Is electronic signature legal in the Philippines?
Yes. Under the Electronic Commerce Act of 2000 (Republic Act 8792), an electronic signature is equivalent to a handwritten one if the conditions in section 8 are met, including a method that identifies the signer and is reliable and appropriate for the transaction. Documents that must be notarized or follow special formalities, such as wills, still need those formalities. The Supreme Court starts rolling out electronic notarization through accredited facilities on 19 October 2026.
Last reviewed October 2026. General information, not legal advice.
E-signature law in the Philippines at a glance
- Status
- Legal
- Main laws
Electronic Commerce Act of 2000 (Republic Act No. 8792)
Rules on Electronic Evidence (A.M. No. 01-7-01-SC) (2001)
Rules on Electronic Notarization (A.M. No. 24-10-14-SC) (2025)
- Approach
- Open: any e-signature can be valid
Types of electronic signature in the Philippines
Electronic signature
Any distinctive mark, characteristic or sound in electronic form representing a person, or any method adopted to authenticate or approve an electronic document. It is equivalent to a handwritten signature if the conditions in section 8 of RA 8792 are met, including a method that identifies the signer, shows approval and is reliable for the purpose.
Digital signature
A cryptographic electronic signature. The Rules on Electronic Evidence treat it as a form of electronic signature that can be authenticated by evidence of the security procedure used.
What you can sign electronically in the Philippines
- Commercial and sales contracts
- Employment contracts
- Service agreements
- Lease agreements (notarization may still be needed for registration)
Documents that need a handwritten signature or extra formalities
- Wills and testamentary documents, which follow Civil Code formalities such as attesting witnesses
- Documents that must be notarized, unless notarized by an electronic notary public through an accredited electronic notarization facility (notarial wills, depositions and documents with wet-ink signatures stay under the 2004 Rules on Notarial Practice)
- Deeds of sale of real property, where the Registry of Deeds may still require wet-ink notarized originals
Contracts that must be “in writing”
RA 8792 provides that electronic documents have the legal effect of written documents and meet a legal requirement for writing if they remain accessible and their integrity is maintained. Notarial and registration rules still apply where a public document is needed.
E-signatures in the Philippines: frequently asked questions
Are e-signed contracts valid in the Philippines?
Yes. Section 8 of the Electronic Commerce Act gives electronic signatures the same effect as handwritten ones if the method is reliable.
Can e-signed documents be notarized in the Philippines?
Yes, in most cases. The Supreme Court's Rules on Electronic Notarization (A.M. No. 24-10-14-SC), promulgated in February 2025, allow an electronic notary public to notarize electronic documents through an accredited Electronic Notarization Facility, and the service starts rolling out on 19 October 2026. Notarial wills and depositions are not covered. Traditional notarization under the 2004 Rules on Notarial Practice remains available.
Can real estate deeds be signed electronically?
Electronic notarization is allowed in principle, but the Registry of Deeds may still require wet-ink originals, so check before signing.
Sources
This page is general information about e-signature law in the Philippines, not legal advice. It was last reviewed in October 2026, and laws change. Check the official sources above or ask a lawyer in the Philippines before you rely on an electronic signature for an important document. See also whether electronic signatures are legal.
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