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 Open Finance Framework Explained: Circular No. 1122
The BSP Open Finance Framework under Circular No. 1122 lets customers share their financial data securely with qualified providers. Here is how it works.
Anti-Dummy Law Enforcement in the Philippines: How Sham Structures Are Prosecuted
Anti-dummy law enforcement in the Philippines targets Filipinos who front for foreigners. Learn how violations are investigated and prosecuted under Philippine law.
Franchise Financing in the Philippines: Banks, Leases, and Security Arrangements
Franchise financing in the Philippines combines bank loans, equipment leases, and security arrangements governed by the Civil Code and the Revised Corporation Code.
Legal Secondment in the Philippines: How It Works for In-House Teams
Legal secondment in the Philippines lets companies borrow a lawyer's services temporarily — here is how secondment works and what it requires.
Crypto Asset Service Providers in the Philippines: SEC Registration and Rules
How the SEC regulates crypto asset service providers in the Philippines under the Securities Regulation Code, and what registration and licensing rules apply.
Representative Office Philippines Requirements: How Foreign Firms Can Set Up
Learn the representative office Philippines requirements, including SEC licensing, the $50,000 annual inward remittance, and what a representative office may and may not do.
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.
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.
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.
PAGCOR Gaming Supplier Accreditation in the Philippines: A Guide for Foreign Companies
How foreign companies can secure PAGCOR gaming supplier accreditation in the Philippines, from SEC registration to probity checks and documentary requirements.
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.
Foreign Investment Negative List Philippines: What Foreigners Cannot Own
The Foreign Investment Negative List Philippines limits foreign ownership in certain sectors. Learn what foreigners cannot own under the Foreign Investments Act.
Pawnshop Registration Philippines: Requirements and Rules Under the SRC
Pawnshop registration in the Philippines requires SEC registration and a permit to sell securities. Learn the requirements and the risks of operating without one.
Telecommunications Franchise in the Philippines: Requirements and How to Obtain One
Need a telecommunications franchise in the Philippines? Learn the requirements, the congressional franchise process, and the NTC permits you must secure.
SEC Registration in the Philippines: Requirements, Steps, and Fees
Learn the SEC registration requirements in the Philippines, the steps to incorporate, and what documents you need under the Revised Corporation Code.
PAGCOR Accreditation for Data Streaming Providers: Requirements and Process
How data streaming providers secure PAGCOR accreditation: eligibility, documentary requirements, fees, timelines, and compliance duties under the DSP framework.
Closing a Philippine Subsidiary: Legal Steps for a Foreign Parent's Exit
Closing a Philippine subsidiary? Learn the Revised Corporation Code rules on dissolution, from board and stockholder approval to SEC filing and tax clearance.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.