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GENERAL INFORMATION ON LEGAL SERVICES
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Documents originating from the United States, specifically from the states of NY, NJ, CT, PA, DE, MA, RI, NH, VT, and ME, intended for legal presentation in the Philippines have to be acknowledged or authenticated by the Philippine Consulate General. Examples of these documents are Special Powers of Attorney, General Powers of Attorney, Affidavits, Deeds, Contracts and Assignments. Only original documents can be authenticated by the Consulate.
Only notarized documents that have been validated or legalized by the local County Clerk and the Secretary of State of the place where these documents have been executed will be authenticated by the Philippine Consulate General. You can download sample legal forms for your guidance. The Consulate General will not be responsible for the contents of the documents.
For additional information and addresses of U.S. Secretaries of State, you may visit the website of the US State Department specifically at http://travel.state.gov/authentication.html.
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An acknowledgement is the act by which a person who has executed an instrument goes before a competent officer and declares it to be his true and voluntary act and deed. A person has to appear in person before an officer and sign the instrument. Two forms of IDs must be presented, such as a passport, driver's license, alien registration card or work permit. When appearing in person, documents need not be notarized before presentation.
The Consulate requires an extra copy or photocopy of each document for its file. A photocopy of the form of IDs are also needed. Standard forms, such as Special Power of Attorney are available at the Consulate. You can download sample forms for your guidance. The Consulate General will not be responsible for the contents of the documents.
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For Trademarks, Patent Applications, Combined Oath, Power of Attorney and Petition for Trademark and Patent, Affidavit of Use/Non-use, Appointment of Resident Agent, and Assignment of Letters of Patent, documents must be authenticated by the Secretary of State of the United States and coursed through the Philippine Embassy in Washington, D.C.
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Civil registry records such as birth, marriage and death certificates must be apostilled or authenticated beforehand, by the County Clerk and by the Secretary of the State. These documents need not be verified by a local notary public. Click the following links for: Instructions on Obtaining a New York State civil registry documents, or New Jersey State civil registry documents, or the addresses of the Secretaries of State of the US, or you can visit www.vitalchek.com for obtaining certificates online.
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By Mail. Send a self-addressed stamped envelope to the Consulate with a request for an NBI Fingerprint Card Form. Fill-out the personal data called for on both sides of the Fingerprint Card Form truthfully and legibly. Request the assistance of the police agency in your locality to have your fingerprints impressed (ROLLED IMPRESSION) on the appropriate spaces. The person who fingerprinted you should sign his name and state his official designation on the space provided for the purpose in the card. Attach a latest copy of your 2" × 2" photograph (white background), taken within three (3) months before this application at the appropriate box in the Fingerprint Card Form. The Fingerprint Card Form must then be authenticated by the local and state authorities as stated above. Upon the completion of this requirements, please send the authenticated form to the Philippine Consulate General together with the prescribed fee of $25.00 (money order) and self-addressed stamped envelope. Upon receiving the authenticated Fingerprint form from the Philippine Consulate, send the form to the Director, National Bureau of Investigation, Taft Avenue, Ermita 1000 Manila, Philippines, with $4.00 Money Order or PHP200.00 (payable to Director, National Bureau of Investigation). The National Bureau of Investigation will mail to you the corresponding clearance certificate after they have processed the application papers. Upon receipt of your clearance certificate, please examine it for the presence of the embossed NBI DRY SEAL at its lower left portion, the clearance is invalid without it. Also, you must affix your clear and properly taken THUMBPRINT on the space provided for it in the clearance certificate before submitting it to your end-user, otherwise, you clearance will be subjected for further verification/authentication and will cause the delay of your immigration requirements.
In person. Bring with you your valid passport and the latest copy of your 2 × 2 photograph (white background), taken within three months before the application. Fill-out the personal data called for on both sides of the Fingerprint Card Form truthfully and legibly. Have your fingerprints impressed (ROLLED IMPRESSION) on the appropriate spaces at the Consulate. The Consul will sign his/her name and state his official designation on the space provided for the purpose in the card. The prescribed fee is $25.00. Mail the form to the Director, National Bureau of Investigation, Taft Avenue, Ermita 1000 Manila, Philippines, with $4.00 Money Order or PHP200.00 (payable to Director, National Bureau of Investigation). The National Bureau of Investigation will mail to you the corresponding clearance certificate after they have processed the application papers. Upon receipt of your clearance certificate, please examine it for the presence of the embossed NBI DRY SEAL at its lower left portion, the clearance is invalid without it. Also, you must affix your clear and properly taken THUMBPRINT on the space provided for it in the clearance certificate before submitting it to your end-user, otherwise, you clearance will be subjected for further verification/authentication and will cause the delay of your immigration requirements.
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Applicants for Authentication, Acknowledgement, Patent, Trademark and other legal documents may transact by mail provided they submit the necessary documents and requirements, fees and a self-addressed padded envelope with sufficient US postage stamps to ensure the return of the documents. Non-appearance implies that the documents goes through the County Clerks Office and the Secretary of State. Metered stamps are not accepted. Allow at least one week, from receipt for processing. The Consulate General is not responsible for the delay, or loss in mail or any other uncontrollable circumstances affecting your documents.
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Processing fee is $25.00 per document. Company Checks or Money Order should be made payable to the Philippine Consulate General. (Personal Checks are not acceptable)
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The following regulations are applicable to Filipino and foreign non-government organizations and overseas medical groups intending to provide health care services in underserved areas in the Philippines, where professional services, ancillary procedures, surgical interventions, and medicines are given at no cost to the patient (DOH Administrative Order No. 1 79, s.2001):
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- Sponsors of foreign medical and surgical missions must obtain clearance from the Office of the Secretary of Health, through the Bureau of International Health Cooperation (BIHC), prior to the implementation of the medical and surgical mission
- For monitoring purpose, BIHC will notify the local Centers for Health Development of the conduct of the medical mission in their areas of responsibility
- A foreign medical and surgical mission can only be conducted in a given community with the expressed and written consent of the local government unit and the local medical society
- All medical and surgical procedures to be employed must conform to accepted local and international standards
- All medicines to be dispensed should have clearance from the Bureau of Food and Drugs as to safety and efficacy, and shall have an expiry date of no less than six (6) months. Medicines must be covered by the Certificate of Product Registration
- A referral system to follow up patients seen during the medical and surgical mission must be established by the sponsor and collaborating organization(s)
- All cases seen during the medical/surgical mission must be documented and a summary report submitted to the Center for Health Development within two (2) weeks after the medical/surgical mission with the following basic information:
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- Number and age of cases seen;
- Diagnosis of patients;
- List of medicines distributed and of surgical interventions done; and
- Endorsements to the necessary health facilities
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- Foreign physicians and health-related professionals are not allowed to practice their professions in the Philippines without a Special Permit issued by the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC)
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Note: Only foreign physicians whose country grants reciprocity for Philippine physicians to practice, may be granted Special Permits by the PRC.
Presidential Decree No. 541 allows professionals who were former citizens of the Philippines and who have previously passed licensure examinations in the Philippines to practice their profession while in the country on a visit, sojourn or permanent residence. The said former Filipino professionals must be practitioners of good standing prior to their departure from the Philippines and in their adopted country.
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The following documents will be required in requesting for clearances or endorsements in connection with foreign medical missions:
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- Application letter to the Director, BIHC-Department of Health, which contains the following information:
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- Type of mission (i.e., medical, surgical or both);
- Location/venue of the mission:
- Duration and inclusive dates of the mission; and
- Name of sponsor or local counterpart(s), if any
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Important: The application letter with the supporting documents should be received by BIHC-DOH at least three (3) months before the proposed schedule of the mission.
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- List of the names of the medical and surgical team and credentials of each medical/paramedical member. The following duly authenticated credentials of the members of the medical team members must also be submitted:
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- Two copies of passport size photograph taken not more than three(3) months before the filing of application;
- Photocopy of valid/current certificate of license to practice profession in their own country; and
- Documents attesting to the specialized studies, fields of specialization or experiences (if any)
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- List of medicines (generic or brand names) and medical supplies that will be brought in or donated by the medical team, with the corresponding quantity, specification, and approximate value; and
- Endorsement of the local government unit or an accredited professional medical organization.
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Note: The original copies of the documents in will need to be presented for verification, unless the photocopies are authenticated by competent or legally authorized persons or officers.
The DOH will review the request and will consult with the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC), the Board of Medicine, the Philippine Medical Association (PMA), and the Philippine Hospital Association (PHA), whenever necessary. In certain cases, the DOH may recommend alternative activities, locations, or arrangements to coincide with government priorities. The head of the medical mission or the local sponsor/project coordinator will be informed, within two(2) weeks after receipt of the request of either the approval or disapproval of the request, and the reason for the decision. DOH may also recommend activities, tentative schedules, alternative sites/venues or arrangements, if any.
The sponsor or local counterpart is required to submit an exit/termination report after the completion of the mission to the DOH through the Regional Director concerned.
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A foreign physician and health-related professional can only practice his/her profession in the Philippines with a Special Permit from the Professional Regulation Commission. The following documents are required by PRC for the grant of Special Permit to foreign physicians:
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- Letter from the sponsoring local association, organization or entity requesting the PRC and the concerned Professional Regulatory Board for the issuance of Special Permits to members of the Medical Mission for a short period (not to exceed thirty days), indicating the specific municipality/city/province where the medical mission will he conducted.
- Endorsement from the following accredited professional organization, if the sponsoring organization is not an accredited professional organization:
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- Philippine Medical Association; for physicians
- Philippine Dental Association; for dentists
- Philippine Association of Optometrists; for optometrists
- Philippine Nurses Association; for nurses
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- Endorsement of the Department of Health
- Curriculum vitae of the members of the medical mission team duly authenticated by the Philippine Embassy or Consulate with jurisdiction
- Current/valid licenses to practice their profession in their own country
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Applications for release of Special Permits for the conduct of foreign medical missions must be submitted to the Professional Regulation Commission not later than ninety (90) days before the proposed medical mission.
The PRC notifies the sponsor of the medical mision of the approved resolution granting the issuance of Special Permit. PRC will charge a registration fee of One Thousand Pesos (P1 ,000.00) for each permit issued.
For medicines, medical supplies, and medical equipment to be brought in by the medical mission team, please refer to the section on Overseas Donations.
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Guidelines For Granting Permits To Foreign Doctors Conducting Medical Missions Sponsored By Local Private Organization, Resolution No. 06, s. 1991 of the Board of Medicine.
Policies and Guidelines in the Conduct of Local and Foreign Medical and Surgical Missions, Administrative Order No. 179, s. 2001, Department of Health.
Presidential Decree No. 541, Allowing Former Filipino Professionals to Practice their Respective Professions in the Philippines.
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Presidential Decree No. 541, August 20, 1974
ALLOWING FORMER FILIPINO PROFESSIONALS TO PRACTICE THEIR RESPECTIVE PROFESSIONS IN THE PHILIPPINES
WHEREAS, a considerable number of Filipino professionals have, with the passage of time, gone to other countries to pursue further studies and/or take up specialized studies in their chosen fields of endeavor while others emigrated to other lands in search of better job opportunities;
WHEREAS, since their departure from the Philippines some of these professionals have become naturalized citizens of their host countries so that they are now barred from the practice of their profession in our country;
WHEREAS, a considerable number of these erstwhile Filipino professionals are now desirous to come home under the Balikbayan Program and, while here, would like to serve our people or share their advanced knowledge and expertise with their local professional colleagues;
WHEREAS, for the sake of faster national development our government is now trying to attract these erstwhile Filipino professionals to return and reside permanently in the Philippines so that they can provide the talent and expertise urgently needed by the homeland;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, FERDINAND E. MARCOS, President of the Philippines, by virtue of the powers vested in me by the Constitution, do hereby decree and order the following:
Section 1. The provisions of all existing laws, rules and regulations, decrees, orders, and instructions to the contrary notwithstanding, professionals who were formerly citizens of the Philippines and who have previously passed licensure examinations in the Philippines for the practice of their profession, may, while in this country on a visit, sojourn or permanent residence, practice their profession: Provided, That they are professional practitioners of good standing prior to their departure from the Philippines and in their adopted country: Provided further, That prior to the practice of their profession they shall have first registered with the Professional license fee; and Provided finally, That they shall pay the corresponding income tax due on all incomes realized by them in the practice of their respective professions in the Philippines.
Section 2. The Professional Regulations Commission shall promulgate the necessary rules and regulations to implement and carry out the purposes of this Decree.
Section 3. This Decree shall take effect immediately.
DONE in the City of Manila, this 20th day of August, in the year of Our Lord, nineteen hundred and seventy-four.
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- Apply for an import permit with the Animal Health Division (AHD), Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) by writing a letter addressed to the BAI Director containing the following information:
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- Species and breed of animal
- Sex, color and number of pets
- Expected date of arrival
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The BAI address and contact number is:
Animal Health Division
Bureau of Animal Industry
Visayas Avenue
Diliman, Quezon City
Philippines
Tel. No. (011-63 2) 926-6883
Fax No. (011-63 2) 926-6866
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- If the number of animals to be brought to the Philippines exceeds five, the animals have to be inspected at the quarantine site
- Issuance and inspection fees are P50.00 pesos and P165.00 pesos for the first two heads and P220.00 pesos for each succeeding head, respectively. Payment may be made upon arrival at the Veterinary Quarantine Unit, Ninoy Aquino International Airport
- A valid health certificate from the country of origin must be presented upon arrival
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The permit is good for 2 months. Extension for another month may be requested before the Permit's expiry date.
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- Apply for an import permit with the Animal Health Division (AHD), Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) by writing a letter addressed to the BAI Director containing the following information:
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- Species and breed of animal
- Sex, color and number of pets
- Expected date of arrival
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The BAI address and contact number is:
Animal Health Division
Bureau of Animal Industry
Visayas Avenue
Diliman, Quezon City
Philippines
Tel. No. (011-63 2) 926-6883
Fax No. (011-63 2) 926-6866
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- Arrange Schedule with AHD for inspection of the quarantine site
- A CITES Certification issued by the Parks and Wildlife Bureau shall be presented
- Issuance and inspection fees are P40.00 pesos and P10.00-50 pesos per head (depending on the size of the animal), respectively
- A valid health certificate from the country of origin shall be presented upon arrival
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The permit is good for 2 months. Extension for another month may be requested before the Permit's expiry date.
Note: Always inquire from the above address for new rates on Inspection Fees.
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- one (1) original and three (3) photocopies
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- one (1) original and three (3) photocopies
- usually a 4” X 8” card or paper permit for transport of human remains
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3. Notarized Embalmer’s Certificate
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- one (1) original and three (3) photocopies
- stating that the body was duly embalmed and is in sanitary condition for shipment abroad
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4. Notarized Mortuary Certificate
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- one (1) original and three (3) photocopies
- stating that the casket contains only the body of the deceased and how the body will be shipped
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5. Notarized Health Department Certificate
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- one (1) original and three (3) photocopies
- stating that the deceased did not die of contagious disease
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6. Four (4) copies of flight itinerary and consignee information
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- flight schedule
- consignee’s address and phone number in the Philippines
- family member or contact person’s address in the U.S. and in the Philippines (indicate relationship to the deceased)
- last known address of the deceased in the Philippines
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- Philippine passport for Filipino citizens
- or former Filipino citizen, U.S. passport or naturalization papers for other nationalities, passport
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8. Processing fee of $50.00
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- $25.00 for Mortuary Certificate and $25.00 for Report of Death in cash, company check, money order or cashier’s check payable to the Philippine Consulate General.
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9. Self-addressed stamped envelope (US Postal Service – we recommend priority mail with delivery confirmation or express mail). Those who wish express, overnight delivery should use a courier service (FEDEX, UPS, DHL. etc.)
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NOTE: Above documents should be received by the Consulate at least three (3) working days before departure. Funeral Directors should contact the Philippine Consulate General at (212) 764-1330 ext. 321
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- one (1) original and two (2) photocopies
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- one (1) original and three (3) photocopies
- usually a 4” X 8” card or paper permit for transport of cremated remains
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- one (1) original and two (2) photocopies
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4. Notarized Mortuary Certificate
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- one (1) original and two (2) photocopies
- stating that the urn contains only the cremated remains
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5. Three (3) copies of flight itinerary and consignee information
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- flight schedule
- consignee’s address and phone number in the Philippines
- family member or contact person’s address in the U.S. and in the Philippines (indicate relationship to the deceased)
- last known address of the deceased in the Philippines
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- Philippine passport for Filipino citizens
- for former Filipino citizen, U.S. passport or naturalization papers
- for other nationalities, passport
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7. Processing fee of $50.00
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- $25.00 for Mortuary Certificate and $25.00 for Report of Death in cash, company check, money order or cashier’s check payable to the Philippine Consulate General.
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8. Self-addressed stamped envelope (US Postal Service – we recommend priority mail with delivery confirmation or express mail). Those who wish express, overnight delivery should use a courier service (FEDEX, UPS, DHL. etc.)
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NOTE: Above documents should be received by the Consulate at least three (3) working days before departure. Funeral Directors should contact the Philippine Consulate General at (212) 764-1330 ext. 321
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© Copyright 2009 Consulate General of the Republic of the Philippines in New York. All Rights Reserved.
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