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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Import Business in the Philippines for Foreign Entrepreneurs: How to Start
Starting an import business in the Philippines as a foreign entrepreneur means registering your business, then lodging a goods declaration with the Bureau of Customs.
Tariff Classification in the Philippines: How Customs Classifies Imports
Tariff classification in the Philippines determines the duties you pay on imports. Learn how the Bureau of Customs classifies goods under the CMTA.
Customs Post-Clearance Audit in the Philippines: How the BOC Checks Imports
A customs post-clearance audit in the Philippines lets the Bureau of Customs verify goods declarations after release. Learn how importers should prepare and respond.
Capital Equipment Duty Exemption in the Philippines: Who Qualifies and How
Learn how the capital equipment duty exemption in the Philippines works under the Tax Code, who qualifies, and the conditions for duty-free importation.
FDA License to Operate in the Philippines: Who Needs One and How to Apply
Who needs an FDA license to operate in the Philippines? Learn which establishments must secure an LTO before manufacturing, importing, or selling health products.
Investment Incentives for Foreign Manufacturers in the Philippines
Foreign manufacturers in the Philippines can access income tax holidays, duty-free imports, and VAT zero-rating through registered incentives.
Food Import Clearance Philippines: FDA and Customs Requirements
Food import clearance Philippines: learn the FDA registration, license to operate, and Customs requirements before importing food into the Philippines.
Shipbuilding and Repair Contracts in the Philippines: Key Protections
Understand shipbuilding and ship repair contracts in the Philippines under Republic Act No. 9295, from MARINA accreditation to VAT incentives and vessel import rules.
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.
Importing Machinery and Capital Equipment into the Philippines: Duties, Taxes, and Exemptions
Importing machinery and capital equipment into the Philippines triggers customs duties and VAT, but registered enterprises may enjoy duty exemption on capital equipment.
Customs Clearance for Imports from China to the Philippines: A Step-by-Step Guide
Learn how customs clearance for imports from China to the Philippines works under the CMTA — who may file, what documents are needed, and how to release goods.
FDA Product Registration in the Philippines: What Manufacturers Must File
FDA product registration in the Philippines is required before any health product may be manufactured, imported, sold, or distributed. Here is how it works.
Import Permit Requirements in the Philippines: When You Need One
Import permit requirements in the Philippines depend on whether your goods are free, regulated, or prohibited under the CMTA. Here is how to check.
Importing Vehicles into the Philippines: Tariffs, Customs Rules and Requirements
Importing vehicles into the Philippines means paying customs duties and taxes and lodging a goods declaration with the Bureau of Customs under the CMTA.
Product Registration for Imported Goods in the Philippines: A Practical Guide
Learn how product registration for imported goods in the Philippines works under the Consumer Act and the FDA Act, and what importers must do before selling.
Supreme Court Acquits Barangay Official in Graft Case, Clarifies Elements of Section 3(c) RA 3019
The Supreme Court acquits a barangay kagawad of graft, clarifying the elements of Section 3(c) of RA 3019 and the importance of substantial justice over technical rules.
PAL Aviation Fuel Tax Exemption: Supreme Court Clarifies Importation Rules
Supreme Court affirms PAL's refund for Jet A-1 fuel import taxes, interpreting PD 1590's tax exemption conditions.
Dismissal for Dishonesty When Court Employees Cross the Line in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies dismissal for dishonesty against court employees and the importance of integrity in the judiciary.
Understanding Special Leave Benefits for Women: Insights From a Landmark Supreme Court Case
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies the procedural requirements for special leave benefits for women, emphasizing the importance of the three-day notice rule in motions.
Import Restrictions and Preliminary Injunctions: Lessons from Alcala v. Carpio
The Supreme Court clarifies when courts may issue preliminary injunctions against customs seizures of rice imports lacking NFA permits.
Customs Brokers vs Declarant: Who Signs Import and Export Declarations in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies that under RA 10863, importers and exporters may sign goods declarations without a customs broker.
Navigating Real Estate Installment Contracts: The Importance of Proper Rescission Under the Maceda Law
Learn how the Supreme Court clarifies rescission rules for real estate installment sales and the rights of buyers under the Maceda Law.
Corporate Officers Cannot Hide Behind Corporate Veil in Customs Fraud Cases
Supreme Court ruling on corporate officer liability for customs fraud through misdeclaration and undervaluation of imported goods.