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How to invest in
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the Philippines
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This business guide

is specially prepared
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for the benefit

of potential and
existing Philippine
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investors
2015
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Isla Lipana & Co.

This Guide was
specially prepared
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potential, as well as
existing, investors
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whom we consider
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major business
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partners in shaping
the future of the o.
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Philippine economy.
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About the image:

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Philippine Gems — Lake Sebu
Lake Sebu is one of the Philippines’ most important watersheds and a major provider of irrigation to the provinces of
Sultan Kudarat and South Cotabato. It is located in the ancestral domain of the T’boli and Ubo tribes. The DOT has
promoted the lake as one of the prime eco-tourism destinations in Mindanao. Visit http://www.pwc.com/ph/gems for
more information. (Photo by Christine Rodriguez)
© 2015 Isla Lipana & Co. All rights reserved.
PwC refers to the Philippine member firm, and may sometimes refer to the PwC network. Each member firm is a
separate legal entity. Please see www.pwc.com/structure for further details.
PwC Philippines helps organizations and individuals create the value they’re looking for. We’re a network of firms in
157 countries with more than 195,000 people who are committed to delivering quality in assurance, tax and advisory
services. Find out more by visiting us at pwc.com/ph.
ww.pwc.com/ph
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How to Invest in
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the Philippines
A business guide o.
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2015 edition
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Message from the Chairman and Senior Partner
This publication on How to Invest in the Philippines helps you find easy answers
to most commonly asked questions on how to engage in a business in the
Philippines.
We have developed this guidebook to
provide you with quality information that
are responsive to your needs as an investor
stepping into the country for the first time. It
gives you an overview of the business climate
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in the Philippines and various reasons why it
has remained to be a bright spot for foreign
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investments in Asia.
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This guide addresses your immediate concerns,
from the first steps to consider in registering
your business, whether entering a joint venture
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or retail trade, to what policies you should
observe on income and business taxes, as
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well what you need to know about living and
business expenses in the Philippines.
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Should you have more questions about your specific industry or wish to know
more about our services, please do not hesitate to contact me or any of our
professional advisors. You will find a list of contact persons at the back of this
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guidebook. You can also download this material free of charge from our website
www.pwc.com/ph.
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Thank you for considering the Philippines and we look forward to helping you
succeed in one of the most energetic and promising economies in the region.
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Alexander B. Cabrera
Chairman and Senior Partner
Contents
The Philippines – A profile.................................................................... 1

General................................................................................................. 18
1. What requirements must be complied with before a foreign corporation
can engage in business in the Philippines?................................................18
2. Is a foreign investor allowed to own 100% of a business entity?................19
3. What is the general policy of the government regarding foreign
investments? Is this policy likely to change in the near future?..................20
4. What are the major incentives available to a registered enterprise?...........20
5. Are investment incentives transferable?....................................................22
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Board of Investments/Philippine Economic Zone Authority/Other
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Investment Promotion Agencies ......................................................... 23
1. How does our proposed project qualify for registration with the BOI/
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PEZA/other Investment Promotion Agencies (IPAs)?................................23
2. What possible obstacles would our application meet?...............................24
3. How long will it take to obtain BOI/PEZA/other IPAs approval once all
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requirements are complied with?.............................................................24
4. Assuming approval is obtained, what restrictions are ordinarily
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attached?.................................................................................................25
5. How much time is an investor allowed to start his project?.......................25
Securities and Exchange Commission ................................................. 26
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1. Why is it necessary to register with the SEC?............................................26

2. Can the application for registration with the BOI/PEZA/other IPAs
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and the SEC be filed simultaneously, or must one wait for the BOI/PEZA/
other IPAs approval before going to the SEC?...........................................26
3. How long after the submission of the application and all the required
documents will approval be obtained?......................................................26
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4. Is there any requirement that directors be residents?................................27

5. Is a domestic corporation subject to a minimum subscription and
payment on such subscription?.................................................................27
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Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas ................................................................ 28

1. Can foreign investment funds be inwardly remitted outside of the
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banking system?.......................................................................................28
2. Is registration of foreign investment with the BSP required?.....................28
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3. Is inward remittance of foreign investment required to be converted

immediately to Philippine pesos?.............................................................29
4. What are the current regulations regarding profit remittances and
repatriation of capital?.............................................................................29
Royalties, technical service agreements, etc........................................ 30
1. Can we charge royalties and similar fees?.................................................30
2. Are these taxable in the Philippines?........................................................30
3. What rules govern the reimbursement of costs incurred abroad?..............31
4. What constitutes “technology transfer arrangements”?.............................31
5. How long does it take to obtain government approval?.............................31
6. Do we have to get the Bangko Sentral approval to remit the royalty or
agreed fees to the foreign company? What documentary support is
required?.................................................................................................31
Taxes..................................................................................................... 32
1. What are the income tax rates in the Philippines?.....................................32
2. What business taxes are we subject to?.....................................................35
3. What are the advantages and disadvantages of a branch vis-à-vis a
domestic subsidiary?................................................................................37
4. What effect will a tax treaty with my country have on the tax rates?.........37
Joint ventures....................................................................................... 38
1. If we enter into a joint venture with Philippine investors, will the SEC
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allow us to hold 51% or more of its equity?...............................................38
2. If we are restricted to a 40% equity holding, how can we obtain control
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of the operations?....................................................................................38
3. Are there any requirements that directors and other officers must be
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Filipino citizens and/or residents?............................................................38
4. How are joint ventures taxed?..................................................................39
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Retail trade........................................................................................... 40
1. Can foreign investors engage in retail trade in the Philippines?.................40
2. How is “Retail Trade” defined?.................................................................40
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3. To what extent is foreign ownership of retail enterprises in the country
permitted?...............................................................................................40
4. What are the criteria to qualify as foreign retailers in the Philippines?......41
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Rules on borrowings............................................................................. 42
1. Can we finance our project through foreign borrowings?..........................42
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2. Are we subject to certain debt-to-equity ratio requirements?....................43

3. Can a foreign company borrow from a private individual or private non-
financial institution?................................................................................43
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Others................................................................................................... 44
1. Could you give some basic guidelines on living/business expense?...........44
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2. How easily can work permits be obtained for expatriate executives?.........46

3. How easily can expatriate executives obtain clearances for travel
abroad?....................................................................................................47
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4. May expatriate executives receive their compensation in foreign

currencies?...............................................................................................47
5. Will the expatriates be allowed to convert into foreign currency any
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excess pesos that they may have upon termination of their assignment?...47
6. Is there any public offering of stocks or corporate shares in the
Philippines?.............................................................................................47
Appendix I............................................................................................ 48
Appendix II........................................................................................... 50
Appendix III.......................................................................................... 55
Appendix IV.......................................................................................... 57
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The Philippines – A profile
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Strategic location, skilled people, a
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stable democratic government, a vibrant
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economy make it an attractive investment
destination
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Overview
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Investor considerations
The Philippines, with its strategic location, is a gateway to the huge Asian
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market.
Its considerable attractions as an investment destination include:
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• A pool of English-speaking people who are highly trainable. Their

capabilities and merits as blue-collar workers, technicians, professionals,
and managers have been confirmed in postings with foreign firms
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operating in the Philippines and abroad.

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• A large potential market for consumer goods on account of its fast-

growing population. Its ASEAN affiliation provides further opportunities
for access to the ASEAN Free Trade Area (AFTA).
• The foreign-investor friendly posture of government. It has manifested
its commitment to create conditions that attract foreign investments.
Liberalized policies and regulations on foreign investments continue to be
put in place.
Isla Lipana & Co., PwC member firm 1

• Availability and accessibility of special economic zones and free ports in
various parts of the country where infrastructure supports are adequately
provided and locators are granted fiscal and non-fiscal incentives.
• A competitive edge in information and communications technology (ICT),
including call centers.
• A highly developed legal system.
• A democratic republican form of government (Republic).
Geography and climate
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The Philippines is an archipelago of approximately 7,100 islands, located in
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Southeast Asia.
It is surrounded in the north by Japan, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and South Korea; in
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the south by Singapore, Malaysia, and Indonesia; and in the west by Thailand.
To the east is the vast expanse of the Pacific Ocean, which earned for the country
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the title, “gateway of the west to Asia.”
The total land area of the country is approximately 300,000 square kilometers,
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about the size of Italy or the state of Arizona in the United States. The country
has a tropical climate and two seasons: rainy, from June to November, and dry,
between December and May. It is rich in natural resources such as vast arable
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lands, fishing grounds, forests, and extensive mineral reserves.

From north to south, it is divided into the three major island groupings of Luzon,
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Visayas, and Mindanao and for administrative purposes, into 17 regions: eight in
Luzon; three in the Visayas; and six in Mindanao.
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History and leadership
The Philippines was colonized by Spain for almost 400 years and then by the
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United States of America for the next 50 years.

It proclaimed its independence from Spain on 12 June 1898. As an American
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ally, it was occupied for four years by the Japanese Imperial Army during World
War II.
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It gained its independence from American forces in 1946 and enjoyed 26

years of democratic rule until Martial Law was established in 1972. The 14-
year Martial Law rule was toppled by a peaceful “people power” rally in 1986
and a democratic government was installed, with Ms. Corazon C. Aquino as
president. Peaceful elections held in May 1992 and in May 1998 ushered in the
governments of Presidents Fidel V. Ramos and Joseph E. Estrada, respectively.
In January 2001, another peaceful “people power” rally successfully pressured
President Joseph E. Estrada to step down from office. This was due to the failed
impeachment trial on charges of plunder, graft and corruption hurled against
2 How to invest in the Philippines 2015

him. Consequently, Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo was sworn in as the 14th President
of the Republic. President Arroyo was given a fresh mandate to stay in office
until 2010 after being proclaimed winner in the 10 May 2004 elections.
On 30 June 2010, Benigno Simeon “NoyNoy” Aquino III was sworn into office as
the 15th President of the Republic.
The political system and administrative structure
The Philippines is a democratic republican state whose system of government is

the presidential form patterned after the American model.
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There are 19 departments in the executive branch, more than 200 congressmen
and 24 senators in the bicameral legislative branch, and 15 justices in the
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Supreme Court (judicial branch).
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Philippine law is a consolidation of Anglo-American, Roman, and Spanish laws
and the indigenous customs and traditions of Filipinos. The 1987 Constitution
is the fundamental law of the land. Other sources of Philippine law are the Civil
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Code, Penal Code, National Internal Revenue Code, Labor Code, and Code of
Commerce. Judicial decisions and pronouncements, letters of instructions,
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administrative rules and regulations, as well as orders issued by the three
branches of the government constitute part of the law of the land.
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Government’s thrusts and programs

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For the past several years, the government has been continuously undertaking
stabilization efforts.
It has been working towards the attainment of an impressive economic growth
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to uplift the economic well-being of the greater mass of its constituents through
a modified social market environment and through a policy of self-determination
by the regions.
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The national government veered away from undue intervention in the market
place and its historic centric posturing through the privatization of some
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government owned and controlled corporations. It promoted an environment

conducive to greater private sector participation and responsibility in the
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economic and social development of the country. Likewise, it devolved

government powers to the local units and pursued the dispersal of economic
activities to the countryside.
People empowerment has been pursued through the continued implementation
of policies such as: (1) the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP)
which gives farmers ownership over the land they till; (2) the policy to
encourage labor-intensive and export-oriented industries; and (3) the take-over
by non-government organizations (NGOs) of market intervention activities to
protect the interests of the general public.

The Arroyo government also embarked on infrastructure development using
the build-operate-and-transfer (BOT) mode, and its variant schemes. Current
priorities include telecommunication facilities for high speed productivity at low
cost, roads to target tourist destination, infrastructure for the modernization
of agriculture, mass transport infrastructure for Metro Manila and commuter
and transport systems to disperse communities toward Subic, Clark, and
Calabarzon, and the expansion of the North Expressway. The development of
Subic and Clark into the best international service and logistic centers in the
region was among the 10-point agenda pursued vigorously by former President
Arroyo. Consequently, the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX) opened
to commercial use in April 2008. Moreover, the development of provinces,
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especially in Mindanao, was former President Arroyo’s priority.
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Bottlenecks of productivity such as the high cost of power, deterrence to
investments and agriculture by confrontational labor management relations and
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corruption, and red tape at the national and local government levels have been
minimized.
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Among the important legislative measures enacted into law are: E-procurement;
Tax exemption of offshore banking units and foreign currency deposit units;
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Reformed VAT Law as amended; the extended Special Purpose Vehicle Act; the
Human Security Act of 2007; the Cheaper Medicines Act; the Japan Philippine
Economic Partnership Agreement; the Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT)
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Act of 2009; the Exchange of Information on Tax Matters Act of 2009; the
Senior Citizens Act of 2010; the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012; and the
amendment to the Anti-Money Laundering Act of 2001.
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On capital market reform, the Securitization Act was enacted into law. Former
President Arroyo also pushed for the passage of legislations that would clarify
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and simplify the Investment Company Act and the Securities Regulation Code.
The system of incentives is constantly placed under review to make it simple and
clear.
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Fast growing industries where high value jobs are most plentiful have been
promoted such as information and communication technology (ICT) or business
process outsourcing (BPO). This has resulted in the proliferation of call centers
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in the country. The Philippines is one of the two countries in Asia favored as
destination for contact or call centers and data management in this decade.
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To prepare the youth to become the next generation of knowledge workers,

math and science teaching in basic education have been upgraded. Aside from
ICT, the Philippines has also the competitive edge in tourism with the natural
wonders of the country and the innate warmth of the people.

Peace initiatives
On fostering peace efforts, the government has been hitting hard on terrorism as
the Senate ratified several U.N. Conventions against terrorism.
It has also made advances towards a negotiated peace on two fronts: the Moro
Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and the National Democratic Front (NDF).
Peace talks between the Philippines and the MILF held in Kuala Lumpur in
October 2012, led to the signing between the two parties of the Framework
Agreement on the Bangsamoro in the same month. The Framework Agreement
serves as a preliminary peace agreement which calls for the creation of an
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autonomous political entity named Bangsamoro, replacing the Autonomous
Region of Muslim Mindanao or ARMM, by 2016. A Transition Commission has
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been appointed to draft the Basic Law which should be completed in 2014. A
joint Normalization Committee has likewise been formed to address governance
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and “transitional justice” by decommissioning MILF armed forces, together with
a Third-Party Monitoring Team. Annexes on power-sharing, wealth-sharing,
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transitional arrangements and modalities, and normalization have been
prepared though not yet completed.
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Moreover, the quest for peace with the MILF continues through the
implementation of the Sajahatra Bangsamoro Program which was launched in
2012. Under the program, the government of the Philippines and MILF identified
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1,000 beneficiaries to avail of Technical Education and Skills Development

Authority’s technical and vocational courses. The program was also updated to
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implement and include the components specifically for Health, Education and
Livelihood.
While searching for a political solution to the conflicts with the MILF, the
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government also looks to the United States (US) for help in the rehabilitation of
conflict areas and the eradication of the roots of war in some parts of Mindanao.
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By virtue of ratification by the Senate of the Visiting Forces Agreement on 26

May 1999, US troops have been allowed to visit the country to conduct joint
military exercises with their Filipino counterparts. The exercises are expected to
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strengthen the bilateral partnership between the US and the Philippines and also
to improve and foster economic and political stability in the region.
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The sociocultural environment
Population
Most Filipinos are of Indo-Malay, Chinese, and Spanish lineage.

The country registered a total population of 92.3 million in 2010. This is
projected to reach approximately 103 million by 2015 based on the latest
average annual exponential growth rate released by the National Statistical
Coordination Board (NSCB) of 1.82%. About 63% of the population consists of
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ages 15 years and above.
The highest concentration of people is in the Calabarzon (Cavite, Laguna,
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Batangas, and Quezon) -Region IV-A, National Capital Region or Metro Manila,
and Central Luzon - Region III.
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Labor force
93.2% of the working-age populace are employed.

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About 64.4% of the total population is of working age. Of which, 93.2% are
employed. About a million persons enter the labor force every year. Filipino
labor is highly trainable and is preferred for its English-speaking ability. A
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natural attribute of Filipinos is their artistic and creative bent, which is the
reason why they have been successful in design and related enterprises.
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Language
Most Filipinos speak English and Filipino.

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Most Filipinos are bilingual, speaking English and Filipino which are the official
languages. There are 168 dialects or native languages like Ilocano or Cebuano. A
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small percentage of the population speaks Chinese or Spanish.
Religion
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The Philippines is the only predominantly Christian country in Asia. About

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83% of the population are Roman Catholics, 12% are Protestants or members
of other Christian denominations, and 5% are Muslims. The latter are mainly
concentrated in Mindanao.

Education
The Filipinos value education highly as they look at it as a vehicle for a better
future.
The government provides free education at the primary and secondary levels
bringing about a simple literacy rate of 92.3%. The Philippines reportedly
has one of the highest numbers of Masters in Business Administration (MBA)
graduates in the world. There are 215 MBA schools in the country, among which
is the Asian Institute of Management (AIM).
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Health
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The latest projected life expectancy at birth of the Filipino male is 65 years while
that of the Filipino female is 72 years.
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The press
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There are 500 national and local newspapers, at least 1,084 cable television
networks distribution, and 1,266 licensed radio stations all over the country, a
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situation which is reflective of the extent of press freedom in the Philippines.
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The economic environment

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General market structure

The Philippines adheres to the principle of free enterprise and recognizes the
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role of the private sector in the economic development of the country.

Among the structural reforms initiated are liberalization of imports,
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deregulation of vital industries, relaxation of investment rules, privatization

of government owned or controlled corporations, etc. The resurgence of
democratic sentiments and the realization that the domestic market needs to
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be more competitive and outward looking in order to survive the onslaught of

market globalization, have triggered the opening up of the economy.
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The Philippines’ membership in the World Trade Organization (WTO) and

participation in the ASEAN Free Trade Agreement (AFTA) and the General
Agreement on Tariff and Trade (GATT) are further manifestations of the
government’s commitment to open trade.

Major economic indicators
Domestic spending continues to support Gross Domestic Product growth of 6.1%

in 2014.
Domestic consumption was able to raise GDP growth to 6.1% despite
government underspending woes. Specifically, health at 12.5% and transport at
10.7% recorded the fastest growth. Food and non-alcoholic beverages continue
to be the major contributors of total household spending. On the supply side,
growth was mainly supported by manufacturing, construction and real estate
renting.
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The continued flow of remittances from the overseas workers also accelerated
the Net Primary Income from the rest of the world to grow by 4.1%, boosting the
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Gross National Income (GNI) growth to 5.8%. (See Appendix 1 for comparative
chart.)
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Agriculture
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The main agricultural products of the country are rice, corn, coconut, sugar,
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bananas, mangoes, and pineapple. The Philippines is one of the largest exporters
of coconut oil and sugar but this comparative advantage has declined over the
years due to the development of substitutes and the increase in number of other
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exporting countries.
Mining
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The Philippines is rich in mineral resources.

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For this reason, mining continues to be among the most promising potentials of
the country (particularly gold and copper). The Philippine Mining Act of 1995
liberalized the industry, paving the way for the entry of foreign mining firms
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with a package of incentives, among which are net operating loss carry-over and
accelerated depreciation.
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Energy demand and resources

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The Philippine Energy Plan (PEP) for 2009 to 2030 was set to achieve a goal of
60% self-sufficiency level by 2010 which effectively means that by that time, the
country should be able to source three-fifths of its total energy supply from local
sources.
The country’s energy resources is a mix of indigenous and imported energy.
Indigenous energy comes from domestically produced oil and oil products,
natural gas, coal, geothermal, hydro, biomass, solar, and wind. Imported energy
on the other hand, largely comes from oil and coal, on which the Philippines
is principally dependent. To shield the country from the adverse effects of

imported oil, the government came up with the PEP aimed at helping the
country move away from utilizing imported oil and towards greater use of
indigenous energy resources, renewable energy, and other alternative fuels.
Since 2002, the country’s energy independence or self-sufficiency level had been
steadily increasing from 50.18% to 55.87% in 2005. The PEP goal of reaching
a 60% self-sufficient level by 2010 was achieved and is generally maintained
currently at the same level.
The country has likewise forged strategic alliance with other countries
implementing strong efficiency and conservative program as a means to improve
its energy sufficiency level. The Philippines is a recipient of a PHP180 million
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grant from the European Union (EU) as part of the EU’s SWITCH Policy Support
Component that promotes energy efficiency and conservation programs as well
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as clean energy and green growth policies in the Philippines.
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Utilities
Electricity, gas and water accelerated to 2.8% in 2014, from 3.6% in 2013,
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largely driven by slower growth in electricity. Accounting for about 86% of the
total sector, electricity grew by 2.1% from 3.8% a year ago supported by demand
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from the industrial and commercial sectors. Similarly, the water subsector
growth slowed to 5.7%% from 4.3% in 2013. Steam gained 11.7%, a turnaround
from the previous year’s 0.3% decline.
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Manufacturing
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Manufacturing slowed by 8.3% in 2014 from 10.3% the previous year. While
most subsectors slowed, publishing and printing rebounded from a decline of
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3.3% to a double-digit growth of 86.1%. The sector’s highest contributor food

manufactures grew faster at 7.0% from 4.4% the previous year.
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Construction
The construction sector is one of the robust sectors in the country following an
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upbeat real estate market. Private construction, which accelerated by 12.1% has
been gaining from higher demand for middle and high-end housing (with the
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rising demand for housing of overseas Filipino workers) and commercial office
space from call centers. The completion of the various government projects also
boosted spending in construction.

Transportation, communications, and storage
Led by the transport, communications, and storage sector, the service sector
remains the economy’s key player.
In prior years, growth was pushed up by the aggressive expansion and product
diversification of major telecommunication companies and investments in call
centers and business process outsourcing. The enormous rise in the number
of subscribers and increasing accessibility of internet and cable services
contributed much to the remarkable performance.
Statistics in 2014 showed growth of 6.2% in land transport, water transport,
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storage subsectors, and communication sector.
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Banking and finance
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The banking system consists of 36 universal and commercial banks, 69 thrift
banks, 543 rural and cooperative banks, and 12 non-banks with quasi banking
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functions.
In terms of assets, the banking sector has been growing steadily and non-
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performing loans ratios have declined, which further boosted the overall growth
of the finance sector. Interest rates and the value peso remain stable after
suffering from the 1997 Asian financial crisis.
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According to the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), there is a continuous

improvement in the soundness of the banking system. As a whole, the
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banking system is well-capitalized, with capital adequacy ratio well above the
international standard. The peso has continued to strengthen, after being named
as one of the top performing currencies in Asia in 2007.
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The Philippines passed the Anti-Money Laundering Act in 2001. The Act was
amended in 2003 to address the concerns of the Financial Action Task Force
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(FATF) that the Philippines might be still used for money laundering. The Act
was recently amended by Republic Act No. 10365 dated 13 February 2013,
which expanded the coverage of persons, natural or juridical, who are required
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to comply with the law, and activities considered unlawful. The Philippines
is now employing anti-money laundering policies and procedures in line with
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international banking standards.

Effective 1 January 2014, universal and commercial banks as well as
foreign bank branches have, pursuant to BSP requirements, adopted the
capital adequacy standards under Basel III. The implementation of Basel
III have translated to relatively lower capital levels for domestic banks but
it strengthened the Philippine Banking system’s capital base particularly its
CET1 ratio which represents the highest quality of bank capital and thereby,

enabling banks to withstand unexpected losses in times of market stress. It
also improved the economic viability and competitiveness of domestic banks in
anticipation of ASEAN banking integration, which is seen to usher the entry of
new foreign banks whose capital may be bigger than those of local banks.
Also, cognizant of foreign market competition, universal and commercial banks
in the Philippines have and are branching out to 1st to 3rd class municipalities
to improve their competitiveness against new foreign bank entrants whose
capital may be bigger than theirs. They have also instituted significant strategies
to reposition their ability to determine and better service the changing and
differentiated needs of their stakeholders to increase their customers.
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In this connection, in 2014, the Philippines enacted RA No. 10641 (An Act
Allowing the Full Entry of Foreign Banks in the Philippines, Amending for the
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Purpose Republic Act No. 7721), to allow additional foreign banks to apply in
the Philippines either as a branch or as a wholly owned subsidiary. RA 10641
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allows foreign government owned banks or foreign publicly listed banks to
acquire up to 100 percent of the voting stock of an existing domestic bank. In
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addition, it allows foreign banks to control up to a combined 40 percent of the
total assets of the banking system.
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The liberalization of the foreign banks law would increase the presence
of foreign banks in the Philippines. Currently, there are only 19 FBBs and
subsidiaries composed of the four FBBs originally granted access into the
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country prior to the 1994 liberalization, the 10 FBBs under R.A. No. 7721, and
the five foreign subsidiaries that entered via R.A. No. 7721.
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Services, in general
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The export of consultancy services is one area where the Philippines is considered
to have a competitive advantage.
Specific areas are: (a) information technology (IT); (b) computer software
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services (customized software consultancy, contract programming/training,

documentation services, systems integration, and data entry/data processing
services); (c) consultancy engineering (infrastructure and industrial
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development projects in power, transportation, telecommunications, water

supply, oil, gas and petrochemicals, industrial estates, and processing plants);
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and (d) contracting services. Significant opportunities were created for

contractors by the government’s policy on privatization and the enactment of
the BOT law.

Wage rate
As of March 2015, the minimum wage of Filipino labor ranges from PHP429 to
PHP466 per 8-hour workday in the National Capital Region (NCR). The wage
rate outside NCR is slightly lower and is considered one of the most competitive
in the region.
Inflation and foreign exchange rates

The core inflation rate for 2014 is 3.0% while interest rates on treasury bills have
been averaged 1.572% for all maturity periods in the fourth quarter of 2014.
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The value of the peso is PHP45.14 to a US$ (as of 18 June 2015), maintaining its
stability.
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Foreign trade
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The Philippines’ major exports include the following: (1) industrial
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manufactures like electronics, machineries, transport equipment apparatus and
parts; (2) consumer manufactures like garments and processed foods; and (3)
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resource-based products like coconut oil. Its major imports are capital goods and
intermediate goods like petroleum products and textile yarns.
While the Philippines is a net importing country, exports remain a major
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stimulus of its economic growth. In addition to physical goods, the export of

non-factor services has largely contributed to the expansion of exports over the
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years.
Trade has been liberalized through, among others, the removal of quantitative
restrictions, the simplification of the tariff table, and the removal of other
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trade barriers. In its goal to progressively eliminate tariffs, the Philippines has
participated in various trade agreements, namely: ASEAN Free Trade Area
(AFTA); ASEAN-China Trade Area (ACFTA); ASEAN-Korea Free Trade Area
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(AKFTA); ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand Free Trade Area (AANZFTA); ASEAN

and Japan Comprehensive Economic Partnership (AJCEPA); and ASEAN-India
Free Trade Area (AIFTA).
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The most progressive AFTA, which was implemented on 1 January 1993,

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further reduced tariffs on intra-ASEAN trade to not more than 5% in 2002.

As of January 2008, Executive Orders (EO) 617 and 703 were implemented,
thus effectively reducing 80% of all tariff lines under the Common Effective
Preferential Tariff (CEPT) Scheme to 0%. Though the tariff reductions brought
by EO 617 and EO 703 are not found in the latest Harmonized System (HS)
2007 since these EOs were published after the release of HS 2007, they are
accepted and applicable. Moreover, Most Favored Nation (MFN) rates on most
imported articles currently lie within the 0-10% range. In 2010, the Philippines

implemented the commitment to eliminate the tariff rates on the remaining
products in the CEPT inclusion list for year 2010 through EO 850.
The thrust of the government, though, is to reduce the duty rates on imported
articles to a range of 0-5%. This is deemed necessary to give temporary relief
to producers and manufacturers of sensitive agricultural products and to allow
them time to become more globally competitive.
Foreign investments
Major foreign investors recognize the Philippines as an attractive investment site
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in the region.
The government continues to dismantle investment restrictions to allow
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participation of foreign investors in most business activities subject to certain
conditions. For instance, domestic market enterprises (DMEs) to be fully owned
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by foreigners are required to have a minimum paid-up capital of US$200,000.
However, if the DMEs are engaged in activities involving advanced technology
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or directly employing at least 50 employees, the minimum paid-up capital is
US$100,000. Retailing has also been opened to foreign retail companies subject
to certain conditions.
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The total approved foreign direct investments, according to the data released
by the National Statistical Coordination Board (NSCB), was shown to be at
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PHP186.9 billion in 2014. Most of these investments were registered with the
Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA), Board of Investments (BOI), Clark
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Development Corporation (CDC), Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA),

Authority of the Freeport Area of Bataan (AFAB), BOI-Autonomous Region
of Muslim Mindanao (BOI-ARMM), and Cagayan Economic Zone Authority
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(CEZA).
Growth centers
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The urban centers are magnets of economic activities.

The urban centers of Metro Manila, Metro Cebu, and Davao City, as well as
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the government-owned and private special economic zones, are magnets

of economic activities. The Philippine Assistance Program is helping in the
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acceleration of regional development by sponsoring projects in Calabarzon

(Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, and Quezon Provinces), Iloilo, Samar, the
Iligan-Cagayan de Oro corridor, and General Santos. The Calabarzon Project has
resulted in the proliferation of privately-owned industrial estates to address the
needs of foreign investors.
The Subic Naval Base in Olongapo City, the Clark Air Base in Angeles City, and
other former US military bases with excellent infrastructure were converted
into special economic zones. The Bases Conversion Development Authority did
marvelously in taking over these installations and implementing its master plans
for these areas. As a result, the bustling Subic Bay Freeport and Clark Economic
Zone are living proofs to the ongoing development in these areas.
Investors’ interest in these areas has been tremendous and is perceived to
be sustainable over the next five to ten years. The main factors for increased
investors’ interest in these areas include fiscal incentives, full administration
support for the development of these areas, strategic location, and excellent
infrastructure, particularly the presence of an excellent harbor (Subic) and
international airports that meet global standards in both Subic and Clark.
Recently, the government has taken significant strides in promoting the country
as an attractive information technology (IT) destination. As of January 2015,
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there are 209 IT Parks and Centers which have been proclaimed as IT Ecozones
by the President of the Philippines and are now registered with PEZA.
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In 2007, the government embarked on the actual implementation of its project
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on “industry clustering”. Clustering is the geographic concentrations of
interconnected business entities and support institutions, and encompasses an
array of linked industries and other entities important to competition. These
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may include suppliers of inputs, support facilities and service providers, and
providers of specialized infrastructures.
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Clustering is seen as an effective strategy in contributing to the attainment of
regional goals such as poverty alleviation and enhancing economic productivity,
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within the context of the regional development strategies.
The model industry clusters are: Vegetable Industry Cluster of Northern
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Mindanao - Model Regional Cluster and One-Town-One-Product (OTOP) Award;

Bottled Sardines of Dipolog, Zamboanga del Norte - Model Provincial Cluster
and OTOP Award; Furniture of Cebu - Model Provincial Cluster; Food Processing
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of CARAGA - Model Regional Cluster; and the eight industry clusters of the
Davao - Emerging cluster.
In view of the success of industry clusters in improving competitiveness of
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products and services in the regions, the National Industry Cluster Capacity
Enhancement Project (NICCEP) was launched in 2012. The NICCEP is a
three-year project funded by the Japan International Cooperation Agency and
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implemented by the Department of Trade and Industry. It employs the industry

cluster approach to support Micro-Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME), and
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fosters inter-enterprise linkages among MSMEs.

Hints for the business visitor
Visitor’s visa
Generally, a visitor’s visa is required of visitors entering the Philippines.

However, non-restricted foreign nationals may be allowed entry to the country
“visa-free” and stay for a period of 21 days provided they have passports valid
for at least six months beyond the contemplated period of stay in the country
and a valid plane ticket for return journey to their country of origin or to the
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next country of destination. A 21-day “visa-free” stay may be extended. The first
extension is valid for 38 days. Succeeding extensions may be requested for one
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or two months. Non-restricted foreign nationals may also secure a visitor’s visa
valid for 59 days from the Philippine Embassy/Consulate located in the country
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of origin or residence.
Visiting restricted foreign nationals (generally referring to nationals of Arab
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countries, communist states, former communist states, and India) are not
allowed entry to the Philippines without a valid visitor’s visa issued by the
Philippine Embassy/Consulate located in their country of origin or residence for
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a maximum period of 59 days.
Holders of visitor’s visa may extend their authorized stay in the Philippines.
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Generally, visitor’s visa of restricted and non-restricted nationals can be
extended (on a monthly basis or every two months) provided that their total
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authorized period of stay will not exceed two years. In the case of restricted
nationals, their total aggregate stay is limited to only one year.
However, the Bureau of Immigration has recently relaxed its policy on restricted
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nationals specifically on Indian and Chinese (Red Passports) nationals.

These nationals are now allowed to enter the Philippines “visa-free” with a
valid stay of up to 14 days which may be extended only once for seven days
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subject to presentation by the foreign national of a valid outbound ticket to

the next destination and passport valid for at least six months with entry visa
or permanent resident visa in any of the following countries: United States
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of America; Japan; Australia; Canada; Singapore; Schengen; Singapore; and

United Kingdom.
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Generally, visitors are not allowed to work in the country without securing the
necessary Alien Employment Permit and Working Visa.
Currency, exchange, and banks
The Philippine peso (PHP) is the unit of currency.

It is divided into centavos. Currency denominations are: PHP1,000; PHP500;
PHP200; PHP100; PHP50; and PHP20 for notes and PHP10; PHP5; PHP1; and
PHP0.25 for coins. With the deregulation of foreign exchange transactions,
money changers and authorized agent banks (AABs) are generally allowed to
sell and purchase foreign exchange without prior approval of the BSP, save for
some exceptions. There is no restriction on the amount of foreign exchange
that can be imported subject, however, to certain regulatory requirements
under the Anti-Money Laundering Act of 2001, as amended by Republic Act No.
10365. Moreover, foreign currency may be freely bought and sold outside the
banking system. However, the import/export of Philippine currency is limited
to PHP10,000. Any amount exceeding this will require the authorization of the
BSP.
International time
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The Philippine time is eight hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) and
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thirteen hours ahead of US Eastern Standard Time (EST).
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Business hours
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Government and private offices are generally open from 8:00am to 5:00pm,
Mondays to Fridays, with lunch break from 12:00pm to 1:00pm. However,
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government agencies engaged in the delivery of critical frontline services and
public transactions are encouraged to operate a six-day work week from 7:00am
to 7:00pm, Mondays to Saturdays, continuously without a lunch break. Some
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private offices are also open on Saturdays. Generally, commercial banks transact
business from 9:00am to 3:00pm and savings banks from 9:00am to 5:00pm
Mondays to Fridays.
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Statutory holidays
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Statutory holidays are 1 January (New Year’s Day), 9 April (Araw ng

Kagitingan), 1 May (Labor Day), 12 June (Independence Day), last Monday of
August (National Heroes’ Day), End of Ramadhan or Eid ul-Fitr (movable date),
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Eid’l Adha (movable date), 30 November (Andres Bonifacio Day), 25 December

(Christmas Day), and 30 December (Rizal Day). Maundy Thursday and Good
Friday are also regular holidays. Also included in the list of nationwide special
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non-working days are the following: 25 February (Anniversary of EDSA People

Power Revolution); Black Saturday (movable date); 21 August (Martyrdom
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of Benigno Aquino); 1 November (All Saints’ Day); 24 December (additional

special non-working day); and 31 December (last day of the year).
Weights and measures

The Philippines is on the metric system and uses the International System unit as
the sole standard of weights and measures.

Clothing
For official meetings, business attire usually consists of a blouse and skirt or
dress with a blazer for women, and a business suit and tie or “barong” (Filipino
shirt) for men. Otherwise, it is acceptable to be in casual attire owing to the hot
and humid weather.
Hotel and travel

In Metro Manila and most large provinces, a wide selection of deluxe, standard,
first-class, and economy-type accommodations are available. As of 2014,
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Metro Manila has a total of 38,749 available rooms in 392 accommodation
establishments. Makati with 64 establishments and 8,190 rooms was the
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highest. There are around 8,841accomodation establishments in the Philippines
with a total 202,797 rooms throughout the country.
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Apart from the hotel business centers which service the needs of foreign
businessmen, private companies also offer similar services in all urban centers.
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Cellular phones have substantially augmented existing landlines.
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Communications
Communication links within Metro Manila and key business areas are
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adequate.
The number of cellular mobile telephone service subscribers had grown
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tremendously to around 114 million in 2014. There were about 6.7 million total
landline connections as of 2011 according to the National Telecommunications
Commission. Meanwhile, mobile landline which was introduced in 2007, is
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currently slowly establishing a niche in the telecommunication market.

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General
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Foreign investment policies,
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requirements, and incentives
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1. What requirements must be complied with before a
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foreign corporation can engage in business in the
Philippines?
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Before a foreign corporation can engage in business in the Philippines, it

must first secure the necessary licenses or registration certificates from the
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appropriate government agencies. Generally, the registration process starts

with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).
If the proposed project or activity qualifies for incentives, the foreign
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investor may file its application with the appropriate government agency
depending on the project’s location.
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Government agency Office address

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Board of Investments (BOI) Industry and Investments Building

www.boi.gov.ph 385 Sen. Gil Puyat Avenue, Makati City
Telephone +63 (2) 897-6682
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Project location: Outside of special economic zones

Philippine Economic Zone PEZA Building, Roxas Boulevard corner San Luis
Authority (PEZA) Street, Pasay City
www.peza.gov.ph Telephone +63 (2) 551 3451
Project location: Any special economic zone under
PEZA
Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority SBMA Center, Waterfront Road, Subic
(SBMA) Bay Freeport, Olongapo City
www.mysubicbay.com.ph Telephone +63 (47) 252 4000, +63 (47) 252 4004
Project location: Subic Bay Freeport

Government agency Office address
Clark Development Corporation Building 2122, E Quirino St. corner CP Garcia
www.clark.com.ph Avenue, Clark Special Economic Zone
Clark Field, Pampanga
Telephone +63 (45) 599 9000, +63 (45) 599 2043
Project location: Clark Special Economic Zone
John Hay Management JHMC Office Complex, John Hay Special Economic
Corporation Zone, Camp John Hay, Baguio City 2600
www.jhmc.com.ph P.O. Box 1088
Telephone +63 (74) 444 5823
Project location: John Hay Special Economic Zone,
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Poro Point Freeport and Special Economic Zone
Cagayan Economic Zone 7/F Westar Building,
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Authority 611 Shaw Boulevard, 1630 Pasig City
www.ceza.gov.ph Telephone +63 (2) 636 5774
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Project location: Cagayan Special Economic Zone
Zamboanga Economic Zone San Ramon, Zamboanga City, 7000 Philippines
Authority Telephone +63 (62) 992 2012
www.zfa.gov.ph
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Project location: Zamboanga City Special Economic
Zone
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Aurora Pacific Economic Zone 1 Corporate Campus, Sitio Motiong, Brgy. Esteves
and Freeport Authority Casiguran, Province of Aurora
www.aurorapacific.com.ph Project location: Aurora Province
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Authority of the Freeport Area of 2/F AFAB Administration Building,
Bataan Freeport Area of Bataaan, Mariveles, Bataan
www.freeportareaofbataan.com Telephone +63 (47) 935 4009, +63 (47) 935 7551
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2. Is a foreign investor allowed to own 100% of a business

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entity?
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With the liberalization of the foreign investments law, 100% foreign equity
may be allowed in all areas of investment except financial institutions
(whose liberalization was subject to certain conditions) and those included
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in the Tenth Regular Foreign Investment Negative List which took effect on
20 June 2015. This list includes:
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List A
Areas reserved to Filipinos by mandate of the Constitution and special laws

such as but not limited to:
a. Mass media except recording, practice of licensed professions, retail
trade with paid-up capital of less than US$2.5 million, cooperatives,
and small scale mining, etc. where foreign ownership is prohibited; and

b. Private radio communications network, private recruitment,
advertising, ownership of land, operation and management of public
utilities, etc. where only minority foreign ownership is allowed.
List B
Areas that are security and defense related; those with adverse effects on
public health and morals; and for the protection of small-and medium-
scale enterprises, i.e., domestic market enterprises with paid-in capital of
less than the equivalent of US$200,000 and domestic market enterprises
which involve advanced technology or employ at least 50 Filipino direct
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employees, with paid-in capital of less than the equivalent of US$100,000.
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Please refer to Appendix II for the list.
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3. What is the general policy of the government regarding
foreign investments? Is this policy likely to change in the
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near future? C
The government encourages foreign investments which will provide
significant employment opportunities relative to the amount of the capital
being invested, improve productivity of resources, increase volume and
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value of exports, and provide a foundation for the future development of
the economy.
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Investment-related rules have been liberalized to facilitate entry of foreign

investments. This thrust is expected to continue.
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4. What are the major incentives available to a registered

enterprise?
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A. BOI Incentives
An enterprise registered with the BOI pursuant to the 1987 Omnibus
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Investments Code (Executive Order or EO 226) is entitled to, among

others, the following incentives subject to certain terms and conditions:
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Fiscal incentives
i. Income tax holiday (ITH) for six years for pioneer firms and generally
four years for non-pioneer firms. If a non-pioneer firm is located in a
less developed area, it shall generally be entitled to six years ITH. Firms
locating within Metro Manila shall not be granted ITH unless they are:
• Within a government industrial estate;
• Service-type projects with no manufacturing facilities;

• Power generating plants; or
• Exporters with expansion projects.
ii. Tax credit on raw materials, supplies, and semi-manufactured products
iii. Additional deduction from taxable income for labor expense (cannot
be simultaneously enjoyed with the ITH incentive)
iv. Duty-free importation of capital equipment, spare parts and
accessories until 10 May 2017
v. Additional deduction from taxable income for necessary and major
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infrastructure works (cannot be simultaneously enjoyed with the ITH
incentive)
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Non-fiscal Incentives
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Certain non-fiscal incentives are also available to registered enterprises,
among which are: employment of foreign nationals; guaranteed
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repatriation of foreign investments and earnings thereon; and importation
of consigned equipment for an unlimited period subject to posting of a re-
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export bond.
B. PEZA Incentives
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The Special Economic Zone Act of 1995, as amended, mandates the PEZA
to operate, administer, manage, and develop Special Economic Zones or
ecozones.
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Business enterprises operating within ecozones shall be entitled to the ITH

incentives mentioned above. PEZA-registered exporters likewise enjoy tax
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and duty exemption on importations of capital equipment, raw materials,

and other merchandise directly needed in their registered operations.
Moreover, after availment of the ITH incentive, PEZA-registered enterprises
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shall be subject to a final tax at a preferential rate of 5% of their gross

income earned, in lieu of all other taxes, local and national. Information
Technology (IT) companies are entitled to similar incentives if they are
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registered locators in an IT ecozone.

C. Other incentives
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Three other special economic zones were created under three separate
special laws. These are the Cagayan Special Economic Zone, the
Zamboanga City Special Economic Zone, and the Aurora Special Economic
Zone. In 2009, Congress passed a law converting the previously established
Bataan Economic Zone to the Freeport Area of Bataan. In 2010, the Aurora
Economic Zone has been expanded and developed to become the Aurora
Pacific Economic and Freeport Zone. Business enterprises locating in these
ecozones are granted incentives similar to those granted to PEZA ecozone
enterprises.
Enterprises operating within declared freeports/special economic zones
under Republic Act (RA) 7227, as amended by RA 9400 (i.e., Subic Bay
Freeport, Clark Freeport, Morong Freeport, John Hay Freeport, and Poro
Point Freeport) shall, in lieu of paying other taxes, pay a final tax of 5% of
gross income provided their income from the domestic market, i.e., sales
to customers located within the customs territory or outside the ecozone,
shall not exceed 30% of their income from all sources.
5. Are investment incentives transferable?
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In general, investment incentives are not transferable. However, investment
incentives are attached to the registered project and subject to certain
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qualifications, may be carried over from one owner to the next, at the
discretion of the incentives giving body. Tax credit certificates may be
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transferred subject to certain conditions.
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Board of Investments/Philippine
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Economic Zone Authority/Other
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Investment Promotion Agencies
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Registration requirements, application
procedures, and approval
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1. How does our proposed project qualify for registration
with the BOI/PEZA/other Investment Promotion
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Agencies (IPAs)?
To qualify for registration with the BOI for incentive purposes, the
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proposed foreign investment must be made in any of the following:

a. Preferred areas of investment listed in the current Investment
Priorities Plan (IPP). A preferred area may be declared pioneer if it:
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i. Engages in the manufacture, processing, or production (not

merely in the assembly or packaging) of goods, products,
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commodities, or raw materials that have not been or are not

being produced in the Philippines on a commercial scale;
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ii. Uses a design, formula, scheme, method, process, or system of

production or transformation of any element, substance, or raw
materials into another raw material or finished good which is
new and untried in the Philippines;
iii. Engages in the pursuit of agricultural, forestry, and mining
activities and/or services including the industrial aspects of
food processing whenever appropriate, pre-determined by
the concerned IPA to be feasible and highly essential to the
attainment of the national goal in relation to a declared specific

national food and agricultural program for self sufficiency and
other social benefits of the project; or
iv. Produces non-conventional fuels or manufactures equipment
which utilize non-conventional sources of energy or uses or
converts to coal or other non-conventional fuels of sources
of energy in its production, manufacturing, or processing
operations.
Pioneer status under any of the foregoing instances shall be subject to the
condition that the final product involves or will involve substantial use
and processing of domestic raw materials, whenever available; taking into
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account the risks and raw magnitude of investment.
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b. Enterprises engaged in preferred non-pioneer areas and exporting at
least 70% of their output.
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c. Projects in less-developed areas provided that the activities in all of the
above cases are not reserved for Philippine nationals under the Foreign
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Investment Negative List (FINL).
On the other hand, the projects that may qualify for registration with
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PEZA or other IPAs are those that involve manufacturing for export and
the domestic market, free trade, tourism, agri-industrial export, bio-fuel
manufacturing, information technology, utilities, facilities enterprises, and
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logistics service enterprises providing warehousing and trading operations

in the ecozones and development and operation of ecozones.
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2. What possible obstacles would our application meet?

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The obstacles normally encountered in the filing of applications include

non-compliance with the criteria set by the BOI, misinterpretation of the
coverage of activities listed in the IPP, failure to submit the required project
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feasibility study and other supporting documents, and possible opposition

from sectors or enterprises which might be adversely affected by the
proposed project. The BOI requires publication of the notice of application
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and conducts hearings if objections to the application are received.

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For PEZA or other IPA applicants, the usual problem consists of non-
compliance with some of the criteria set by PEZA or other IPAs and failure
to submit required documents and information.
3. How long will it take to obtain BOI/PEZA/other IPAs

approval once all requirements are complied with?
Under EO 226, applications filed with the BOI shall be considered
automatically approved if not acted upon by the BOI Board within 20

working days after they have been officially accepted, subject to the usual
terms and conditions.
In the case of PEZA, the processing and evaluation by the appropriate
department usually takes about two weeks. The decision on the project is
made during the bimonthly meetings of the PEZA Board.
As to the other IPAs, processing of applications including the approval
of their respective Boards, take a period of 15 to 30 working days from
submission of all documentary requirements.
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4. Assuming approval is obtained, what restrictions are
ordinarily attached?
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A list of general and specific terms and conditions is normally attached
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to the approval letter issued by the BOI/PEZA/other IPAs upon approval
of the application for registration. The general conditions include certain
management, financial, operational, and marketing restrictions which
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must be properly complied with so as to avoid grounds for cancellation
of registration. The specific terms and conditions which may include
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nationality, operational, and reporting requirements vary depending upon
the nature of the business enterprise.
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5. How much time is an investor allowed to start his

project?
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The amount of time allowed for starting a registered project depends on

the type of the proposed project and the period set by the proponent in the
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feasibility study with the approval of the BOI/PEZA/IPAs. Generally, the

project must be commenced within one year from approval date, but may
be extended under applicable qualifying circumstances.
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Securities and Exchange
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Commission
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Registration requirements and approval
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1. Why is it necessary to register with the SEC?
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The SEC is the government agency responsible for the registration,
licensing, regulation, and supervision of all corporations and partnerships
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organized in the Philippines, including foreign corporations licensed to

engage in business or to establish branch offices in the Philippines.
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Registration with the SEC grants the entity with the corporate franchise or
juridical personality to operate and transact business in the Philippines.
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2. Can the application for registration with the BOI/PEZA/

other IPAs and the SEC be filed simultaneously, or must
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one wait for the BOI/PEZA/other IPAs approval before

going to the SEC?
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Yes, the application for registration can be filed simultaneously, but the
approval of the application with the BOI/PEZA and other IPAs would be
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conditional on the affirmative completion of the SEC processes.
3. How long after the submission of the application and all

the required documents will approval be obtained?
The processing and approval of the papers generally take around 15
working days from official acceptance of the application.

4. Is there any requirement that directors be residents?
A majority of the directors must be residents of the Philippines. The
number of directors must be at least five but not more than 15. Hence, if
there are five directors, at least three must be residents.
5. Is a domestic corporation subject to a minimum

subscription and payment on such subscription?
At least 25% of the authorized capital stock of a domestic corporation must
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be subscribed and at least 25% of the subscription must be paid. However,
subscriptions by alien individuals or foreign entities must generally be fully
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paid, except in cases where the law provides for the specific amount of
paid-up capital.
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Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas
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Inward remittance and registration of
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foreign investments, repatriation of
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capital, remittance of dividends
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1. Can foreign investment funds be inwardly remitted
outside of the banking system?
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Yes, however, amounts in excess of the equivalent of US$10,000.00 are

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required to be declared upon physical entry into the country. Funds

remitted outside the banking system cannot be registered as foreign equity
investment with the SEC and Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas or BSP.
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2. Is registration of foreign investment with the BSP

required?
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BSP registration is necessary only if the investor wants to make sure that
the repatriation of capital and the remittance of dividends, profits, and
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earnings can be made using foreign exchange sourced from the banking
system. Otherwise, BSP registration is not necessary. All applications for
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registration of foreign direct investments must be filed with the BSP within
one (1) year from the date of inward remittance/actual transfer of assets to
the Philippines.

3. Is inward remittance of foreign investment required to
be converted immediately to Philippine pesos?
The inward remittance of foreign exchange to fund foreign direct
investments need not be converted to pesos to be registered with the BSP.
4. What are the current regulations regarding profit

remittances and repatriation of capital?
Dividend and profit remittances as well as capital repatriation of foreign
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investments are not regulated. Foreign investors are free to remit dividends
and profits from their own foreign exchange sourced from outside the
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domestic banking system. However, if the foreign exchange will be sourced
from the local banking system, there is a need for the foreign investments
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to have prior registration with the BSP (refer also to item 3 above).
Authorized Agent Banks (AABs) are authorized to sell and to remit the
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equivalent foreign exchange at the exchange rate prevailing at the time of
actual remittance (representing sales/divestment proceeds or dividends/
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profit of duly registered foreign investment) upon presentation of the
Bangko Sentral Registration Document (BSRD) and other applicable
documentary requirements.
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Royalties, technical service
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agreements, etc.
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IPO registration of technology transfer
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agreements, taxation of royalties and
service fees
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1. Can we charge royalties and similar fees?
Royalties and similar fees can be charged to operations provided payments
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for said fees are covered by a technology transfer agreement (TTA) which
conforms with the mandatory and restrictive provisions of the Intellectual
Property Code (IPC). Compliance of the TTA with the IPC requirements
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will not require the registration of the TTA with the Documentation,
Information and Technology Transfer Bureau (DITTB) of the Intellectual
Property Office (IPO).
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The non-conformity of the TTA with the IPC shall generally render the
TTA unenforceable. However, in certain exceptional and meritorious cases
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provided under the IPC, non-compliance with the IPC is allowed subject to
prior approval of the TTA by the IPO.
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The IPC provides certain restrictions in the terms and conditions of the TTA
particularly those that will adversely affect free competition and trade. It
also prescribes certain mandatory provisions that should be included in the
TTA.
2. Are these taxable in the Philippines?

Royalties and similar fees are generally subject to 30% gross income
tax and 12% value added tax when payable to a non-resident foreign

corporation. However, the tax rates for the royalties payable to residents of
foreign countries with which the Philippines has a tax treaty vary according
to the terms of the respective treaties.
3. What rules govern the reimbursement of costs incurred

abroad?
Reimbursements of actual cost incurred abroad for operations such as
maintaining offices, advertising, commission, etc. are allowed provided
they are duly supported by documents and that these costs are incurred in
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connection with the regular course of trade or business of the local paying
company.
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4. What constitutes “technology transfer arrangements”?
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“Technology transfer arrangements” refer to contracts or agreements
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involving the following: transfer of systematic knowledge for the
manufacture of a product or the application of a process; rendering of a
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service, including management contracts; and the transfer, assignment, or
licensing of all forms of intellectual property rights, including licensing of
computer software, except computer software developed for mass market.
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5. How long does it take to obtain government approval?

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Within ten days from the filing of the request for certification of
compliance, the DITTB conducts a summary evaluation of the TTA. If the
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TTA conforms with the Prohibited Clauses and Mandatory Provisions of the
IPC, the DITTB issues a Certificate of Compliance. Otherwise, the DITTB
notifies the parties of any violation and requires them to comply with the
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IPC if they wish to obtain a Certificate of Compliance.
6. Do we have to get the Bangko Sentral approval to remit

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the royalty or agreed fees to the foreign company? What

documentary support is required?
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With the liberalization of foreign exchange rules, remittance of royalties,

fees, or similar payments to a foreign company, net of the applicable taxes,
may be made through AABs without need of BSP approval.
The following documents may be required by the AABs to prove the
legitimacy of the transaction: (a) copy of contract/agreement; (b)
statement/computation of the royalty/copyright/patent/licensing fee; and
(c) proof of payment of withholding tax or tax exemption or entitlement to
preferential tax treatment, as the case may be.
Taxes
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Income and business taxes
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1. What are the income tax rates in the Philippines?
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The income tax rates depend upon the classification of the taxpayers.
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A. Individual taxpayers
i. In general, taxable income derived from employment, business, trade,
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and exercise of profession by resident citizens from all sources within

and without the Philippines are subject to the graduated tax rates of
10% to 32%. The top rate of 32% applies to taxable income in excess of
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PHP500,000.
ii. Minimum wage earners (those receiving “statutory minimum wage”)
shall be exempt from payment of income tax on their taxable income.
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iii. Resident foreign individuals (aliens) and non-resident citizens are

subject to the same graduated tax rates but only for income derived
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from all sources within the Philippines.

iv. Non-resident aliens are taxed at 25% of gross income from sources
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within the Philippines if their stay within the country does not exceed
180 days in a calendar year. Otherwise, they are taxed on the basis of
graduated rates as in (i) above.
v. Aliens who are employed by regional or area or regional operating
headquarters of multinational corporations, offshore banking units,
and petroleum service contractors and subcontractors are subject to
income tax at 15% of their gross income from such employers (e.g.,
salaries, annuities, honoraria, and allowances).

vi. Net capital gains realized during each taxable year from the sale of
shares of stocks in domestic companies not traded in the Philippine
Stock Exchange (PSE) are taxed at the rate of 5% on the first
PHP100,000 gain, and 10% on the excess over PHP100,000. For
domestic shares listed and traded in the PSE, the tax is 1/2 of 1% of the
gross selling price or gross value in money of the shares of stock sold,
bartered, exchanged, or disposed. However, under existing revenue
issuances, the 5% and 10% rates shall apply if the listed shares are pre-
arranged, or where the buyer is predetermined, or in any case where
the public cannot take part in trading, or if the listed company fails
to observe the Minimum Public Ownership (MPO) of at least 10% of
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the company’s issued and outstanding shares exclusive of any treasury
shares or such higher percentage as may be prescribed by the SEC or
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PSE.
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vii. Likewise, there is a tax on shares of stock sold, exchanged, or otherwise
disposed through initial public offering at the rates of 1%, 2%, and
4%, depending on the proportion of the shares sold, exchanged, or
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otherwise disposed to the total outstanding shares after listing of the
shares of closely held corporations.
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viii. Capital gains on sale of real property are taxed at 6% of gross selling
price or fair market value, whichever is higher.
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ix. Passive income items like interest, dividends, royalties, prizes, and
other winnings are also taxed at different rates. For instance, dividends
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received by citizens and residents from a domestic corporation and

the share of an individual partner in a taxable partnership are taxed
at 10%. If the dividends are paid to non-residents, the tax is 20% for
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those engaged in trade or business and 25% for non-residents not

engaged in trade or business. Interest on foreign loan is taxed at 20%.
B. Corporate taxpayers
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i. Domestic corporations (those established under the laws of the

Philippines including foreign-owned corporations, otherwise known as
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subsidiaries) are taxed at 30% of net taxable income from worldwide

sources.
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ii. A foreign corporation, whether or not engaged in trade or business

in the Philippines, is taxable only on Philippine-sourced income. A
foreign corporation engaged in trade or business in the Philippines
(also called resident foreign corporation) is taxed at 30% based on net
income, similar to a domestic corporation. On the other hand, a foreign
corporation not engaged in trade or business in the Philippines (also
known as a non-resident foreign corporation) is taxed at the same rate
based on gross income received.

iii. Profits remitted by a branch of a foreign corporation to its home office
are taxed at the rate of 15%. However, this tax does not apply to a
Philippine branch registered with PEZA and other free port zones.
Dividends declared by a domestic corporation to its foreign parent are
generally taxed at 30%. However, if the home country of the recipient
corporation exempts the dividend from tax or allows a credit against
the tax due from the non-resident foreign corporation taxes deemed to
have been paid in the Philippines equivalent to 15%, the tax is reduced
to 15%.
Most of the tax treaties concluded by the Philippines with other
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countries allow preferential rates of 10% on branch profit remittances
and on dividends. Such rate usually applies if the payor-subsidiary is
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registered with the BOI or if the beneficial owner of the dividends is a
company which holds a certain percentage of the capital of the payor
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subsidiary. Otherwise, the tax on dividends is 15% or 30%, whicever is
applicable.
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iv. All corporations, whether domestic or foreign, are subject to capital
gains tax on the sale of shares of stock in the same manner as
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individual taxpayers. Sale of lands and/or buildings treated as capital
assets by domestic corporations is likewise subject to capital gains tax
at 6% based on the gross selling price or fair market value, whichever
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is higher, of such lands and/or buildings.
Other income items such as interest and royalties are taxed at various
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rates. Dividends received by a domestic or resident foreign corporation

from a domestic corporation are not taxable.
v. A minimum corporate income tax of 2% of the gross income as of the
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end of the taxable year is imposed on a corporation which is subject

to normal income tax of 30% beginning on the fourth taxable year
immediately following the year in which such corporation commenced
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its business operations, when the minimum income tax is greater than
the normal income tax for the taxable year.
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Any excess of the minimum corporate income tax over the normal
income tax as computed shall be carried forward and credited against
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the normal income tax for the three immediately succeeding taxable
years.
vi. Every corporation formed or availed of for the purpose of avoiding the
income tax with respect to its shareholders or the shareholders of any
other corporation by permitting earnings and profits to accumulate
instead of being divided or distributed, is taxed at the rate of 10% for
each taxable year on the improperly accumulated taxable income.
vii. In general, an employer (individual or corporation) shall pay a final tax
of 32% on the grossed-up monetary value of fringe benefit furnished or

granted to the employee (except rank and file) unless the fringe benefit
is required by the nature of, or necessary to the trade, business, or
profession of the employer.
viii. Small and medium enterprises termed as Barangay Micro-Business
Enterprises (BMBEs) with total assets not exceeding PHP3 million are
exempt from income tax and minimum wage requirements under the
Labor Code per RA 9178.
ix. Special Purpose Asset Vehicles which refer to domestic corporations
certified by the SEC as qualified to issue Investment Unit Instruments,
are subject to a wide array of tax exemptions ranging from their
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interest income to capital gains, among others, under RA 9182 as
amended by RA 9343.
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x. Real Estate Investment Trusts (REIT) which refer to domestic
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corporations established principally for the purpose of owning income-
generating real-estate, are subject to the corporate income tax rate
of 30% but are allowed to claim as deduction from taxable income
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the dividends distributed to shareholders under RA 9856, subject
to certain conditions. REITs are also exempt from the 2% minimum
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corporate income tax.
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2. What business taxes are we subject to?
Both the national government and the local government impose business
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taxes. The rates vary depending on the type of business.

A. National tax
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i. Value added tax (VAT)

12% VAT is imposed on importation of goods; sale, barter, exchange, or
lease of goods or properties; and sale of services in the course of trade
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or business in the Philippines, subject to certain exceptions. Goods or

properties mean all tangible and intangible objects which are capable
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of pecuniary estimation, including real property, patents, trademarks

and similar rights, and movable and personal goods. Services cover
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performance of all kinds of services in the Philippines for a fee.

Exports are generally subject to 0% VAT. VAT-exempt goods include
such items as books, fertilizers, livestock and poultry feeds, and
agricultural and marine food products in their original state.
The offsetting of input tax against output tax is allowed.
For input tax on capital goods, the same is subject to five year
amortization or the estimated useful life of the asset, whichever
is shorter, if the aggregate acquisition cost (exclusive of VAT) in a
calendar month exceeds PHP1,000,000.
ii. Percentage tax on certain businesses
Bank and other non-bank financial intermediaries 0% to 7%

Life insurance companies 2%
Common carriers, radio and television franchisees 3%
Gas and water utilities 2%
Others Ranging from 3% to 30%
iii. Excise tax
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Excise tax is imposed on alcohol, tobacco, petroleum, and mineral
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products, automobiles, jewelry, etc., at varying rates.
The excise tax imposed on diesel fuel oil, kerosene, and bunker fuel oil
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is 0%, while locally extracted natural gas and liquefied natural gas are
exempt.
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iv. Documentary stamp tax on certain documents, instruments, and
related transactions such as issuance of shares of stock, evidence of
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indebtedness, transfer of real property, lease contracts, insurance
policies, etc.
B. Local tax on certain businesses
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i. Manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors, dealers, and contractors

are subject to local business tax at graduated amounts or rates not
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exceeding 2% for municipalities and 3% for cities based on the gross

sales/gross receipts of the prior calendar year and depending on
the place where business is conducted. For essential commodities,
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the rates are 50% lower. Retailers are subject to 2% tax if their gross
sales/receipts are PHP400,000 or less and to 1% tax if in excess of
PHP400,000.
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ii. Banks and other financial institutions – local business tax at rates not
exceeding 0.5% for municipalities and 0.75% for cities of their gross
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receipts depending on the locality of the business.

iii. Other taxes with varying rates
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Aside from the above business taxes, there are other taxes levied by
local government units such as real estate tax and community tax.

3. What are the advantages and disadvantages of a branch
vis-à-vis a domestic subsidiary?
Enumerated below are the advantages and disadvantages from legal and
tax viewpoints, of a branch compared to a domestic subsidiary:
a. Branch offices are taxed only on their net income from sources in the
Philippines; while subsidiaries are taxed on their worldwide income.
In both cases, however, a relief from double taxation may be granted
subject to the provisions of applicable tax treaties. (Refer to the
questions on taxes applicable to corporate taxpayers.)
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b. There are generally fewer formalities involved in opening a branch than
incorporating a subsidiary.
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c. In terms of staffing, a subsidiary normally requires a complete set of
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corporate officers; whereas a branch is able to operate with only a
resident agent, who may also be the general manager, as its officer.
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d. Since a subsidiary has a separate juridical personality, a foreign parent
company is protected from contractual and other liabilities incurred
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by its Philippine subsidiary; whereas the liabilities of the branch office
extend to that of its home office.
e. A branch is allowed to claim as deduction for income tax purposes,
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allocated head office expenses subject to certain requirements; while a

subsidiary is not allowed to claim the same.
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f. Profit remittance by a branch registered with the PEZA is exempt from

branch profit remittance tax; while dividend remittance by a subsidiary
is taxable.
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4. What effect will a tax treaty with my country have on the

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tax rates?
A tax treaty is designed primarily to minimize, if not totally eliminate,
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double taxation of income on foreign investors who otherwise have to pay

taxes in the Philippines and in their home countries on the same income.
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(Please refer to Appendix IV for the list of tax treaties.)

Joint ventures
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Foreign equity, control, officers and
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directors, applicable tax policies
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1. If we enter into a joint venture with Philippine investors,
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will the SEC allow us to hold 51% or more of its equity?
The SEC will allow foreign equity in excess of 50% provided the area of
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activity involved is not covered by the Tenth Regular Foreign Investment

Negative List (see Appendix II).
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2. If we are restricted to a 40% equity holding, how can we

obtain control of the operations?
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In general, control of an enterprise goes to the group which has the power
to determine its policies and the manner in which the enterprise is to be
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run; and such assurance of control is obtained through majority ownership

of the voting capital stock of the corporation. There are, however, certain
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arrangements that could provide a minority group with working control,

such as diffusion of majority ownership and licensing agreements.
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3. Are there any requirements that directors and other

officers must be Filipino citizens and/or residents?
The majority of the directors must be residents of the Philippines and the
secretary must be a resident Filipino citizen. Although not required by law,
the SEC as a matter of policy, also requires the treasurer to be a resident.
However, in the case of banks and domestic air carriers, at least two-thirds
of the members of the board of directors must be citizens of the Philippines.
For a firm engaged in a nationalized or partially nationalized activity, the
maximum number of foreign directors must not exceed the proportion
of actual foreign equity in the firm, and all of its executive and managing
officers must be Filipino citizens.
4. How are joint ventures taxed?

An unincorporated joint venture is taxed like a corporation. The shares of
the joint venture partners, if paid to a domestic or resident corporation,
are exempt from tax because they are essentially dividends. However, an
unincorporated joint venture formed for the purpose of undertaking a
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construction project or engaging in petroleum operations is not subject to
the corporate income tax. Only the joint venture partners will be taxed on
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their respective shares.
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Retail trade
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Foreign equity, control, officers and
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directors, applicable tax policies
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1. Can foreign investors engage in retail trade in the
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Philippines?
Yes. The Retail Trade Liberalization Act (RA 8762) which took effect on 26
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March 2000 paved the way for the entry of foreign participants who meet
the capitalization, net worth, and other requirements under the Act.
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2. How is “Retail Trade” defined?

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“Retail Trade” means any act, occupation, or calling of habitually selling

direct to the general public, merchandise, commodities, or goods for
consumption, subject to certain exceptions.
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3. To what extent is foreign ownership of retail enterprises

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in the country permitted?

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Foreign ownership of Philippine retail enterprises depends on the amount

of the enterprise’s capitalization. Retail ventures with paid-up capital
of less than the Philippine peso equivalent of two million five hundred
thousand US dollars (Category A) is limited to Filipinos. Full foreign
ownership is allowed in retail enterprises with minimum paid-up capital of
the equivalent Philippine pesos of two million five hundred thousand US
dollars (Categories B and C).
Enterprises specializing in high-end or luxury products with a paid-
up capital of the Philippine peso equivalent of US$250,000 per store

(Category D) are fully open to foreign investors. The investment for
opening of branches/stores falling under Categories B and C should not be
below the Philippine peso equivalent of US$830,000 for each branch/store.
4. What are the criteria to qualify as foreign retailers in

the Philippines?
Foreign entity that will engage in the retail business or invest in a retail
store in the Philippines must meet the following criteria:
a. Net worth of at least two hundred million US dollars of the parent
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corporation, for those that want to establish enterprises under
Categories B and C, and net worth of at least fifty million US dollars for
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Category D;
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b. Ownership of at least five retail stores or franchises anywhere in the
world or at least one branch with minimum capitalization of twenty-five
million US dollars;
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c. Five-year track record in retailing; and
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d. The foreign retailer’s home country offers reciprocity rights to Filipino
retailers.
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Rules on borrowings
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Foreign and domestic credit
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1. Can we finance our project through foreign borrowings?
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The government prefers foreign equity investments to foreign borrowings.
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In general, foreign borrowings require prior approval of and/or registration
with the BSP in order that repayment of principal and remittance of
interest may be serviced using foreign exchange purchased from the
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Philippine banking system. Under present rules, loans that may qualify for
prior BSP approval/registration are those intended to finance the following
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types of projects:
a. Export-oriented projects;
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b. BOI-registered projects;
c. Projects listed in the Investments Priorities Plan;
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d. Projects listed in the Medium-Term Public Investment Program; and

e. Other projects that may be declared priority under the country’s socio-
economic development plan by the National Economic Development
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Authority or by Congress.
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All the above loans, regardless of maturity, shall exclusively finance foreign
exchange requirements of eligible projects, provided that loans of direct
and indirect exporters and public sector borrowers may finance both
foreign exchange costs and up to 50% of the total peso costs component
of their respective projects. Foreign companies may also resort to
peso borrowings only upon prior certification by the BSP Inter-Agency
Committee that they meet the guidelines prescribed by the Monetary
Board. Foreign loans which may have been sourced without prior BSP
approval shall be reported just the same to the BSP otherwise, appropriate
sanctions may be meted out.

2. Are we subject to certain debt-to-equity ratio
requirements?
All enterprises registered with the BOI are required to maintain a debt-to-
equity ratio of at least 75:25 during the entire duration of their registration
with the concerned government agency.
3. Can a foreign company borrow from a private

individual or private non-financial institution?
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Yes. A foreign company can borrow from a private individual or private
non-financial institution.
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Others
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1. Could you give some basic guidelines on living/business
expense?
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a. Salary rates for office/administrative staff?
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Functional Areas
Job Level Information Human Finance/ Production/
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Sales Marketing
Technology Resources Accounting Operations
Assistants/ 17,827.53 18,215.30 20,103.93 21,426.33 17,170.65 18,878.57
Rank-and-
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File
Officers/ 32,380.89 30,038.24 29,304.73 26,875.43 28,736.55 28,920.80
Specialists
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Managers 70,038.47 59,474.21 67,029.63 66,093 65,944.91 57,300.99

Department 122,159.48 139,133.36 176,825.70 185,097.56 134,887.35 158,257.14
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Heads/ Top
Executive
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All figures are in Philippine pesos.

Source: 2013 Compensation Survey, People Management Association of the Philippines

Mail service Post office box facilities are available at a PHP5 storage fee per
day with PHP80 key charge and PHP175 postal I.D. fee. Door to
door mail delivery service is also available at variable rates.
Telegraph, telex, Many message-transmitting companies operate in the

telecopier, telefax, Philippines. Monthly billing for landline telephone vary from a
telephone services low of about US$18 (residential) to a high of US$30 (business)
(via landline, mobile, plus 12% VAT for both lines. Internet subscription rates vary
or Internet) from PHP500 to PHP100,000 depending on the type of plans -
monthly/quarterly, semi-annual/annual, and the number of hours
to be used by the company.
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b. Rentals for office space in Makati?
Based on the 1st quarter comparative office rental rates for 2012, the
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monthly rental of office spaces in Makati ranges from PHP720 to PHP900
per square meter for Premium facilities, PHP430 to PHP830 per square
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meter for Grade A facilities, and PHP400 to PHP455 per square meter for
Grade B facilities.
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c. Rentals for housing of expatriate executives?
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Lodging Houses/Pension Houses US$5 to US$25 per day
and Motels
Hotel US$40 to US$250 per day
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Apartments/Condominiums Monthly rental for a one-bedroom furnished

apartment/condominium specially in the Makati
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area varies from PHP50,000 to PHP80,000 per

month, while a two/three/four bedroom apartment/
house will cost about PHP70,000 to PHP500,000
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per month.
Houses in villages: The main The monthly rentals for the houses in these
residential areas in Metro Manila villages range from PHP150,000 to PHP500,000.
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where foreigners may look for Modern houses with spacious lawns and
houses are in Makati - Forbes Park, swimming pools will fall under the higher rental
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San Lorenzo, Urdaneta, Bel-air, San range. A deposit is generally required and may
Miguel, Dasmariñas; in Ortigas - range from the equivalent of six months to two
Greenhills, Valle Verde, Corinthian; years rental. Payment of association fees may be
and in Ayala Alabang. required depending on the village.

d. Cost of acquiring and maintaining automobiles?
Cost of new automobiles ranges from a low of about PHP600,000
(for subcompact cars) to a high of PHP5,000,000 for luxury cars. The
Philippines has recently deregulated the oil industry such that gasoline
stations may set their own prices. The prices of gasoline per liter vary
on a daily basis but current indicative prices (as of June 2015) are
approximately PHP40.10 to PHP49.35 for gasoline, PHP28.80 to PHP34.65
for diesel, PHP41.45 to PHP46.77 for E10, and PHP27.08 to PHP30.50 for
Auto LPG.
e. Tuition and school fees for children and high school students?
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The annual school fees for an equivalent US standard school start from
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US$5,000 approximately for 3-year old nursery program. Other schools
offering high standards of education but charging lower tuition fees of
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around PHP70,000 annually are also available.
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2. How easily can work permits be obtained for expatriate
executives?
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Work permits and working visas can be easily obtained provided the
requirements are complied with. Applications for Alien Employment
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Permits are filed with the Department of Labor and Employment
(DOLE), while applications for working visas are filed with the Bureau of
Immigration (BI). The Alien Employment Permit is required before aliens
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are granted working visas by the BI. Some of the documents required are:
a. Curriculum vitae;
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b. Contract of employment; and

c. SEC Registration Certificate/License, Articles of Incorporation and By-
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Laws, and latest Mayor’s Permit of the Philippine sponsoring company.

The address and phone numbers of the two said agencies are as follows:
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DOLE National Capital Region DOLE NCR Building

967 Maligaya Street
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Malate, Manila
Telephone Number +63 (2) 400 6011, 303 0364
DOLE – Manila Muralla corner Gen. Luna Streets
Intramuros 1002 Manila
DOLE hotline: +63 (2) 527 8000
Bureau of Immigration Bureau of Immigration Building
Magallanes Drive, Intramuros, Manila
Telephone Numbers +63 (2) 523 6615, 524 3769,
527 3248

3. How easily can expatriate executives obtain clearances
for travel abroad?
Aliens with working visas need not secure clearances from the BI every
time they travel abroad. Aliens with working visa are issued Alien
Certificate of Registration I-Card (ACR I-Card) which will allow them to
freely travel abroad and return to the Philippines. Once issued with the
ACR I-Card, they are required to pay the exit/airport clearance fees in the
amount of Php2,170 every time they leave the Philippines.
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4. May expatriate executives receive their compensation in
foreign currencies?
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Yes. They may receive their compensation in foreign currencies. However,
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this compensation will still be included in their Philippine taxable income,
where such compensation is attributable to their Philippine based
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employment.
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5. Will the expatriates be allowed to convert into foreign
currency any excess pesos that they may have upon
termination of their assignment?
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Yes. Expatriates will be allowed to convert into foreign currency any excess
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pesos upon termination of their assignment in the Philippines, subject to

compliance with certain requirements.
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6. Is there any public offering of stocks or corporate shares

in the Philippines?
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Yes, stock trading is held in the Philippine Stock Exchange from Mondays
to Fridays. Trading is limited to securities approved and registered with the
SEC.
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Please refer to Section 1.A.(vi.) of “Taxes” for tax treatment of traded

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stocks.

Appendix I
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GNP/GDP by industrial origin and
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sectoral growth rates
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Annual 2014-2015
(at constant 2000 prices)
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Industry Annual (2013-2014) 1st quarter 2015
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1. Agriculture, hunting, forestry, and 1.6 1.6

fishing
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a. Agriculture and forestry 2.0 2.5

b. Fishing (0.4) (2.6)
2. Industry sector 7.9 5.5
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a. Mining & Quarrying 4.9 7.1

b. Manufacturing 8.3 5.9
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c. Construction 9.9 4.5

d. Electricity, Gas, and Water Supply 2.8 4.1
3. Service sector 5.9 5.6
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a. Transport, Storage, and 6.2 8.6

Communication
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b. Trade and Repair of Motor Vehicles, 5.7 5.4

Motorcycles, Personal and Household
Goods
c. Financial Intermediation 7.2 4.3
d. Real Estate, Renting and Business 8.7 6.4
Activities
e. Public Administration and Defense, 3.6 0.2
Compulsory Social Security

Industry Annual (2013-2014) 1st quarter 2015
f. Other Services 3.3 5.8
Gross Domestic Product 6.1 5.2

Gross National Income 5.8 4.7
Source: National Statistical Coordination Board (NSCB)
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Appendix II
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Tenth regular foreign investment negative
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list (EO 184 series of 2015)
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List A: Foreign ownership is limited by mandate of the
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constitution and specific laws
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No Foreign Equity
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1. Mass media, except recording (Article XVI, Section 11 of the Constitution;

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Presidential Memorandum dated May 4, 1994)

2. Practice of the following professions:1
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a. Pharmacy (RA 5921)

b. Radiologic and x-ray technology (RA 7431)
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c. Criminology (RA 6506)

d. Forestry (RA 6239)
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e. Law (Art VIII, Section 5 of the constitution; Rule 138, Sec. 2 of the
Rules of Court of the Philippines
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3. Retail trade enterprises with paid-up capital of less than US$2.5 million
(Section 5 of RA 8762)2
4. Cooperatives (Chapter III, Article 26 of RA 6938)
5. Private security agencies (Section 4 of RA 5487)
1 Foreigners are now allowed to practice certain professions previously limited to Filipino citizens (e.g., engineering,
medicine, accountancy, architecture, interior design, etc.) provided their country allows Filipinos to be admitted to
the practice of these professions.
2 Full foreign participation is allowed for retail trade enterprises: (a) with paid-up capital of US$2,500,000 or more
provided that investments for establishing a store is not less than US$830,000; or (b) specializing in high end or
luxury products, provided that the paid-up capital per store is not less than US$250,000 (Sec. 5 of RA 8762).

6. Small-scale mining (Section 3 of RA 7076).
7. Utilization of marine resources in archipelagic waters, territorial sea and
exclusive economic zone; as well as small-scale utilization of natural
resources in rivers, lakes, bays, and lagoons (Article XII, Section 2 of the
Constitution)
8. Ownership, operation, and management of cockpits [Section 5 of
Presidential Decree (PD) 449]
9. Manufacture, repair, stockpiling and/or distribution of nuclear weapons
(Article II, Section 8 of the Constitution3)
C
10. Manufacture, repair, stockpiling and/or distribution of biological,
chemical, and radiological weapons and anti-personnel mines (various
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treaties to which the Philippines is a signatory and conventions supported
by the Philippines)3
/P
11. Manufacture of firecrackers and other pyrotechnic devices (Section 5 of RA
7183)
Up 20% Foreign Equity

o.
C
12. Private radio communications network (RA 3846)
&
Up 25% Foreign Equity
13. Private recruitment, whether for local or overseas employment (Article 27

na
of PD 442)
14. Contracts for the construction and repair of locally funded public works
pa
[Section 1 of Commonwealth Act (CA) 541 as amended by PD 1594, Letter

of Instruction No. 630] except:
a. infrastructure/development projects covered in RA 7718; and
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b. projects which are foreign funded or assisted and required to undergo

international competitive bidding [Section 2(a) of RA 7718].
la
15. Contracts for the construction of defense-related structure (Section 1 of CA

541)
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Up to 30% Foreign Equity
16. Advertising (Article XVI, Section 11 of the Constitution)
3 Domestic investments are also prohibited (Article II, Sec. 8 of the Constitution: Conventions/Treaties to which the
Philippines is a signatory)

Up to 40% Foreign Equity4
17. Exploration, development, and utilization of natural resources. (Article XII,

Section 2 of the Constitution)5
18. Ownership of private lands (Article XII, Section 7 of the Constitution;
Chapter 5, Section 22 of CA 141; Section 4 of RA 9182)
19. Operation and management of public utilities (Article XII, Section 11 of
Constitution; Section 16 of CA 146)6,7
20. Educational institutions other than those established by religious groups
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and mission boards (Art. XIV, Sec. 4 of the Constitution)8
21. Culture, production, milling, processing, trading (except retailing), and
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acquiring, by barter, purchase or otherwise, rice and corn and their by-
products (Section 5 of PD 194)9
/P
22. Contracts for the supply of materials, goods, and commodities to
government-owned or controlled corporation, company, agency or
municipal corporation (Section 1 of RA 5183)
o.
23. Facility operator of an infrastructure or a development facility requiring a
C
public utility franchise [Article XII, Section 11 of the Constitution; Section
2(a) of RA 7718]
&
24. Operation of deep sea commercial fishing vessels (Section 27 of RA 8550)
25. Adjustment companies (Section 323 of RA 10607 amending PD 612)
na
26. Ownership of condominium units (Section 5 of RA 4726)

pa
Li
la
4 Lending companies regulated by SEC are allowed to have up to 49% foreign equity participation (Sec. 6 of RA
9474). Financing companies and investment houses regulated by SEC are allowed to have up to 60% foreign equity
participation (Sec. 6 of RA 5980 as amended by RA 8556; PD 129 as amended by RA 8366).
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5 Full foreign participation is allowed through financial or technical assistance agreement with the President (Art. XII,
Sec. 2 of the Constitution)
6 The participation of foreign investors in the governing body of any public utility enterprise shall be limited to their
proportionate share in its capital, and all the executive and managing officers of such corporation or association
must be citizens of the Philippines (Article XII, Section 11 of the Constitution).
7 A ‘public utility” is a business or service engaged in regularly supplying the public with some commodity or service
of consequence such as electricity, gas, water, transportation, telephone or telegraph service (Supreme Court ruling
on JG Summit Holdings vs. Court of Appeals, et al., September 24, 2003. Power generation and the supply of
electricity to the contestable market are not considered as public utility operation (Sec. 6 and Sec. 29, respectively,
of RA 9136).
8 Control and administration of educational institutions shall be vested in citizens of the Philippines (Art. XIV, Sec.
4(2) of the Constitution).
9 Full foreign participation is allowed provided that within the 30-year period from start of operation, the foreign
investor shall divest a minimum of 60 percent of their equity to Filipino citizens (Sec. 5 of PD 194; National Food
Authority (NFA) Council Resolution No. 193 s. 1998)

List B: Foreign ownership is limited for reasons of security,
defense, risk to health and morals, and protection of small-
and medium-scale enterprises
Up to 40% Foreign Equity
1. Manufacture, repair, storage, and/or distribution of products and/or

ingredients requiring Philippine National Police (PNP) clearance:
a. Firearms (handguns to shotguns), parts of firearms and ammunition
therefore, instruments or implements used or intended to be used in the
C
manufacture of firearms
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b. Gunpowder
c. Dynamite
/P
d. Blasting Supplies
o.
e. Ingredients used in making explosives:
i. Chlorates of potassium and sodium
C
ii. Nitrates of ammonium, potassium, sodium barium, copper (11),
lead (11), calcium, and cuprite
&
iii. Nitric Acid

iv. Nitrocellulose
na
v. Perchlorates of ammonium, potassium, and sodium

vi. Dinitrocellulose
pa
vii. Glycerol
viii. Amorphous phosphorus
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ix. Hydrogen peroxide

x. Strontium nitrate powder
la
xi. Toluene
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f. Telescopic sights, sniper scope, and other similar devices. However, the
manufacture or repair of these items may be authorized by the Chief
of the PNP to non-Philippine nationals; Provided that a substantial
percentage of output as determined by the said agency, is exported.
Provided further that the extent of foreign equity ownership allowed
shall be specified in the said authority/clearance (RA 7042 as amended
by RA 8179)
2. Manufacture, repair, storage and/or distribution of products requiring
Department of National Defense (DND) clearance:

a. Guns and ammunition for warfare
b. Military ordinance and parts thereof (e.g., torpedoes, depth charges,
bombs, grenades, missiles)
c. Gunnery, bombing and fire control systems and components
d. Guided missiles/missile systems and components
e. Tactical aircraft (fixed and rotary- winged), parts and components
thereof
f. Space vehicles and component systems
C
g. Combat vessels (air, land, and naval) and auxiliaries
w
h. Weapons repair and maintenance equipment
i. Military communications equipment
/P
j. Night vision equipment
k. Stimulated coherent radiation devices, components, and accessories
l. Armament training devices
o.
C
m. Others as may be determined by the Secretary of the DND
However, the manufacture or repair of these items may be authorized

&
by the Secretary of National Defense to non-Philippine nationals;

Provided that a substantial percentage of output as determined by the
na
Secretary, is exported. Provided further that the extent of foreign equity

ownership shall be specified in the said authority/clearance (RA 7042
as amended by RA 8179).
pa
3. Manufacture and distribution of dangerous drugs (RA 7042 as amended by

RA 8179)
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4. Sauna and steam bathhouses, massage clinics, and other like activities
regulated by law because of risk posed to public health and morals
(RA7042 as amended by RA 8179)
la
5. All forms of gambling (RA 7042 as amended by RA 8179), except those

covered by investment agreements with the Philippine Amusement and
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Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) pursuant to RA 9487 or the PAGCOR

Charter
6. Domestic market enterprises with paid-in equity capital of less than the
equivalent of US$200,000 (RA 7042 as amended by RA 8179)
7. Domestic market enterprises which involve advanced technology or employ
at least fifty (50) direct employees with paid-in-equity capital of less than
the equivalent of US$100,000 (RA 7042 as amended by RA 8179)

Appendix III
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Income tax rates for special corporations
w
/P
Entity Rate Taxable base
International carriers 2.5% Gross Philippine Billings originating
from the Philippines
Nonresident foreign corporation 30%
o.
Gross income from Philippine
sources
C
Nonresident owner or lessor of 7.5% Gross rentals or fees
aircraft, machinery, and other
equipment
&
Nonresident owner or lessor of 4.5% Gross rentals, lease or charter fees

vessels chartered by Philippine within the Philippines
na
nationals as approved by MARINA

Nonresident cinematographic film 25% Gross income from Philippine
owners, lessors, or distributors sources
pa
Offshore banking units (OBUs) Exempt Income from foreign currency

and foreign currency deposit units transactions with nonresidents,
(FCDUs) authorized by the BSP other OBUs in the Philippines,
local commercial banks including
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branches of foreign banks.

10% Interest income from foreign
currency loans granted to residents
la
other than OBUs in the Philippines,

local commercial banks, including
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local branches of foreign banks.

30% Net income from other
transactions as may be specified
by the Secretary of Finance upon
recommendation by the Monetary
Board.

Entity Rate Taxable base
Subcontractors engaged in 8% final Gross income from service contract
petroleum operations tax
Regional operating headquarters 10% Taxable income from authorized
activities
Proprietary educational institutions 10% Taxable income
and non-profit hospitals if gross
income from unrelated business
activities does not exceed 50% of
gross income
C
Note: Reinsurance premiums are exempt.
w
/P
o.
C
&
na
pa
Li
la
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Appendix IV
C
Philippine tax treaties in force
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as of May 2015
/P
Country
o.
Effectivity
C
Australia 1 January 1980
Austria 1 January 1983
&
Bahrain 1 January 2004

Bangladesh 1 January 2004 (for the Philippines)
na
1 July 2004 (for Bangladesh)

Belgium 1 January 1981
(Protocol amending the Agreement) 1 January 2000
pa
Brazil 1 January 1992

Canada 1 January 1977
Li
China 1 January 2002

Czech 1 January 2004
Denmark (Renegotiated) 1 January 1998
la
Finland 1 January 1982

France 1 January 1978
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(Protocol amending the Convention) 1 January 1998

Germany 1 January 1985
Hungary 7 February 1998
1 January 1998 (for other taxes)
8 April 1998 (for taxes withheld at source)
India 1 January 1995
Indonesia 1 January 1983

Country Effectivity
Israel 26 May 1997
1 January 1997 (for taxes withheld at
source)
25 July 1997 (for other taxes)
Italy 1 January 1990
Japan 1 January 1981
Korea 1 January 1987
Kuwait 1 January 2014
C
Malaysia 1 January 1985
w
Netherlands 1 January 1992
New Zealand 1 January 1981
/P
Nigeria 1 January 2014
Norway 1 January 1998
o.
Pakistan 1 January 1979
Poland
C
1 January 1998
Romania 1 January 1998
Russia 1 January 1998
&
Singapore 1 January 1977

Spain 1 January 1994
na
Sweden (Renegotiated) 1 January 2004

Switzerland 1 January 2002
pa
Thailand 1 January 1983

United Arab Emirates 1 January 2009
United Kingdom of Great Britain and 1 January 1979
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Northern Ireland
United States of America 1 January 1983
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Vietnam 1 January 2004

Is

PwC member firms worldwide
Afghanistan British Virgin Dominican Interaméricas
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Islands Republic
Albania Iraq
Bulgaria Dutch Caribbean
Algeria Ireland
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Cambodia Ecuador
Angola Isle of Man
/P
Cameroon Egypt
Antigua Israel
Canada El Salvador
Argentina Italy
Armenia
Cape Verde
o.
Equatorial Guinea
Jamaica
Cayman Islands
C
Estonia
Aruba Japan
Central America Finland
Australia Jordan
&
Chad France
Austria Kazakhstan
Channel Islands Gabon
Azerbaijan Kenya
na
Chile Georgia
Bahamas Korea
China Germany
Bahrain Kosovo
pa
Colombia Ghana
Barbados Kuwait
Congo Gibraltar
Belarus Laos
(Brazzaville)
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Greece
Belgium Latvia
Congo (Dem.
Guatemala
Bermuda Rep.) Lebanon
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Guinea
BES Islands Costa Rica Libya
Honduras
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Bolivia Croatia Lithuania

Hong Kong
Bosnia and Curaçao Luxembourg
Herzegovina Hungary
Cyprus Macau
Botswana Iceland
Czech Republic Macedonia
Brazil India
Denmark Madagascar
Indonesia

Malawi Papua New Sweden
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Guinea
Malaysia Switzerland
Paraguay
Maldives Taiwan
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Peru
Malta Tanzania
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Philippines
Mauritius Thailand
Poland
Mexico Trinidad and
Middle East
Portugal
o.
Tobago
region Qatar
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Tunisia
Moldova Romania Turkey
&
Monaco Russia Uganda
Mongolia Rwanda Ukraine
na
Morocco Saudi Arabia United Arab

Emirates
Mozambique Senegal
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United Kingdom
Myanmar Serbia
United States
Namibia Singapore
Uruguay
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Netherlands Slovakia
Uzbekistan
New Caledonia Slovenia
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Venezuela
New Zealand South Africa
Vietnam
Nicaragua Spain
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West Bank & Gaza

Nigeria Sri Lanka
Zambia
Norway St. Kitts and Nevis
Zimbabwe
Oman St. Lucia
Pakistan St. Maarten
Panama Swaziland

Our offices
Main
Metro Manila
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Address
29th Floor Philamlife Tower
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8767 Paseo de Roxas 1226, Makati City
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Telephone
+63 (2) 845 2728
Facsimile
+63 (2) 845 2806 o.
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Mail address
&
P.O. Box 2288 Manila
E-mail address
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markets@ph.pwc.com
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Branch
Cebu City
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Address
Keppel Center, Unit 1001-B
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Samar Loop corner Cardinal Rosales Avenue Cebu

Business Park, 6000 Cebu City
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Telephone
+63 (32) 231 6464; 233 5020
Facsimile
+63 (32) 233 9615

For questions, please contact
Alexander B. Cabrera
+63 (2) 459 2002
alex.cabrera@ph.pwc.com
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Ma. Lourdes P. Lim
+63 (2) 459 2016
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malou.p.lim@ph.pwc.com
/P
Ma. Fedna B. Parallag
+63 (2) 459 3109
fedna.parallag@ph.pwc.com
o.
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Lawrence C. Biscocho
+63 (2) 459 2007
&
lawrence.c.biscocho@ph.pwc.com
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Carlos T. Carado II
+63 (2) 459 2020
carlos.t.carado@ph.pwc.com
pa
Li
la
Is
www.pwc.com/ph
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/P
o.
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&
na
pa
Li
la
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About the image:

Philippine Gems — Lake Sebu

© 2015 Isla Lipana & Co. All rights reserved.

The Philippines – A profile.................................................................... 1

1. Why is it necessary to register with the SEC?............................................26

4. Is there any requirement that directors be residents?................................27

Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas ................................................................ 28

3. Is inward remittance of foreign investment required to be converted

2. Are we subject to certain debt-to-equity ratio requirements?....................43

2. How easily can work permits be obtained for expatriate executives?.........46

4. May expatriate executives receive their compensation in foreign

• A pool of English-speaking people who are highly trainable. Their

operating in the Philippines and abroad.

• A large potential market for consumer goods on account of its fast-

Isla Lipana & Co., PwC member firm 1

Geography and climate

lands, fishing grounds, forests, and extensive mineral reserves.

History and leadership

United States of America for the next 50 years.

It gained its independence from American forces in 1946 and enjoyed 26

2 How to invest in the Philippines 2015

The political system and administrative structure

The Philippines is a democratic republican state whose system of government is

Government’s thrusts and programs

government owned and controlled corporations. It promoted an environment

economic and social development of the country. Likewise, it devolved

Isla Lipana & Co., PwC member firm 3

To prepare the youth to become the next generation of knowledge workers,

4 How to invest in the Philippines 2015

1,000 beneficiaries to avail of Technical Education and Skills Development

By virtue of ratification by the Senate of the Visiting Forces Agreement on 26

Isla Lipana & Co., PwC member firm 5

Most Filipinos are of Indo-Malay, Chinese, and Spanish lineage.

93.2% of the working-age populace are employed.

Most Filipinos speak English and Filipino.

small percentage of the population speaks Chinese or Spanish.

The Philippines is the only predominantly Christian country in Asia. About

6 How to invest in the Philippines 2015

The economic environment

General market structure

role of the private sector in the economic development of the country.

deregulation of vital industries, relaxation of investment rules, privatization

be more competitive and outward looking in order to survive the onslaught of

The Philippines’ membership in the World Trade Organization (WTO) and

Isla Lipana & Co., PwC member firm 7

Domestic spending continues to support Gross Domestic Product growth of 6.1%

The Philippines is rich in mineral resources.

Energy demand and resources

8 How to invest in the Philippines 2015

3.3% to a double-digit growth of 86.1%. The sector’s highest contributor food

Isla Lipana & Co., PwC member firm 9

According to the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), there is a continuous

international banking standards.

10 How to invest in the Philippines 2015

services (customized software consultancy, contract programming/training,

development projects in power, transportation, telecommunications, water