Consularized vs. Apostilled

Once upon a time, a broker closed a sale and was tasked to transfer the title to the buyer's name.

The sellers were domiciled in another country and couldn't fly to the PH, so they executed a special power of attorney authorizing their relative to sign on their behalf. They signed this document before the PH consul in their country, effectively "consularizing" it.

After the sale was consummated, the broker submitted the documents to pertinent authorities for checking.

The person in authority (PIA) refused to accept the documents, claiming the consularized SPA has to be apostilled.

The end.

Actually, "consularization" is slang for the act of the notarization of a document by a country's consul.

Meanwhile, an "apostille" is a certificate issued by a government agency that authenticates the witness' (i.e., notary public's) signature. Apostilles were developed as an alternative to having a document consularized.

Between the two, a consularized document is more powerful because the witness is a duly appointed country official (i.e., the PH).

Lesson: Don't assume that PIAs are aware and up-to-date with all regulatory memos. RESPECTFULLY, explain to them why you think they're wrong. Show them relevant rulings/memos that support your arguments.