Legal Updates

Effective 9 June 2026, the processing, evaluation, and issuance of all new and renewal applications for AEPs shall be fully centralized at the DOLE Central Office.

The Bureau of Internal Revenue issued Circular No. 047-2026 prescribing streamlined guidelines on the closure and/or cancellation of business registrations with the BIR.

The NPC tightens procedural rules on requests for exemption, postponement, and alternative notification filed by personal information controllers.

The Philippine Intellectual Property Office implements updates with clearer and more streamlined procedures on the filing and registration for copyright.

Organizations must ensure that their data processing practices and policies are aligned with the Advisory to avoid business disruption, penalties, and liabilities, due to potential violations of the DPA and related issuances.

This is part of the NTC’s effort to encourage investments in the data center industry.

Joint DICT‑NPC‑SEC advisory reinforces data privacy and fair collection requirements for operators of online lending platforms in the Philippines.

The suspension was issued upon the recommendation of the DOE in light of escalating fuel supply constraints and price volatility arising from the conflict in the Middle East.

On 13 February 2026, the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines issued regulations implementing the Beijing Treaty, strengthening the moral and economic rights of audiovisual performers.

Beginning 1 March 2026, M&A transactions will be subject to mandatory notification to the PCC if they meet the new thresholds of PHP 9.1 billion for the size of party test, and PHP 3.8 billion for the size of transaction test.

Organizations covered by the DPA are encouraged to begin internal preparations to ensure timely and accurate submission of their 2025 ASIR ahead of the 31 March 2026 deadline.

The National Telecommunications Commission has issued MC 002‑02‑2026, which prescribes the eligibility criteria and various compliance obligations for DTIPs, pursuant to the Konektadong Pinoy Act (KPA).

Under the Amended Guidelines, litigants, witnesses and counsel can now participate in proceedings before the Trial Courts, Court of Appeals, Sandiganbayan, and Court of Tax Appeals through videoconferencing.

The changes aim to enhance transparency, prevent misuse of corporate vehicles for illicit activities and align with international standards.

The resumption of tax audits and related field operations will include the issuance of electronic letters of authority, completion of previously suspended audit case, and collection activities, among others.

The IRR of the Konektadong Pinoy Act (KPA), also known as the law on Open Access in Data Transmission, has just taken effect

The increased thresholds provide an opportunity to enhance employee benefits while maintaining tax efficiency.

The current ERC update clarifies that a publicly listed holding company can satisfy the POR for its controlled GC or DU, provided that ownership and control relationships are clearly documented.

The Bureau of Immigration has issued the "2026 Annual Report Advisory," requiring all registered foreign nationals in the Philippines to complete their annual report between 1 Jan and 1 Mar 2026.

Commissioner of Internal Revenue has ordered the immediate suspension of all ongoing field audits and related field operations.

These guidelines clarify the requirements for patentability, inventorship, disclosure, and claim clarity for AI and AI-assisted inventions, aligning local practice with international trends while addressing unique considerations under Philippine law.

The Guidelines are intended to be the DOE's foundational instrument to guide energy stakeholders to access carbon finance and prepare for future carbon market mechanisms.

NPC Advisory No. 2025-02 operationalizes privacy by design/default across planning, development, testing, deployment and maintenance of data processing systems.

The law amends the Investors' Lease Act by, among others, extending the maximum allowable aggregate period of a lease contract for private land by a foreign investor to 99 years, subject to certain requirements and conditions.

These two new advisories affecting Alien Employment Permits (AEPs) include a scheduled release of printed AEP cards and reiteration of the 15-working day processing timeline.

These Supplemental Guidelines provide further clarification and procedural guidance on the issuance of Alien Employment Permits (AEP), aiming to streamline compliance and address ambiguities in the original order.

The DICT is now taking the lead in drafting the IRR of the KPA, which it is mandated to promulgate within 90 days.

BSIs, or entities that provide financial products and services under the jurisdiction of the BSP, should remove in-app gambling access in their mobile payment apps and websites within the 48-hour window provided by BSP.