Disclaimer: The following discussion is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Philippine laws, regulations, and implementing rules may change over time. For the most accurate and up-to-date guidance, consult the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), the Philippine Bureau of Immigration, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), or a licensed Philippine attorney.

1. Introduction

When a Filipino minor (under 18 years of age) travels—whether domestically within the Philippines or internationally—government authorities often require proof of parental or legal guardian consent. One widely used instrument for this purpose is the Affidavit of Support and Consent (sometimes simply called an “Affidavit of Support” or “Parental Travel Permit”). This document serves two main functions:

Parental/Guardian Consent: Demonstrates that the minor’s parent(s) or legal guardian(s) have given their permission for the minor’s travel.
Undertaking of Financial Responsibility: Affirms that the traveling minor’s parent(s) or sponsor(s) will assume financial responsibility during the trip.

This article focuses on the validity period of that affidavit in the Philippine legal context—what it is, how it is determined, and what travelers need to know.

2. Legal Bases and Relevant Agencies

Several Philippine laws and regulations provide the framework for protecting minors traveling either domestically or abroad:

Republic Act No. 7610 (“Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act”) – sets out broad protections for minors.
Family Code of the Philippines – contains general provisions about parental authority and responsibility.
Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Guidelines – specifically address requirements for minors traveling abroad without a parent or legal guardian, including the DSWD Travel Clearance system.
Bureau of Immigration – issues guidelines and implements inspections at immigration counters, often requiring supporting documents (including affidavits of support/consent) before allowing a minor to depart.

While these laws and agencies each have particular mandates, the Affidavit of Support and Consent often appears as one of the core documentary requirements to prove that the trip is lawful and that the minor has permission to travel.

3. Purpose and Core Elements of the Affidavit of Support

An Affidavit of Support and Consent generally contains the following elements:

Affiant Details: Name, address, contact information, and proof of identity of the parent(s) or legal guardian(s).
Minor’s Details: Full name, birth details, passport information (if traveling abroad), and travel itinerary.
Statement of Consent: Clear acknowledgment that the parent(s) or guardian(s) consent to the minor’s travel.
Statement of Financial Support: Affirmation that the parent(s) or guardian(s) (or another sponsor) will shoulder expenses related to the minor’s travel.
Notarization: Execution before a notary public to formalize and authenticate the document.

4. Validity Period

4.1 General Guidelines

Typical Validity: In practice, many government offices (including the Bureau of Immigration and some Philippine embassies/consulates) consider an Affidavit of Support and Consent valid for one (1) year from the date of notarization, unless an earlier date is specified in the document itself.
Affidavit Must Reflect the Upcoming Trip: If the minor’s travel is scheduled for a certain date, authorities often require that the document is recent—within six (6) to twelve (12) months of the travel date—to ensure the consent is still accurate and that circumstances (such as custody status) have not changed.

4.2 Possible Variations

Document-Specific Validity: Sometimes, the affidavit itself indicates a shorter or longer duration (e.g., six months). If an affidavit states it is only valid for the specific trip or for a specific date range, then that timeframe would control, even if general practice is one year.
Multiple Trips: If the minor makes more than one trip within a single year, some parents/guardians draft the affidavit to cover multiple destinations and dates, explicitly stating it applies to multiple travels. However, officials may still look for an updated affidavit or supporting documents if the time elapsed is deemed too long, or if other travel details have changed.
DSWD Travel Clearance vs. Affidavit Validity: The DSWD Travel Clearance for a minor traveling abroad (without parents) is typically valid for one (1) year and may cover multiple exits within its validity. However, if the Bureau of Immigration or a foreign embassy requires an Affidavit of Support as well, they might still check its date of notarization. One should not assume that the DSWD Travel Clearance alone suffices in place of a recently notarized Affidavit of Support, especially if the child is traveling with someone other than the parent named on the clearance.

4.3 Domestic vs. International Travel Nuances

Domestic Travel: For minors traveling domestically with persons other than their parents or legal guardians, some airlines may ask for a notarized parental consent. There is no uniform national policy setting a specific “expiration date,” but having an affidavit notarized within the last six (6) to twelve (12) months is commonly accepted as valid.
International Travel: Philippine immigration officers typically examine the Affidavit of Support and Consent (if required) to ensure it corresponds to the trip’s timeframe and is not outdated. The one-year-from-notarization rule is a widely accepted standard, but verifying specific airline, embassy, or immigration requirements is crucial.

5. Renewal or Extension

Because the affidavit is valid for a specified period (often up to a year), you will need to execute a new affidavit if:

The current affidavit has expired (exceeds one year or the period stated in the affidavit).
There is a change in custody, guardianship, or other material facts (e.g., one parent withdraws consent or passes away).
The child’s trip details significantly change from what is indicated in the affidavit (destination, travel dates, or accompanying individuals).

6. Practical Tips and Best Practices

Draft an Inclusive but Accurate Affidavit
If there is a possibility of multiple trips within the year, consider specifying a broader coverage. However, be precise about the destinations, dates, and persons traveling with the minor.
Coordinate with the DSWD and Other Agencies
If traveling abroad, ensure that you secure any necessary DSWD Travel Clearance. The clearance and the affidavit serve different but complementary purposes.
Check Airline, Embassy, or Consulate Requirements
Airlines or foreign embassies often have additional requirements. Some may request the affidavit be no older than six (6) months at the time of travel.
Notarize Early Enough But Not Too Early
To avoid the affidavit expiring before travel, notarize it shortly before the planned departure date. But do it early enough that you can meet any documentation deadlines for visas, airline ticket issuance, or DSWD clearance applications.
Carry Original and Photocopies
Bring the original notarized affidavit when traveling. Prepare certified true copies or photocopies in case an immigration officer, airline representative, or foreign port official requests additional documentation.

7. Consequences of Traveling Without a Valid Affidavit

Failure to produce a valid Affidavit of Support and Consent (when one is required) may lead to:

Denial of check-in at the airline counter (domestic or international).
Refusal of departure by immigration officers at Philippine ports of exit.
Delays or refusal of entry by foreign immigration authorities, if the minor’s documentation is deemed incomplete.

Such outcomes can incur financial loss (rebooked flights, penalty fees) and logistical stress, so ensuring the affidavit is valid is crucial.

8. Conclusion

The Affidavit of Support and Consent is a key document that demonstrates lawful authority and parental or guardian permission for a minor’s travel. In the Philippines, its validity typically extends to one (1) year from the date of notarization, but shorter or longer durations may apply depending on what is explicitly stated in the document or required by the airline, embassy, or the Bureau of Immigration. Minors traveling abroad—especially without both parents—usually must secure not just the affidavit but also any DSWD Travel Clearance and comply with additional documentary requirements.

Before the intended travel date, parents and legal guardians should carefully confirm:

When the affidavit will be needed;
How long it will remain valid for the specific trip(s);
Whether other permits or requirements (DSWD clearance, visas, additional supporting documentation) are also necessary.

Staying informed and up to date on the relevant regulations will help ensure a smooth travel experience for the minor and accompanying adults. For questions about a particular case, it is always best to consult directly with the DSWD, the Bureau of Immigration, and, if needed, a legal professional.