Concern:
Hello! Can I request the form for an affidavit of loss? For some reason, I lost my national ID. Thank you!

∇ Legal Contemplator

Hmm. Where to start? This is a fairly common issue—losing a national ID—and the person seems to need a specific document: an affidavit of loss. But there's something worth unpacking here. The way they worded the request suggests they might not fully understand the process. Could they be asking for a pre-made form, or are they asking for guidance on creating one? I need to dig deeper into this. Let me break it down.

1. What is an affidavit of loss?

An affidavit of loss is a sworn statement made before a notary public. The purpose is to formally declare the loss of an item, often to comply with legal or administrative procedures. It’s common in the Philippines, especially for items like IDs, contracts, or certificates. But how is it structured?

It typically contains the affiant's personal details (name, address, etc.), a description of the lost item (e.g., a national ID), circumstances surrounding the loss, and a declaration that the affiant was not negligent (if applicable).
A key point is that it needs to be notarized, meaning the affiant swears before a notary public that the statement is true.

2. Does the government provide a pre-made form for this purpose?

This question is tricky. As far as I recall, the Philippine government doesn’t universally provide a standard "affidavit of loss form" for every situation. However, certain agencies (e.g., the Philippine Statistics Authority or PSA, which issues the national ID) might offer templates or specific requirements for affidavits related to their documents.

Should I confirm this with an official source?
Or should I assume they need a generic affidavit template and clarify it’s up to them to customize the content?

Wait. Before jumping ahead, what exactly does losing a national ID involve?

3. What happens when someone loses their national ID?

The Philippine national ID is part of the Philippine Identification System (PhilSys). Losing it means the individual must report the loss and apply for a replacement. Here’s what I suspect they’ll need:

The affidavit of loss (as proof of the loss).
Additional government-issued identification (if they have other valid IDs).
Possible payment for replacement fees.

But that makes me wonder: if they’re asking for an affidavit of loss, are they aware of the full process for replacing their ID? What if they don’t know which agency to approach or what other documents might be required?

4. Should I provide just the affidavit form or go further?

This is tricky. If I only provide information about drafting the affidavit, they might still struggle with the replacement process. Conversely, if I delve into the replacement process, it might overwhelm them. Should I strike a balance?

Let me consider possible paths:

Option 1: Provide a general affidavit template. This is simple but risks leaving them with unanswered questions about replacing the ID.
Option 2: Outline the affidavit structure while also explaining the steps to replace the ID. This feels more complete.
Option 3: Confirm whether specific agencies (e.g., PhilSys) provide their own templates. But would that delay my response unnecessarily?

5. Are there regional variations or nuances?

In the Philippines, local government units (LGUs) sometimes play a role in processing affidavits or notarizations. Could the requirements differ slightly depending on where this person resides? If so, they might need to check locally. But how important is that for now?

6. Do I assume they’re familiar with notarization?

Not everyone understands the notarization process. Should I explain it briefly? A notarized affidavit isn’t valid without this step, so it feels essential.

Revised Plan of Action

Okay, I think the best approach is this:

Provide a sample structure for the affidavit of loss to meet their immediate need.
Explain the notarization process since it’s crucial.
Briefly outline the steps for replacing the national ID, as that’s likely their end goal.
Advise them to check with local authorities or the issuing agency (PhilSys) for specific requirements or templates.

Final Answer

Here’s how you can proceed with your concern:

1. Sample Affidavit of Loss Template
Use the following structure to draft your affidavit:

AFFIDAVIT OF LOSS

I, [Your Full Name], of legal age, [civil status], and a resident of [Your Address], after being duly sworn in accordance with law, do hereby depose and state:

That I am the registered holder of a Philippine National ID issued under the Philippine Identification System (PhilSys).
That I regretfully lost my said National ID on or about [date], while I was [describe circumstances, e.g., traveling, at home, etc.].
That I have made diligent efforts to locate the said ID but to no avail, leading me to conclude that it is irretrievably lost.
That this affidavit is executed to attest to the loss of my National ID and to comply with requirements for its replacement.
That I am executing this statement truthfully, and I assume full responsibility for its contents.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this [date] at [location].

[Your Printed Name and Signature]

SUBSCRIBED AND SWORN to before me this [date] at [location], affiant exhibiting to me [your valid ID, e.g., passport, driver’s license, etc.].

[Notary Public Signature]

2. Notarization Process

Visit a notary public.
Bring a valid government-issued ID (if available).
Pay the notarization fee (usually PHP 200–500, depending on the location).

3. Steps to Replace Your National ID

Report the loss to PhilSys. Visit the nearest PSA office or check their website for specific instructions.
Submit the notarized affidavit of loss along with other requirements (e.g., any valid ID, proof of payment for replacement).
Pay the replacement fee, if applicable.

4. Additional Advice

Check with your local government unit (LGU) or PSA office for any specific affidavit format or replacement policies.
If you need further assistance, PSA staff can guide you through the process.

Let me know if you need clarification on any part of this!