Cimafranca Ong Law Office & Notary

Cimafranca Ong Law Office & Notary Law Office | Notary Public
Located at Ground Floor, Galleria Luisa, Gallares St., Tagbilaran City, Bohol.

We are located along the entrance road entering Galleria Luisa.

📩 Message us for inquiries and appointments.

30/06/2026

📢 OFFICE ADVISORY

Please be informed that our office is closed today, July 1, in observance of Tagbilaran City Charter Day.

Regular office operations will resume on our next business day. For urgent concerns, you may still send us a message through this page, and we will respond as soon as possible once office operations resume.

Thank you for your understanding. We wish everyone a Happy Charter Day!

📌 Understanding the Difference Between a Tax Declaration, OCT, and TCTWhen dealing with real property transactions, it i...
24/06/2026

📌 Understanding the Difference Between a Tax Declaration, OCT, and TCT

When dealing with real property transactions, it is important to understand the distinction between a Tax Declaration, an Original Certificate of Title (OCT), and a Transfer Certificate of Title (TCT). These documents are often confused with one another, but they serve different purposes and carry different legal implications.

A Tax Declaration is a document issued by the local Assessor's Office that contains information about a property's assessed value for taxation purposes. It is used as the basis for computing real property taxes and serves as evidence that taxes are being assessed on the property. However, a Tax Declaration is not conclusive proof of ownership. While it may indicate who declared the property for tax purposes, it does not establish legal title over the land.

An Original Certificate of Title (OCT), on the other hand, is the first title issued over a parcel of land after it has been registered under the Philippine land registration system. It serves as official proof of ownership and is considered the root title from which subsequent titles may be derived. Once ownership is transferred to another person, the OCT is cancelled and replaced by a new title.

A Transfer Certificate of Title (TCT) is issued when ownership of a titled property is transferred through sale, donation, inheritance, or other lawful means. The TCT reflects the name of the current registered owner and provides evidence of legal ownership. Most privately owned titled properties today are covered by TCTs rather than OCTs because ownership has already changed hands at least once.

In simple terms, a Tax Declaration is primarily for taxation purposes, while an OCT and a TCT are documents that establish and protect ownership rights over real property. Before purchasing land or any real estate property, it is advisable to examine both the title and the tax declaration, verify their authenticity, and ensure that all records are consistent and up to date.

⚖️ What is an “Affidavit of Two Disinterested Persons”?You may have encountered this requirement when correcting records...
07/05/2026

⚖️ What is an “Affidavit of Two Disinterested Persons”?

You may have encountered this requirement when correcting records or addressing discrepancies in documents.

An affidavit of two disinterested persons is a sworn statement executed by two individuals who can attest to certain facts about a person or situation. The term “disinterested” means that these individuals are not directly involved in the matter and do not stand to benefit from it. Their role is to provide an objective and credible account based on their personal knowledge.

Do they need to be related to the person? Not necessarily. In fact, they are usually expected to be neutral parties. While they may know the person, they should not have a personal or financial interest in the outcome.

Key point: The purpose of requiring disinterested persons is to strengthen the reliability of the information being declared.

⚠️ This post is for general legal information only and not legal advice.

📌 WHY NOTARIZATION MATTERSNotarization is more than just a signature and a stamp. It helps protect you legally. A notari...
24/04/2026

📌 WHY NOTARIZATION MATTERS

Notarization is more than just a signature and a stamp. It helps protect you legally. A notarized document becomes a public document, which makes it easier to use as evidence if needed. It also helps prevent fraud because a notary verifies the identity of the person signing and ensures that the signature is given voluntarily. In case of disputes, a notarized document is more credible and reliable than a private one. It is also required for many important transactions, such as affidavits, contracts, deeds of sale, and special powers of attorney. While you may not need it immediately, notarization can protect you in the long run by saving you time, money, and stress if issues arise.

💡 DISCLAIMER: This post is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For guidance specific to your situation, it is best to consult a qualified lawyer.

Wisdom Wednesday 🧠Many people are asked to secure an affidavits without fully understanding their purpose. Two commonly ...
15/04/2026

Wisdom Wednesday 🧠

Many people are asked to secure an affidavits without fully understanding their purpose. Two commonly used documents are the Affidavit of Discrepancy and the Affidavit of Two Disinterested Persons, which apply in different situations.

An Affidavit of Discrepancy is needed when there are inconsistencies in a person’s personal records. For example, a student is applying for employment, but their birth certificate spells their name as “Mariae” while all their school records and IDs use “Maria.” To correct or explain this difference, the individual executes an Affidavit of Discrepancy to clarify that both names refer to one and the same person. This affidavit is usually supported by documents such as a birth certificate, school record/s, or valid IDs showing the inconsistency.

On the other hand, an Affidavit of Two Disinterested Persons is used when a fact needs to be established but there is no official document available to prove it. For instance, a person is applying for a government benefit and is required to prove residency in a barangay for several years, but they have no utility bills or official proof of address. In this case, two individuals who are not related to the affiant and have no personal interest in the matter may execute an affidavit confirming that the individual has indeed been residing in the area.

Both affidavits must be sworn before a notary public, and the individuals executing them must truthfully attest to the facts stated, as these documents are legally binding once notarized.

Disclaimer: This post is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For specific concerns, it is best to consult a qualified legal professional.

FAQ Tuesday 💭What is the difference between annulment of marriage and legal separation❔💍Annulment of marriage and legal ...
14/04/2026

FAQ Tuesday 💭

What is the difference between annulment of marriage and legal separation❔💍

Annulment of marriage and legal separation are often confused, but they are not the same. Annulment of marriage refers to a legal process that declares a marriage void from the beginning due to specific grounds such as lack of consent or psychological incapacity, among others. Once an annulment is granted, the marriage is treated as if it never legally existed, allowing both parties to remarry. On the other hand, legal separation allows spouses to live separately and divide their property, but the marriage itself remains valid. This means that neither party is allowed to remarry.

Both annulment and legal separation require court proceedings and must be based on grounds recognized under the Family Code of the Philippines. Understanding the distinction between these two legal remedies is important for individuals who are considering their options in resolving marital issues.

Disclaimer: This post is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For specific concerns, it is best to consult a qualified legal professional.

Legal Tip 🧠 Legal Reminder: Read Before You SignBefore signing any document, whether it is a contract, agreement, or wai...
14/04/2026

Legal Tip 🧠

Legal Reminder: Read Before You Sign

Before signing any document, whether it is a contract, agreement, or waiver, it is important to take time to read and understand its contents. A signature is not just a formality; it signifies that you have read, understood, and agreed to all the terms and conditions stated in the document. This means you may be legally bound to fulfill the obligations written in it, even if you did not fully review the details beforehand.

Under the Civil Code of the Philippines, contracts are binding once there is consent between the parties. This is why checking the accuracy of names, dates, obligations, and ensuring there are no blank spaces is essential before signing.

Taking the time to read and understand a document is a simple but important step in protecting your rights and avoiding future disputes.

Disclaimer: This post is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For specific concerns, it is best to consult a qualified legal professional.

Why Personal Presence is Mandatory for Notarization?Notarization is not just about signing a document. It is a process t...
25/03/2026

Why Personal Presence is Mandatory for Notarization?

Notarization is not just about signing a document. It is a process that helps make sure the document is real and that the person signing it is properly identified. This is why the affiant, principal, or parties are required to be physically present before the notary public.

Being present allows the notary public to check one's identity with a valid ID and to confirm that one signs the document willingly and without pressure. It also helps make sure that one understands the contents of the document.

In the Philippines, notarization turns a private document into a public document, which means it can be used as evidence without needing further proof. Because of this, proper steps like personal appearance are important.

Being present during notarization helps prevent fraud, false identity, and disputes about the document.

This post is shared for general information and awareness only and should not be considered legal advice.

Importance of Document Verification 📄 Why Checking Property Documents Is ImportantIn land transactions, verifying import...
18/03/2026

Importance of Document Verification

📄 Why Checking Property Documents Is Important

In land transactions, verifying important documents is often part of the process before completing a purchase. Documents such as the property title, tax declaration, and proof of payment of real property taxes may help determine the current status of the property.

These records may also help identify whether the property is properly registered and whether there are matters that should be clarified before the transfer of ownership.

Careful document review is often an important step in understanding the legal and administrative aspects of property transactions.

(This post is for general information only and should not be considered legal advice.)

Online posts can sometimes lead to legal consequences. Being mindful of what we share on social media helps promote resp...
11/03/2026

Online posts can sometimes lead to legal consequences. Being mindful of what we share on social media helps promote responsible and respectful online interactions. 💭

Address

Ground Floor, Galleria Luisa
Tagbilaran City
6300

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Cimafranca Ong Law Office & Notary posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Shortcuts

Share

Category