Pasig City, Philippines — The Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) has entered into a strategic partnership with Twala, a Department of Science and Technology–backed Filipino legal technology company, to provide lawyers nationwide with secure, compliant, and state-of-the-art digital signature and electronic notarization solutions.

The partnership marks a significant step in modernizing the practice of law in the Philippines. Through this collaboration, IBP members across the country will gain access to Twala’s comprehensive suite of legal technology tools, including electronic signatures, electronic notarization, and AI-powered document management solutions, all secured using blockchain technology to ensure document integrity, transparency, and trust.

“This partnership with Twala represents an important step in the modernization of legal practice,” said Atty. Allan G. Panolong, National President of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines. “By adopting secure and compliant digital solutions, our members will be better equipped to serve clients efficiently while upholding the integrity of legal processes in the digital era.” Twala brings proven experience in supporting digital transformation within the legal and public sectors. The company previously collaborated with the Supreme Court of the Philippines in the development of the 2025 Rules on Electronic Notarization, helping establish the legal framework for nationwide e-notarization. Twala has also worked with key government institutions, including the Department of Science and Technology, the Department of Information and Communications Technology, the Senate of the Philippines, the Anti-Red Tape Authority, and the Philippine Economic Zone Authority, supporting various digitalization initiatives.

“Twala is dedicated to equipping the legal community with innovative tools that simplify compliance, foster trust, and expand access to justice,” said Atty. Third Bagro, Co-founder and General Counsel of Twala. “Our vision is to democratize legal services through technology—making legal processes faster, more transparent, and more accessible to all.”

Under the agreement, the IBP and Twala will roll out a series of joint initiatives, including webinars, seminars, and training programs, to familiarize lawyers with digital signatures, electronic notarization, and emerging legal technologies. IBP members will also receive exclusive discounted subscription packages for Twala’s digital signature and electronic notary services, along with onboarding support, technical demonstrations, and hands-on training.

The partnership further strengthens the IBP’s Unified Legal Aid Service (ULAS) program through sponsorships and co-organized activities, reflecting the shared commitment of both organizations to expanding access to legal services and supporting the legal profession through responsible innovation. The Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signing ceremony was held on January 12, 2026, at the IBP Ortigas Office, located at the IBP Building, Ortigas Center, San Antonio, Pasig City. The agreement was signed by Atty. Allan G. Panolong, National President and Chairperson of the 27th Board of Governors, and Atty. Third Bagro, Co-founder and General Counsel of Twala. The signing was witnessed by Atty. Randall C. Tabayoyong, Executive Vice President and Governor for Bicolandia, Engr. Jeffrey V. Reyes, ECE, MTM, Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of Twala, as well as other officers and members of the IBP and Twala representatives.

About the Integrated Bar of the Philippines

The Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) is the national organization of lawyers created on January 6, 1973 under Rule 139-A of the Rules of Court and constituted into a body corporate on May 4, 1973 by Presidential Decree No. 181. It is the unified association of all lawyers whose names appear in the Roll of Attorneys of the Supreme Court, serving as the institutional voice of the Philippine legal profession. The IBP exists to elevate the standards of the legal profession, improve the administration of justice, and enable the Bar to discharge its public responsibilities effectively. It is committed to upholding integrity, professional competence, legal education, and continuing legal development, while providing a forum for legal discourse and reform. As a partner of the Bench, the IBP plays a vital role in promoting the rule of law, safeguarding judicial independence, and expanding access to justice throughout the country.

About Twala

Twala is a Philippine-based technology company that offers a secure and intelligent document platform for digital signatures, electronic notary, identity verification, and AI-powered document lifecycle management. It empowers individuals, professionals, and organizations to execute and manage legally binding documents electronically, with the highest standards of security, integrity, and compliance. Built on blockchain and public key infrastructure (PKI) technologies, Twala enables tamper-evident, cryptographically verifiable digital transactions. Its platform serves high-trust use cases across government, legal, enterprise, and financial sectors. A multi-awarded technology startup, Twala is backed by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) - Philippine Council for Industry, Energy, and Emerging Technology Research and Development (DOST-PCIEERD) through its Startup Grant Fund Program and maintains active R&D partnerships with DOST-ASTI. Twala has also collaborated with key public institutions such as the DICT, the Senate, and the Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA).