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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How to Repatriate Profits and Dividends from the Philippines: Tax Rules for Foreign Investors
Learn how to repatriate profits and dividends from the Philippines, including the 10% final withholding tax on dividends and the tax-exempt treatment of branch profits.
Bangsamoro Education Code (BAA No. 18): Schools, Teachers, and Regulation
The Bangsamoro Education Code, BAA No. 18, governs schools, madaris, teachers, and learners across the BARMM as a subsystem of the national education system.
DMW Escrow Requirement for Recruitment Agencies: Capital and Deposit Rules
The DMW escrow requirement for a recruitment agency is at least PhP 1,500,000, on top of a minimum capitalization of PhP 5,000,000 for manning agencies.
Bangsamoro Civil Service Code Appointments: Rules Under BAA No. 17
How appointments work under the Bangsamoro Civil Service Code (BAA No. 17): merit and fitness, eligibility, employment status, and the CSC for BARMM.
Unified Gaming License PAGCOR Philippines: What Operators Need to Know
Learn how PAGCOR's Unified Gaming License lets qualified operators run multiple game offerings in one integrated venue under a single license.
Bangsamoro Electoral Code: BAA No. 35 and the BAA No. 88 Amendments
The Bangsamoro Electoral Code (BAA No. 35) governs BARMM parliamentary elections. BAA No. 88 amended its party and sectoral rules.
Withholding Tax on Fees Paid to a Foreign Supplier in the Philippines
Understand the withholding tax on foreign service fees in the Philippines, including when it applies and how tax treaty relief can reduce the rate.
IP Licensing Agreement Philippines: How to Draft One That Holds Up
An IP licensing agreement in the Philippines must be registered with the IPO if it is a technology transfer arrangement. Here is how the rules work.
OSH Compliance in the Philippines: What Employers Must Prepare Under RA 11058
Occupational safety and health compliance in the Philippines means following RA 11058 and DOLE standards. Here is what covered workplaces must prepare.
LGU Permits for Digital Infrastructure Projects in the Philippines
How to secure LGU permits for digital infrastructure projects in the Philippines under the Ease of Doing Business Act and its implementing rules.
Capital Gains Tax on Real Property in the Philippines: Rates and Filing
Learn the capital gains tax rate on real property in the Philippines, how it is computed, and when to file.
Industrial Dispute Prevention in the Philippines: How Plants Avoid Labor Conflicts
Learn how Philippine manufacturing plants prevent industrial disputes through lawful employment practices, worker rights, and Labor Code compliance.
Cybersecurity Program Requirements in the Philippines: What the Law Requires
Understand cybersecurity program requirements in the Philippines under the Cybercrime Prevention Act and the DICT Act, including data retention and corporate duties.
Certificate of Candidacy in the Philippines: Requirements and Grounds for Denial
Certificate of candidacy requirements in the Philippines: who must file, when to file, what happens upon filing, and how COMELEC rules on disqualification.
Franchise Territory in the Philippines: Exclusivity Rights and Limits
Understand how franchise territory and exclusivity work in the Philippines, what Philippine law says, and how to protect your protected area.
E-Billiards in the Philippines: PAGCOR's Regulatory Framework Explained
Electronic billiards in the Philippines is regulated by PAGCOR's E-Billiards framework, which licenses operators, accredits leagues, and registers billiard halls.
BARMM Local Taxation: LGU Revenue Powers Under the Bangsamoro Local Governance Code
BARMM local taxation explained: how the Bangsamoro Local Governance Code lets LGUs create revenue sources, levy taxes, and share in national taxes.
How to Properly Close a Business with the BIR in the Philippines
Learn the correct steps to close a business with the BIR in the Philippines, including tax clearance, final returns, and avoiding penalties.
Preliminary Investigation in the Philippines: What It Is and How It Works
Learn the preliminary investigation procedure in the Philippines—what it is, how it works, and what to expect during a criminal complaint.
PEZA Registration in the Philippines: Requirements for Locators
PEZA registration requirements in the Philippines explained: who may register, how the process works, and the incentives locators can expect under RA 7916.
Coastwise Trade in the Philippines: Rules on Domestic Shipping Under RA 9295
Coastwise trade in the Philippines is reserved for Filipino-owned domestic ship operators under RA 9295. Learn the rules on permits, rates, and foreign vessels.
PAGCOR Shipment Clearance for Gaming Equipment: Requirements and Process
Learn the PAGCOR shipment clearance requirements for importing gaming equipment, including the EG Form No. 11, fees, documents, and processing steps.
Tax Refund Procedure in the Philippines: How to Claim from the BIR
A step-by-step guide to the BIR tax refund procedure in the Philippines, including documentary requirements, deadlines, and when to appeal to the CTA.
Manning Agreement Philippines: How Licensed Manning Agencies Work
A manning agreement in the Philippines is the arrangement between a licensed manning agency and a foreign principal for recruiting and placing Filipino seafarers.