Ian Hardy - July 15, 2014

Although not a party to the Hague Evidence Convention, the Philippines allows the deposition of willing witnesses without any special formalities or involvement of foreign courts. Here is the official statement from the U.S. Department of State website about taking voluntary depositions of willing witnesses in the Philippines https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/legal/Judicial-Assistance-Country-Information/Philippines.html:

Philippine authorities have advised the U.S. Embassy that voluntary depositions of willing witnesses in civil and commercial matters may be taken before U.S. consular officers in the Philippines. The Philippines is not a party to the Hague Evidence Convention. Voluntary depositions may be conducted in the Philippines regardless of the nationality of the witness, provided no compulsion is used. Oral depositions or depositions on written questions may be taken by U.S. consular officers or by private attorneys from the United States or the Philippines at the U.S. Embassy or at another location such as a hotel or office, either on notice or pursuant to a commission. If the services of a U.S. consular officer are required to administer an oath to the witness, interpreter and stenographer, such arrangements must be made in advance with the U.S. embassy directly.
The golden rule that we always try to impress upon clients planning depositions abroad, is to be sure to plan as far in advance as possible. The further you plan ahead, the more likely it is that you’ll be able to locate and book the right professional for your deposition.
Any questions? Optima Juris is the leading provider of U.S. depositions in the Philippines and we are happy to assist you in any way possible. Please feel free to contact us at any time at: depos@optimajuris.com, or visit our informational quote request page for the Philippines at: https://optimajuris.com/court-reporter-philippines/
Photo Credit: By Adi.simionov (Own work) [CC BY-SA 3.0], via Wikimedia Commons