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.
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Outside Counsel Management in the Philippines: Fees, Staffing, and Value
Outside counsel management in the Philippines means controlling legal fees, staffing, and engagement terms while upholding the ethical rules that bind every lawyer.
Doing Business License Philippines: A Guide for Foreign Corporations
Learn how a foreign corporation secures a doing business license in the Philippines, from SEC registration to the Foreign Investment Negative List.
Transfer Pricing Rules for a Philippine Subsidiary and Its Foreign Parent
How Philippine transfer pricing rules apply to transactions between a Philippine subsidiary and its foreign parent, including the arm's length principle and BIR reporting.
Franchise Disclosure Requirements in the Philippines: What to Know Before DTI Registration
Understand franchise disclosure requirements in the Philippines before DTI registration, including the rules that protect franchisees under the Consumer Act.
How to Claim a PAGCOR Performance Cash Deposit Refund: Requirements
File a PAGCOR performance cash deposit refund using EG Form No. 40 (Form No. EGLD-691) and the documentary checklist for your accreditation type.
DMW License Renewal Requirements: A Step-by-Step Guide for Recruitment Agencies
A practical guide to DMW license renewal requirements for recruitment and manning agencies, covering who may apply, the requirements, and the process.
Mall Lease Agreement Philippines: Key Rules for Retailers and Tenants
Understand what a mall lease agreement in the Philippines covers, your rights as a tenant, and the Civil Code rules on rent, repairs, and deposits.
Franchise Fees in the Philippines: How Initial, Royalty, and Ad Funds Work
Understand the typical franchise fees Philippines structure — initial franchise fee, royalties, and advertising funds — and how VAT applies to each payment.
How to Register Foreign Investment with the BSP for Capital Repatriation
Learn how to register a foreign investment with the BSP so you can repatriate capital and remit earnings under the FX Manual and BSP Circular No. 1192.
Export Documentation Philippines: Requirements and Certification Steps
Export documentation in the Philippines starts with the export declaration under the CMTA, plus clearances for regulated or restricted goods before shipment.
Can a Foreigner Own Land in the Philippines? What the Law Actually Says
Can foreigners own land in the Philippines? Learn the constitutional rule, what foreigners may legally acquire, and the corporate workarounds.
HACCP Certification in the Philippines: How the Food Safety Act Applies
HACCP certification in the Philippines is anchored on the Food Safety Act of 2013, which encourages food businesses to adopt a HACCP-based safety system.
Distribution Agreement in the Philippines: Key Rules Under Philippine Law
A distribution agreement in the Philippines is governed by contract law under the Civil Code. Learn the key rules, risks, and how to structure one.
Securitization in the Philippines: Legal Framework Under the Securitization Act of 2004
Understand the Philippine securitization legal framework under the Securitization Act of 2004, from Special Purpose Entities to SEC approval and tax incentives.
Loan Facility Agreement in the Philippines: Security and Documentation
A loan facility agreement in the Philippines sets the credit terms, while security documents such as mortgages and pledges secure repayment. Here is how it works.
Redundancy Program Philippines: Requirements and Employer Checklist
A redundancy program in the Philippines must meet Labor Code requirements on written notice, fair criteria, and separation pay. Here is the employer's checklist.
Data Center Construction Permits in the Philippines: A Clearance Roadmap
A step-by-step guide to data center construction permits in the Philippines, from the barangay clearance and building permit to the fire safety clearances.
Shareholder Disputes and Minority Rights in the Philippines: A Practical Guide
Facing a shareholder dispute in the Philippines? Learn how the Revised Corporation Code protects minority rights through voting, removal rules, and SEC remedies.
Anti-Dummy Law Philippines Compliance: What Foreign-Linked Ventures Must Know
Anti-dummy law Philippines compliance means keeping beneficial ownership and voting control in Filipino hands. Learn the rules under the Foreign Investments Act.
Discharge Permit Philippines: Clean Water Act Requirements for Facilities
Facilities that discharge regulated effluent need a discharge permit under the Philippine Clean Water Act. Learn who must apply and what the permit covers.
POEA Rules Violation Penalties in the Philippines: What DMW Rules Now Provide
What penalties apply for POEA rules violations in the Philippines? Learn how illegal recruitment and prohibited acts are punished under RA 10022 and DMW rules.
Port and Terminal Concessions in the Philippines: How MARINA Rules Apply
Port and terminal concessions in the Philippines are governed by MARINA rules on domestic shipping, cargo handling, and terminal operations under RA 9295.
Agricultural Product Standards in the Philippines: Who Sets and Enforces Them
Agricultural product standards in the Philippines are set and enforced by the DA, DOH and LGUs under the Food Safety Act of 2013 and the Consumer Act.
AML Compliance for Internet Gaming Licensees in the Philippines: A PAGCOR Guide
Learn the AML/CTPF compliance requirements PAGCOR imposes on Philippine internet gaming licensees, from AMLC registration to the MTPP and compliance officer.