahead or ask your notary or lawyer.