Yes, blockchain-based digital signatures are legal and recognized in the Philippines, as long as they meet the requirements under Philippine laws.
This guide explains how blockchain digital signatures comply with the Electronic Commerce Act (RA 8792) and other related rules.
1. Keys Generation (Public and Private Key Pair)
Every user in the blockchain has two keys:
Private Key – A secret code only you know (used for signing documents)
Public Key – A code you share with others (used to verify your signature.
2. Signing Process
When you want to sign a document:
The system creates a hash of your document (a unique digital fingerprint that represents your document).
You encrypt this hash using your private key — this encrypted hash becomes your digital signature.
3. Verification Process
Anyone can take your public key to decrypt the signature. The decrypted result is the original hash. Then they generate a hash from the document themselves.
If both hashes match, it proves:
The document wasn't altered.
You (the owner of the private key) signed the document.
4. Blockchain Storage
The signed document and its signature are stored on the blockchain.
Once stored, no one can tamper with it — making the document permanently verifiable.
What This Means for You
Your signature cannot be copied or forged.
Once signed, your document can't be altered without breaking the signature
Anyone can independently verify that the signature is valid — without needing third-party software.
Does It Meet the Legal Requirements in the Philippines?
Yes. Blockchain-based digital signatures comply with Section 8 of the E-Commerce Act (RA 8792) and Rule 6, Section 2 of the Rules on Electronic Evidence.
These laws recognize digital signatures as legally binding — as long as they can prove:
The identity of the signer
That the document has not been changed after signing
What is the Technology Neutrality Principle?
The Philippine government follows the principle of technology neutrality, which means all electronic signature methods are equally valid — as long as they meet the legal requirements.
According to the E-Commerce Act IRR, Sec. 38 (a):
"All solutions implemented shall neither favor a particular technology over another nor discriminate against or in favor of particular vendors of technology."
Similarly, the DTI-DOST Joint Department Administrative Order (JDAO) 02-2001, Sec. 4 states:
"None of the provisions of these Rules shall be applied so as to exclude, restrict, or deprive of legal effect any method of electronic signature that satisfies the requirements referred to in Section 8 of the E-Commerce Act."