Twala records Philippines’ first eNotarized documents, eyes eGov integration

Taguig City,Philippines - October 21, 2026 - TAGUIG CITY, October 19, 2026 — Twala marked the official launch of electronic notarization in the Philippines today with the electronic signing and notarization of agreements with the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) and the University of the Philippines (UP) College of Law, witnessed by First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos, a lawyer, and Supreme Court Senior Associate Justice Marvic M.V.F. Leonen.

The agreements, which support wider access to legal aid and the responsible use of legal technology, were the first documents electronically notarized in the Philippines. Twala is a DOST-backed legal technology company whose Electronic Notarization Facility is accredited by the Supreme Court.

The launch comes 26 years after the Electronic Commerce Act recognized electronic documents and signatures, and builds on the Supreme Court’s 2025 Rules on Electronic Notarization, which allow commissioned notaries public to notarize electronic documents through accredited facilities, in person or remotely.

Also witnessing were Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Secretary Robert Joseph de Claro, Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) Director General Ernesto V. Perez, and representatives from government, law, business, banking, and real estate. Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan, Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Justice, delivered a recorded message.

“Secure eNotarization removes geographical and physical barriers, bringing legal protection to small players, safely and instantly,” said Leonen, the event’s Guest of Honor.

Twala’s facility is built on AWS for security and reliability. AI-powered identity verification helps confirm that the person before the notary is the person named in the document.

Technology in the service of legal aid

The IBP agreement supports legal aid under the Supreme Court’s Unified Legal Aid Service (ULAS) framework. Participating lawyers will offer free online consultations to eligible beneficiaries on Twala’s platform, subject to program intake and scheduling. Twala will also provide free electronic notarization credits for eligible indigent clients, easing travel, expense, and other barriers.

“No Filipino should have to endure such difficulties to exercise their rights or seek legal assistance,” said Pangilinan.

Preparing the profession; eGov app integration coming

The UP College of Law agreement establishes a strategic collaboration on legal technology, particularly artificial intelligence, covering capacity building, innovative solutions, AI policies, and legal research.

“The value of electronic notarization will be measured in the time people save and the legal help they can reach,” said Engr. Jeffrey Reyes, Twala Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer. “I am also excited to announce that Twala will soon integrate with the eGov app, making eNotarization easier to access through a platform already being used by millions of Filipinos.”

A forum followed, examining how electronic notarization can improve access to justice, ease of doing business, and banking and real estate transactions.

“The success of electronic notarization is not measured by how many transactions we move online, but by how many lives we make easier,” said DICT Secretary de Claro.

“With the legal framework and accredited technology now available, there is no more excuse for keeping transactions on paper,” said Atty. Herminio “Third” Bagro, Twala Co-Founder and General Counsel. “Agencies and businesses must update their procedures so that electronic notarization means fewer queues, fewer trips, and lower costs.”

The event was held with the Supreme Court, Senate, Department of Science and Technology, ARTA, Land Registration Authority, IBP, UP College of Law, Rural Bankers Association of the Philippines, and Association of Law Students of the Philippines, supported by Amazon Web Services.

ABOUT TWALA

Twala is a Philippine legal technology company providing secure digital signatures, electronic notarization, identity verification, and AI-powered document solutions. A DOST-PCIEERD-backed, accredited Electronic Notarization Facility, it was named Tech Innovator of the Year at the 2025 KMC Startup Awards.

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