A ^euc'.tE
NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) 
First Regular Session 
)
SENATE
S.B. No. 1303
of rill' Sv'n rtnvp
*22 SEP 12 PI :25
RIXEIVLDBV:
Introduced by SENATOR IMEE R. MARCOS
AN ACT
ALLOWING REMOTE NOTARIZATION AND AMENDING REPUBLIC ACT NO. 
8792 OR OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE "ELECTRONIC COMMERCE ACT OF
2000/' AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
EXPLANATORY NOTE
Section 10, Article XIV of the 1987 Constitution provides that, "Science and 
technology are essential for national development and progress." Further, Article II, 
Section 4 of the 1987 Constitution states that, 'The prime duty of the Government is 
to serve and protect the people." Moreover, the same Article promotes economic 
growth and efficient public service to improve the quality of life for ail.
In line with the above. Republic Act No. 8792 or "The Electronic Commerce Act 
of 2000" aims to facilitate domestic and international transactions through the 
utilization of electronic mediums and technology to recognize the authenticity and 
reliability of electronic documents. Under the Act, electronic documents and electronic 
signatures are considered the legal equivalent to paper-based document counterparts. 
Nevertheless, despite the legal recognition of electronic documents and signatures 
under the Act, Philippine laws and numerous government services, require that 
documents be executed in a public document, i.e., that an ink-signed document be 
executed in the presence of a notary.
To implement the Act, on July 17, 2001, the Supreme Court promulgated its 
Rule on Electronic Evidence which provides that a document electronically notarized in 
accordance with the rules promulgated by the Supreme Court shall be considered as a 
public document. To date however, the Supreme Court has yet to promulgate any rules 
for the electronic notarization of documents.
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To further exacerbate matters, the COVID-19 pandemic has necessitated that 
most domestic and international business transactions be conducted remotely, to 
prevent the continued spread of the virus. Consequently, the COVID-19 pandemic 
threatens not only the health of our countrymen, but also the country's economy and 
the government's ability to provide basic public services such as notarization. In 
response to the pandemic, some countries, such as the United States of America have 
already enacted remote online notarization (RON) laws to enable the notarization of 
documents via video conferencing.
On 14 July 2020, the Supreme Court promulgated its Interim Rules on Remote 
Notarization of Paper Documents setting out rules to be observed by signatories, 
witnesses, and notary publics for acknowledgment, affirmation or oath, jurat, and copy 
certification by videoconference.
This bill seeks to amend R.A. No. 8792 to specifically recognize the validity of 
remote notarization, through the use of electronic means, in accordance with the rules 
and regulations, as may be determined by the Supreme Court.
In view of the foregoing, the passage of this bill is earnestly sought.
IMEE R. MARCOS


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NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) 
First Regular Session 
)
muiP of dll' ^rrrnctvp
22 SEP 12 PI :25
RIXEIVfDBV:
SENATE
S.B. No. 1303
Introduced by SENATOR IMEE R. MARCOS
AN ACT
ALLOWING REMOTE NOTARIZATION AND AMENDING REPUBLIC ACT NO.
8792 OR OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE "ELECTRONIC COMMERCE ACT OF
2000," AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress 
assembled:
SEC. 1. A new Section 9 shall be inserted in Republic Act No. 8792 otherwise 
known as the "Electronic Commerce Act of2000/'X.o read as follows:
"Sec. 9. Remote Notarization - Notarial acts where the signing 
parties and witnesses are not physically present in front of the notary 
public, may be conducted via videoconferencing facilities. Provided that, it 
shall adhere to the rules and regulations, as may be determined by the 
Supreme Court."
SEC. 2. The subsequent sections of Republic Act No. 8792 otherwise known as 
the "Electronic Commerce Act of2000' are hereby renumbered accordingly.
SEC. 3. Repealing Clause. - All laws, decrees, orders, rules and regulations or 
other issuances or parts thereof inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby 
repealed or modified accordingly.
SEC. 4. Separability Clause. - If any portion or provision of this Act is declared 
unconstitutional, the remainder of this Act or any provision not affected thereby shall 
remain In force and effect.


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SEC. 5. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect after fifteen (15) days following
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the completion of its publication either in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of
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general circulation in the Philippines.
Approved,