Posts by AJA Law
MEARB in the Philippines: What the New Bid Evaluation Standard Actually Requires
The shift from lowest-price to value-based evaluation under RA 12009 changed more than the standard. It changed what bidders need to do to compete. This article explains how MEARB actually works in practice, what documentation carries weight, and where the framework is still maturing.
The 2026 SIPP Just Named AI, Quantum, and Biotech as Philippine Investment Priorities
The 2026 Strategic Investment Priority Plan opens the Philippines' top incentive tier to AI, quantum computing, cybersecurity, and biotech. Here's what it actually takes to structure a project that qualifies, not just a business that happens to be in a listed sector.
Doing Business in the Philippines: A Commercial and Legal Guide for Foreign Companies and Serious Operators
The Philippines is one of Southeast Asia's most commercially compelling markets. This guide covers the industries, opportunities, legal frameworks, and practical considerations that foreign companies, founders, and growing businesses need to understand before they move.
Sustainability Risk Is Now a Legal and Business Risk in the Philippines
Sustainability is no longer just a compliance or reporting issue. For businesses in the Philippines, it becomes a legal and operational risk when it affects permits, contracts, supply chains, and day-to-day operations.
VAWC Cases in Practice: Evidence and Legal Strategy Under RA 9262
VAWC cases often involve private incidents and complex evidence. This article explains how documentation, electronic evidence, and expert testimony support cases under RA 9262.
Customs Delays Are Often Data and Compliance Issues, Not Logistics Problems
Customs delays often begin long before shipments reach the port. Documentation gaps, fragmented compliance systems, and inconsistent regulatory records frequently trigger scrutiny from authorities. Understanding these structural risks can help companies involved in cross-border trade improve efficiency and avoid enforcement exposure.
Digital Assets, Outsourcing, and Loss of Control: What Businesses Overlook When Scaling
Digital assets often begin as operational tools, but scaling and outsourcing can blur ownership and control. This article explains where gaps usually surface and why early legal planning supports stronger growth outcomes.
BOI Registration and Tax Incentives in the Philippines: Strategic Investment Planning in an ASEAN-Centered Economy
BOI registration in the Philippines is no longer just about tax incentives. It reflects how the State is directing investment toward priority sectors such as digital infrastructure, innovation, resilience, and regional integration. This guide explains how BOI incentives work today, realistic timelines, common approval issues, and why alignment with national and ASEAN priorities matters for foreign investors.
BOI Tax Incentives for Creative Content in the Philippines Under the CREATE Act
Creative studios and production companies can qualify for BOI tax incentives under the CREATE Act when projects are properly structured. This article explains how incentives apply to creative content, with practical insight on project design, IP ownership, and foreign participation.
The DTI E-Commerce Philippine Trustmark: What Online Businesses Need to Know
The DTI E-Commerce Philippine Trustmark is a government issued digital badge that signals accountability and consumer protection in online transactions. This article explains what the Trustmark is, why it matters for scaling online businesses, and how sellers can assess readiness from a practical, business focused perspective.