Category: Blog

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…

Starting a business is a bold move—but failing to register it with the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) is an even bolder risk, one that could cost you far more than you expect. In the eyes of Philippine law, BIR registration is non-negotiable. Any business or professional that generates income must register with the BIR…

Starting a business in the Philippines comes with legal responsibilities—foremost among them is tax compliance. Whether you’re a sole proprietor, a freelancer, a partnership, or a corporation, one thing is certain:You must register with the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR). As a lawyer specializing in business and tax law, I often tell clients that BIR…

When starting a business in the Philippines, one of the most common questions entrepreneurs ask is:“Do I need to register with the SEC?” The answer isn’t always a simple yes or no—it depends on your business structure, goals, and long-term vision. As a corporate lawyer, I often advise clients that understanding the purpose and implications…

Registering a corporation with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is a crucial legal step for any business seeking legitimacy and long-term success in the Philippines. While the process may appear straightforward, many entrepreneurs unknowingly make mistakes that delay approval, cause legal complications, or even result in the rejection of their application.   As a…

When forming a corporation in the Philippines, registering with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is not optional—it’s a legal necessity. As a corporate lawyer, I often encounter aspiring entrepreneurs who ask, “Can I operate my corporation without SEC registration?” The straightforward legal answer: no. SEC registration is the cornerstone of legal corporate existence in…

Starting a business is an exciting endeavor—but making it official through proper registration is not just a formality. It is a critical legal step that ensures your enterprise is protected, recognized, and poised for long-term success. In the Philippines, registering your business with the appropriate government agencies—such as the DTI, SEC, BIR, and your local…