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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BSP Circular 1160: Financial Consumer Protection Rules for Banks and E-Money Issuers
BSP Circular 1160 implements the Financial Products and Services Consumer Protection Act, setting the consumer protection rules that banks and other BSP-supervised institutions must follow.
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.
BSP Enforcement Actions and Penalties: How the Bangko Sentral Fines Banks and Officers
BSP enforcement actions and penalties: the maximum fines under Section 37 of the New Central Bank Act, who may be penalized, and how payment works.
Digital Bank License Philippines: Requirements, Capital and How to Apply
How to get a digital bank license in the Philippines: BSP Circular 1105 requirements, the P1.0 billion capital rule, and the current application window.
Remittance Company License Philippines: How to Register an RTC with the BSP
How to get a remittance company license in the Philippines: BSP registration, capital requirements, fees, and documentary steps for RTCs under the M-Regulations.
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.
Regulatory Sandbox Philippines: How Fintechs Test Products with the BSP
The BSP Regulatory Sandbox lets fintechs test new financial products in a controlled, time-bound environment. Here is how the framework works.
Setting Up a Business in the Philippines as a Chinese Investor: A Step-by-Step Guide
A practical guide for Chinese investors setting up a business in the Philippines, covering incorporation, foreign ownership rules, and BSP registration.
PAGCOR Guidelines on Multi-Currency Electronic Gaming Machines Explained
Learn how PAGCOR's multi-currency electronic gaming machines guidelines work, including BSP rates, acceptable currencies, and daily FX updates for licensees.
Crypto Regulation in the Philippines: BSP Rules on Virtual Assets Explained
Learn how the BSP regulates cryptocurrency and virtual assets in the Philippines, including licensing rules for VASPs and legal compliance requirements.
BSP Bank Closure Powers: What the Supreme Court Ruling Means for Depositors
The Supreme Court upheld the BSP's power to close banks without prior hearing, protecting depositors while limiting legal challenges.
BSP Independence Affirmed: Net Profit Calculations and Government Dividends
Supreme Court rules BSP not a GOCC under RA 7656; reserves allowed in computing dividends under its charter.
Fiscal Autonomy and Performance-Based Bonuses: The PICCI Case
The Supreme Court ruled that GOCCs with fiscal autonomy, like BSP subsidiaries, are not covered by EO 80's PBB rules.
Forum Shopping in Philippine Litigation: Lessons from BF Citiland v. BSP
The Supreme Court clarifies the rule against forum shopping and its consequences for parties filing multiple cases with the same cause of action.
Who Can Sue on Behalf of a Closed Bank Under Receivership
The Supreme Court explains why only the PDIC, as receiver, may sue for a closed bank, and where to file cases against the BSP.
Administrative Due Process and Bank Secrecy: The Sibayan v. Alda Ruling
The Supreme Court clarifies how administrative due process and bank secrecy limits discovery in BSP proceedings, as shown in Sibayan v. Alda.
Good Faith vs Gross Negligence: Due Process in Government Benefit Disallowances
The Supreme Court nullified a COA decision holding BSP officers liable for cash shortage, ruling that due process was violated when the Commission treated a request for opinion as a complaint.
Due Process Prevails: COA Decision Overturned for Lack of Fair Hearing
The Supreme Court annulled a COA ruling that held BSP officers liable for a cash shortage without affording them due process.
BSP Authority to Engage Private Counsel and Jurisdiction in Legal Proceedings
Supreme Court clarifies BSP's power to hire private counsel and RTC jurisdiction over real property cases involving assessed value.
BSP Can Use Private Counsel: Supreme Court Clarifies Jurisdiction and Representation Rules
Supreme Court rules on BSP's authority to engage private counsel and RTC jurisdiction over real property disputes.
Assignment of Mortgage and BSP’s Foreclosure Authority Hinges on Valid Deed
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a bank may foreclose a mortgage assigned to it, requiring a valid deed of assignment.
Declaratory Relief When CAN YOU Challenge A BSP Monetary Board Decision
BSP Authority to Set Interest Rates and Protect Borrowers After Usury Law Suspension
The Supreme Court confirms the BSP's authority over interest rates, explains the Usury Law suspension, and protects borrowers from unconscionable charges.
Custodia Legis and Garnishment: The BSP v. Judge Lanzanas Ruling
Funds in custodia legis cannot be garnished without court approval. The Supreme Court's ruling in BSP v. Judge Lanzanas explains why.