Authentication Services

• The Embassy performs its authentication function/services in the context of the 1963 Vienna Convention on Consular Relations. The Embassy, through the Consular officers of the Consular Section, may authenticate an act, deed/document etc. executed or sourced with the Philippine legal jurisdiction by way of certifying said act, as follows: a) executed before a local notary public officer authorized to execute such functions, b) testified to by a public seal, c) rendered public by the authority of a competent magistrate, d) certified as being a copy of a public register, d) authenticated by the Department of Foreign Affairs. When these acts, deeds or documents have been duly authenticated by the Embassy, the receiving embassies or consulates or any other foreign legal entities are, in effect assured that aforesaid documents are in order or have been legalized in accordance with proper procedure. Foreign Embassies, Consulates and foreign legal entities may or may not require the authentication of documents sourced from the Philippines for use within their respective jurisdictions. However, under rules of reciprocity in international relations, sovereign states normally require authentication of foreign documents to be used.
• The Embassy authentication attests to the genuineness of the signature appearing on the attached certification for the purpose of identifying a specific document and giving credence to the official acts of the notary public or certifying officer thereon for use, if and when required, as instrument of evidence in foreign countries. As such, the Embassy certification/authentication does not, per se, authenticate the validity/efficacy/enforceability of the basic document itself. However, the Consular Officer is impressed with duties calling for carefulness and faithfulness whereby he must inform himself of the facts to which he intends to certify and avoid participation in illegal enterprises.