Copyright 2022-2023 SRMO
Legal Updates
Philippine Transfer Pricing Guide
By: Ferdinand Hidalgo and Frances Grace Allyana Orbeta-Nolasco
Our Ferdinand Hidalgo and Frances Grace Allyana Orbeta-Nolasco are contributors to the Chambers Global Practice Guide on Transfer Pricing 2024. The guide provides expert insights on the regulatory authorities and application of Philippine transfer pricing rules to domestic and cross-border transactions between associated enterprises.
View the guide here: https://practiceguides.chambers.com/practice-guides/transfer-pricing-2024/philippines
Salient Features of the Republic Act No. 11976 or the Ease of Paying Taxes Act
By: Ma. Corazon D. Eleazar
On 5 January 2024, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. signed Republic Act No. 11976, also known as the Ease of Paying Taxes Act (EOPT Act). The EOPT Act was published in the Official Gazette on 07 January 2024 and took effect on 22 January 2024.
The EOPT Act introduced amendments to the National Internal Revenue Code (NIRC) of 1997, with the aim to protect and safeguard the taxpayer rights and welfare, encourage proper and easy compliance, and modernize tax administration.
Highlights of the Public-Private Partnership Code of the Philippines
By: Elita Joy P. Quicho and Laine Marie J. Bringuelo
The groundbreaking Republic Act No. 11966, also known as the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Code of the Philippines (the “PPP Code”), was signed into law on December 5, 2023 and took effect on December 23, 2023. It codifies all prior statutes related to PPP under a comprehensive law and clarifies the ambiguities in the previous legislations. The overarching goal of the PPP Code is to create an environment for the private sector to mobilize resources for financing, designing, constructing, operating and maintaining infrastructure or development projects and services.
Salient Provisions of the Internet Transactions Act of 2023
By: Elita Joy P. Quicho and Laine Marie J. Bringuelo
As Filipinos increasingly rely on technology for their daily transactions, the associated risks also grow. From shopping and financial dealings to communication and entertainment, the internet has undoubtedly become an indispensable tool for the modern society. Hence, there is an undeniable need for regulatory guidelines in order to protect the interests of consumers and businesses engaged in online transactions. This article is only for informational and educational purposes. It is not intended as a legal advice or opinion.
President Marcos, Jr. names Atty. German Q. Lichauco II Independent Director of Maharlika Fund Board
Atty. German Q. Lichauco II, a Senior Partner of Siguion Reyna Montecillo and Ongsiako Law Office (“SRMO”), was sworn in by President Marcos as Independent Director of the Maharlika Investment Corporation (“MIC”).
This article is only for informational and educational purposes. It is not intended as a legal advice or opinion.
SRMO Congratulates New IBP President Antonio C. Pido
Siguion Reyna Montecillo and Ongsiako Law Offices (“SRMO”) lauds the election of its Senior Partner Atty. Antonio C. Pido as President of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (“IBP”). The IBP is the only official organization of all Philippines Lawyers established by the State in accordance with Republic Act No. 6397 and the constitutional mandate of the Supreme Court to promulgate rules concerning the integrated bar. This article is only for informational and educational purposes. It is not intended as a legal advice or opinion.
Construction Arbitration in the Philippines
By: Atty. Michael Felipe A. Mercado
Republic Act 9285, otherwise known as the Alternative Dispute Resolution Act of 2004, or ADR Law, provides the legal framework for alternative dispute resolution in the Philippines, including arbitration.
While construction contracts are considered as commercial in nature, the ADR Law recognizes that arbitration of construction disputes shall be governed by Executive Order No. 1008, otherwise known as the Constitution Industry Arbitration Law.
Taxation in the Philippines
By: Atty. Raegan L. Capuno
Income tax is generally regarded as an excise tax or privilege tax, levied upon the right of a person or entity to receive income or profits. Income taxation in the Philippines is primarily governed by the 1987 Constitution and the National Internal Revenue Code of 1997 (NIRC), as amended by Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) Law and Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises Act (CREATE Law).
Corporation law in the Philippines
By Atty. Elita Joy G. Pinga-Quicho
The law primarily governing private corporations in the Philippines is the Revised Corporation Code, which took effect on 20 February 2019 under Republic Act No. 11232. This current iteration of the law substantially amended the Corporation Code under Batas Pambansa Blg. 68, which was the law in effect since 1980. From 1980 up to 2019, the Corporation Code did not undergo any amendment or revision. As a result, during a long period of 39 years, private corporations in the Philippines were subject to numerous stringent incorporation and regulatory requirements. Antiquated regulations and the hesitance to rely on technological tools contributed to the Philippines’ inefficient “doing business” regime and processes.