Last materially reviewed: September 3, 2026
Direct Answer
An electronic signature is the broader legal concept, while a digital signature is a specific type of electronic signature that uses cryptographic technology and certificate-based verification. Under Philippine law, both concepts can be legally significant, but they are not interchangeable. Republic Act No. 8792 recognizes electronic signatures generally, while the Rules on Electronic Evidence contain specific presumptions for authenticated digital signatures.
Primary authorities: Republic Act No. 8792 and the Supreme Court Rules on Electronic Evidence.
Key Takeaways
- Every digital signature is an electronic signature, but not every electronic signature is a digital signature.
- Electronic signatures can take many forms depending on the method used to identify and authenticate the signer.
- Digital signatures use cryptographic techniques and typically rely on digital certificates.
- The Rules on Electronic Evidence provide special presumptions after a digital signature is authenticated.
- For ordinary business transactions, the best method depends on risk, identity assurance, fraud exposure and evidentiary needs.
Decision Snapshot
| Method | Typical use |
| Typed name or click-to-sign process | Lower-risk electronic transactions where identity and intent are adequately established. |
| Drawn signature on screen | Electronic signature; strength depends on surrounding audit trail and authentication. |
| Certificate-based cryptographic signature | Higher-assurance digital signing and stronger integrity verification. |
| Scanned image of handwritten signature | May function as an electronic signature in context but can be easier to copy or dispute. |
What Is an Electronic Signature?
RA 8792 defines an electronic signature broadly as information representing the identity of a person and attached to, incorporated in, or logically associated with an electronic data message or electronic document, and used with the intention of authenticating or approving the electronic document.
This can include different technologies and signing workflows. What matters is whether the method satisfies the applicable legal requirements and reliably identifies the signer and the act of signing.
What Is a Digital Signature?
A digital signature is a technical implementation of electronic signing that uses asymmetric cryptography. In a typical public-key infrastructure system, a private key creates the signature and a corresponding public key helps verify that the signature came from the holder of that key and that the signed data has not been altered.
What Does the Supreme Court Say About Digital Signatures?
The Rules on Electronic Evidence provide disputable presumptions after a digital signature has been authenticated, including presumptions concerning the correctness of certificate information, the operational period of the certificate, and whether the signed message was altered after signing. See Rule 6 of the Rules on Electronic Evidence.
Which Is More Secure?
A well-implemented certificate-based digital signature generally provides stronger technical evidence of integrity and signer authentication than a simple pasted image or typed name. But security still depends on how private keys, certificates, accounts, devices and signing workflows are managed.
Which Should a Philippine Business Use?
Use the method that matches the transaction risk. A routine approval may not need the same assurance level as a high-value financing agreement, regulated filing or transaction likely to be disputed. Consider identity verification, tamper evidence, audit logs, certificate validation, authentication and the possibility of litigation.
For the broader validity question, see Are Electronic Signatures Legally Valid in the Philippines?
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a digital signature required for every electronic contract?
No. Philippine law does not require every electronic contract to use a certificate-based digital signature.
Is a scanned signature a digital signature?
No. A scanned handwritten signature is an image and does not by itself use the cryptographic process associated with a digital signature.
Can a simple electronic signature be legally valid?
Yes, depending on the transaction and whether the applicable requirements for identity, intent and reliability are met.
Why are digital certificates important?
Certificates help associate a public key with an identified holder and support verification of digital signatures.
Official Sources
General educational information only.