Tag Archives: Philippines

How to File a Case for Annulment in the Philippines while Abroad

Can a Filipino file an annulment case in the Philippines while abroad? The same issue equally applies to annulment of marriage, declaration of nullity of marriage, and recognition of a foreign divorce decree. Overseas Filipinos (OF) and Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) are currently confronted with the threat of the covid-19 global pandemic and the resulting lockdown/quarantine implemented around the world. Many Filipinos, whether in the Philippines or while abroad, seek a fresh start in their marital life. They seek to do it the right way by ensuring that the previous marriage is properly nullified or declared void (for one, children in the next family are considered illegitimate).

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MMDA: Number Coding Scheme in Metro Manila Suspended Until Further Notice

The Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has announced that the Modified Unified Vehicular Volume Reduction Program (UVVRP) or “Number Coding Scheme” for Metro Manila will take effect on 8 June 2020 (the full text of MMDA Regulation No. 2020-001 is reproduced below). Update (7 June 2020): Number Coding Scheme suspended until further notice, per the MMDA.

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Refund / Return of the Small Business Wage Subsidy (SBWS) Received by Workers

In an Advisory issued on 2 June 2020, the Social Security System (SSS) announced the requirement to refund or return the Small Business Wage Subsidy (SBWS) received by employees under certain instances, discussed below. The directive is based on the SBWS Program Task Force Resolution No. 2. The instances when the refund/return is required, and the procedure for the refund, are discussed below.

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Twin-Notice Rule and Procedural Requirements in Employment Termination Proceedings

Due process, in relation to employment termination proceedings, is composed of two aspects. One, there must be a just or authorized cause for the dismissal or any administrative disciplinary acton (substantive due process). Two, the requirements of procedural due process must be complied with. The separate procedural due process requirements for just causes and authorized causes for employment termination are discussed below.

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Doing Business in the Philippines: Registration Regulatory Framework for Foreign Companies

Foreign corporations can secure a license to transact business in the Philippines. As defined under the Revised Corporation Code, a foreign corporation is one formed, organized or existing under laws other than those of the Philippines. Based on the principle of reciprocity, a foreign corporation cannot secure a license if its country/state of registration does not allow Filipino citizens/corporations to do business in said country/state. 

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Refund of Payments for Events Affected by the Community Quarantine: Force Majeure and DTI Guidelines

The provisions on force majeure affects contracts and obligations during the community quarantine, as discussed in a previous post. In a welcome move, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) issued the guidelines on refund of payments made for events affected by the State of public health emergency. The salient points of DTI Memorandum Circular No. 20-30 are as follows:

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Supplemental Guidelines on the Concessions on Residential Rents and Commercial Rents (DTI Memorandum Circular No. 20-29): Full Text

[The full text of DTI Memorandum Circular No. 20-29 is reproduced below; but see Amendment to Supplemental Guidelines per DTI Memorandum Circular No. 20-31. See also Summary of Supplemental Guidelines; prior guidelines on rents, DTI Memorandum Circular No. 20-12; complemented by Memorandum Circular No. 20-30 on refund of payments for cancelled events. No extension for loans.]

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Rules Governing Persons Below 21 Years Old, 60 and Above, and other “Most at Risk” Employees during GCQ and MGCQ

The community quarantine classification for all areas in the Philippines has been relaxed, effective 1 June 2020, to either General Community Quarantine (GCQ) or Modified General Community Quarantine (MGCQ). The recent pronouncements by authorities include the rule that persons below 21, those 60 years old and above, and those with immunodeficiency, comorbidities, or other health risks, and pregnant women are prohibited from going outside their respective residences. 

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