How to Verify a Writ of Execution and Spot Fake Court Orders in the Philippines

Practical guidance for individuals, businesses, and counsel. Philippine jurisdiction. For general information only and not a substitute for legal advice.

1) What a writ of execution is (and isn’t)

Definition. A writ of execution (often just “writ”) is a court’s command to a sheriff (or a duly authorized enforcement officer) to enforce a final and executory judgment—e.g., to collect a sum of money, levy property, garnish bank accounts/credits, or, in ejectment, to place a party in possession.
Who issues. The court that rendered the judgment (e.g., MTC/MeTC, RTC, CTA, CA, SC for their own judgments). Quasi-judicial bodies (e.g., NLRC, SEC in older cases, HLURB/HSAC, etc.) may also issue writs under their enabling laws, enforced by their sheriffs or through the regular courts.
Who enforces. Sheriffs (or equivalent enforcement officers) assigned to that tribunal. Private parties never “execute” on their own.
When available. As a rule, by motion within five (5) years from entry of judgment. Beyond that and before ten (10) years, the winning party generally needs an independent action to revive the judgment. Beyond ten years, judgments typically become unenforceable by execution.
Alias writs. If an earlier writ expired or was returned unsatisfied, the court may issue an alias writ (it should say so on its face).

2) Anatomy of a genuine writ (what to look for line by line)

A typical Philippine writ of execution should contain most of the following, in writing and on the court’s letterhead:

Caption and case details
- Republic of the Philippines header; court name (e.g., “Regional Trial Court, Branch __, [City/Province]”).
- Case title, docket number, and nature of the case (e.g., “Civil Case No. ___ for Sum of Money”).
Pre-ambular recital
- Brief reference to the final judgment and that it is final and executory.
- If monetary: the exact amounts, interest rate, from what date, costs, and attorney’s fees if any.
- If ejectment/possession: the premises description and directive to vacate and deliver possession.
Commanding clause
- Direction to the sheriff to satisfy the judgment from the property of the losing party (personal first, then real), garnish credits owing to the debtor (banks, employers, customers), or restore possession in ejectment.
- For garnishment: clear instruction to the garnishee (bank/employer) to hold and deliver the amount to the sheriff for turnover to the court.
Authentication
- Signature of the Presiding Judge (or authorized Acting/Executive Judge, if applicable).
- Attestation/certification by the Clerk of Court (varies by court form).
- Court seal (embossed/dry seal; pandemic-era and e-court documents may bear a facsimile/electronic signature and/or QR/barcode with a verification note).
- Date of issuance and sometimes a control/registry number.
Sheriff details
- Name/position of assigned sheriff; some courts append a Sheriff’s Return page template.
- Return requirement: sheriffs generally report to the court if unsatisfied within 30 days and continue to act until the writ is fully enforced or recalled.

Quick check: If the document misses the case number, judge’s name/signature, court branch, or looks like a “national” one-size-fits-all writ with a generic seal—treat it as suspicious.

3) A step-by-step verification workflow (do this in order)

A. Desk review (5–10 minutes)

Match the basics. Case title, docket number, parties, judgment amounts/property match what you know?
Check finality. Look for language that the judgment is final and executory (or a court order granting execution pending appeal, which is exceptional and must say so expressly).
Look at dates. Issued within 5 years from entry of judgment if by motion; if older, there should be mention of a revival case or other lawful basis.
Look for “alias writ.” If previous writs existed, the new one should say Alias Writ of Execution.
Authentication features. Court seal/signatures present; not obviously photocopied multiple generations; if e-signed, expect a QR/barcode and a verification note.
Red flags (see §7).

B. Call/confirm with the issuing court (same day)

Use official judiciary directories (not numbers on the suspicious document). Ask for the Clerk of Court or Process Server Section:
- “Can you confirm that Branch __ issued a Writ of Execution in Civil Case No. ___, [Title], dated [date], signed by Judge [name], assigned to Sheriff [name]?”
- Request email confirmation or a certified true copy (CTC).
- If the writ bears a QR/barcode, ask for the official verification method.

C. Verify the sheriff and service

Ask for the sheriff’s full name and ID; genuine sheriffs carry official ID from the court/tribunal.
The sheriff should serve through official addresses and receipts should be court-issued, not to a personal account or e-wallet.

D. If you are a garnishee (bank/employer/customer)

Require: (i) the writ, (ii) sheriff’s written notice/garnishment order identifying the judgment debtor and exact amount, and (iii) proof of sheriff’s identity.
Respond in writing acknowledging receipt and stating your compliance timeline or legal objections (e.g., exempt wages; no account on record; account under a different name).
Do not release funds to any private account. Funds typically go to the court, via the sheriff, with official receipts.

E. If you are the judgment debtor/possessor

Talk to counsel immediately. Consider a motion to quash/recall (e.g., lack of finality, improper party, void judgment, exempt property).
In ejectment, expect a notice to vacate (commonly five [5] working days) before actual enforcement.
For sum of money, you may tender voluntary satisfaction with receipts issued by the court, not the opposing party personally.

4) Scope of enforcement (what sheriffs can and cannot do)

Monetary judgments
- Garnishment of credits (banks, receivables, wages within limits).
- Levy on personal property first; if insufficient, on real property (with proper levy/annotation).
Ejectment/possession
- Serve notice to vacate; if disobeyed, sheriff may peaceably remove occupants and turn over possession to the prevailing party, using reasonable force and, if necessary, break-open orders issued by the court.
Contempt and police assistance
- Sheriffs may seek police assistance by court order; arrests for contempt require proper authority.

Limits & exemptions commonly encountered

Family home (up to statutory value and conditions) and certain essential personal effects are generally exempt from execution.
Pensions, SSS/GSIS benefits, Pag-IBIG funds, and tools of trade often have statutory protection.
Wages/salaries: The Civil Code protects laborers’ wages from execution except for debts for food, shelter, clothing, and medical attendance, and subject to statutory deductions. Employers should proceed cautiously and seek the court’s clarification when in doubt.

5) Special notes on garnishment (banks, employers, customers)

Name match matters. The account or receivable must be in the judgment debtor’s name (or demonstrably his/her credit).
Timing. Garnishment creates a lien at service—funds after service may require follow-up orders.
Bank secrecy. Banks may disclose frozen balances pursuant to a lawful writ/order; still, they should coordinate directly with the sheriff/court.
Third-party claims (terceria). If a non-party claims the levied property or garnished fund, they can file a third-party claim with supporting proof; the sheriff may require an indemnity bond from the judgment creditor to proceed.

6) Common, valid adjunct documents you might see

Sheriff’s Notice of Garnishment/Levy (addresses a bank/employer/registrar).
Break-Open Order / Request for Police Assistance (court-issued).
Alias Writ of Execution (if earlier writ lapsed or was returned).
Sheriff’s Return (periodic reports and final return to court).
Notice to Vacate (ejectment).
Certificate of Finality / Entry of Judgment (supporting the writ).

7) Red flags: how to spot fake or irregular “court orders”

Treat these as presumptive fraud until proven otherwise:

Payment instructions to a personal account (GCash/PayMaya/personal bank), or to remit directly to the opposing lawyer/party. Legit payments are receipted by the court.
No case number, vague parties (“You are hereby ordered…”), or wrong court for the subject matter/territory.
Non-existent office names (e.g., “Office of the National Sheriff – Supreme Court,” or “Philippine High Court Collections Unit”).
Missing or obviously fake seals/signatures, pixelated crests, inconsistent fonts, grammatical howlers.
Threats of immediate arrest by the sheriff without a separate lawful warrant/contempt order.
Email/phone on the document that doesn’t match official directories; URL shorteners, shady domains, or bogus QR codes.
Orders sent only via messaging apps with pressure to act “within hours” or “or your bank will be seized.”
Amounts or interest that don’t match the judgment; compound interest added without a court order.
“Nationwide writ” served by a private collection agent claiming court authority.

8) Decision trees you can use immediately

A. You received a writ. What now?

Is it from a Philippine court/tribunal with case number & judge?

No → Treat as fake; escalate (see §10).
Yes → Go to (2).

Is the judgment final or backed by valid execution authority?

No/unclear → Ask the court for CTC or certificate of finality.
Yes → Go to (3).

Do details match (parties, amounts, property)?

No → Seek recall/quash; hold action pending court guidance.
Yes → Go to (4).

Are the enforcement steps lawful (levy, garnishment, notice to vacate)?

No → Seek immediate court intervention.
Yes → Comply, document everything, and pay/turn over to the court only.

B. You’re a bank/employer/customer served with garnishment.

Acknowledge in writing, identify the account/debt, and freeze up to the amount stated if due and demandable.
If exempt or mismatched: explain why (e.g., no account, exempt wages, third-party claim) and ask for court guidance.
Never release to private accounts. Remit only per court instructions and obtain official receipts.

9) Practical scripts (copy-paste and adapt)

Request to the Clerk of Court (verification)

Subject: Verification of Writ of Execution – [Case No., Title]

Dear Clerk of Court, We received a Writ of Execution dated [date] in [Case No., Title], purportedly signed by Hon. [Judge] and assigned to Sheriff [Name]. Kindly confirm: (1) that your court issued this writ; (2) that the case is final and executory; (3) that Sheriff [Name] is authorized to enforce it; and (4) any official reference number/QR verification. We request a certified true copy and guidance on compliance. Thank you. [Name/Position/Company] | [Official contact details]

Garnishee acknowledgement (to the sheriff/court)

We acknowledge receipt of your Notice of Garnishment dated [date] in [Case No., Title]. Our records show [account/receivable details or none]. We will hold/segregate funds up to ₱[amount] pending the court’s instructions and will remit only per court order. Kindly confirm remittance details to the court and provide the official receipt process.

10) If you confirm it’s fake (or highly suspicious)

Do not pay or turn over property.
Preserve evidence: keep the paper/PDF, message headers, phone numbers, names used, and any QR/barcodes.
Notify the issuing court (if impersonated), the Office of the Court Administrator, and your local police/NBI Anti-Cybercrime.
Consider a public advisory (for companies) to warn staff/branches.
Consult counsel regarding criminal complaints (e.g., falsification, estafa, usurpation of authority) and potential civil actions.
If any property was seized/paid out under a fake order, pursue immediate recovery and criminal charges.

11) Frequent pain points & how to handle them

“Judge signed by e-signature—valid?” Courts adopted electronic processes; e-signatures/QRs can be valid if issued through official systems. Always verify with the court.
“Sheriff asking for ‘mobilization fees’ in cash.” Sheriff’s lawful fees/expenses are governed by rule and receipted. Ask for written authority and official receipt; if unsure, pay through the clerk of court.
“We’re asked to evict immediately—today.” Ejectment execution generally uses a notice to vacate window. If none was given, or circumstances are violent, call the court and request clarification/police assistance through the court.
“Account name differs slightly (spelling/maiden name).” Ask for clarified identification or amendatory order before freezing/releasing funds.
“We’re an employer—are wages attachable?” Exercise caution. The law protects wages with limited exceptions; when in doubt, seek the court’s guidance before any deduction.

12) Quick compliance checklist (print this)

Case title and docket number match.
Issuing court & branch correct; judge named; signature appears valid.
Clerk of Court attestation/court seal present (or valid e-signature/QR).
Final and executory basis shown (or lawful execution pending appeal).
Amounts/property match the judgment; interest and dates clear.
If alias writ, clearly labeled.
Sheriff identified; verified with the court.
If garnishee, instructions direct remittance to court, not to private accounts.
Exemptions checked (wages, pensions, family home, etc.).
Suspicious? Freeze action, escalate to court/NBI, and consult counsel.

13) Key takeaways

Trust but verify—always with the court of origin.
Money and property move only through court channels, with official receipts.
Red flags (personal payment channels, missing case data, non-existent offices) usually mean fraud.
Document everything: your verification calls, emails, and what you received/served.
When unsure, seek immediate judicial guidance—a short call or motion can prevent a costly mistake.

If you want, I can turn this into a printable one-page checklist or tailor a response letter for your specific situation (bank, employer, or property manager).