In the Philippines, the Professional Identification Card (PRC ID) is more than just a piece of plastic; it is the official credential that permits a professional to practice their vocation. Losing this card can be a significant setback, potentially affecting employment, contract signings, and official transactions.
When a PRC ID is lost, stolen, or destroyed, the primary legal document required to initiate the replacement process is an Affidavit of Loss. Below is a comprehensive guide on where to get it, what to prepare, and the legal context surrounding it.
1. What is an Affidavit of Loss?
An Affidavit of Loss is a legal document—a written statement made under oath—wherein an individual (the "affiant") declares the circumstances surrounding the loss of a specific item. In this context, it serves as formal notice to the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) that the original ID is no longer in the holder's possession.
2. Where to Get an Affidavit of Loss
You generally have three options for obtaining this document:
- Public Notaries: The most common route. Most law offices or "notary public" stalls near city halls, courts, or PRC regional offices offer drafting and notarization services.
- Legal Aid Clinics: If you are an indigent litigant or meet certain income requirements, organizations like the Public Attorney’s Office (PAO) may assist, though they usually prioritize court-related documents.
- Self-Drafted: You can write the affidavit yourself using a template, but it must be signed in the presence of a Notary Public to be legally binding.
3. Essential Information to Prepare
To draft a valid Affidavit of Loss, you must provide the following details:
- Personal Information: Your full name, age, civil status, nationality, and residence address.
- Professional Details: Your profession (e.g., Nurse, Teacher, Engineer) and, if you remember it, your Registration Number.
- Circumstances of Loss: A brief but clear narrative of how, when, and where the ID was lost (e.g., "misplaced inside a mall," "stolen along with my wallet," or "lost during a house fire").
- Statement of Effort: A declaration that you exerted "diligent efforts" to find the ID but failed.
- Purpose: A statement that the affidavit is being executed to support your application for a duplicate ID from the PRC.
4. Steps to Secure the Notarized Affidavit
| Step | Action | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Drafting | Provide your details to the notary staff or present your pre-written draft. |
| 2 | Verification | Review the document for errors in your name or registration number. |
| 3 | Signing | Sign the document only in front of the Notary Public. |
| 4 | Notarization | The Notary will apply their seal, sign the document, and record it in their notarial book. |
| 5 | Payment | Pay the notarial fee (typically ranges from ₱150 to ₱500 depending on the location). |
5. Requirements for PRC ID Replacement
Once you have the notarized Affidavit of Loss, you must proceed with the PRC's replacement process. Currently, this is handled through the PRC LERIS (Online Professional System).
What to bring to your appointment:
- Notarized Affidavit of Loss.
- Printed Application Form (generated from the PRC online portal).
- Proof of Identity: At least one valid government-issued ID.
- Passport-sized Photo: With a white background and full name tag.
- Payment: The statutory fee for a duplicate ID (usually ₱450 for professions requiring baccalaureate degrees and ₱300 for non-baccalaureate).
6. Important Legal Reminders
- Perjury: An affidavit is a sworn statement. Falsifying the circumstances of loss (e.g., claiming it was lost when you actually sold or pawned it) can lead to criminal charges for Perjury under the Revised Penal Code of the Philippines.
- Immediate Reporting: It is advisable to execute the affidavit as soon as the loss is discovered to prevent identity theft or unauthorized use of your professional credentials.
Would you like me to provide a basic template for an Affidavit of Loss that you can fill out?