In Commissioner of Internal Revenue v. Stradcom Corporation (G.R. No. 255520, 21 April 2025, Caguioa, J.), the Supreme Court affirmed the Court of Tax Appeals (CTA) and ordered the Commissioner of Internal Revenue to refund or issue a tax credit certificate in favor of Stradcom Corporation in the amount of ₱325,381,412.81, representing illegally collected income tax for …
On 19 May 2025, the Supreme Court held that in a claim or dispute between a Filipino seafarer and their employer, the continuing and consistent objection of one party to voluntary arbitrators shall result in the application of the general rule in Republic Act No. 8042, as amended, that labor arbiters have jurisdiction over the …
Supreme Court: Mutual Consent Essential for Voluntary Arbitration in Labor Disputes Read More »
On 24 November 2025, the Bureau of Internal Revenue (“BIR”) issued Revenue Memorandum Circular (“RMC”) No. 107-2025, ordering the immediate suspension of all ongoing field audits and audit-related operations. The suspension covers the issuance of Letter of Authority (“LOA”), Mission Order (“MO”), examination, and verification of taxpayers’ books of accounts, records, and other related transactions. …
Under Philippine law, a trademark and a trade name are distinct legal concepts governed by different rules and registration systems. The Intellectual Property Code (Republic Act No. 8293) defines a “mark” in Section 121.1 as any visible sign capable of distinguishing the goods or services of an enterprise. This definition covers trademarks for goods and …
Trademark vs. Trade Name: Legal Distinctions Under Philippine Law Read More »
In a recent ruling in People v. E&D Parts Supply, Inc. and Margaret L. Uy, GR No. 259284, January 24, 2024 (published on January 24, 2025), a Supreme Court decision reiterating long-standing doctrine on the effect of acquittal in tax cases), the Supreme Court reaffirmed a fundamental rule in Philippine tax law: the acquittal of an accused …
In a landmark decision in The Subic Bay Freeport Chamber of Commerce, Inc. and Benjamin E. Antonio III v. Department of Finance, et al. (G.R. No. 266016, 4 February 2025), the Supreme Court struck down portions of the CREATE Act’s implementing rules and revenue issuances that attempted to limit VAT zero-rating exclusively to export enterprises. The Court …
Technology and people’s lifestyle are deeply connected, progressing hand in hand to push forward for innovation and growth. By embracing this trend, the Philippines has taken a significant step towards accepting the digital age with the signing of Executive Order No. 86 (“Authorizing the Issuance of Digital Nomad Visa”), by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. This …
In a previous decision made by the Supreme Court in UCPB v. Ang G.R. No. 222448(2021) the court ruled that a foreclosure proceeding due to non-payment of the loan may be held valid even if it is proved that the interest rates imposed by the lender were improper and unlawful. The court rationed that regardless …
A Turning Point in Foreclosure Law: How UCPB v. Ang Rewrites the Rules on Banking Power Read More »
On 18 September 2025, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) issued Circular No. 1218-2025 (the “Circular”) amending certain provisions of the Manual of Regulations for Banks (MORB) and Manual of Regulations for Non-Bank Financial Institutions (MORNBFI). Specifically, Circular No. 1218-2025 provides restrictions on large value payouts, or transactions (such as withdrawals) of more than Five Hundred Thousand Pesos (Php500,000.00), and mandates the implementation …
BSP Limits Over-the-Counter Cash Withdrawals Above ₱500,000.00 Read More »
On September 5, 2025, President Marcos Jr. signed Republic Act No. 12254, also known as the E-Governance Act, formalizing the Philippine government’s shift to digital governance. In order to improve the overall delivery of public services through information and communications technology (ICT), decrease bureaucratic delays, foster transparency, and safeguard data privacy, the measure aims to …
The Digital Turn: How the E-Governance Act Transforms PH Government Read More »
