In the Philippines, an Affidavit of Discrepancy (specifically regarding a residential address) is a legal document executed under oath to clarify inconsistencies in a person's place of residence as appearing in various official records.
Whether due to a clerical error, a change in street naming conventions by a Local Government Unit (LGU), or the use of different descriptive formats (e.g., "Lot and Block" vs. "Street and Number"), these inconsistencies can stall critical transactions with government agencies like the DFA, PSA, SSS, or private entities like banking institutions.
Common Scenarios Requiring this Affidavit
- Clerical Errors: A misspelling of the street name or an incorrect house number in a previous ID or contract.
- Administrative Changes: When a municipality renames a street or re-zones a district, causing a mismatch between old and new documents.
- Format Variations: Using a "Home Address" on a birth certificate that differs from a "Permanent Address" on a passport, even if they refer to the same physical location.
- Barangay Certification Mismatch: When a Barangay Clearance uses a specific landmark-based address that doesn't perfectly align with a land title or utility bill.
Essential Elements of the Affidavit
To be legally binding and effective for Philippine administrative use, the document must contain the following components:
- Title: "Affidavit of Discrepancy" or "Affidavit of One and the Same Address."
- Commencement: The full name, age, civil status, nationality, and current residence of the Affiant (the person making the statement).
- The Statement of Fact: A clear declaration that the addresses appearing in Document A and Document B, though worded differently, refer to the exact same physical location.
- The Purpose: A specific mention of why the affidavit is being executed (e.g., "to correct my records with the Philippine Statistics Authority" or "for a passport application").
- Jurat: The concluding part where the Affiant signs, followed by the Notary Public’s acknowledgment.
Step-by-Step Preparation Process
| Step | Action | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Gather Evidence | Collect the two documents showing the conflicting addresses (e.g., a Voter's ID and a Birth Certificate). |
| 2 | Drafting | Prepare the text. It is best to be precise: "That '123 Rizal St.' and 'Blk 1 Lot 23, Rizal Village' are one and the same." |
| 3 | Verification | Ensure all details match your current valid IDs. Any error in the affidavit itself will render it useless. |
| 4 | Notarization | Bring the unsigned document to a Notary Public. You must sign it in their presence and present a valid government-issued photo ID. |
| 5 | Filing | Submit the notarized original to the requesting agency, keeping a photocopy for your personal records. |
Legal Template (Pro-Forma)
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES) PROVINCE/CITY OF ___________ ) S.S.
AFFIDAVIT OF DISCREPANCY
I, [Full Name], of legal age, Filipino, [Civil Status], and a resident of [Current Address], after having been duly sworn to in accordance with law, do hereby depose and state:
- That I have been residing at the aforementioned address for [Number] years;
- That in my [Name of Document 1, e.g., Birth Certificate], my residence was recorded as "[Address as written in Doc 1]";
- That in my [Name of Document 2, e.g., SSS Records], my residence was recorded as "[Address as written in Doc 2]";
- That I am executing this Affidavit to attest to the fact that the addresses "[Address 1]" and "[Address 2]" refer to one and the same physical location, which is my actual residence;
- That I am filing this statement to clear any confusion or discrepancy regarding my residential records for whatever legal purpose this may serve.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this ____ day of ______, 20 at [City/Municipality].
(Signature of Affiant over Printed Name) SUBSCRIBED AND SWORN to before me this ____ day of ______, 20 at [City/Municipality], Affiant exhibiting to me their [ID Type and Number] issued on [Date] at [Place of Issue]. Doc. No. ____; Page No. ____; Book No. __; Series of 20.
Important Reminders
- Valid Identification: Under the 2004 Rules on Notarial Practice, the Notary Public requires a competent piece of evidence of identity. A "community tax certificate" (Cedula) is often no longer sufficient on its own for notarization in many jurisdictions; a government-issued photo ID (Passport, UMID, Driver’s License) is preferred.
- Truthfulness: Filing a false affidavit constitutes Perjury under the Revised Penal Code of the Philippines, which carries criminal penalties.
- Supporting Documents: When submitting the affidavit to an agency, always attach a "Barangay Certificate of Residency" as it serves as the primary local confirmation of your address.