Legal Insights
Plain-language guides and case briefs on Philippine law — researched from the firm's law library of 184,000+ statutes, Supreme Court decisions, and agency issuances, and written so non-lawyers can understand and act on them.
Get a cited, plain-language answer from 184,000+ statutes and decisions — free, no sign-up.
Retirement Pay in the Philippines Under R.A. 7641: Who Qualifies and How It's Computed
Learn who qualifies for retirement pay in the Philippines under R.A. 7641, how the half-month salary is computed, and what the compulsory retirement age is.
How Gaming Operations Are Taxed in the Philippines: PAGCOR Fees and Franchise Tax
Understand how gaming operations are taxed in the Philippines, including PAGCOR licence fees, the 5% franchise tax, and the final tax on jackpot winnings.
Tax Residency Rules for Foreign Executives in the Philippines
Tax residency rules for a foreign executive in the Philippines: how resident and nonresident aliens are taxed, the 15% preferential rate, and treaty relief.
Advertising Rules in the Philippines: Prohibited Claims and Standards
Advertising rules in the Philippines bar deceptive and unfair claims under the Consumer Act and the Internet Transactions Act of 2023. Here is how they work.
Local Business Tax in the Philippines: How LGUs Levy It Under the Local Government Code
Local business tax in the Philippines is levied by cities and municipalities under the Local Government Code. Learn who pays, who collects, and how it works.
Unsolicited Proposal and Swiss Challenge in Philippine Government Procurement
How unsolicited proposals and the Swiss challenge work under the New Government Procurement Act, including the bid matching rules and award conditions.
PIGO License Philippines: What It Is and How PAGCOR Regulates It
Learn what a PIGO license in the Philippines is, how PAGCOR regulates Philippine Inland Gaming Operators, and what the law says.
Franchise Disputes in the Philippines: How They Are Resolved Under Philippine Law
Learn how franchise disputes in the Philippines are resolved through mediation, arbitration, or court, and what the law says about each route.
Importing Machinery and Capital Equipment into the Philippines: Duties, Taxes, and Exemptions
Importing machinery and capital equipment into the Philippines triggers customs duties and VAT, but registered enterprises may enjoy duty exemption on capital equipment.
Litigation Budgets and Reserves for Philippine Companies: A Practical Guide
Learn how Philippine companies set litigation budgets and reserves, plus how arbitration under RA 9285 can cut dispute costs and uncertainty.
Bank Merger and Consolidation in the Philippines: BSP Approval Requirements
Bank merger or consolidation in the Philippines needs BSP approval plus SEC approval. Learn the documentary requirements and stockholder vote rules.
VAT Refund for Exporters in the Philippines: How Zero-Rated Sales Work
Learn how VAT refunds work for exporters in the Philippines, which sales qualify as zero-rated, and how the BIR processes refund claims.
Party-List Accreditation in the Philippines: How Groups Register with COMELEC
Party-list accreditation in the Philippines requires registering with COMELEC under Republic Act No. 7941. Here is how groups qualify, file, and keep their registration.
Food Recall Procedure in the Philippines: How Unsafe Food Is Withdrawn Under RA 10611
What is the food recall procedure in the Philippines? Learn how food business operators withdraw unsafe food and how FDA and DA regulators act under RA 10611.
Franchise Quality Control in the Philippines: How Franchisors Enforce System Standards
Franchise quality control in the Philippines rests on contract and IP law. Learn how franchisors protect their system standards and marks under RA 8293.
Transfer Pricing Audit in the Philippines: How the BIR Reviews Related-Party Transactions
A transfer pricing audit in the Philippines begins with BIR risk assessment of related-party transactions. Learn the rules, thresholds, and taxpayer defenses.
Business Permits for a Foreign-Owned Company in the Philippines: LGU Guide
How a foreign-owned company secures LGU business permits in the Philippines: the Business One Stop Shop, barangay clearances, and processing times under RA 11032.
Holding Company in the Philippines: A Guide for Foreign Investors
Learn how a holding company in the Philippines works for foreign investors, including ownership rules, SEC registration, and key tax considerations.
Internet Transactions Act Compliance in the Philippines: What Online Sellers Must Know
Internet Transactions Act compliance in the Philippines requires online merchants, e-retailers, and e-marketplaces to follow RA 11967 rules on disclosures, redress, and data privacy.
Maritime Lien and Vessel Arrest in the Philippines: How Claims Are Enforced
Maritime lien and vessel arrest in the Philippines explained: how ship creditors enforce claims, what MARINA regulates, and why you need a lawyer.
Software Development Agreements in the Philippines: Ownership and Acceptance
A software development agreement in the Philippines must settle IP ownership, acceptance testing, and payment terms, guided by the Intellectual Property Code.
Foreign Equity Limits in the Philippines: What Chinese Investors Can Own
Foreign equity limits in the Philippines affect Chinese investors. Learn which businesses allow 100% foreign ownership and which are capped at 40%.
How to Get an Electronic Money Issuer (EMI) License in the Philippines
Learn how to get an electronic money issuer license in the Philippines: who must apply, BSP requirements, capital rules, and post-license duties.
Online Consumer Protection in the Philippines: Rules Under the Internet Transactions Act
Online consumer protection in the Philippines is governed by the Internet Transactions Act of 2023 and the Consumer Act, covering refunds, liability, and complaints.