Electronic Notarization Goes Nationwide on October 19 —…

Electronic Notarization Goes Nationwide on October 19 — Also Recognized for Land and Corporate Documents

📌 Starting Monday, October 19, the Philippine Supreme Court will launch its electronic notarization (e-notarization) service nationwide. Earlier, on Tuesday, October 13, the Supreme Court signed two joint circulars with the Land Registration Authority (LRA) and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), allowing e-notarized documents to be used for land and corporate transactions.

■ What Changes
· The Land Registration Authority and Registers of Deeds nationwide will accept and process e-notarized documents such as deeds of sale and real estate mortgages. The LRA said the move is expected to speed up land transactions and improve identity verification.
· The Securities and Exchange Commission will accept and process e-notarized copies of registration, filing, and compliance documents through its own systems.
· The service is available through Supreme Court-accredited e-notarization providers: NotarizeIT (UNAWA), TWALA (Ohelio Inc.), and QLegal (Quanby Solutions Inc.).
· Documents notarized under the existing 2004 Rules on Notarial Practice remain valid.

■ What's Next
· The Supreme Court is consulting with the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) to make the service available to Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), but no agreement has been reported yet.
· The Supreme Court says the system is meant to make legal processes easier for people who find it difficult to get notarization due to distance or travel, while keeping safeguards against fraud.

■ Tips for Residents and Travelers
· Fees and required documents were not reported, so please check directly with an accredited provider before using the service.
· Before using any e-notarization service, confirm that the provider is Supreme Court-accredited to avoid falling victim to fake notarization.

■ Sources
The Manila Times (10/16), Daily Tribune (10/15)

■ Photos
· 1. Stock photo · Exterior of the Philippine Supreme Court building — Daily Tribune
· 2. Stock photo · Courtroom interior of the Philippine Supreme Court — The Manila Times