Author: Mark Virgil Lofranco

When Republic Act No. 11232 or the Revised Corporation Code was signed into law, it revolutionized Philippine business by allowing a single individual to form a One Person Corporation (OPC)—a game-changer for freelancers, professionals, and startup entrepreneurs. Before this, forming a corporation required at least five incorporators. Now, you can enjoy limited liability, corporate structure,…

Choosing a business name is an exciting part of launching your enterprise. It defines your brand, reflects your values, and helps you stand out in the market. But before printing that logo or investing in marketing, here’s a crucial legal question: Is your business name legally available—or already taken? As a business lawyer, I’ve seen…

For many Filipino entrepreneurs, the first milestone in starting a business is securing a DTI Business Name Registration. It’s quick, affordable, and relatively simple. But here’s the legal truth: DTI registration alone is not enough to make your business fully legal. As a corporate lawyer, I’ve encountered countless business owners who believed they were already…

If you’re planning to form a corporation or partnership in the Philippines, reserving your business name is a crucial legal first step—and one that’s often overlooked or misunderstood. As a business lawyer, I often remind entrepreneurs that naming your company isn’t just a branding choice—it’s a legal process. Your desired name must be unique, appropriate,…

If you’re planning to operate a business in the Philippines—whether online or offline—BIR registration is a legal requirement, not an option. But one of the first critical decisions you’ll need to make during registration is whether to register as a VAT or Non-VAT taxpayer. As a legal advisor for business compliance, I often get asked:“Which…

As a corporate lawyer advising Filipino entrepreneurs, I’ve seen countless businesses with potential fall short—not because of a bad product, but because they failed to take the most important first step: proper business registration. Many small business owners focus on sales, branding, or social media before considering their legal foundations. But the truth is, no…

In today’s fast-paced, digital-first economy, consumers are more informed and cautious than ever before. Whether you’re selling products online, offering professional services, or opening a physical store, your customers expect more than quality—they want legitimacy, transparency, and accountability. As a lawyer handling business compliance and corporate law, I often remind clients: Registering your business isn’t…

The rise of solopreneurs—individuals who run and own their business without co-founders—is reshaping the Philippine business landscape. With the digital economy booming, more Filipinos are becoming freelancers, consultants, online sellers, and self-funded startup founders. But while passion and productivity drive solopreneurs, many still operate under sole proprietorships, exposing themselves to financial risk and limited growth…

For decades, entrepreneurs in the Philippines had limited legal choices when structuring their businesses: either operate as a sole proprietorship or form a corporation with at least five incorporators. This changed with the passage of the Revised Corporation Code of the Philippines (Republic Act No. 11232) in 2019, which introduced the One Person Corporation (OPC)—a…

If you’re planning to start a sole proprietorship or freelance business in the Philippines, one of the first legal steps you’ll encounter is registering your business name with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI). 1. Is DTI registration mandatory for all businesses? Yes, if you’re operating under a business name other than your full…