In the Philippines, the Philippine Contractors Accreditation Board (PCAB) plays a pivotal role in regulating the contractor industry. It ensures that construction firms meet requisite financial, technical, and legal standards. Recently, PCAB has introduced significant updates and policy changes that impact contractors’ accreditation, license renewals, bonding, and compliance. This article reviews those updates and offers practical issues that businesses must consider to stay

In the Philippines, any business engaged in the manufacture, importation, distribution, or sale of products regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) including food, drugs, cosmetics, medical devices, and health-related items must secure specific licenses from the FDA before operating. Two of the most critical authorizations are the License to Operate (LTO) and the Certificate of Product Registration (CPR). These documents ensure that businesses comply with the regu

On February 21, 2025, the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) removed the Philippines from its “grey list” of jurisdictions under enhanced monitoring. This marks a culmination of years of regulatory reforms, enforcement efforts, and alignment with international anti‑money laundering (AML) and counter‑terrorism financing (CTF) standards. Below is what this means, how the country got here, and what businesses and investors should watch moving forward. Why the Exit Matters Reduce

As the Philippines confronts energy security challenges, climate change pressures, and rising demand, renewable energy stands at the crossroads of the nation’s future. With abundant natural resources and evolving policy frameworks, the country has significant potential to transform its energy matrix. But realizing that potential requires careful strategy, capital, and stakeholder alignment. The Current Landscape Installed Share & Targets: As of 2023, renewables accounted for

In an era defined by shifting supply chains, renewed regional integration, and increasing foreign investment, the Philippines is emerging as a strategic hub in the global marketplace. More than just a fast-growing economy in Southeast Asia, the archipelago is positioning itself as a bridge connecting markets, capital, and talent. With its geographical advantage, policy reforms, and competitive workforce, the Philippines is steadily gaining recognition as a preferred base for

In a move to boost tourism and stimulate local spending, the Philippine government has introduced a VAT refund mechanism for non-resident tourists purchasing goods locally. Under Republic Act No. 12079 and its Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR), foreign visitors can now reclaim the 12% value-added tax (VAT) on eligible purchases made in accredited stores. But how does the new system work? What are the requirements, limitations, and practical challenges? This article bre

As businesses expand across borders, managing payroll is no longer just a domestic task it becomes a complex orchestration requiring compliance, accuracy, and coordination across jurisdictions. This article explores how companies can effectively manage multi‑country payroll, mitigate risks, and build scalable solutions for international operations. What Is Multi‑Country Payroll? Multi‑country payroll refers to the process of managing, processing, and paying compensation for e

The European Commission has formally delisted the Philippines from its list of high‑risk third countries for money laundering and terrorist financing a milestone that underscores the country’s improvement in anti‑money laundering (AML) and counter terrorism financing (CTF) compliance. This development signals more than just regulatory progress. It has practical implications for how foreign investors, financial institutions, and local enterprises conduct cross border business,

The Philippines has recently amended the Retail Trade Liberalization Act of 2000 (Republic Act No. 8762) through Republic Act No. 11595,...