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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Bank Account for a Foreign-Owned Company in the Philippines: How to Open One
Opening a bank account for a foreign-owned company in the Philippines requires SEC registration, a TIN, and a board resolution naming authorized signatories.
Digital Bank Licensing in the Philippines: BSP Circulars 1105 and 1154
How BSP Circular 1105 and Circular 1154 govern digital bank licensing in the Philippines, from the P1.0 billion capital rule to the application process.
AMLC Registration in the Philippines: Who Counts as a Covered Person
AMLC registration in the Philippines applies to banks, pawnshops, money changers, e-money issuers and other covered persons. Know if your business must register.
Quasi-Banking License Philippines: What NBQBs Are and How They Are Regulated
A quasi-banking license in the Philippines allows a non-bank to borrow funds from the public. Learn who qualifies, what the BSP requires, and what happens on failure.
Bank Merger and Consolidation in the Philippines: BSP Approval Requirements
Bank merger or consolidation in the Philippines needs BSP approval plus SEC approval. Learn the documentary requirements and stockholder vote rules.
Bank Secrecy Law Philippines: What Foreign Investors Must Know
Understand how the bank secrecy law in the Philippines affects foreign investors, including deposit coverage, exceptions, and foreign currency accounts.
Franchise Financing in the Philippines: Banks, Leases, and Security Arrangements
Franchise financing in the Philippines combines bank loans, equipment leases, and security arrangements governed by the Civil Code and the Revised Corporation Code.
BSP Circular 1160: Financial Consumer Protection Rules for Banks and E-Money Issuers
BSP Circular 1160 implements the Financial Products and Services Consumer Protection Act, setting the consumer protection rules that banks and other BSP-supervised institutions must follow.
BSP Enforcement Actions and Penalties: How the Bangko Sentral Fines Banks and Officers
BSP enforcement actions and penalties: the maximum fines under Section 37 of the New Central Bank Act, who may be penalized, and how payment works.
Digital Bank License Philippines: Requirements, Capital and How to Apply
How to get a digital bank license in the Philippines: BSP Circular 1105 requirements, the P1.0 billion capital rule, and the current application window.
Islamic Banking in the Philippines: License Requirements and Sukuk Tax Rules
How to set up an Islamic bank in the Philippines under R.A. 11439, and how the BIR taxes sukuk gains, coupons, and documentary stamp tax.
PAGCOR Share and Audit Fee Remittance Procedures: A Guide for Gaming Operators
Understand PAGCOR share and audit fee remittance procedures, including weekly schedules, bank accounts, penalties, and common compliance mistakes.
BSP Bank Closure Powers: What the Supreme Court Ruling Means for Depositors
The Supreme Court upheld the BSP's power to close banks without prior hearing, protecting depositors while limiting legal challenges.
When Are Bank Officers Personally Liable for Corporate Decisions? PDIC v. Ilio
The Supreme Court clarifies when bank officers can be held administratively liable for corporate decisions, setting limits on personal responsibility.
When a Bank's Letter of Guaranty Does Not Bind It to Pay: Planters Development Bank v. Fuerte
The Supreme Court ruled that a letter of guaranty must be read as a whole, and a bank may withhold payment when the collateral title is not clean.
When Can a Bank Apply Your Payment to Another Debt? Supreme Court Rules
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when banks may apply loan payments to other debts, protecting borrowers from unfair payment application.
When Banks Can't Apply Loan Payments Across Different Debtors: Corporate Veil Rules
Supreme Court clarifies when a bank may apply a borrower's payment to another's debt, and why corporate separateness limits payment application.
When Can a Bank’s Foreclosure Be Annulled? Overpayment and the Duty to Account
The Supreme Court clarifies when a bank’s foreclosure may be annulled due to overpayment or failure to render a full accounting of loan payments.
Zoning vs Vested Rights: When Local Ordinances Clash With National Policy
Supreme Court rules on Quezon City zoning ordinance vs Manila Seedling Bank's usufructuary rights over national government property.
Foreclosure Prescription: When Does a Bank's Right to Foreclose Expire?
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that extrajudicial foreclosure filings do not stop the 10-year prescription period for mortgage actions under Article 1142.
Overvaluing Property When Does It Become A Crime Under Philippine Banking Laws
The Supreme Court clarifies when a bank appraiser's overvaluation of property becomes a crime under the General Banking Law, requiring proof of intent to influence the bank.
Foreclosure Publication Rule: Why Missing the Notice Voids the Sale
Failure to publish a foreclosure notice under Act No. 3135 is a jurisdictional defect that invalidates the sale, as Baclig v. Rural Bank of Cabugao shows.
When Check Kiting Becomes Graft: Bank Officers and the Anti-Graft Law
The Supreme Court explains when check kiting by bank officers and clients becomes a violation of Section 3(e) of the Anti-Graft Law.
Choice of Law Clauses in Cross-Border Contracts: The Standard Chartered Ruling
How Philippine courts resolve conflicting choice-of-law clauses in cross-border contracts, explained through the Standard Chartered Bank v. Philippine Investment Two ruling.