The city council adopted Resolution 299, s. 2022 requesting the Department of Foreign Affairs to authorize the DFA-Baguio consular office to render Apostille services.
Authored by Councilor Betty Lourdes Tabanda, the measure states an Apostille is a certificate that authenticates the origin of a public document issued by a country that is party to the Apostille Convention to be used in another country which is also a party to the convention.
The certificate is issued by the authenticating units of the DFA-Office of Consular Affairs (DFA-OCA) and signifies the legitimacy and authenticity of the document.
The Philippines officially became a party to the Apostille Convention on May 14, 2019. The DFA, however, no longer issues authentication certificates (red ribbon) but instead affixes an Apostille to documents executed in the Philippines for use abroad when presented to an Apostille Convention member country.
A public document executed in Apostille contracting parties and territories to be used in the Philippines no longer have to be authenticated by the Philippine Embassy or Consulate General once it is Apostilled.
“However, if the country of destination of the document is not an Apostille-contracting party, documents still have to be authenticated by the concerned foreign embassy or consulate General. Apostilles are strictly for the use of public documents abroad,” the resolution states.
It states at present, the DFA main consular office at Aseana and its consular offices in various locations accept applications for Apostilles or authentication by appointment only and that oftentimes, the slots are all taken. “Residents of Baguio City and the Cordillera come to DFA-Baguio for passporting and other consular services. They also cater to residents from neighboring municipalities and local government units. Thus, the benefits and accessibility of having Apostille services available at the DFA-Baguio consular office provides convenience and less cost and time,” the measure stated. – Gaby B. Keith
