Manila: The Philippine Supreme Court has implemented a new set of rules under A.M. No. 24-10-14-SC to govern electronic notarization. This initiative establishes a comprehensive framework for accredited electronic notarization providers, including AV-recorded remote notarization, tamper-evident storage of recordings, and the electronic transmittal of duplicate originals to clerks of court. The new standards are crucial for Philippine startups and service providers to ensure that their documents are accepted in U.S. closings.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the recognized modes of notarization include accredited in-person Electronic Notarization Facilities (ENFs) and remote Electronic Notarization Providers (ENPs) that utilize secure audio-visual communication technology. Additionally, hybrid workflows are acknowledged in the new rules. The technical requirements include multi-factor authentication, the preservation of AV recordings, tamper-obvious electronic signatures, and electronic duplicate originals.

Process changes necessitate that notaries maintain digital registers and submit electronic duplicate originals to clerks of court. Moreover, platforms and vendors are required to comply with new retention and audit-log requirements to align with the updated standards. These changes aim to enhance the reliability and acceptance of electronically notarized documents in international transactions.