The Notarial Commission

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BY AYIN DREAM D. APLASCA
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Thursday. September 21, 2017
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A FEW DAYS ago, I had a hearing for my petition for Commission as a Notary Public for the City and Province of Iloilo. It was scheduled at 2 o’clock in the afternoon so I went to the Hall of Justice at 1 o’clock. At least, I still had the time to pay for my publication fee and to photocopy my receipts.

Prior to the hearing proper, I had my attachment pre-marked as exhibits so that my presentation and markings during the hearing proper will be smooth and faster.

Unfortunately, I had a little delay because I was called first to enter my appearance but due to the fact that I forgot the original copy of my Certificate of Membership in the Philippine Bar, my hearing was suspended. I wasn’t able to manifest for a provisional marking because the Honorable Judge asked me to get my copy to avoid resetting my hearing. Happily, our office legal secretary was able to bring my copy and hand it to me. Thus, I proceeded with my hearing on the second call.

As first time petitioners for the Commission as Notaries Public, we were required to appear and present ourselves before the Executive Judge of the territorial jurisdiction of the place where we are applying for. What was new to me was that there is a trial-type examination during the hearing.

We were asked regarding the Notarial Law as well as those which are in relation to us being officers of the court. Well, I liked this idea because it “fosters ethical conduct among Notaries Public” just like what the Notarial Law expressed. Not only that, this also ensures that petitioners possess the qualifications and none of the disqualifications.

To be eligible to petition for Notarial Commission, the qualifications are as follows:

• he must be a citizen of the Philippines

• must be over 21 years of age

• must be a resident in the Philippines for at least one year and maintains a regular place of work or business in the city or province where the commission is to be issued

• must be a member of the Philippine Bar in good standing with clearances from the Office of the Bar Confidant of the Supreme Court and the Integrated Bar of the Philippines; and

• must not have been convicted in the first instance of any crime involving moral turpitude.

As Notaries Public, we are obliged to promote, serve and protect public interest. And as what our oath of office states, we “will discharge well and faithfully and to the best of our ability the duties of a Notary Public.”

Officially, those who already had their certificates of authority are now commissioned as Notaries Public.

(Atty. Ayin Dream D. Aplasca practices her profession in Iloilo City. She may be reached thru ayindream.aplasca@gmail.com/PN)
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