eSignature law in Philippines

Electronic signatures are legally binding in the Philippines under the Electronic Commerce Act 2000 (RA 8792), which gives electronic documents and signatures legal recognition and admissibility.

Drop your document here and sign it now. PDF, Word and Excel all work: a .docx or .xlsx is laid out in your browser exactly as it was written, so there is nothing to convert first. Add a signature, a date, a company stamp or a watermark, then download it sealed. Free to start, no account, and the file is never uploaded to open it.

Governing law: Electronic Commerce Act of 2000 (Republic Act No. 8792) (2000)

The Philippines' Electronic Commerce Act (RA 8792) provides that electronic documents and electronic signatures have legal recognition and are not denied validity or enforceability solely because they are electronic. A signature requirement is satisfied where a method is used to identify the party and indicate their access to and approval of the electronic document, and where that method is reliable and appropriate for the purpose. The Act, together with the Rules on Electronic Evidence issued by the Supreme Court, makes electronic documents and signatures admissible in court, with authenticity established by evidence of the method used. RA 8792 applies broadly to commercial and non-commercial transactions and underpinned the country's shift to electronic government and business processes.

What makes an eSignature valid in Philippines

Where eSignatures are not valid

FAQ

Are electronic signatures legal in the Philippines?

Yes. Under the Electronic Commerce Act 2000 (RA 8792), electronic documents and signatures are legally recognised and admissible in court, with the same effect as their paper equivalents.

Are electronic documents admissible as evidence in the Philippines?

Yes. RA 8792 and the Supreme Court's Rules on Electronic Evidence provide for the admissibility of electronic documents and signatures, with authenticity shown by evidence of the method used.

Can I sign an employment or business contract electronically in the Philippines?

Yes. Employment and commercial contracts are valid with electronic signatures under RA 8792, subject to exclusions such as wills and documents requiring notarisation.

What PDF Verified is, and what it is not

Electronic signature law is settled in broad terms and specific in the details. The ESIGN Act, UETA, eIDAS and their equivalents recognise electronic signatures across more than 190 countries, and what decides a particular case is intent to sign plus evidence connecting the signature to the signer, which is what the audit certificate records. Certain document types carry their own formalities wherever you are: deeds, wills, some property instruments, and anything requiring a witness or a notary. Sign only what you are authorised to sign, since applying another person signature without their authority is forgery whatever tool is used.

PDF Verified is a tool for preparing, signing, stamping and checking documents. It is not a law firm, a compliance service or a forensic examiner, and nothing here is legal, financial or compliance advice. Requirements differ by country, by document type and by the party asking, so check what applies to your document before you rely on it, and take advice where the document matters. You are responsible for the documents you create, sign and send, and for having the authority to do so: signing or stamping in somebody else name, or as an organisation you do not represent, is forgery whatever tool is used. To the extent the law allows, we accept no liability for how a document made with this tool is used or relied on. The full position is in our terms of service.