How to fill in this special power of attorney
- 1Your full name (principal)
e.g. Jose Miguel D. Santos - 2Your civil status
e.g. single - 3Your address
e.g. Unit 3B, Mabini Residences, 145 A. Mabini St., Brgy. 669, Ermita, Manila - 4Attorney-in-fact's full name
e.g. Patricia Anne D. Santos - 5Attorney-in-fact's address
e.g. 22 Ilang-Ilang St., Brgy. Malanday, Valenzuela City - 6First power
e.g. process, follow up and claim the release of my Transcript of Records and Diploma from the Polytechnic University of the Philippines, Sta. Mesa, Manila
When you need an SPA
Use a special power of attorney when you cannot be present and someone you trust must sign, claim, pay or receive for you — and the office will not take a simple authorization letter.
Name every act, plainly
An attorney-in-fact may do only what the SPA spells out. Offices refuse vague powers like "to transact all my affairs", so write each act the office will see — and the property, account or claim it is about.
- Use full names exactly as they appear on IDs.
- Name the property by its title number, the account by its bank and branch, the claim by its type.
- Keep it to the acts needed; a narrower SPA is safer for the principal.
What to bring to the notary
The principal signs before the notary with a valid government ID. Bring two photocopies of the principal's and the attorney-in-fact's IDs, each signed three times — banks and government offices keep one.
Questions people ask
Does a special power of attorney need to be notarized?
For almost every use, yes. Banks, the Registry of Deeds, the BIR, SSS and Pag-IBIG accept an SPA only when it is notarized (or consularized or apostilled if signed abroad). The principal signs it in front of the notary with a valid ID.
What is the difference between an SPA and an authorization letter?
An authorization letter is enough for simple errands, like claiming a document. An SPA is a notarized paper for acts the law says need a special power — selling or leasing property, borrowing, settling claims — or whenever the office asks for one.
Can I cancel an SPA?
Yes. The principal may revoke it at any time with a notarized revocation, given to the attorney-in-fact and to every office that holds a copy. It also ends when the principal dies.
Is this legal advice?
No. It is the common Philippine format. For selling land, an estate, or a large amount of money, have a lawyer review it before signing.
This page explains common practice and is not legal advice. Offices set their own rules — when in doubt, call ahead or ask your notary or lawyer.