Legal Updates

In 2025, the Philippine Supreme Court reaffirmed the importance of respecting arbitration agreements while also clarifying the limits of CIAC’s jurisdiction. While the CIAC’s authority is statutory under Executive Order No. 1008, the Court emphasized that it remains confined to disputes arising from construction contracts, broadly construed but not beyond their intended scope. In Fleet Marine … SC Upholds Arbitration Framework: CIAC Jurisdiction Limited to True Construction Disputes Read More »

On 20 July 2024, the Anti-Financial Account Scamming Act (“AFASA”) was passed to promote awareness and to protect the public from cybercriminals and criminal syndicates who target Financial Accounts or lure Account Owners into becoming accessories or perpetrators of fraudulent activities. Some of the key provisions of the AFASA are Sections 12, 13, and 14 … Anti-Financial Account Scamming Act in Action: BSP Circular No. 1214 Puts Scammers on Notice and Banks on the Clock Read More »

Corporations have been a staple in growing economies owing to various reasons including limited liability and greater access to capital as compared to other business vehicles. With such a significant role in business and the economy, corporations are vested with the need to maintain accurate and organized internal records.  In the Philippines, every corporation is … By The Book: Supreme Court Rules That Mere Inclusion In The Corporate GIS Does Not Make One A Stockholder Read More »

On 24 July 2025, to further boost its commitment to ease of doing business in the country, the Securities and Exchange Commission issued a SEC Memorandum Circular No. 09 series of 2025.  The SEC MC No. 09 provides guidelines to further streamlining the 45-day registration statement review process under the Markets and Securities Regulation Department … BUSINESS ALERT: SEC MEMORANDUM CIRCULAR NO. 09 – STREAMLINING THE 45-DAY REVIEW PROCESS OF REGISTRATION STATEMENT APPLICATIONS UNDER THE MSRD  Read More »

CMEPA at a Glance Area Before CMEPA After CMEPA Stock Transaction Tax (STT) 0.6% on sale of listed shares 0.1% flat rate on sale of listed shares Capital Gains Tax 15% on unlisted domestic shares only; foreign shares taxed up to 35% 15% flat rate on both unlisted domestic and foreign shares Interest Income Subject … Understanding the Capital Markets Efficiency Promotion Act (CMEPA): An Overview of Investment Tax Reforms and Vetoed Items Read More »

This case serves as a valuable lesson in property law and contracts, particularly in distinguishing a Contract of Sale from a Contract to Sell—a crucial distinction in real estate transactions. The Supreme Court clarified how courts must determine the nature of a property agreement not by labels used by the parties, but by analyzing the intent, obligations, and documentary … No Sale Yet: SC Draws the Line in Chavez Jr. v. Gopez Real Estate Dispute Read More »