Electronic Signature Law and Legality in the Philippines

Electronic signatures are legally accepted in the Philippines under the Electronic Commerce Act of 2000 (Republic Act No. 8792). This law provides the framework for using digital signatures in both business and legal transactions, giving them the same enforceability as handwritten signatures in most cases.

The law was further supported by Administrative Matter No. 01-7-01-SC, issued by the Supreme Court of the Philippines, which clarified how electronic documents and signatures are admissible in legal proceedings.

Are eSignatures Legal in the Philippines?

Yes. Under Philippine law, an electronic signature is considered valid and legally binding if the method used:

• Identifies the signatory
  
  
• Indicates their intent to sign
  
  
• Is appropriately secured against tampering
  
  
• Is reliably associated with the signed document
  

Electronic signatures are widely used for business contracts, HR documentation, and government transactions.

Legal Framework Supporting eSignatures

Republic Act No. 8792 (E-Commerce Act)

Passed in 2000, this law grants legal recognition to electronic data messages, documents, and signatures. It establishes that no document shall be denied legal effect solely because it is in electronic form.

Supreme Court Rules on Electronic Evidence

The Supreme Court’s rules provide that an electronic signature is admissible as evidence, as long as it is authenticated in accordance with the law.

These rules apply to civil, criminal, and administrative proceedings and help establish digital trust in both private and public sectors.

When Is a Digital Signature Required?

In most day-to-day transactions, a basic electronic signature (e.g., typed or drawn name) is sufficient. However, for high-risk documents, such as notarized contracts or government forms, a digital signature secured with a certificate from a Certifying Authority (CA)—recognized by the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) or Philippine National Public Key Infrastructure (PNPKI)—may be required.

Use Cases Where eSignatures Are Accepted

Electronic signatures are commonly used in the Philippines for:

• Employment contracts and onboarding documents
  
  
• Non-disclosure agreements (NDAs)
  
  
• Purchase orders and sales agreements
  
  
• Government forms and submissions (with proper authentication)
  
  
• Procurement and vendor agreements
  
  
• Loan agreements and insurance forms
  
  
• Software licenses and service-level agreements (SLAs)
  

When Are Wet Signatures Still Required?

Despite broad recognition, the following documents typically require wet-ink signatures or notarization:

• Real estate deeds and land titles
  
  
• Affidavits and sworn statements
  
  
• Wills and testaments
  
  
• Documents requiring notarization under Philippine law
  
  
• Public instrument agreements (unless allowed by special law or regulation)
  

Disclaimer

This content is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. The laws referenced may change or require interpretation depending on the type of transaction. For guidance specific to your circumstances, please consult with a licensed attorney. Blueink disclaims all liability for actions taken or not taken based on this content to the fullest extent permitted by law.

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