Remote Electronic Notarization (REN) is a form of e-notarization where the principal (signer) and any witnesses appear before an Electronic Notary Public (ENP) via audiovisual link (videoconferencing), rather than being physically present. The document is in electronic format (PDF/PDF-A) and the entire process is conducted through an accredited Electronic Notarization Facility (ENF).
In-Person Electronic Notarization (IEN) is a form of e-notarization where the principal (signer) and any witnesses physically appear before an Electronic Notary Public (ENP), but the document being notarized is in electronic format (PDF/PDF-A) rather than paper.
An Electronic Notarization Facility (ENF) is a technology platform accredited by the Supreme Court of the Philippines – through the Electronic Notary Administrator (ENA) – to facilitate electronic notarial acts. Under A.M. No. 24-10-14-SC, all electronic notarization must be performed through an accredited ENF.
An Electronic Notary Public (ENP) is a lawyer in good standing who has been commissioned by the Electronic Notary Administrator (ENA) to perform electronic notarial acts under A.M. No. 24-10-14-SC – the Supreme Court Rules on Electronic Notarization.
Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) is a framework of technologies, policies, and procedures that enables secure electronic communication and digital signatures. It uses asymmetric cryptography – a pair of mathematically related keys (one public, one private) – to authenticate identities, encrypt data, and ensure document integrity.
A digital signature is a specific type of electronic signature that uses Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) and cryptographic algorithms to verify the signer’s identity and ensure that a document has not been tampered with after signing. It provides the highest level of security, authentication, and non-repudiation among signature types.
An electronic signature (e-signature) is any electronic sound, symbol, or process attached to or logically associated with a document, executed or adopted by a person with the intent to sign. Under Philippine law, specifically RA 8792 (the Electronic Commerce Act), electronic signatures have the same legal effect as handwritten signatures.
Republic Act No. 11232, known as the Revised Corporation Code of the Philippines, is the law governing the creation, organization, and regulation of private corporations in the Philippines. Signed into law on February 20, 2019, it replaced the Corporation Code of 1980 (Batas Pambansa Blg. 68) and introduced significant modernizations to corporate governance.
Republic Act No. 8792, known as the Electronic Commerce Act of 2000, is the foundational Philippine law that gives legal recognition to electronic documents, electronic signatures, and electronic transactions. Signed into law on June 14, 2000, it established the legal infrastructure that makes digital document workflows possible in the Philippines.
A.M. No. 24-10-14-SC is the administrative matter issued by the Supreme Court of the Philippines that established the Rules on Electronic Notarization. Approved in October 2024 and effective March 4, 2025, it is the foundational regulation that makes e-notarization legal and enforceable in the Philippines.
E-notarization (electronic notarization) is the process of notarizing documents electronically rather than on paper, using a digital platform accredited by the Supreme Court of the Philippines. It was formally authorized by A.M. No. 24-10-14-SC, which took effect on March 4, 2025.
As operations teams strive to improve efficiency, digital tools have become crucial for streamlining workflows. One of the most impactful tools in this evolution is the digital signature, offering a faster, more secure way to handle approvals and contracts. This article explores the basics of digital signatures, why they matter for operations, and how they can streamline your team’s processes.
