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.
Insurance Company License Philippines: Capital and Residency Rules
How to get an insurance company license in the Philippines: capital requirements, Filipino ownership rules, and the steps under the Insurance Code.
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.
Joint Venture with a Philippine Partner: Rules for Foreign Investors
How foreign investors can structure a joint venture with a Philippine partner, including the 60-40 ownership rule, board control, and SEC registration.
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.
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.
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%.
Vessel Transfer of Ownership in the Philippines: A Step-by-Step Guide
Transferring vessel ownership in the Philippines requires MARINA approval and updated registration. Here is the step-by-step process for domestic ship transfers.
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.
Anti-Dummy Law Philippines Compliance: What Foreign-Linked Ventures Must Know
Anti-dummy law Philippines compliance means keeping beneficial ownership and voting control in Filipino hands. Learn the rules under the Foreign Investments 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.
Industrial Land Acquisition in the Philippines for Foreign Companies: Rules and Structures
How foreign companies can acquire industrial land in the Philippines through PEZA ecozones, plus the ownership rules and structures that apply under Philippine law.
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.
Data Center Joint Venture in the Philippines: Ownership and Control Rules
Planning a data center joint venture in the Philippines? Learn how the Revised Corporation Code and foreign investment rules shape ownership and control.
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.
Can a Foreigner Buy a Condominium in the Philippines? What the Law Says
Can a foreigner buy a condominium in the Philippines? Yes, under the Condominium Act, subject to the 60% Filipino ownership rule for common areas.
Share Transfer in a Philippine Company to a Foreign Buyer: Rules and Steps
Selling or transferring shares in a Philippine company to a foreign buyer? Learn the ownership limits, transfer mechanics, and tax rules under Philippine law.
SEC Registration for a Foreign-Owned Corporation in the Philippines
How foreign-owned corporations register with the SEC in the Philippines: name verification, articles of incorporation, Filipino ownership rules, and the rules on capital.
Foreign Equity in Renewable Energy Projects in the Philippines: Ownership Rules
Foreign equity in renewable energy Philippines: how ownership rules work under the Renewable Energy Act and the Electric Power Industry Reform Act.
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.