While not required by law, having the promissory note notarized can provide additional legal protection and evidentiary weight in court should any dispute arise over its enforcement.
A contract, under Philippine law, becomes binding as soon as there is mutual consent between the parties, consideration (payment or exchange of services), and a lawful object (subject matter of the agreement). These elements are enough to form a valid and enforceable contract, even without notarization.
The advantages of installment loans include flexible terms and lower interest rates. The disadvantages of installment loans include the risk of default and loss of collateral.
Ing to Boundy (2012), typically, a written contract will include: Date of agreement. Names of parties to the agreement. Preliminary clauses. Defined terms. Main contract clauses. Schedules/appendices and signature provisions (para. 5).