The Philippines’ New Tax Reform Package Approved – Vinh Le

To view this article on our website ASEAN Briefing, please click here. To download for free our Guide “An Introduction to Doing Business in ASEAN 2017“, please click here.     On December 19, 2017, the Philippines’ much awaited tax reform package or Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) was signed into law, paving […]

Vinh LeManager, Dezan Shira & Associates

MOTOROLA SUCCESFULLY BLOCKS AT FIRST INSTANCE THE REGISTRATION OF “MOTOMO”

Motorola Trademark Holdings, Inc. opposed the registration of MOTOMO filed by respondent-applicant Yuling Lin for use on “cellphone accessories namely, cellphone cover, cellphone cases, screen protector, headphones; headsets, carrying cases for headphones”. The competing marks are shown below: In its Decision dated 22 December 2017 (IPC No. 14-2015-00026), the IPO Bureau of Legal Affairs sustained Motorola’s […]

Valeriano Del RosarioManaging Partner, Vera Law (Del Rosario Raboca Gonzales Grasparil)

What is special about the Philippines? Why should an investor or entrepreneur choose the Philippines as a gateway to Asia?

One of the best reasons to come to the Philippines is language. All the laws are in English and everybody speaks in English. The other reason is the nature of the Philippine people. Most Filipinos like to make foreign visitors feel good. A lot of the clients we have go through the mill, but once […]

Valeriano Del RosarioManaging Partner, Vera Law (Del Rosario Raboca Gonzales Grasparil)

What help exists for overseas investors in terms of expert partners, trade networks or government incentives? Would you recommend a local business partner?

The Government is actively courting foreign investment, they have a board where you can go in and they will tell you what areas are open to foreign investment. They have smart people and are very helpful, and as long as you are not on the negative list you don’t need a local partner. Uber are […]

Valeriano Del RosarioManaging Partner, Vera Law (Del Rosario Raboca Gonzales Grasparil)

What are the major regulatory barriers to entering the Philippines marketplace?

The biggest barrier in the Philippines are the foreign ownership restrictions. The constitution does not allow foreign companies to own land, but, having said that, they can lease for up to 50 years. The bright spot for the Philippines is our knowledge workforce. We provide workers around the world, with nurses going to the UK, […]

Valeriano Del RosarioManaging Partner, Vera Law (Del Rosario Raboca Gonzales Grasparil)

Are there any cultural points that someone considering doing business in the Philippines should be aware of?

The Philippines is very much Asian in this respect. Personal relationships probably count for more than a big name coming through the door. You can be a well-recognised name, but unless you have that personal relationship with somebody, or you are introduced by somebody, people will be scared to deal with you as a partner […]

Valeriano Del RosarioManaging Partner, Vera Law (Del Rosario Raboca Gonzales Grasparil)