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.
Regional Headquarters and ROHQ in the Philippines: A Guide for Foreign Groups
How a foreign group sets up a regional headquarters or ROHQ in the Philippines: SEC licensing, BOI endorsement, capital remittance, and tax rules.
Public-Private Partnership Philippines: Guide for Foreign Investors
How can a foreign investor join a public-private partnership in the Philippines? Learn who may bid under the PPP Code and RA 7718 rules.
Distribution Agreements in the Philippines: A Guide for Foreign Suppliers
Planning a distribution agreement in the Philippines? Learn how foreign suppliers appoint Philippine distributors, what the law requires, and key contract terms.
Environmental Permits for an Industrial Project in the Philippines: A DENR Guide
Learn the DENR environmental permits an industrial project in the Philippines needs, from the ECC under P.D. 1586 to air and water discharge permits.
Managing a Litigation Portfolio in the Philippines: A Practical Guide for Companies
Learn how Philippine companies manage a litigation portfolio, from early case assessment to arbitration, mediation, and settlement under RA 9285.
BIR Final Assessment Notice Protest in the Philippines: Step-by-Step
Received a BIR Final Assessment Notice? Learn the protest options and deadlines under Philippine tax rules, and how to dispute a deficiency tax assessment.
Data Center Legal Requirements in the Philippines: The Complete Checklist
Data center legal requirements in the Philippines: SEC registration, NTC franchise or VAS rules, building and fire permits, and foreign ownership limits.
Franchisee Rights in the Philippines: What the Law and Contract Protect
Understand franchisee rights in the Philippines — how the Consumer Act, IP Code, and your franchise agreement protect you, and what to check before signing.
Trade Secrets Protection in the Philippines: How the IP Code Safeguards Undisclosed Information
Trade secrets protection in the Philippines falls under the Intellectual Property Code, which covers undisclosed information and unfair competition.
Separation Pay in the Philippines: How to Compute It Correctly
Learn how separation pay is computed in the Philippines under the Labor Code, who qualifies, and what employees are entitled to receive.
DOLE Inspection of a Foreign-Owned Employer in the Philippines: What to Expect
Facing a DOLE inspection as a foreign employer in the Philippines? Know the Labor Code inspection powers, the rules on alien employment, and how to prepare.
Ship Registration in the Philippines: MARINA Rules and Requirements
Ship registration in the Philippines is handled by MARINA, which registers vessels and issues the certificates needed to operate in domestic trade.
AI Governance in the Philippines: What the Law Requires Today
AI governance in the Philippines today relies on the Data Privacy Act of 2012 and the Internet Transactions Act of 2023. Learn the key compliance rules.
SEC Cease and Desist Orders in the Philippines: How They Work and How to Respond
An SEC cease and desist order in the Philippines stops alleged fraudulent securities activity. Learn when the SEC issues one and how to respond.
How to Set Up a Business in the Philippines as a Foreigner: A Step-by-Step Guide
Learn how to set up a business in the Philippines as a foreigner, from checking the Foreign Investment Negative List to SEC registration and compliance.
PEZA Registration for a Foreign Manufacturer in the Philippines: How to Register
PEZA registration for a foreign manufacturer in the Philippines: who may apply, the documents required, and how the Certificate of Registration is issued.
Vehicle Dealership Distribution Agreements in the Philippines: A Legal Guide
Understand how vehicle dealership distribution agreements work in the Philippines, from corporate registration to consumer protection rules under Philippine law.
Cybercrime Liability in the Philippines: Offenses, Penalties, and Defenses
Cybercrime liability in the Philippines covers illegal access, fraud, identity theft, and online libel under RA 10175, with penalties and corporate fines.
Documentary Stamp Tax in the Philippines: What It Applies To and Rates
Learn what documentary stamp tax in the Philippines applies to, who pays it, and how the BIR collects this national internal revenue tax.
Can a Foreigner Buy a Condominium in the Philippines? What the Law Says
Can a foreigner buy a condominium in the Philippines? Yes, under the Condominium Act, subject to the 60% Filipino ownership rule for common areas.
How to Register a Lending Company in the Philippines with the SEC
Learn how to register a lending company in the Philippines with the SEC under RA 9474 — capital, citizenship, and authority to operate requirements.
National Payment Systems Act Philippines: Who Must Register with the BSP
Who must register with the Bangko Sentral under the National Payment Systems Act? Learn the rules for operators of payment systems and designated systems.
Anti-Money Laundering Rules for Gaming Operators in the Philippines
Anti-money laundering rules for gaming operators in the Philippines: AMLC registration, risk assessment, compliance officer, and MTPP requirements.
SEC Registration for a Foreign-Owned Corporation in the Philippines
How foreign-owned corporations register with the SEC in the Philippines: name verification, articles of incorporation, Filipino ownership rules, and the rules on capital.