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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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.
Supply Chain and Supplier Contracts in Philippine Manufacturing: A Legal Guide
Understand how Philippine law governs supply chain and supplier contracts in manufacturing, from corporate capacity to consumer protection rules.
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.
Foreign Participation in Philippine Mining: Rules on Foreign Ownership
Foreign participation in Philippine mining is allowed through an exploration permit, FTAA, or mineral processing permit under the Philippine Mining Act of 1995.
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.
Foreign Workers in Philippine Gaming: The Employment Permit and GEL Rules
Foreign workers in Philippine gaming need a DOLE employment permit, a BID working visa, and a PAGCOR Gaming Employment License before they may be deployed.
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.
Share Transfer in a Philippine Company to a Foreign Buyer: Rules and Steps
Selling or transferring shares in a Philippine company to a foreign buyer? Learn the ownership limits, transfer mechanics, and tax rules under Philippine law.
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.
Importing Vehicles into the Philippines: Tariffs, Customs Rules and Requirements
Importing vehicles into the Philippines means paying customs duties and taxes and lodging a goods declaration with the Bureau of Customs under the CMTA.