Short answer (the part you came for)

No—do not rely on a mere scan. At Philippine immigration counters, a printed scan/PDF of an Affidavit of Support & Guarantee (ASG) is not considered equivalent to the original, duly notarized and—when executed abroad—apostilled or consularized document. A scan may help as supplementary proof, but if the officer is asking for an ASG as a primary document, they can lawfully insist on the original (plus a photocopy). Plan to carry the original.

Below is the full legal context, the “why,” and practical checklists.

What is an ASG and why is it asked for?

An Affidavit of Support & Guarantee (ASG) is a sworn statement by a sponsor (often a relative or partner) that they will financially support and guarantee the return or compliance of the Filipino traveler. Immigration officers may look for it to assess bona fides and financial capacity in the exercise of their screening powers at departure gates.

Legal bases for screening

Philippine Immigration Act of 1940 (C.A. No. 613) – grants immigration officers authority to examine documents of departing/arriving passengers and to enforce immigration laws.
Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act (R.A. 9208, as amended by R.A. 10364 and R.A. 11862) and related inter-agency rules – require enhanced scrutiny to prevent trafficking, illegal recruitment, and other travel-related abuses.
Airport/port operations orders and inter-agency guidelines – empower frontline officers to require reasonable documentation to verify purpose of travel and financial sufficiency.

Key point: An ASG is not always mandatory for every traveler, but when the circumstances raise questions about purpose, funding, or ties, the officer can reasonably ask for it or for equivalent documents.

Document form requirements: original vs. scanned

1) If the sponsor signed in the Philippines

Form: Original, notarized ASG before a Philippine notary public.
What to bring: The original plus one photocopy. A scan on your phone is useful as backup but not a substitute.

2) If the sponsor signed outside the Philippines

You must establish authenticity across borders.

Two compliant routes:

A. Apostille route (Hague Convention)

Where applicable (the Philippines has recognized apostilles since 14 May 2019): Have the ASG notarized abroad, then obtain an Apostille from the foreign country’s Competent Authority.
What to present: The apostilled original ASG at the airport (plus photocopy). A simple scan or home printout of a scanned apostille generally won’t meet authenticity expectations unless the apostille itself is issued in an officially electronic form that is meant to be printed and verified via a QR/online register—and even then, frontline practice still tends to favor the original paper.

B. Consularization route (if the country is not in the Apostille system or if local practice requires it)

Execute the ASG before a Philippine Embassy/Consulate or have it notarized locally and authenticated/consularized by the Philippine Foreign Service Post.
Present the consularized original at departure.

Bottom line on scans: Immigration officers are entitled to inspect originals for authenticity. Scans/PDFs/photos are at best corroborative—good for reference or to pre-screen—but not a dependable primary proof.

Why a scan usually won’t fly (the legal/technical rationale)

Rules of evidence & public documents: A notarized or apostilled/consularized affidavit is treated as a public document. Its probative value flows from the original instrument bearing the notary’s seal/signature and, when applicable, the apostille or consular authentication.
E-commerce & e-notarization: The E-Commerce Act (R.A. 8792) recognizes electronic documents and signatures generally, and the Supreme Court allows remote notarization under specific rules. But frontline travel control remains a document-inspection setting, not a courtroom. Officers customarily require the physical original unless the document is clearly and verifiably electronic (e.g., a recognized e-apostille with online verification that the agency accepts in printed form). Even then, acceptance is discretionary and practice-driven.

Who may issue an ASG, what it should contain, and supporting papers

Eligible sponsors (typical practice)

Immediate family (spouse, parent, child, sibling) and often close relatives (e.g., up to 4th civil degree).
Non-relatives/partners can sponsor, but relationship proof becomes more critical.

Core contents of an ASG

Full identities and contact details of sponsor and traveler
Nature of relationship
Purpose and duration of travel
Sponsor’s undertaking to support and, where applicable, to guarantee return/compliance
Financial capacity statements
Notarial jurat/acknowledgment and, if abroad, apostille or consular authentication

Typical attachments you should carry (originals/photocopies)

Sponsor’s government ID/passport (biopage)
Proof of relationship (PSA civil registry documents, etc.)
Proof of funds (bank statements, payslips, employment certificate, business permits/ITR)
Travel ties: return ticket, itinerary, hotel booking/invitation, company leave approvals, etc.

Special situations

1) Minors and young travelers

Separate rules may apply (e.g., DSWD permissions for departing Filipino minors, depending on who they travel with). An ASG does not replace any required DSWD authorization or parental consent documents.

2) Longer visits or multiple entries

Expect deeper questions on funding and ties. An ASG can help—but only with credible, verifiable attachments and the original instrument.

3) Gulf States / high-risk routes

Screening can be stricter due to trafficking/illegal recruitment risks. Officers are more likely to ask for originals and robust proof of capacity/relationship.

Practical checklists

For the traveler

Bring the original notarized + apostilled/consularized ASG (if executed abroad) and one photocopy.
Carry supporting evidence (IDs, relationship proof, bank docs, itinerary, return ticket).
Keep scans on your phone/email/drive for backup—but treat them as backup only.

For the sponsor (Philippines-based)

Prepare the ASG with complete details and commitments.
Notarize before a Philippine notary public.
Courier the original to the traveler.

For the sponsor (abroad)

Execute the ASG properly in your country (local notarization).
Apostille it with the foreign Competent Authority or have it consularized by a Philippine Embassy/Consulate (as applicable).
Send the original to the traveler.

Frequently asked questions

Q: Will a high-resolution color printout of a scanned ASG be accepted? A: Don’t bank on it. Officers can insist on the original. A printout of a scan does not carry the same evidentiary weight as an original notarized/apostilled document.

Q: What if my sponsor sent an e-apostille or digital notarization? A: Some jurisdictions issue apostilles with QR codes/online registers. A printed copy that can be verified online may be persuasive, but acceptance remains discretionary at the counter. Bring whatever the issuing authority designates as the official output (and, if possible, a certified hard copy). When in doubt, obtain and carry the paper original.

Q: Is an ASG mandatory for tourists? A: Not per se. Many tourists clear immigration without it. However, if your circumstances trigger deeper scrutiny (first-time traveler, young age, unclear funding, long stay, inconsistent answers), an officer may ask for it or equivalent proof. Having a compliant original avoids offloading delays.

Q: How long is an ASG “valid”? A: There is no single statutory shelf life. In practice, ensure the ASG matches the imminent trip (dates, destination, purpose) and is recently executed (e.g., within the last 3–6 months) so it appears credible and current.

Risk management & best practices

Originals win. If you’re relying on an ASG, bring the original.
Substance over form. The strongest ASGs come with solid attachments proving relationship and means.
Consistency matters. Your answers must align with your documents.
Respect officer discretion. Screening is case-by-case. The cleaner and more authentic your file, the smoother the gate.

Final takeaway

In Philippine immigration practice, a scanned ASG is not a safe substitute for the original notarized—and if executed abroad, apostilled or consularized—document. Treat scans as backup, never as the main event. If you anticipate any questions about funding or purpose, invest the small extra effort now to secure and carry the original.