WITNESSES

Do you really still need witnesses for a Deed of Absolute Sale?

Short answer: No… but also yes. Maybe.

You’ve probably seen those two blank witness lines at the end of contracts—right before the Acknowledgment Page where the notary signs.

Naturally, the question pops up:

“For a Deed of Absolute Sale, is it still needed?”

Technically, no.

Under the law, once a contract is notarized, it becomes a public document. And a public document does not require instrumental witnesses—unless a specific law says otherwise.

In fact, all our recent transactions went through perfectly fine without witnesses.

HOWEVER...

Government offices sometimes have their own “interpretations,” preferences, and moods of the day.

So when you’re filing the Deed of Absolute Sale and the officer says,

“Sir/Ma’am, kulang po—walang witnesses,”

you don’t argue. You comply. 🙃

Most people just grab two warm bodies nearby—security guard, receptionist, courier, whoever’s available—to sign as witnesses. Problem solved.

Bottom line: Not legally required, but sometimes practically required. 🙃