CIA WITH BA : ARE E-SIGNATURES AND EMAIL RESIGNATION REALLY VALID AND LEGAL?

‘CIA with BA’: Are e-signatures and email resignation really valid and legal?

In today’s increasingly digital world, questions about the legality of electronic documents continue to surface. From e-signatures on contracts to emailed resignation letters, many Filipinos are unsure whether these forms hold up under the law.

On CIA with BA’s segment ‘Tanong ng Pilipino,’ two viewers raised concerns about the legal standing of such documents—and the show’s legal experts provided clarity though their answers.

“Minsan, nagpadala ako ng file na may e-signature. Tumanggi ‘yung kabilang partido kasi raw hindi valid ‘pag hindi handwritten o wet signature. Tama po ba sila?” asked Grace from Bulacan.

According to Atty. Bernadette Maybituin, the answer is clear: “Mali po sila.”

She explained that under the E-Commerce Act, authored by the late Senator Rene Cayetano in 2000, electronic signatures are legally recognized in the Philippines.

“Under the E-Commerce Act, which was authored by the late Rene Cayetano way back in 2000, ‘yung e-signature [is] given the same legal weight as the physical signature,” Maybituin clarified.

“So kahit ‘yung mga agreement, contracts, pwede mo siyang i-e-sig,” she added, reinforcing the point that e-signatures are valid.

Another viewer, CJ from Quezon City, raised a similar concern: “‘Yung friend ko, in-email lang ang resignation letter niya sa HR nila. Tinatanggap po ba ito sa batas?”

“Yes, of course po,” replied Atty. Marian Cayetano.

She explained that Philippine labor laws require a written notice of resignation at least 30 days before the effective date—but they do not specify that it must be submitted in physical form.

“Ayon po sa ating labor laws, ang nire-require lang po dito is kailangan po ang isang empleyado [ay] kailangan pong makapagpadala ng notice of intent to resign 30 days before the effectivity date, in writing,” she said.

“So meaning po, hindi naman ipinagbabawal ang pag-submit nito in electronic form and hindi naman po sinasabi na dapat physical paper lang or hard copy. Valid and legally-binded ito,” Atty. Cayetano added.

These legal insights reflect how Philippine laws are adapting to technological advancements, ensuring that digital transactions—when done properly—are just as enforceable as their paper counterparts.

To close the segment, Boy Abunda encouraged viewers to send in their questions—or even record themselves asking—through the official social media pages of ‘CIA with BA.’ Whether written or on video, these questions just might be answered by the hosts in future episodes.

Led by Senator Alan Peter Cayetano and Abunda, ‘CIA with BA’ continues the advocacy of the late Senator Rene Cayetano. The program airs every Sunday at 11:00 p.m. on GMA7, with replays every Saturday at 10:30 p.m. on GTV.