Effective May 14, 2019, the DFA will be replacing the “red ribbon” process of authenticating a document with “apostille”. What is an apostille and when do you need it? Below is an excerpt from the DFA website:
“An Apostille is a certificate that authenticates the origin of a public document. It is issued by a country that is party to the Apostille Convention to be used in another country which is also a party to the Convention.
On 14 May 2019, the Philippines will officially become a party to the Apostille Convention. Authentication is still required for all Philippine documents to be used abroad, but this time with an Apostille instead of an Authentication Certificate (“red ribbon”) as proof of authentication.
After authentication (Apostillization) by the Department of Foreign Affairs – Office of Consular Affairs (DFA-OCA), as Competent Authority, there is no more need for authentication (legalization) by the Foreign Embassies or Consulates except for countries that have not acceded to the Convention and countries that objected to the Philippine accession.”
Here are some of the many questions that are expected to come out of the implementation of this new process which the DFA has already prepared an answer for. All succeeding graphics are from the DFA.
For more questions or inquiries, contact the DFA hotline at 556-0000, 651-9400 and 234-3488.
Hello, I would like to ask for assistance if its ok. My sister is in japan as OFW, she wants to buy house and lot in Philippines thru bank loan specifically BDO. I will be her Atty in fact. BDO has an SPA document of their own and has to be apostillaized. Can you tell me what is the process step by step please? What should I do or what should my sister do? Looking forward to your response. Thank you.