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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VAT Refund for Exporters in the Philippines: How Zero-Rated Sales Work
Learn how VAT refunds work for exporters in the Philippines, which sales qualify as zero-rated, and how the BIR processes refund claims.
Party-List Accreditation in the Philippines: How Groups Register with COMELEC
Party-list accreditation in the Philippines requires registering with COMELEC under Republic Act No. 7941. Here is how groups qualify, file, and keep their registration.
Food Recall Procedure in the Philippines: How Unsafe Food Is Withdrawn Under RA 10611
What is the food recall procedure in the Philippines? Learn how food business operators withdraw unsafe food and how FDA and DA regulators act under RA 10611.
Franchise Quality Control in the Philippines: How Franchisors Enforce System Standards
Franchise quality control in the Philippines rests on contract and IP law. Learn how franchisors protect their system standards and marks under RA 8293.
Transfer Pricing Audit in the Philippines: How the BIR Reviews Related-Party Transactions
A transfer pricing audit in the Philippines begins with BIR risk assessment of related-party transactions. Learn the rules, thresholds, and taxpayer defenses.
Business Permits for a Foreign-Owned Company in the Philippines: LGU Guide
How a foreign-owned company secures LGU business permits in the Philippines: the Business One Stop Shop, barangay clearances, and processing times under RA 11032.
Holding Company in the Philippines: A Guide for Foreign Investors
Learn how a holding company in the Philippines works for foreign investors, including ownership rules, SEC registration, and key tax considerations.
Internet Transactions Act Compliance in the Philippines: What Online Sellers Must Know
Internet Transactions Act compliance in the Philippines requires online merchants, e-retailers, and e-marketplaces to follow RA 11967 rules on disclosures, redress, and data privacy.
Maritime Lien and Vessel Arrest in the Philippines: How Claims Are Enforced
Maritime lien and vessel arrest in the Philippines explained: how ship creditors enforce claims, what MARINA regulates, and why you need a lawyer.
Software Development Agreements in the Philippines: Ownership and Acceptance
A software development agreement in the Philippines must settle IP ownership, acceptance testing, and payment terms, guided by the Intellectual Property Code.
Foreign Equity Limits in the Philippines: What Chinese Investors Can Own
Foreign equity limits in the Philippines affect Chinese investors. Learn which businesses allow 100% foreign ownership and which are capped at 40%.
How to Get an Electronic Money Issuer (EMI) License in the Philippines
Learn how to get an electronic money issuer license in the Philippines: who must apply, BSP requirements, capital rules, and post-license duties.
Online Consumer Protection in the Philippines: Rules Under the Internet Transactions Act
Online consumer protection in the Philippines is governed by the Internet Transactions Act of 2023 and the Consumer Act, covering refunds, liability, and complaints.
Relocating a Production Line to the Philippines: Legal Workstreams Explained
Relocating a production line to the Philippines involves corporate registration, PEZA ecozone incentives, and tax rules. Here are the legal workstreams to prepare.
Product Standards Certification in the Philippines: A Compliance Guide
Learn how product standards certification in the Philippines works under the Consumer Act and Republic Act No. 4109, from inspection to certification.
Franchise Transfer in the Philippines: Consent, Requirements, and Process
Learn how franchise transfer works in the Philippines, including the consent requirement, contract restrictions, and the corporate approvals needed to assign rights.
Corporate Legal Retainer in the Philippines: What Coverage Should Include
A corporate legal retainer in the Philippines gives companies ongoing counsel for governance, contracts, and compliance. Learn how to structure coverage.
Data Privacy Obligations of Philippine Online Sellers Under the Data Privacy Act
Online sellers in the Philippines must follow the Data Privacy Act of 2012 and the Internet Transactions Act when handling customer data. Here is what the law requires.
Agricultural Land Conversion in the Philippines: Rules Under RA 6657
Agricultural land conversion in the Philippines is governed by the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Law, which defines agricultural land and shields it from arbitrary reclassification.
Data Sharing Agreements in the Philippines: Rules Under the Data Privacy Act
A data sharing agreement in the Philippines must follow the Data Privacy Act and its IRR. Learn what counts as data sharing and the rules that apply.
Public-Private Partnerships in the Philippines: The Legal Framework Explained
Understand the legal framework for public-private partnerships in the Philippines under the PPP Code, its IRR, and the New Government Procurement Act.
Halal Certification in the Philippines: The Process Under RA 10817
Halal certification in the Philippines follows the process set by RA 10817: certification by an accredited body, compliance with standards, and registration.
Permanent Establishment in the Philippines: When a Foreign Company Is Taxable
Find out when a foreign company has a permanent establishment in the Philippines and how it affects income tax and tax treaty relief for foreign corporations.
Money Service Business License Philippines: BSP Registration Rules
How to register a money service business in the Philippines with the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, including BSP requirements, fees, and capital rules.