Blog Posts

  • How E‑Notarization Works in the Philippines for Real Estate Documents

    The Supreme Court’s new E-Notarization Rules let Philippine notaries authenticate documents remotely using secure video calls, digital IDs, and e-signatures. This article explains how the system works, its benefits and burdens for real estate professionals, and what buyers across the country should check before relying on e-notarized documents.

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  • Protecting Broker Commission from a Scheming Landowner

    This piece unpacks Bayanin v. PNB (2023), where brokers who introduced a buyer were excluded after the deal was recast as a joint venture. It shows how the Supreme Court still treated the arrangement as a sale, affirms the broker’s role as procuring cause, and urges real estate practitioners to secure written agreements and maintain…

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  • Keeping the Human Advantage: Real Estate Brokerage in the Philippines and AI

    This article is a practical guide for Philippine RESPs to use AI responsibly while preserving human judgment, trust, and integrity. The article includes National Privacy Commission compliance guidelines and local case examples.

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  • Innovative Solutions for Affordable Housing in the Philippines

    The National Housing Authority Act aims to address housing shortages in the Philippines, particularly for the underprivileged. However, it overlooks the “missing middle” income segment and lacks incentives for private developers. Proposed solutions include expanding financing options and enhancing rental market regulations to ensure equitable housing access for all citizens.

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  • From Expired to Revived: SEC Rules on Reviving Corporations

    Learn how to revive expired corporations in the Philippines under SEC MC No. 23. This is a step-by-step guide, list of documentary requirements, and legal effects of the revival explained.

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  • The Digital Barrister: Navigating AI in the Philippine Legal Profession

    The legal profession in the Philippines is increasingly influenced by artificial intelligence (AI), presenting opportunities for enhanced efficiency but also raising ethical concerns. As AI tools assist in various legal tasks, issues like data bias and privacy must be addressed. Understanding these developments is vital for future legal practices.

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  • Rep. Act No. 12216: Game Changer for Socialized and Low-cost Housing?

    The passage of the National Housing Authority Act (Rep. Act No. 12216) aims to enhance the NHA’s role in addressing the housing backlog in the Philippines, particularly for underprivileged communities. Key provisions include a 50-year corporate term extension, tax incentives, streamlined land management, and improved governance, promising significant impacts on socialized and low-cost housing.

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  • How the Ease of Paying Taxes Act Will Revolutionize Real Estate in the Philippines

    The “Ease of Paying Taxes Act” (Rep. Act No. 11956), signed by Pres. Marcos, Jr. in January 2024, streamlines tax administration in the Philippines, particularly for real estate transactions. It categorizes taxpayers, simplifies filing, and promotes online compliance, aiming to reduce confusion, encourage tax compliance, and facilitate property transactions.

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  • Leveraging the One Person Corporation: A Game-Changer for Estate Planning in the Philippines?

    The article discusses the One Person Corporation (OPC) in the Philippines, highlighting its benefits such as limited liability protection, simplified management, and estate planning advantages for real estate consolidation. It also addresses potential drawbacks like access to capital and personal liability risks, while emphasizing the importance of strategic succession planning and professional guidance.

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  • From Forebears to Heirs: Bequeathing Property in the Philippines

    This article serves as a guide for Filipino-Americans and other expatriates regarding inheritance, estate taxes, and property transfers in the Philippines. It outlines the legal processes for transferring estates with or without wills, highlights the need for estate tax payments, and emphasizes the importance of planning and seeking legal advice to avoid disputes.

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