What Is an Affidavit of Undertaking?
An Affidavit of Undertaking is a sworn statement in which the affiant binds himself or herself to do — or to refrain from doing — a specific thing. It is also known as a sworn undertaking (in Filipino, a sinumpaang salaysay or sinumpaang pangako), and is the notarized counterpart of an ordinary letter of undertaking.
Because the affiant swears to the commitment before a notary public, the document carries legal weight — which is why schools, employers, government agencies, and private institutions often require it before they will release a document, process a transaction, or grant a request.
When Do Filipinos Need an Affidavit of Undertaking?
- Submitting a missing requirement — undertaking to submit a Transcript of Records, clearance, or certificate within a deadline
- Settling an obligation — committing to pay or comply within an agreed period
- Employment and enrollment — undertaking to complete pre-employment or enrollment requirements
- Compliance commitments — agreeing to follow a company, school, or agency policy
- Conditional transactions — guaranteeing performance of a condition before a deal proceeds
Required Facts in an Affidavit of Undertaking
- Affiant's identity — full name, civil status, citizenship, and address
- Background or reason (optional) — the circumstances that gave rise to the undertaking
- The undertaking itself — clearly worded, with a deadline where applicable
- Voluntariness — that the affidavit is executed freely and voluntarily
- Purpose — why the affidavit is being executed
- Jurat — subscribed and sworn before a notary public
Free Affidavit of Undertaking Template
I, Juan Dela Cruz, single, Filipino, of legal age, and a resident of 123 Mabuhay Street, Barangay San Antonio, Quezon City, after being duly sworn in accordance with law, hereby depose and state that:
1. That the said document is still being processed and is not yet available;
2. That I hereby undertake and bind myself to submit the original copy of my Transcript of Records to the Office of the University Registrar within thirty (30) days from the date hereof;
3. That I am executing this Affidavit freely and voluntarily;
4. That I am executing this Affidavit to attest to the truth of the foregoing and for the purpose of submission to the Office of the University Registrar in support of my enrollment, and for whatever legal purpose it may serve.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this January 15, 2026 at Quezon City, Philippines.
SUBSCRIBED AND SWORN to before me this January 15, 2026 at Quezon City, Philippines. Affiant exhibited to me his/her Driver's License bearing No. N01-23-456789 issued on May 10, 2023 at Quezon City.
PTR No.
IBP No.
Roll No.
MCLE Compliance No.
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- Word the undertaking precisely. State exactly what you commit to do, to whom, and by when. Vague undertakings ("I will comply") are weak.
- Add a deadline. Most institutions want a clear period — e.g., "within thirty (30) days from the date hereof."
- Include the background if it helps. Briefly explain why the undertaking is needed (e.g., the document is still being processed).
- Keep it honest. Only undertake what you genuinely intend and are able to fulfill — a false affidavit is perjury.
- Have it notarized. Bring a government-issued ID; the notary administers the oath and affixes the jurat.
Affidavit of Undertaking vs. Letter of Undertaking
A letter of undertaking is typically an unsworn private letter — useful, but easily disputed. An Affidavit of Undertaking is the same commitment placed under oath and notarized, which is why institutions that need a binding assurance ask for the affidavit form. If you were asked for a "letter of undertaking" but the requesting office insists it be notarized, what they actually need is an Affidavit of Undertaking.