Q&A at ‘CIA with BA’: When debt collection is tougher than a breakup
Financial issues can become complicated, particularly when they involve someone from your past.
In a recent episode of CIA with BA, a viewer from Plaridel, Bulacan asked for advice on whether she could take legal action against her ex who owed her money but was refusing to pay.
“Pwede ko po bang kasuhan ang ex ko na may utang sa akin pero ayaw magbayad? Anong kaso po ang maaari kong isampa laban sa kanya?” asked Kath.
“Well, magdedepende sa amount nung utang, e. Naturally, pwede mo namang kasuhan, syempre may utang siya, kailangan bayaran,” Atty. Matt Cesa answered.
He explained that if the amount is less than Php 1 million, the process could be faster through small claims court.
“Ito ‘yung dinidiscuss natin lagi, ‘yung small claims. Hindi naman siya administrative pero mas madali kasi sa small claims, ikaw na mismo ‘yung magfi-full up. May form ‘yon usually sa hall of justice ta’s wala nang lawyer ‘yon, kayo na lang dalawa—kung sino ‘yung may utang at [nagpautang],” he said.
For amounts above Php 1 million, the case must be filed in regular courts, which could take longer.
“’Pag above Php 1 million, sa regular courts ka na. Medyo matatagalan ka na rin,” the legal expert added.
“Ang leksyon, kapag pera ang pinag-uusapan, dapat napaka-maingat natin,” host Boy Abunda reflected, stressing the importance of caution when lending money.
In the end, the discussion served as a reminder that while the law provides avenues to recover what is owed, prevention remains the best protection. Knowing your rights—and putting them in writing—can save you from the stress and heartache of unpaid debts, whether they involve strangers or people once close to your heart.
Tito Boy, alongside Senator Alan Cayetano, leads ‘CIA with BA,’ which continues the legacy of the late Sen. Rene “Compañero” Cayetano. The program airs every Sunday at 11:00 p.m. on GMA7, with replays every Saturday at 10:30 p.m. on GTV.
