Philippine Matters
Investing in the Philippines
With the recent upbeat performance of the Philippine economy, many companies are considering investing in the country. Philippine laws, however, impose certain conditions and requirements that must be complied with by investors not only during the registration process, but also throughout the operation of the company. Our firm could provide potential investors and those already operating in the Philippines with legal advice and assistance on the following matters:
- Incorporation of Philippine companies and establishing other types of offices in the country
- Securing post-incorporation permits and licenses
- Registering with investment promotion agencies
- Corporate housekeeping, including preparation of minutes, secretary’s certificates and other reportorial requirements
- Mergers and acquisitions
- Rehabilitation, dissolution or liquidation of Philippine companies
Contracts with Philippine Entities and Individuals
Entering into contracts is an essential activity of almost every company operating in the Philippines. Under Philippine laws, however, some contracts must follow a specific form, while others require registration or some other act for its effectivity. Our firm could provide the following legal services to clients desiring to enter into a contract with Philippine entities and individuals:
- Drafting, negotiating and concluding contracts with Philippine entities and individuals
- Reviewing contracts and ensuring their validity under Philippine laws
- Assistance on registration and other requirements
Labor Matters in the Philippines
The Philippines is one of the countries with very strict labor laws. Companies desiring to employ or are currently employing Filipino workers must be aware of and comply with these local labor requirements. Our firm could assist in:
- Drafting employment contracts and service agreements
- Advising on employment rights and benefits, and other labor regulations
- Handling of labor complaints and employment termination matters
- Responding to strikes, work stoppage and other concerted action by employees
- Assistance in securing appropriate visa and work permits for foreigners
Intellectual Property Rights
Intellectual property is an emerging field of law in the Philippines. Both the government and the private sector are increasingly acknowledging the need to promote and protect intellectual property rights. Our firm is available to provide the following services to both local and foreign intellectual property rights holders:
- Registration of trademarks, patents and copyright in the Philippines
- Drafting, review and registration of licensing agreements
- Responding to infringement claims and assistance in initiating actions to protect intellectual property rights
Dispute with Philippine Companies and Individuals
The Philippines is a litigious society. Filing a case before the courts is a usual remedy to enforce one’s rights. However, filing a case in the Philippines is not that easy. Apart from having a strong command of substantive law, litigants must also be aware of procedural rules, such as condition precedents, prescriptive periods, deadlines and other formalities. It is thus important for any person or entity involved in litigation or other modes of alternative dispute resolution in the Philippines to understand and comply with local laws and procedural rules. Our firm is available to provide legal assistance and other necessary services in connection with the following matters:
- Litigation with Philippine companies and individuals, and assistance in preparation of pleadings and other documents
- Arbitration with Philippine companies and individuals, and other modes alternative dispute resolution
- Administrative cases and other disputes involving government agencies
- Execution of judgment, including enforcement of foreign judgments and arbitral awards
Other Philippine-Related Matters
Apart from the foregoing, our firm is available to provide legal assistance concerning other Philippine-law related matters, including the following:
- Researching and advising on Philippine laws and regulations
- Family law matters involving Filipinos
- Criminal matters in the Philippines
