What Is a Sworn Statement?
A Sworn Statement is a written declaration of facts made under oath and subscribed before a notary public or other authorized officer. The word "sworn" means the declarant takes an oath (or affirmation) that the contents are true, making any false statement potentially punishable as perjury under the Revised Penal Code.
Filipinos know this document best as the Sinumpaang Salaysay — the Tagalog name printed on countless police, barangay, and government forms. A Sinumpaang Salaysay and an English-language Sworn Statement are one and the same document, and every office that asks for one will accept either version.
In Philippine practice, "sworn statement" and "affidavit" are essentially the same type of document. Government agencies, employers, and administrative tribunals often use "sworn statement" in their forms and instructions, while litigation lawyers use "affidavit." The format and requirements are identical.
When Is a Sworn Statement Required?
- DOLE and NLRC proceedings — position papers and evidence must be submitted under oath
- CSC administrative cases — the complaint must be supported by a sworn statement
- DOLE establishment compliance reports — some DOLE forms require a sworn declaration of compliance
- BIR and BOC declarations — import entries, tax returns, and some BIR forms require sworn compliance statements
- Insurance claims — insurers require a sworn declaration of loss or circumstances
- School disciplinary proceedings — sworn statements from complainants and witnesses
- Employee incident reports and HR investigations — the investigated employee and witnesses may be required to submit sworn statements
Free Sworn Statement Template
I, [AFFIANT'S FULL NAME], [age] years old, [civil status], Filipino, [occupation/position], with [residence/office] address at [complete address], after being duly sworn in accordance with law, hereby depose and state that:
1. [State fact no. 1 clearly and specifically];
2. [State fact no. 2];
3. [State fact no. 3 and so on as needed];
4. I am executing this Sworn Statement to attest to the truth of the foregoing and for [state purpose, e.g., "submission to the [agency/employer/court]"] and for whatever legal purpose it may serve.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this day of , 20 at , Philippines.
SUBSCRIBED AND SWORN TO BEFORE ME, this day of , 20, in , Philippines. Affiant exhibited to me his/her Competent Evidence of Identity: .
PTR No.
IBP No.
Roll No.
MCLE Compliance No.
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