How to fill in this special power of attorney
- 1Your full name (principal)
e.g. Angelica R. Soriano - 2Your civil status
e.g. married - 3Your address
e.g. Purok 5, Brgy. Bitas, Cabanatuan City, Nueva Ecija - 4Attorney-in-fact's full name
e.g. Ramon D. Soriano - 5Attorney-in-fact's address
e.g. Purok 5, Brgy. Bitas, Cabanatuan City, Nueva Ecija - 6Bank
e.g. Land Bank of the Philippines
Each office has its own form
SSS, Pag-IBIG and many banks have their own authorization form, and some accept only that. Ask first; when they ask for a notarized SPA, this is the format. Write the member and account numbers exactly.
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.
Never write a PIN or password
Write only the last digits of an account. No SPA should carry a PIN, an online banking password or a one-time code.
Questions people ask
Will the bank let my attorney-in-fact withdraw?
Banks decide case by case. Many require the principal to call or appear on video, or allow only certain transactions. Bring the notarized SPA, both parties' IDs, and the passbook or ATM card, and ask the branch ahead.
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.