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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Freeport Zone Registration in the Philippines: A Step-by-Step Guide
Learn how freeport zone registration in the Philippines works under RA 7227 and RA 10083, from choosing a zone to securing tax and duty incentives.
Software Escrow in the Philippines: How Source Code Protection Works
Software escrow in the Philippines protects source code through copyright and undisclosed information rules under the Intellectual Property Code.
Bank Account for a Foreign-Owned Company in the Philippines: How to Open One
Opening a bank account for a foreign-owned company in the Philippines requires SEC registration, a TIN, and a board resolution naming authorized signatories.
Power Wheeling and Open Access in the Philippines: A Guide for Industrial Customers
Power wheeling and open access in the Philippines let large electricity users choose their supplier and use transmission or distribution wires for a regulated fee.
Multi-Unit Franchising in the Philippines: Development Schedules and Defaults
Multi-unit franchising in the Philippines lets one franchisee open several outlets under a development schedule. Learn how rights, deadlines, and defaults work.
Customs Post-Clearance Audit in the Philippines: How the BOC Checks Imports
A customs post-clearance audit in the Philippines lets the Bureau of Customs verify goods declarations after release. Learn how importers should prepare and respond.
Franchise Renewal in the Philippines: Rights, Fees, and Refusal
Franchise renewal in the Philippines depends on your contract, not a single statute. Learn how Philippine law treats renewal terms, fees, and refusal.
Online Lending Platform Registration in the Philippines: SEC Rules for Lending Companies
Online lending platform registration in the Philippines requires SEC authority to operate. Learn the corporate, capital, and citizenship rules under RA 9474.
Commercial Litigation in the Philippines: Timeline and Realistic Expectations for Foreign Companies
Understand the commercial litigation timeline in the Philippines for foreign companies, from filing to appeal, and what realistically affects how long a case takes.
Right of Way for Fiber in the Philippines: How Telecommunications Franchises Work
Right of way for fiber in the Philippines starts with a telecommunications franchise and NTC approval. Here is how the legal framework applies to fiber builds.
Franchise Royalty Tax in the Philippines: What Franchisees and Franchisors Should Know
Understand how franchise royalty payments are treated for Philippine tax purposes, including VAT on service income and withholding rules.
RA 12009: The New Government Procurement Act and What It Replaced
RA 12009, the New Government Procurement Act, revised RA 9184 with new procurement principles, modes, and planning rules for all government agencies.
Payment System Operator Registration with the BSP: A Step-by-Step Guide
Learn how to register as an Operator of a Payment System with the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas under RA 11127 and BSP Circular No. 1049.
Redundancy and Restructuring in the Philippines: Legal Requirements Employers Must Meet
Redundancy and restructuring in the Philippines require specific legal grounds, notice, and fair separation pay under the Labor Code. Here is what employers must know.
How Digital Assets Are Taxed in the Philippines: What Investors Must Know
Confused about the digital assets tax in the Philippines? Learn how Philippine tax rules may apply to crypto gains, income, and investment schemes.
VASP License Philippines Requirements: How to Get a BSP Certificate of Authority
VASP license Philippines requirements explained: secure a BSP Certificate of Authority as a money service business, meet capital rules, and comply with Circular 1108.
FIRB Approval of Tax Incentives in the Philippines: How Registered Enterprises Qualify
FIRB approval of tax incentives in the Philippines depends on registration with an Investment Promotion Agency and the scope of the approved project under the SIPP.
PIGO Licence in the Philippines: How PAGCOR's Remote Gaming Licence Works
A PIGO licence is a PAGCOR Gaming License that lets an operator run online gaming through an accredited remote gaming platform in the Philippines.
BSP Anti-Money Laundering Regulations for Covered Institutions
Learn which institutions the BSP anti-money laundering regulations cover, their AML duties, and key rules under BSP Circular No. 950.
Manning Agency License Philippines: DMW Requirements and How to Apply
A manning agency license in the Philippines is issued by the DMW Secretary to recruit and place seafarers. Here is what the law requires and how the process works.
Enhanced Deductions Regime Philippines: The 20% Corporate Income Tax Explained
The enhanced deductions regime lets registered business enterprises pay a 20% corporate income tax while claiming extra deductions under the CREATE MORE Act.
Employee Data Retention in the Philippines: How Long Can Employers Keep Records
Employee data retention in the Philippines follows the Data Privacy Act rule that personal data must not be kept longer than necessary for its purpose.
Employee Monitoring in the Philippines: Data Privacy Rules Employers Must Follow
Employee monitoring in the Philippines is governed by the Data Privacy Act of 2012 and its IRR, which require transparency, legitimate purpose, and proportionality.
Court of Tax Appeals Appeal Procedure in the Philippines: Step-by-Step Guide
How to appeal to the Court of Tax Appeals in the Philippines: who may appeal, the 30-day deadline, the petition for review, and CTA en banc review.