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Legal Updates
Atty. Gregorio R. Bilog IV at the Development Academy of the Philippine’s Inaugural CBILLS Conference: “Reshaping the Future of Public Policy for Innovative Governance”
10 October 2024 - Atty. Gregorio R. Bilog IV, Co-Founder and Chief Legal & Partnerships Officer of Anycase.ai Technologies, Inc., and a Partner at the Siguion Reyna Montecillo & Ongsiako Law Offices, made a significant contribution as a resource speaker at the Development Academy of the Philippines’ inaugural Capability Building on Innovative Leadership for Legislative Staff (CBILLS) Conference.
SRMO Honored as Top Labor and Employment Law Firm in the Philippines
SRMO was recognized by Asian Legal Business (ALB) as the Labor and Employment Law Firm of the Year at the 9th Annual Philippine Law Awards 2024. Held at the Makati Shangri-la on November 14, 2024, this prestigious award highlights SRMO's unwavering commitment to delivering exceptional legal counsel and advocacy in labor and employment law. SRMO’s success is attributed to its team of competent and seasoned lawyers who possess a deep understanding of the Philippine labor and employment laws. SRMO lawyers are committed to providing practical and innovative legal solutions to address the complex labor issues and challenges faced by their clients.
Elevating Legal Expertise: SRMO lawyers’ Post-graduate Legal Education
SRMO is proud of its lawyers’ commitment to continuous improvement, as evidenced by their pursuit of post-law degrees. This dedication enhances their technical skills, knowledge, and professional networks, enabling SRMO to provide exceptional legal services.
Global Law Experts features SRMO Partner Atty. Victorio H. Macasaet, Jr.
SRMO corporate and commercial law partner Atty. Victorio H. Macasaet, Jr. is featured and recognized by Global Law Experts in the area of International Corporate/Merger & Acquisition in the Philippines.
SRMO partner Raegan L. Capuno honored as ALB Asia 40 Under 40
Raegan L. Capuno, a distinguished partner at SRMO, has been recognized by the Asian Legal Business (ALB) as one of Asia’s top legal talents under the age of 40 for 2024. With a specialization in taxation, corporate law, and litigation, Raegan’s contributions to the legal field have been instrumental in driving positive outcomes for clients.
SRMO attends National Conference on Construction Arbitration
The Society of Construction Law Philippines (SCLP) held its National Conference at the Grand Hyatt Hotel on October 17, 2024 with the theme: “Global Trends in Construction Law and Contracts. SRMO was represented in the National Conference by partners actively engaged in construction arbitration, namely: Attys. Michael Felipe A. Mercado, Broderick C. Arcilla, Eileen E. Medina-Garcia and Mariana R. Lopa. The National Conference covered the following topics: Building Information Modelling (BIM) and Building Codes; Collaborative Contracting versus Typical EPC; Dispute Avoidance and Adjudication; and Foreign Contractors in Philippines Government Projects and Fair and Equitable Treatment in Philippine Bilateral Investment Treaties. SCLP is an organization composed of construction law practitioners, lawyers, engineers, academics and industry professionals. Its aim is to promote for the public benefit, education, study and research in the field of construction law.
SRMO General Partners recognized as Legal Icons by Asia Business Law Journal
Siguion Reyna, Montecillo & Ongsiako (SRMO) is proud to announce that its esteemed attorneys, Atty. Rolando Mario G. Villonco and Atty. Cesar P. Manalaysay, have once again been recognized as among the Top 100 Philippine Lawyers in 2024 by the Asia Business Law Journal and have been elevated to the prestigious status of Legal Icons. Their distinguished careers and significant impact on the legal landscape have garnered them this prestigious recognition. We at SRMO are honored to have their expertise and guidance as leaders of our firm as it continues its legacy as a leading law firm in the Philippines.
VAT on Digital Services: The Key Features of R.A. No. 12023
by: Atty. Raegan L. Capuno
Are you a binge-watcher of movies and videos on popular digital platforms like Netflix, Disney+, Prime Video, and HBO, or an online shopper using digital applications like Alibaba, Temu, Zalora, Amazon, or eBay? If so, Republic Act (R.A.) No. 12023, popularly known as the VAT on Digital Services which was signed into law on October 2, 2024, will significantly impact these daily routines and shopping activities, at least on the cost of availing these services, because the Philippines has taken a major step by extending the imposition of twelve percent (12%) value-added tax (VAT) to non-resident digital service providers (DSP). The Philippine VAT system adopts the place of consumption as the situs of VAT, meaning, that when goods or services are consumed or destined to be consumed in the Philippines, VAT is imposed. Thus, all services, including digital services, consumed in the Philippines should be imposed of VAT. Hence, R.A. No. 12023 is technically not a new tax law because it merely emphasizes the rule on situs of VAT, specifically those rendered by non-resident DSP. R.A. No. 12023 is also a welcome development because prior to this law, local DSPs were subjected to 12% VAT while non-resident DSPs operating remotely or outside the Philippines were not taxed with the same. This law will level the playing field between local and non-resident DSPs in terms of VAT imposition and collection. While the vision of this law is laudable, it is unfortunate that like any other tax or imposition, the burden is borne by the final consumer. It is thus expected that subscription prices or fees to avail of these digital services will rise due to R.A. No. 12023.
SRMO: Nurturing Legal Minds and Shaping the Future of Philippine Law
Siguion Reyna Montecillo and Ongsiako (SRMO) continues to solidify its reputation as a premier law firm in the Philippines, not only for its exceptional legal services but also for its significant contributions to legal education. Several of its esteemed lawyers have been actively involved in teaching various law subjects at prestigious public and private law schools, shaping the minds of future legal professionals.
SRMO Participates in Forum on International Arbitration and PDRC Annual Membership Meeting
The Philippine Dispute Resolution Center, Inc. (PDRC) held two events on 28 August 2024. The first event was a forum on international arbitration with Dr. Hab. Marcin Piotr Czepelak, Secretary General of Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA), as speaker. In the afternoon, the PDRCI held its Annual General Membership Meeting and blessing of the new PDRC Chambers. Atty. Michael Felipe A. Mercado, Deputy Head of Litigation and Deputy Managing Partner of Siguion Reyna Montecillo Ongsiako Law Offices, attended the events. During the forum, the PCA and the PDRC signed a cooperation agreement to promote resolution of international disputes through arbitration and other alternative dispute resolution (ADR) methods in the Philippines and the Southeast Asian region.
National Association of Labor Arbiters, Inc. 2024 Convention: Exploring AI's Role in Labor Justice
On 19 September 2024, the National Association of Labor Arbiters, Inc. (“NALAI”) of the Philippines held the first of three days of its 2024 annual convention with the theme “Strengthening Labor Justice in the World of Artificial Intelligence.” The convention was held at Bai Hotel, Cebu, Philippines. The event, which gathered Labor Arbiters from across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, provided an important platform to discuss the evolving challenges and opportunities presented by artificial intelligence in labor arbitration and the legal practice. One of the convention's main events for its first day was the presentation of Atty. Gregorio R. Bilog IV – Partner at Siguion Reyna Montecillo & Ongsiako Law Offices and Co-Founder of Anycase.ai Technologies, Inc. Atty. Bilog was invited as a resource speaker to discuss the topic “AI Tools in Aid of Decision Writing and Legal Research”.
Siguion Reyna, Montecillo & Ongsiako Proudly Announces Atty. Lopa's Recognition by Global Law Experts
Siguion Reyna, Montecillo & Ongsiako (SRMO) is a leading law firm in the Philippines with a long-standing reputation for excellence in legal services. Our firm's Employment Litigation practice is renowned for its expertise and dedication to providing exceptional representation to clients across a wide range of industries. We are delighted to announce that Atty. Lopa has been recognized by Global Law Experts as the exclusive Employment Litigation Law representative in the Philippines. This prestigious recognition underscores Atty. Lopa's legal expertise and dedication to achieving outstanding results for her clients.
SRMO attends TMAP’s first International Tax Summit
The Tax Management Association of the Philippines (TMAP) held its first International Tax Summit (ITS) last August 29, 2024 at the Makati Shangri-La Hotel. Attys. Raegan L. Capuno and Carlos Nicole J. Recto took part in the event representing SRMO. TMAP is the premier organization of tax practitioners in the Philippines.
SIGUION REYNA, MONTECILLO & ONGSIAKO Partners to Speak at ALB Philippine In-House Legal Summit on ESG and Due Diligence
Manila, Philippines – 4 September 2024 – SIGUION REYNA, MONTECILLO & ONGSIAKO (SRMO) is proud to announce that partners Attys. Leo Macatangay and Mariana Lopa have been invited as speakers at the upcoming ALB Philippine In-House Legal Summit. Organized by Asian Legal Business, the summit will take place on Wednesday, October 9th, 2024 in Manila.
SRMO supports the SEC’s eSECnature Campaign and the Third Wave of Digital Initiatives
By: Atty. Jocelyn R. Esguerra-Dee
The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) officially launched its Sustainable Enterprise Collaboration Network (eSECnature) Campaign on 15 July 2024, and the third wave of its digital initiatives on 17 July 2024. Our Attys. Jocelyn R. Esguerra-Dee and Raymond Lim participated in the event, representing the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) and SRMO.
SRMO’S ATTY. LICHAUCO II AMONG ALB ASIA SUPER 50 DISPUTES LAWYERS 2024
German Q. Lichauco II, a senior partner at Siguion Reyna Montecillo & Ongsiako Law Office (SRMO) in the Philippines, specialises in litigation, construction, and commercial arbitration. With over 30 years of legal experience, he has handled a diverse range of cases, including high-profile litigation and complex arbitration matters. Atty. Lichauco’s expertise extends to corporate governance, business torts, and contractual controversies. In the past year, Atty. Lichauco has continued to play a pivotal role at SRMO and has also served as the former corporate secretary for various prominent entities, including Hereaus Electronic Materials Philippines, Casa Cebuana, Cebu Figueroa Estate Corporation, and others.
Understanding Republic Act No. 12001 or the Real Property Valuation and Assessment Reform Act of 2024 (RPVARA)
By: Atty. Raegan L. Capuno and Atty. Maria Luisa J. Sebastian
On June 13, 2024, President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. signed into law Republic Act No. 12001, otherwise known as the Real Property Valuation and Assessment Reform Act (RPVARA). This law aims to standardize the real property valuation in the Philippines and adopt the Schedule of Market Values (SMVs) as the single real property valuation base for the assessment of real property-related taxes in the country, and for the valuation of real property for various transactions by all government agencies. RPVARA has three (3) important components, namely, (i) the reorganization of the Bureau of Local Government Finance (BLGF), (ii) valuation and assessment of real properties, and (iii) tax amnesty on real property taxes and special levies on real property.
SRMO’s Atty. Alma D. Fernandez-Mallonga, Atty. Christopher P. Capul and Atty. Broderick C. Arcilla in the news.
Although SRMO is a full service law firm that focusses on business law like tax, labor, commercial domestic and international arbitration, corporate restructuring, intellectual property and trademarks, there are occasions when SRMO is called upon to litigate non-business related crimes, as shown in news reports and articles below where SRMO litigation lawyers, Atty. Alma D. Fernandez-Mallonga, Atty. Christopher P. Capul and Atty. Broderick C. Arcilla, successfully prosecuted the case of a popular television personality client.
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.