Affidavit of Recantation: Meaning, Purpose, and Sample Form
An Affidavit of Recantation is a sworn legal document executed by a person who withdraws, corrects, or retracts statements previously made in an affidavit, testimony, or complaint. It is commonly used when the affiant realizes that earlier statements were incorrect, incomplete, misunderstood, or made under mistake or pressure.
This affidavit explains the reasons for the retraction and clarifies the true and correct facts. An Affidavit of Recantation does not automatically dismiss a case but may be considered by courts, prosecutors, or authorities in evaluating the credibility of prior statements.
When Is an Affidavit of Recantation Used?
An Affidavit of Recantation is commonly used in the following situations:
- Withdrawal or correction of a previous affidavit or sworn statement
- Recantation of testimony given during investigations or hearings
- Correction of mistaken facts or misinterpretations
- Clarification of statements made under pressure, fear, or misunderstanding
- Submission to courts, prosecutors, or government agencies
Supporting explanations and circumstances should be clearly stated to establish credibility.
What Should Be Included in an Affidavit of Recantation?
A valid Affidavit of Recantation should contain:
- Complete details of the affiant
- Reference to the prior affidavit or statement being recanted
- Clear explanation of the reason for recantation
- Corrected or truthful version of the facts
- Purpose of executing the affidavit
- Affiant’s signature and notarization
Sample Affidavit of Recantation (Editable Template)
Replace all bracketed information below with the correct details before printing and notarization.
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES
[CITY / MUNICIPALITY]
[PROVINCE]
AFFIDAVIT OF RECANTATION
I, [FULL NAME OF AFFIANT], of legal age, [citizenship], [civil status], and residing at [complete address], after having been duly sworn in accordance with law, hereby depose and state:
1. That I previously executed an affidavit or made a sworn statement dated [date] concerning [brief description of the subject matter].
2. That after careful review and reflection, I hereby voluntarily recant and withdraw the statements I previously made due to the following reasons:
[Clearly explain the reason for recantation, such as mistake, misunderstanding, pressure, or incorrect information.]
3. That the true and correct facts are as follows:
[State the accurate and truthful facts to replace the previous statement.]
4. That I am executing this affidavit voluntarily, without force, intimidation, or undue influence from any person.
5. That I am executing this affidavit to formally correct my previous statements and for whatever legal purpose it may serve.
6. That the foregoing statements are true and correct to the best of my knowledge and belief.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto affixed my signature this [day] day of [month, year] at [place of execution].
_________________________________
[FULL NAME OF AFFIANT]
Affiant
SUBSCRIBED AND SWORN to before me this [day] day of [month, year] at [place], the affiant presenting competent proof of identity.
_________________________________
NOTARY PUBLIC
Doc. No. _____;
Page No. _____;
Book No. _____;
Series of _____.
Disclaimer: This template is for general reference only. Recantation does not automatically dismiss a case. Consult a lawyer when necessary.