A special power of attorney lets someone at home act for you while you work abroad. It only works if it is drafted precisely and authenticated correctly.
What a special power of attorney does
It authorises a named person, your attorney-in-fact, to do specific acts for you: sell a particular property, sign a loan, collect documents or represent you at a bank. Acts that are not written into it are not covered, so describe each one clearly, including titles, account numbers or addresses where they apply.
Signing it abroad
A power of attorney signed outside the Philippines must be authenticated before Philippine offices will accept it. Since the Philippines joined the Apostille Convention in 2019, a document notarised in a member country can be apostilled by that country’s authority. In countries that are not members, sign it before the Philippine embassy or consulate instead.
Send the original
Banks and the Registry of Deeds usually require the original, not a scan. Courier it and keep a copy and the tracking number.
Changing your mind
You can revoke a power of attorney at any time, in writing, authenticated the same way. Notify the attorney-in-fact and anyone who relied on the original, such as the bank.
General or special power of attorney?
A general power of attorney covers acts of administration, such as paying bills or managing a property. Selling or mortgaging property, borrowing money or making donations require a special power of attorney that names the act expressly. When in doubt, use a special one.
Choosing your attorney-in-fact
Choose someone you trust who can actually do the task: who lives near the property, can take time off for government offices and keeps good records. You can name two people and say whether they must act together or may act separately.
How we help from Makati
We draft the document to match the exact transaction, check it with the bank or office that will receive it, tell you whether it needs an apostille or consularization in your country, and review the signed original when it arrives, before your attorney-in-fact uses it.
How long it stays valid
A power of attorney has no fixed expiry under Philippine law, but many banks and offices ask for one signed within the last six months to a year. It ends automatically if you or your attorney-in-fact dies, so plan a replacement if your affairs will run for years.
This guide is general information, not legal advice. We draft and check powers of attorney by video call.