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.
How to Register a Corporation in the Philippines: A Step-by-Step Guide
Learn how to register a corporation in the Philippines under the Revised Corporation Code, from name reservation to SEC issuance of the certificate of incorporation.
Corporate Bylaws in the Philippines: What They Are and When You Must Adopt Them
Learn what corporate bylaws are in the Philippines, when they must be adopted, and the rules under the Revised Corporation Code.
Corporate Housekeeping in the Philippines: A Compliance Checklist
A practical guide to corporate housekeeping in the Philippines under the Revised Corporation Code, covering filings, meetings, and records.
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.
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.
Stock vs. Non-Stock Corporations in the Philippines: Key Differences
Understand the key differences between stock and non-stock corporations in the Philippines under the Revised Corporation Code, including ownership, governance, and profit distribution.
How to Transfer Shares of a Philippine Corporation
Learn the steps to transfer shares of a Philippine corporation, including the required documents, corporate approval, and SEC filing rules.
Removal of Corporate Officers and Directors in the Philippines: Legal Grounds and Process
Learn the legal process for removing corporate officers and directors in the Philippines under the Revised Corporation Code, including grounds and voting requirements.
Irrevocability of Tax Credit Options: A Guide for Philippine Corporations
Philippine corporations must choose carefully between refunds and tax credit carry-over—once chosen, the option is irrevocable under the NIRC.
Trademark Ownership in the Philippines: Prior Use vs. Registration
The Supreme Court clarifies that trademark ownership in the Philippines is anchored on actual use, not mere registration, in a landmark ruling.
Equitable Interest: How Liquidating Dividends Impact Foreign Land Ownership in the Philippines
SC ruling on whether a foreign stockholder's liquidating dividends in Philippine land may be levied to satisfy judgment debts.
Protecting Your Brand Online: Trademark Rights and Domain Names in the Philippines
Learn how the Supreme Court protects trademark rights in domain names, and what the Kolin case means for your brand's online presence.
Res Judicata and Foreign Judgments: What Property Disputes Teach Us About Finality
Philippine courts won't take judicial notice of foreign judgments. Learn the rules on res judicata, litis pendentia, and proof of foreign pleadings.
Capital Reduction Rules in the Philippines: What Shareholders Should Know After Metroplex v. Sinophil
The Supreme Court clarifies the requirements for reducing corporate capital stock under Section 38 of the Corporation Code, and limits SEC review.
Shareholder Death and Corporate Meetings: Quorum and Voting Rights Under Philippine Law
How a shareholder's death affects quorum and voting rights in Philippine corporations, explained through the Supreme Court's ruling in Mallare v. A&E Industrial Corporation.
Corporation By Estoppel: When Unregistered Entities Can Receive Valid Donations
Philippine law on corporation by estoppel and donations to unregistered entities, explained with practical guidance for donors and recipients.
Piercing the Corporate Veil: Individual Liability for Corporate Fraud
When can directors be personally liable for corporate fraud? The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on piercing the corporate veil.
Corporate Records Access: Stockholder Rights and Officer Duties After Dissolution
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that a stockholder's right to inspect corporate records survives corporate dissolution and continues during liquidation.
Stock Certificate Delivery: A Prerequisite for Valid Stock Transfer in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on why physical delivery of stock certificates is essential to transfer ownership and what it means for buyers and sellers.
Family Feuds and Corporate Control: Navigating Share Ownership Disputes in Philippine Corporations
The Supreme Court clarifies how Philippine courts resolve family disputes over corporate shares, trusts, and injunctions.
Forum Shopping and Mining Rights: Lessons from the Lepanto-WMC Dispute
The Supreme Court clarifies when overlapping claims before courts and administrative agencies constitute forum shopping in mining disputes.
Enforcing Foreign Judgments in the Philippines: Lessons from Oil and Natural Gas Commission v. Pacific Cement
A Philippine Supreme Court case clarifies when foreign judgments are enforceable and how courts interpret arbitration clauses in commercial contracts.
Corporate Mergers and Contract Enforcement: Successor Liability in the Philippines
When a Philippine corporation merges, the surviving company assumes all rights and liabilities—even for contracts signed after the merger agreement.
Piercing the Corporate Veil: When Are Company Officers Liable for Corporate Debts in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when corporate officers and close corporation stockholders can be held personally liable for separation pay.