Special power of attorney (SPA) sample

A special power of attorney lets a trusted person do specific legal acts for you: claim a benefit or a cheque, sign a deed of sale, process a vehicle transfer at the LTO, open or close a bank account, enrol a child, or represent you before a government office while you are abroad. The format names the principal and the attorney-in-fact, lists the powers in numbered paragraphs, limits them to a period or a transaction, and ends with the acknowledgment and notarial block that banks, the LTO, the Registry of Deeds and SSS require. The sample lets a brother in Manila claim the principal's SSS maternity benefit and sell a car; the AI changes the powers to yours.

Templates

  • Special power of attorney (SPA) (document): A special power of attorney (SPA) format for the Philippines naming an attorney-in-fact to claim documents and transact with a bank and the LTO, with two witnesses and a notarial acknowledgment. Sample SPA included.
  • Authorization letter (document): An authorization letter format for the Philippines to let a representative claim a document, ID or parcel on your behalf, with both valid IDs and a specimen signature. Sample letter for claiming a PSA birth certificate included.

How to use these templates

  1. Decide exactly what the person may do and for how long. Banks and the LTO reject an SPA that is vague or grants "all" powers.
  2. Open the template and tell the AI who is giving which powers, for example "my wife Lea may sell our Toyota Vios, plate ABC 1234, and sign the deed of sale and LTO forms until 31 March 2027".
  3. Print on Long bond paper, as many originals as offices you will deal with, and do not sign yet.
  4. Sign before a notary with your ID; the attorney-in-fact signs as well if the office requires it. If you are abroad, sign at the Philippine embassy or before a local notary and have it apostilled.

What to check before signing an SPA

  • Name the specific act, property or account. A power to "sell my car" must say which car; a power to withdraw must name the bank and account.
  • Add an end date or say that the SPA ends when the transaction is done. An open-ended SPA is a risk to you and is often refused anyway.
  • For land or a condominium, the deed of sale signed under the SPA must be notarized and the SPA registered with the Registry of Deeds, which will ask for the original.
  • Overseas Filipinos: a consularized or apostilled SPA is what Philippine offices accept. An SPA notarized abroad without apostille is usually rejected.
  • An SPA is revoked by a written revocation notarized the same way, and by the principal's death. Tell the bank or office in writing if you revoke it.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between an SPA and an authorization letter?

An authorization letter is enough to collect a document or parcel. An SPA is a notarized instrument needed for acts that bind you legally: selling property, signing contracts, withdrawing money, dealing with the LTO or courts.

Does the attorney-in-fact need to sign?

Not for validity, but many banks and offices want their signature and ID on the document, so the template includes a conformity line.

Can I sign an SPA abroad?

Yes. Sign it at the Philippine embassy or consulate, which notarizes it, or before a local notary followed by an apostille from that country's competent authority.

How long is an SPA valid?

Until the date you write in it, the transaction is finished, you revoke it, or you die. Some offices treat an undated SPA as valid only for a year, so set a date.

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