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.
SEC Registration in the Philippines: Requirements, Steps, and Fees
Learn the SEC registration requirements in the Philippines, the steps to incorporate, and what documents you need under the Revised Corporation Code.
How to Amend the Articles of Incorporation in the Philippines
Learn how to amend articles of incorporation in the Philippines under the Revised Corporation Code, including voting requirements and SEC filing steps.
Doing Business in the Philippines: License Requirements for Foreign Corporations
Learn the license requirements for a foreign corporation doing business in the Philippines under the Revised Corporation Code, including the application process and key compliance steps.
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.
Minimum Capital Requirement for Corporations in the Philippines: What the Law Says
No minimum capital stock is required for most Philippine stock corporations under the Revised Corporation Code. Learn the rules and exceptions.
Documentary Stamp Tax in the Philippines: What It Applies To and Rates
Learn what documentary stamp tax in the Philippines applies to, who pays it, and how the BIR collects this national internal revenue tax.
Data Subject Rights in the Philippines: Access, Correction, and Erasure
Know your data subject rights in the Philippines under the Data Privacy Act: access, correction, erasure, and how to exercise them.
DMW License for Recruitment Agencies in the Philippines: Requirements
Learn how to secure a DMW license for recruitment agencies in the Philippines, including the requirements under RA 11641 and the licensing process.
OWWA Membership in the Philippines: Benefits and How to Enroll
Learn about OWWA membership in the Philippines, its benefits for overseas Filipino workers, and how to enroll as a member.
Internet Transactions Act Philippines (R.A. 11967): What Online Sellers Must Know
R.A. 11967, the Internet Transactions Act of 2023, sets new rules for online sellers in the Philippines. Learn obligations, liabilities, and compliance steps.
PAGCOR License Requirements in the Philippines: A Step-by-Step Guide
Learn the PAGCOR license requirements in the Philippines, the application process, and what gaming operators must know under the PAGCOR Charter.
Illegal Gambling vs PAGCOR in the Philippines: Where's the Line?
Understand the line between illegal gambling and PAGCOR-regulated gaming in the Philippines, including what makes betting operations lawful.
Mandamus and Retirement Benefits: How Government Employees Can Enforce Their Rights
Learn how mandamus can compel government agencies to release delayed retirement benefits, based on a recent Supreme Court ruling.
When Regulatory Approvals Matter: CSP Rules and Power Agreements After Alyansa
Supreme Court clarifies that power supply agreements filed after June 30, 2015 must comply with the Competitive Selection Process, even if executed earlier.
When Legal Advice Becomes a Crime: The Anti-Graft Law in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when a government lawyer's erroneous advice may—or may not—constitute graft under Section 3(e) of RA 3019.
Contractor Licensing in the Philippines: PCAB vs. DTI Jurisdiction Explained
The Supreme Court clarifies that PCAB, not DTI, has jurisdiction over complaints against unlicensed contractors in the Philippines.
When Government Transactions Can Be Disallowed: COA's Power Explained
The Supreme Court clarifies when COA may disallow government payments and when it oversteps its audit powers in this PhilHealth case.
Right to Speedy Disposition of Cases: Nullifying COA Decisions for Undue Delay
The Supreme Court nullified COA decisions after an 11-year delay, reaffirming the constitutional right to speedy disposition of cases.
Protecting Environmental Advocacy: The Limits of SLAPP Suits in Philippine Jurisprudence
Philippine courts define the limits of strategic lawsuits against public participation (SLAPP), balancing environmental advocacy with the right to protect reputations.
Legal Standing and Public Interest Litigation: When Can You Sue the Government in the Philippines?
The Supreme Court explains legal standing, hierarchy of courts, and when citizens may sue the government in this 2023 mandamus ruling.
Attorney Disbarment When Online Conduct Violates Professional Ethics in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when government lawyers face disbarment for official acts under new CPRA guidelines.
Attempted Trafficking in Persons: When Simulating a Birth and Taking Custody of a Child Leads to Conviction
The Supreme Court explains when simulating a birth and acquiring custody of a child constitutes attempted trafficking in persons under Philippine law.
Certiorari as a Remedy: Exhausting Administrative Remedies in Banking Disputes
Learn when certiorari is proper in banking disputes and why exhausting administrative remedies remains a key requirement before court action.
Mining Rights vs Indigenous Rights: Prior Consent Is Paramount for MPSA Renewal
Supreme Court rules FPIC and NCIP certification are mandatory for MPSA renewal, protecting indigenous peoples' ancestral domain rights.