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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PAGCOR Licence for Foreign Operators: Application Guide for Gaming Venues
How a foreign-owned corporation applies for a PAGCOR gaming licence: SEC registration, foreign ownership rules, documentary requirements, and fees.
Retail Trade Liberalization Act Philippines: Foreign Ownership Rules Explained
The Retail Trade Liberalization Act of 2000 governs foreign ownership in Philippine retail. Learn the capital categories, qualifications, and rules for foreign retailers.
Logistics and Warehousing Business in the Philippines: Foreign Ownership Rules
Can foreigners own a logistics or warehousing business in the Philippines? Learn how the Public Service Act, Revised Corporation Code, and CMTA apply.
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%.
Public Services Act and Foreign Ownership: What Changed Under RA 11659
The Public Services Act foreign ownership rules changed under RA 11659. Learn which sectors stay restricted to Filipinos and which are now open to foreign investors.
Can a Foreigner Own a Data Center in the Philippines? The Public Services Act Answer
Yes — foreign ownership of a data center in the Philippines is generally allowed because data centers are not classified as public utilities under the Public Services Act.
Can a Foreigner Own 100% of a Philippine Company? Rules Explained
Yes, a foreigner can own 100% of a Philippine company in many cases. Learn when full foreign ownership is allowed and when the 40% limit applies.
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.
Foreign Ownership of a Philippine Retail Business: Rules and Capital Thresholds
Foreign ownership of a Philippine retail business is governed by the Retail Trade Liberalization Act, which sets minimum paid-up capital and qualifications.
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.
Foreign Participation in Philippine Mining: Rules on Foreign Ownership
Foreign participation in Philippine mining is allowed through an exploration permit, FTAA, or mineral processing permit under the Philippine Mining Act of 1995.
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.
Foreign Ownership Restrictions in the Philippines: A Guide to the Negative List
Learn how the Philippine Constitution and the Foreign Investments Act restrict foreign ownership, and how the Negative List works.
Starting a Business in the Philippines with a Foreign Partner: Legal Structures and Ownership Rules
A practical guide to foreign ownership rules, business structures, and registration steps for Filipino-foreign ventures in the Philippines.
Clearing Title Disputes: How Ownership Rights Prevail in Property Conflicts
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on property disputes, foreign ownership limits, and the proper remedy for dismissed cases.
Foreign Ownership in Public Utilities: The High Court Defines "Capital"
The Supreme Court clarifies that Under the Constitution
Water Rights and Foreign Investment: Protecting Philippine Natural Resources
The Supreme Court clarifies constitutional limits on foreign ownership of water resources and power assets in the Philippines.
Mining Rights vs National Patrimony: The La Bugal Case on Foreign Control of Philippine Resources
Explaining the Supreme Court's La Bugal ruling on the Philippine Mining Act and foreign ownership limits over the country's mineral resources.
Simulated Sales in Philippine Property Law: Intent, Foreign Ownership, and the Blanco v. Quasha Precedent
Learn how Philippine courts determine simulated sales, why intent matters, and the key lessons from Blanco v. Quasha on property transactions.
Implied Trusts and Foreign Ownership: The Yap Heirs Case
The Supreme Court clarifies when implied trusts over Philippine land fail, and why constitutional restrictions on foreign ownership bar recovery.