Doing Business in the Philippines - EY
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Doing Business
in the
Philippines
A member firm of Ernst & Young Global Limited
A message from the Secretary of A message from His Excellency
the Department of Trade President Rodrigo Roa Duterte
and Industry
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Doing Business in the Philippines
Why you should
invest in the Philippines
Teeming with natural resources and boasting of staggering
landscapes, the Philippines does not disappoint those who go the
extra mile to reach it. Indeed, nothing compares to the abundance
of diverse natural resources offered by the Philippines. However,
it is the Filipino that makes the country truly wonderful. Even
when faced with adversity, Filipinos remain to be one of the most
ebullient and easygoing people around. They are memorable
thanks to their courtesy, warm hospitality, and most of all, their
abundant talent. The Filipino worker is highly competent, holds
a diverse set of skills, and exhibits reliable work ethic. With their
innate dedication, diligence, educational level and bilingual
flexibility, Filipinos epitomize an educated, multicultural, and
bilingual work force.
In the 2018 World Bank – International Finance Corporation Doing
Gross Regional Domestic product growth rates (in percent) 2016-2017 Business Report, the Philippines garnered the 113th rank.
The 2018 report measured regulatory factors that had an impact
on the areas of the life of a business. The Philippines boosted its
ranking in protecting minority investors, dealing with construction
permits, paying taxes and enforcing contracts. The country also
sustained its position in registering property and trading across
borders. These indicators show that the Philippines has a low-cost,
economically sound, and cosmopolitan environment in which to do
business.
Source: The World Bank
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Doing Business in the Philippines
Economic
overview
The Philippine economy grew 6.1% in the third quarter of 2018.
The posted growth is fueled by higher investment opportunities
and consumption as well as the growth of manufacturing, trade,
real estate and renting business activities. It has enjoyed a string
of upgrades in recent years from credit raters recognizing the
country’s improving fundamentals. The Philippines continues to
enjoy investment grade status since its upgrade by Fitch Ratings,
Standard & Poor’s (S&P), and Moody’s Investor Service in 2013. Source: National Economic Development Authority
In December 2017, growing domestic demand was attributed as Labor force There are 11 international airports in the country with
several slated for major renovations via Public Private
the main growth driver which was backed by steady remittances
Partnerships (PPPs). Key gateways include those in
from foreign workers. In terms of major sectors, the industries In July 2018, the preliminary results of the Annual
Manila, Cebu, Davao, Clark, and Laoag. The Ninoy
Estimates of Labor Force Survey showed a 94.6%
is still the fastest growing sector at 6.2% followed by services, employment rate with a 42.8 million economically active
Aquino International Airport is the country’s main
which grew by 6.9%. In September 2018, Philippine external trade airport. It has five terminals, some servicing domestic
population. The services sector accounted for 57.5% of
routes, and other servicing international flights to Asia,
in goods reached US$15.58 billion, a 13.5% increase from the the total employed persons, followed by the agriculture
the Middle East, Europe, and North America.
sector at 23.1% and industries at 19.4.%.
recorded value in September 2017. Electronic products continue to
lead as the country’s top export growing 7% in August 2018. Other The labor force participation rate was reported at
The country has been upgraded to a Category 1
rating in Aviation Safety by the US Department of
products also increased including mineral products (21.8%), special 60.1%, given the labor force population of 71.6 million.
Transportation’s Federal Aviation Administration,
transactions (5.8%) while forest products increased by 7.5%. Hong Meanwhile, the unemployment rate is at 5.4%.
allowing local airline companies to expand their
Kong is now the top destination of Philippine-made goods, followed Source: Philippine Statistics Authority
operations in the US.
by the United States and Japan. The Cordillera Administrative
The European Union (EU) has also allowed local
Region’s (CAR) economy grew the fastest at 12.1% in 2017. Offshoring and outsourcing carriers, Philippine Airlines and Cebu Air, Inc., to fly
National Capital Region (NCR), Region IV-A: CALABARZON, and into European airspace as recognition of the airlines’
Region III: Central Luzon largely contributed to the 6.7% GDP The Philippines is among the world’s top outsourcing commitment to safety and full compliance with
destinations, thanks in large part to low business costs international aviation safety standards.
growth rate — with NCR’s share accounting for 36.4%. and a large pool of university educated, English-speaking
and highly adaptable workers.
The top five residential and commercial project list are
CALABARZON, Central Luzon, Region VII: Central Visayas, Source: Philippine Economic Zone Authority
NCR and Region IX: Zamboanga Peninsula. The Philippine economy
Tourism has enjoyed a string
Tourism is another bright spot in the economy. The
of upgrades in recent
years from credit raters
Source: National Economic and Development Authority, Philippine Statistics Authority
Philippine Department of Tourism has reported 5.4
million inbound visitors from January to September
2018, an 8.32% increase from 4.9 million in 2017.
recognizing the country’s
improving fundamentals.
Also, inbound visitor receipts totaled to PhP146.34
billion for January–June 2017. This is 14.9% higher than
PhP127.4 billion for the same period from the
previous year.
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Doing Business in the Philippines
The Mactan International Airport in Cebu has regular Construction
flights from Busan, Doha, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Singapore
and various other cities in Korea, China and Japan. The
The construction sector remains a top growth
Davao International Airport has regular flights from
contributor on the back of strong private real estate
Indonesia and Singapore, and seasonal flights from
development activity as well as the government’s PPP
Macau. The Clark International Airport in Clark has
program, strategic infrastructure projects, and disaster
regular flights from Hong Kong, Doha, Dubai, Macau,
reconstruction.
Singapore and various cities in Korea and Malaysia. The
Subic International Airport in Zambales has regular
In the third quarter of 2018, the construction industry
flights from Korea and Macau, while Laoag International
grew by 16.1%, driven by the acceleration of public
Airport in Ilocos Norte has regular flights from Macau.
and private construction. The Philippine construction
Kalibo International Airport in Aklan has regular flights
industry’s nominal value is expected to double by 2022.
from Taiwan and various cities in China and Korea. Other
international airports in the country are the Puerto
The government intends to spend US$158 billion
Princesa International Airport in Palawan, Zamboanga
on its Build, Build, Build program in the next five
International Airport and General Santos International
years. Through heavy investment on the country’s
Airport, which are both in Mindanao.
infrastructure, the government believes it can
By sea, major cruise ships and international container achieve sustained, robust and holistic socioeconomic
vessels call at the port of Manila. Inter-island ships development.
connect Manila to major ports in other provinces.
The program is composed of 75 flagship projects which
Sources: Manila Bulletin, Philippine Statistics Authority, Business World includes a variety of transport facilities and public ways
that will improve efficiency in moving goods, help bring
Manufacturing down cost of production and ultimately encourage
countryside investments. Other infrastructures planned
The manufacturing industry is one of the fastest are energy facilities, water resource projects and
growing industries in the Philippines posting a 4% irrigation systems, flood control facilities and urban
growth in the third quarter of 2018. This is a result of redevelopment programs.
the governments’ interagency Philippine Manufacturing
Industry Roadmap, which aims to have the industry Sources: Philippine Statistics Authority, Public-Private Partnership
account for 30% value added to the economy and Center, Senate Economic Planning Office
generate 15% of total employment by 2025 compared to
22% and 8%, respectively, back in 2012.
Mining
Phase I of the roadmap from 2014–2017 focuses
on automotive and aerospace parts, electronics,
garments, food, resource-based industries, chemicals,
According to the Philippine Department of Environment Renewable energy Agriculture
and Natural Resources (DENR), the country’s estimated
furniture, tool and die, and shipbuilding. Phase II, from mineral reserves are placed at about 14.5 billion metric
2018–2021, shifts to high value added activities and The 2012-2030 Philippine Energy Plan prepared by the The Philippines has about 10 million hectares of
tons of metallic minerals and about 67.66 billion government estimates that under a low carbon scenario, agricultural land and is a major exporter of banana,
investments in upstream industries such as chemicals, metric tons of non-metallic minerals. It is also the fifth
iron and steel, med-tech basic and fabricated metal, renewable energy’s contribution to the country’s total coconut, pineapple and fishery products. Sugarcane and
mineralized country in the world, third in gold reserves, power mix will grow by an annual average of 3.2% and coconut are major sources of renewable biofuels such as
link and integrate industries, small and fourth in copper and fifth in nickel.
medium-sized enterprises and large firms, and the comprise a 37.1% share. The Philippines is already bioethanol and coco-diesel. Also, the agriculture sector
innovation ecosystem. From 2022-2025, Phase III will the world’s second largest producer of geothermal accounts for 25.4% of the total labor force.
In the mining statistics released by the Mines and energy, with a still untapped resource potential of
move to high-tech activities, transport, electronics Geosciences Bureau in July 2017, the gross production
and chemicals, as well as participate as manufacturing 2,600 megawatts. Also, there is an untapped potential The growth of the sugarcane (30%), rubber (7.1%),
value in mining amounted to a total of PhP108.63 billion. of 70,000 megawatts for wind energy and 13,097 coconut (6%), poultry (5.4%), agricultural activities
hubs in regional and global production networks for
automotive, electronics, machinery, garments and food. megawatts for hydropower. and services (4.9%) and mango (4.5%), among others,
The Philippines currently hosts 48 operating metallic positively contributed to the Agriculture industry.
In May 2018, foreign direct investment (FDI) in the mines consisting of 30 nickel mines, eight gold mines A total of 831 renewable energy service contracts with
Philippines registered US$1.6 billion net inflows with (with silver as coproduct), three copper mines, aggregate potential capacity of 21,937 megawatts
reinvestment of earnings growing by 5.7%. Singapore, three chromite mines and four iron mines. were awarded as of the first half of 2017, while the Source: Philippine Statistics Authority
Japan, Netherlands, United States and Luxembourg total installed capacity was 4,710 megawatts. Of these
Source: Mines and Geosciences Bureau, Philippine Statistics Authority
largely contributed to the US$257 million gross in contracts, 445 were hydropower projects and 202 were
equity capital infusions. These were mainly invested solar projects, 186 of which were on-grid and 16 were
in manufacturing, real estate, wholesale and retail own-use.
trade, information and communication, and arts,
entertainment and recreation activities. The Philippines’ The Philippines has a high-profit potential from
sound macroeconomic fundamentals and growth biodiesel exports and is a large producer of coconut and
prospects make the country a favorable sugarcane, two major sources of biofuels.
investment destination.
Source: USDA Foreign Agricultural Service
Sources: Philippine Statistics Authority, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas
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Doing Business in the Philippines
Foreign Investments Act (FIA) of BOI-Registered enterprises enjoy both
1991 (or Republic Act No. 7042 as fiscal and non-fiscal incentives
amended by RA No. 8179)
Fiscal incentives include an income tax holiday for six
years for newly registered pioneer projects, four years
Investment policy
The Foreign Investments Act (FIA) of 1991 liberalized
for non-pioneer firms, and three years for expansion or
the entry of foreign investments into the Philippines.
modernization projects, income tax deduction for labor
expenses, tax credits and special exemptions,
Under the FIA, foreign companies are generally
among others.
allowed to conduct business in the Philippines subject
to restrictions spelled out in the Foreign lnvestments
and incentives
For non-fiscal incentives, BOI-registered companies can
Negative List (FINL), which the government periodically
enjoy simplified customs procedures; unrestricted use of
updates. The FlNL is a shortlist of areas of economic
consigned equipment; and the option to employ foreign
activities where foreign investments are restricted or
nationals, among others.
limited. It has two components:
List A contains areas of activities reserved to Special Economic Zone Act of 1995
Philippine nationals by mandate of the Constitution (RA No.7916, as amended by
Investments are most welcome in the Philippines. There are and other specific laws.
RA No. 8748)
only certain areas of economic activity where foreign ownership
List B contains the areas of activity and enterprises
restrictions apply. where foreign ownership is limited pursuant to This law was passed in 1995 to encourage economic
law. Among these are defense or law enforcement- growth through the development of special economic
Philippine laws and regulations guarantee the basic rights of all related activities and those with implications on zones called Ecozones. The Philippine Economic Zone
public health and morals. This list includes small Authority (PEZA) implements this law and also grants
investors and enterprises, including the following: incentives to qualified enterprises that locate in the
and medium-sized domestic market enterprises
with paid in equity capital less than the equivalent Ecozone.
• Freedom from expropriation without just compensation of US$200,000, unless they involve advanced
technology as certified by the Department of Ecozones are areas earmarked by the government
• Right to remit profits, capital gains, and dividends within the for development into balanced agricultural, industrial
Science and Technology or they employ at least 50
guidelines of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, the country’s direct employees, in which case a minimum paid-up commercial, and tourist/recreational regions. These
monetary authority capital of US$100,000 is allowed. include industrial estates, export processing zones, free
• Right to repatriate the proceeds of the liquidation of investments trade zones, tourism ecozones, and IT buildings and
parks.
• Right to obtain foreign exchange to meet principal and interest
Omnibus Investments Code of 1987
payments on foreign obligations Each Ecozone is to be developed as an independent
or Executive Order (EO) No. 226, as community with minimum government interference. It
amended by Republic Act (RA) shall administer its own economic, financial, industrial,
There are a number of laws governing investments in the and tourism development without help from the national
Philippines. At present, there are proposals to consolidate all
No. 7918 government. It shall also provide adequate facilities to
the incentive laws into one law to rationalize the grant and establish linkages with surrounding communities and
Implemented by the Board of Investments (BOI), other entities within the country.
administration of fiscal and non-fiscal incentives given by various the Omnibus Investments Code of 1987 provides a
incentive bodies. comprehensive set of incentives for local and foreign The enterprises that may be located in Ecozones include
enterprises engaged in activities considered by the export enterprises, free trade zone enterprises, service
government as high priority for national development. enterprises, pioneer enterprises, utilities enteprises, and
The major investment laws are discussed as follows. IT enterprises, among others.
To qualify for BOI incentives, an enterprise must
engage in an area of activity listed in the government’s
Investment Priorities Plan (IPP). The IPP for
2017-2019 is currently being finalized by the
government and will focus on the development and Ecozones are areas
promotion of innovative, inclusive industries, enhance
employment, entrepreneurship under a modern
earmarked by the
incentives regime. government for
Previously, if an enterprise is not listed in the IPP, it development into balanced
is also entitled to incentives if either of the following
criteria is met:
agricultural, industrial,
commercial, and tourist/
• At least 50% of production is for export
(for Filipino-owned enterprises)
recreational regions.
• At least 70% of production is for export
(for enterprises with more than 40% foreign equity)
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Doing Business in the Philippines Investment Policy and Incentives
Incentives available to ecozone Clark Special Economic and Freeport Zone ROHQs are branches established in the Philippines by Investor’s Lease Act (RA No. 7652)
In 2007, RA No. 7227 was amended by RA No. multinational companies that are allowed to derive
enterprises 9400 to include additional special economic zones income by providing qualifying services to their
RA No. 7652 allows foreign investors to lease
including the Clark Special Economic and Freeport affiliates in the region. These services include general
Ecozone enterprises are entitled to a number of commercial lands in the Philippines for a maximum of 75
Zone (CSEFZ) covering the lands occupied by the Clark administration and planning, business planning and
favorable incentives, depending on the nature of their years (previously 50 years).
Military reservations and its contiguous extensions as coordination, sourcing/procurement of raw materials
activities. These include a special tax rate of 5% of embraced, covered and defined by the 1947 Military and components, and corporate finance advisory
modified gross income in lieu of all national and local Under this law, any foreign investor infusing capital into
Bases Agreement between the Philippines and the services, among others.
taxes after the income tax holiday, tax- and duty-free the country can lease private lands, in observance of
United States, as amended, located within the territorial
importation of equipment, raw materials and other Philippine laws and the following:
jurisdiction of Angeles City, municipalities of Mabalacat RAHQs are branches established in the Philippines by
supplies; income tax holiday; additional deductions and and Porac, Province of Pampanga, and the municipalities multinational companies and whose headquarters do not
exemptions, among others. 1. Lease contract shall first be for 50 years, renewable
of Capas and Bamban, Province of Tarlac. earn or derive income from the Philippines. They act as
only once for another 25 years.
supervisory, communications, and coordinating centers
2. Leased area will be used solely for investment.
Similar to the SSEFZ, the CSEFZ is a former US military for their subsidiaries, affiliates, and branches in the
Bases Conversion and Development facility converted into civilian use. The intention was to region.
3. Lease contract will conform with the Comprehensive
Act of 1992 (RA No. 7227) Agrarian Reform Law and the Local
utilize the 4,400-hectare main zone and 27,600-hectare
Government Code.
sub zone as a progressive urban center targeting IT- RWs may engage in serving as a supply depot for
Subic Special Economic and Freeport Zone enabled industries, aviation, logistics tourism and the storage, deposit, safekeeping of spare parts,
Passed in 1992, this law created the Bases Conversion related enterprises. The CSEFZ includes the Clark components, semi-finished products, and raw materials;
and Development Authority, the Subic Bay Metropolitan International Airport. in filling up transactions and sales made by their head Export Development Act of 1994
Authority (SBMA), and the Subic Special Economic offices or parent companies; and in serving as a storage (RA No. 7844)
and Freeport Zone (SSEFZ) consisting of the City of Registered enterprises in these special economic zones or warehouse of goods purchased locally by the home
Olongapo and the Municipality of Subic, Province of enjoy various investment incentives including access to office for export abroad.
This law provides incentives to exporters to encourage
Zambales, the lands occupied by the former Subic first-class commercial, residential, and tourist facilities;
investments in the export sector. Exporters are generally
Naval Base and its contiguous extensions as embraced, tax- and duty-free importation; and a special tax rate of The RHQ license and the ROHQ license of non-banking
defined as earning at least 50% of their normal operating
covered, and defined by the 1947 Military Bases 5% of modified gross income in lieu of national and local and non-financial institutions are secured from the
revenue from the sale of products or services abroad.
Agreement between the Philippines and the United taxes. SEC, upon the favorable recommendation of the BOI.
States of America, and within the territorial jurisdiction Banks and financial institutions secure the ROHQ
of the Municipalities of Morong and Hermosa, Province license from the SEC and the BSP, also upon favorable Features of the Export Development
of Bataan. The vision for the 67,000-hectare Subic Bay Act providing for the terms, recommendation of the BOI. The primary implementing
Act (EDA)
Freeport (SBF) is to create a self-sustaining industrial, conditions, and licensing requirements agency for the establishment and supervision of RWs
commercial, financial, and investment center in addition outside the Ecozones is the BOI.
to its international seaport, which can anchor 600 ships.
of RAHQs, ROHQs, The following are the key features of EDA:
and RWs (RA No. 8756)
Tax treatment and incentives of • Institutionalization of the Export Development Council
RA No. 8756 signed into law on 23 November 1999, (EDC) to direct the export offensive
provides, among others, the rules and guidelines on RAHQs and ROHQs • Privatization of export promotion functions that can
the establishment and maintenance of multinational be undertaken by the private sector, including the
companies’ Regional or Area Headquarters (RAHQs), RA No. 8756 provides favorable tax treatment and establishment of world-class Philippine Trade Centers
Regional Operating Headquarters (ROHQs), and Regional other non-fiscal incentives for both the RAHQs/ROHQs
• Setup of a privately led export financing institution
Warehouses (RWs). and their non-Filipino and Filipino employees. These whose services shall be devoted to supporting the
incentives include exemption from all kinds of local financing needs of the export sector
taxes, fees, or charges imposed by a local government
• Granting to exporters of much needed fiscal incentives,
unit, except real property tax on land improvements and most of them patterned after, but not as extensive as
equipment, as well as tax- and duty-free importation of those in newly industrializing economies
equipment and materials for training and conferences
needed solely used for the RHQ/ROHQ functions, and
which are not locally available, subject to prior BOI
approval. Expatriate employees of RHQs and ROHQs will
Incentives available to exporters
enjoy incentives such as a multiple-entry visa, tax- and registered under EDA
duty-free importation of personal and household effects
and travel tax exemption. EDA incentives are granted in addition to existing
incentives from other government agencies such as the
BOI and PEZA.
Amended Build-Operate-Transfer
(BOT) Law (RA No. 7718)
The BOT Law spells out the policy and regulatory
framework for the participation of private sector entities
in the development of infrastructure projects and the
provision of services that are normally the responsibility
of the government.
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Doing Business in the Philippines
Proposed comprehensive tax reform
The current administration has also proposed a comprehensive tax reform plan that is expected to be legislated
within a four to five-year time frame (beginning 2017 until 2021) in order to improve the efficiency of the tax
system and raise much-needed funds to support massive investment goals. This proposed tax reform consists of
Taxation
four tax packages or proposals (with RA No. 10963 as the first tax package focusing on personal income tax).
The remaining tax packages will cover reduction of corporate income tax, harmonization of incentives along with
proposed offsetting measures.
Income Taxation
The Philippine Constitution mandates that the rule of taxation Corporations
shall be uniform and equitable, and that Congress shall evolve
Classification
a progressive system of taxation. The Tax Reform Act of 1997
(Republic Act No. 8424) was passed to promote sustainable Domestic corporations, which are corporations to residents other than FCDUs and OBUs are subject
incorporated under the laws of the Philippines, are to a final tax of 10%. International carriers are subject
economic growth by rationalizing the Philippine Internal taxed on their worldwide net taxable income. Resident to 2.5% final tax on Gross Philippine Billings but they
foreign corporations are taxed on net taxable income would be exempted if their home countries would
Revenue System, including tax administration. Amendments to derived from Philippines sources. Non-resident foreign provide a similar tax exemption to Philippine carriers.
the Tax Reform Act of 1997 have been made, the most recent corporations, on the other hand, are taxed on gross Regional or area headquarters of multinational
income derived from the Philippines. A resident foreign companies are exempt from income tax while the
and significant of which is RA No. 10963 (the Tax Reform for corporation is an entity created under the laws of a regional operating headquarters of multinational
Acceleration and Inclusion or ‘TRAIN’), which reduced personal foreign jurisdiction that is engaged in trade or business companies are subject to 10% tax on net taxable income.
in the Philippines. Any other foreign corporation is
income, estate and donor’s tax rates and expanded the VAT and considered as a non-resident. Tax incentives like income tax holiday or preferential
tax rates (5% on gross income) are available for
excise tax base. Income tax rates for domestic and resident enterprises in the Ecozones, the Subic Bay Special
foreign corporations Economic and Freeport Zone and the Clark Special
Economic and Freeport Zone.
The corporate income tax rate is 30% of net taxable
income. However, part of the ongoing tax reform is a Branch profit remittance tax (BPRT)
proposal to lower the rate to 25%. Royalties, interest,
dividends, and other passive income of domestic and Remittances by branches of foreign corporations in
resident foreign corporations are subject to different the Philippines (except those activities registered with
rates. the PEZA and other companies within the special
economic zones such as the Subic Bay Metropolitan
Special income tax rates for certain domestic and Authority and Clark Development Authority) to their
resident foreign corporations head offices are generally subject to 15% BPRT.
Proprietary educational institutions and non-profit Other taxes imposed on corporations
hospitals are subject to 10% tax on net taxable
income. Foreign currency deposit units (FCDUs) and Corporations are also liable for minimum corporate
offshore banking units (OBUs) are exempt from all income tax, fringe benefits tax and improperly
taxes on income from foreign currency transactions accumulated earnings tax.
with non-residents, and other FCDUs and OBUs, local
commercial banks, and branches of foreign banks
duly authorized by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas
(the Philippines’ Central Bank). The interest income of
FCDUs and OBUs from foreign currency loans granted
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Doing Business in the Philippines Taxation
Minimum corporate income tax (MCIT) Tax on non-resident corporations Individuals Tax treaties
A 2% MCIT on annual gross income is imposed on Generally, non-resident foreign corporations are taxed For income tax purposes, Resident aliens Specific types of income are exempt from income tax or
corporations with zero or negative taxable income or at 30% of the gross amount of Philippine source income individuals are classified as:
subject to preferential tax rates under treaties binding
whose regular corporate income tax (RCIT) liability is such as dividends, rents, royalties, compensation, and Resident aliens are taxed
Resident citizens only on income derived on the Philippine government, subject to prior filing of
less than the MCIT beginning on the fourth taxable year remuneration for technical services. This tax is withheld
from sources within the an application for availment of exemption or preferential
following the year they started business operations. at source. There are preferential income tax rates for
Resident citizens are taxed Philippines. tax treaty rates with the Bureau of Internal Revenue
Any excess of the MCIT over the RCIT shall be carried some types of non-resident corporations, as well as
on their compensation, (BIR). The tax treaties of the Philippines with the
forward and credited against the RCIT for the three those entities that are covered by specific tax treaty business and other income Non-resident aliens following countries are in force:
immediately succeeding taxable years. rates entered into by the Philippines. derived from sources engaged in trade or
within and outside of the business in the Philippines Australia Malaysia
However, the Secretary of Finance may suspend the Philippines. Austria Netherlands
imposition of the MCIT upon the submission of Non-resident aliens engaged Bahrain New Zealand
proof by the applicant-corporation, verified by the Non-resident citizens in trade or business in the Bangladesh Nigeria
Commissioner of Internal Revenue’s authorized Philippines are taxed in the Belgium Norway
representative, that the corporation sustained Non-resident citizens, same manner as citizens and
substantial losses on account of a prolonged labor The Tax Reform Act including those working and resident aliens but only on
Brazil
Canada
Pakistan
Poland
deriving income from abroad Philippine-source income.
dispute, force majeure, or legitimate business losses.
of 1997 (Republic Act such as overseas contract China
Czech Republic
Qatar
Romania
workers and seamen who Non-resident aliens
Fringe benefits tax No. 8424) was passed derive compensation for not engaged in trade or Denmark Russia
services rendered abroad as business in the Philippines Finland Singapore
Fringe benefits granted to supervisory and managerial to promote sustainable members of a complement France Spain
of vessels engaged Non-resident aliens not Germany Sweden
employees are subject to a 35% tax on the grossed
up-value of the fringe benefit.
economic growth by exclusively in international engaged in trade or business Hungary Switzerland
trade, are taxed only on in the Philippines are taxed
rationalizing the Philippine income derived from sources on the gross amount of
India Thailand
Improperly accumulated earnings tax within the Philippines. Philippine-source income. Indonesia Turkey
A 10% tax is imposed on the improperly accumulated
Internal Revenue Israel
Italy
United Arab Emirates
United Kingdom
earnings of domestic corporations, except in the case of System, including tax Income tax rates for individuals under Japan Northern Ireland
publicly held corporations, banks, and other non-bank RA No. 10963 Korea United States of America
financial intermediaries and insurance companies. When administration. Kuwait Vietnam
a corporation allows its earnings or profits to accumulate Citizens, non-resident citizens, resident aliens and
beyond its reasonable needs, it shall be assumed that non-resident aliens engaged in trade or business in Withholding tax system
the purpose is to avoid tax on stockholders, unless the Philippines are generally subject to graduated tax
proven to the contrary. rates from 20% to 35% on income above PhP250,000. Creditable withholding Employers are, however,
Compensation paid by OBUs, regional or area tax (CWT) required to furnish the
headquarters, regional operating headquarters of BIR with the Employer’s
multinational companies, and petroleum contractors and Certain income payments Certificate of
subcontractors to qualified non-Filipino employees and, made by a resident to Compensation Payment/
in certain cases, to Filipino employees are now subject another resident are Tax Withheld from their
to the same graduated tax rates. Non-resident aliens subject to specified employees.
not engaged in trade or business in the Philippines are withholding tax rates. The
generally subject to a flat income tax rate of 25% on tax withheld is creditable Final withholding tax
gross income. against the income tax (FWT)
liability of the income
Generally, an individual is taxed on two main categories recipient. Under the FWT system,
of income: income from employment and income from the amount of income
business or exercise of a profession. Royalties, interest, Withholding tax on tax withheld by the
dividends and other passive income of individuals are wages withholding agent is
subject to different tax rates. constituted as a full and
This is the tax withheld final payment of the
from individuals receiving income tax due from the
Additional Exemptions purely compensation payee on the said income.
income. Employers are For instance, dividends,
Citizens and resident aliens are entitled to a maximum required to withhold interest or royalties paid
of PhP90,000 exemption on 13th month pay and other the tax due on salaries to non-residents are
benefits received. and wages paid to their subject to FWT.
employees. Subject
to certain conditions,
employees may no longer
be required to file income
tax returns at the end of
the taxable year.
18Taxation
Value-added tax (VAT)
In general, sale of goods, sale of services and lease of properties, as well as importation of goods are subject to 12%
The Investments
VAT. The Tax Code also provides for transactions that are subject to 0% VAT as well as transactions that are exempt
from VAT.
Excise tax Documentary stamp tax (DST)
Excise taxes are imposed on certain goods (such as The DST is an excise tax on documents, instruments,
Priorities Plan
cigarettes, liquor, petroleum products, mineral products loan agreements, lease agreements, shares of stocks,
and motor vehicles) manufactured or produced in the bonds, mortgage, insurance policies, and papers, and
Philippines for domestic sale or consumption or for any on acceptances, assignments, sales and transfers of the
other disposition. Excise taxes are also imposed on certain obligation, right or property incident thereto. This tax is
imported goods, in addition to the VAT and customs duties. imposed on the maker, signor, issuer, accepter or transferor
Under RA No. 10963, excise tax rates were increased for of the document.
cigarettes, petroleum products, automobiles and mineral
products. Excise tax was also imposed on sweetened Certain industries, including banks and select financial The 2017 Investments Priority Plan (IPP) was approved by the
beverages and non-essential cosmetic procedures and institutions, shipping and airline companies, pre-need
surgeries. companies and educational institutions are mandated to use President Rodrigo Duterte in Memorandum Order No. 12 dated 28
the web-based eDST System beginning 1 July 2010. February 2017, and took effect 15 days after its publication on 3
Percentage tax
RA No. 9648 exempts from DST any sale, barter or exchange March 2017.
Persons or entities not subject to VAT, including domestic of shares of stock listed and traded through the PSE.
common carriers of passengers, international carriers on
their transport of cargo from the Philippines to another RA No. 10963 introduced new DST rates for transactions The Board of Investments (BOI) has identified 10 preferred
country, and those in the amusement business, are subject enumerated in RA No. 9243, or the Act Rationalizing the activities for investments in line with the President’s zero+10-point
to percentage tax on gross receipts or gross income. Provisions of the DST.
SocioEconomic Agenda, Ambisyon Natin 2040, and the Philippine
Stock transaction tax (STT) Customs duty Development Plan 2017-2022.
The STT is imposed on the sale, barter, exchange, other than Goods imported into the Philippines are generally subject
the sale by a dealer in securities at the rate of six-tenths to customs duty (aside from 12% VAT and excise tax on Significant adjustments from the 2014 IPP have been introduced
of 1% of the gross selling price or gross value in money of certain goods). For customs purposes, the value of imported in the new IPP with the inclusion of more Micro-Small-Medium
the shares of stock sold, bartered, exchanged or otherwise goods is generally based on their transaction value, (i.e.,
disposed. the price paid or payable for the goods when sold for export Enterprise (MSME)-oriented, innovation-driven, and health and
to the Philippines) with certain specified adjustments. The environment conscious activities. The 2017 IPP also reflects the
Initial public offering (IPO) tax applicable duty rate (most-favored nation [MFN] rate) will
depend on the appropriate classification of the goods under administration’s industrial policy to bring investments outside of
A tax is also imposed on the sale, barter, exchange, or other the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA) of 2016, Metro Manila, to favor new players in the industry, and to promote
disposition through the IPO of shares of stock in closely held which adopted the classification provisions of the Tariff
corporations in accordance with the proportion of shares of and Customs Code of the Philippines (TCCP). The duty rate
inclusive and participative economic growth across various sectors.
stock sold through the IPO. A closely held corporation is any generally ranges from 0% to 30%. Preferential rates under
corporation of which at least 50% in value of the outstanding the ASEAN Trade In Goods Agreement (formerly AFTA), The list of preferred activities continues to prioritize investments in
capital stock or at least 50% of the total combined voting among other free trade agreements, are generally lower
power of all classes of stock entitled to vote is owned directly than the MFN rates. manufacturing particularly in industrial goods and agro-processing.
or indirectly by or for not more than 20 individuals. Commercial production includes not only agriculture and fishery,
Certain importations are exempt from the imposition of
The IPO tax shall be at the following rates, in accordance custom duty, such as conditionally free and duty-exempt but also forestry products. Priority strategic services now include
with the proportion of shares sold, bartered, or exchanged to importations, items entered into a customs bonded telecommunications and state of the art engineering, procurement
the total outstanding shares of stock after the listing in the warehouse, and importations under special laws. Under
local stock exchange: the CMTA, importers and their brokers are required to keep and construction (EPC) with the exclusion of ship repair. For
records of importations within three years from the date housing, the price ceiling was reduced from PhP3 million to PhP2
of importation of the goods. The Bureau of Customs may
conduct a post-clearance audit on the importers’/brokers’
million. Priority on health facilities now include drug rehabilitation
Up to 25% 4%
Over 25% but not over 33.33% 2% books for a period of three years to determine compliance centers. Pipeline projects for oil and gas were also added in priority
Over 33.33% 1% with customs rules and to assess any deficiency customs infrastructure.
duty and taxes on importation.
The IPO tax shall be paid by the issuing corporation in a Local taxes The ARMM List did away with consumer manufactures but added
primary offering or by the seller in a secondary offering.
The tax base shall be the gross selling price or gross value in
Under the Local Government Code, local government units banking, non-bank financial institutions and facilities, and energy in
(LGUs) such as provinces, cities and municipalities are given
money of the shares of stock sold, bartered, exchanged or
the authority to tax certain activities and business conducted its priority activities.
otherwise disposed of.
within their jurisdiction unless otherwise expressly exempt by
law. LGUs are also authorized to levy an annual ad valorem
tax on real property such as land, building, machinery, and
other improvements, as well as transfer tax on the sale,
donation, barter, or on any other mode of transfer of real
property. However, the taxing powers of LGUs do not extend
to the levy of income tax, custom duties, DST, estate tax, and
gift tax, among others.
19Doing Business in the Philippines The Investments Priority Plan (IPP)
Priority investment areas 4. Healthcare Services including Drug Rehabilitation II. Export activities
Centers Subject to positive list of locations as
endorsed by the Department of Health (DOH) 1. Production and manufacture of export products
I. Preferred activities 2. Services exports
1. All Qualified Manufacturing Activities including 5. Mass Housing (Development of mass housing units Contact centers and non-voice business
Agro-Processing based on a price ceiling of PhP2,000,000) processing activities that will be located in
Metro Manila may no longer be qualified for
• Manufacture of industrial goods Only mass housing projects outside Metro incentives by the year 2020.
• Processing of agricultural and fishery products, Manila may qualify for registration, except for 3. Activities in support of exporters
including Halal and Kosher food into in-city low-cost housing projects for lease.
semi-finished/intermediate goods or finished III. Special laws
products 6. Infrastructure and Logistics, including Local
• Manufacture of modular housing components Government Unit Public-Private Partnership 1. Industrial Tree Plantation (Presidential Decree
and machinery and equipment including parts (LGU-PPP) Projects (PD) No. 705 – Revised Forestry Code of the
and components Philippines)
• Airports and seaports 2. Mining (Republic Act (RA) No. 7942 - Philippine
Except for modernization projects, only projects
• Air, land and water transport Mining Act of 1995) - limited to capital
located outside Metro Manila may qualify for
• Liquefied natural gas (LNG) storage and equipment incentive
registration.
regasification facilities 3. Publication or Printing of Books/Textbooks
• Pipeline projects for oil and gas (RA No. 8047 - Book Publishing Industry
2. Agriculture, Fishery and Forestry • Bulk water treatment and supply Development Act)
• Training facilities 4. Refining, Storage, Marketing and Distribution
• Commercial production of agricultural, fishery • Testing laboratories of Petroleum Products (RA No. 8479 -
and forestry products • Domestic Industrial Zones Downstream Oil Industry Deregulation Act of
• Production of seeds and seedlings • PPP projects 1998)
• Establishment of nurseries and hatcheries 5. Rehabilitation, Self-Development and Self-
• Other support services and infrastructures such 7. Innovation Drivers Reliance of Persons with Disability (RA No.7277
as facilities for drying; cold chain storage; blast - Magna Carta for Persons with Disability)
freezing; bulk handling and storage; harvesting, • Research and development 6. Renewable Energy (RA No. 9513 - Renewable
plowing, spraying and dusting; packing houses; (R&D) activities Energy Act of 2008)
trading centers; ice plants in less developed • Conduct of clinical trials 7. Tourism (RA No. 9593 - Tourism
areas; AAA slaughterhouse; and AAA dressing • Establishment of Centers of Excellence, Act of 2009)
plant. innovation centers, business incubation
hubs and fabrication
Except for modernization projects for laboratories/co-working spaces IV. ARMM list
agricultural support services and infrastructure, • Commercialization of new and emerging
only projects located outside Metro Manila may The 2017-2019 ARMM List contains the following
technologies and products of the Department
qualify for registration. priority investment areas:
of Science and Technology (DOST) or
government-funded R&D
3. Strategic Services 1. Export Activities
8. Inclusive Business Models
• Integrated circuit design • Export trader and service exporters
• Creative industries/knowledge-based services Medium and large enterprises (MLEs) in • Support activities for exporters
a. IT business process management for the agribusiness and tourism sectors that provide
business opportunities to micro and small 2. Agriculture, Agri-business/Aquaculture
domestic market (i.e. contact centers,
enterprises (MSEs) as part of their value chains. and Fishery
data analytics) 3. Basic Industries
b. Animation, software development, 4.
9. Environment or Climate Change-Related Infrastructure and Services
game development, health information 5.
Projects Industrial Service Facilities
management systems and 6. Engineering Industries
engineering design 7.
• Manufacture/assembly of goods and Logistics
c. Digital or technological start-ups/activities 8. BIMP-EAGA Trade and Investment Enterprises
• Maintenance, repair and overhaul of aircraft establishment of energy
9. Tourism
• Charging/Refueling stations for alternative efficiency-related facilities
• Green ship recycling based on 10. Health and Education Services and Facilities
energy vehicles, except LPG-run vehicles 11. Halal Industry
• Industrial Waste Treatment international standards
• Establishment of privately-owned materials 12. Banking, Non-Bank Financial Institutions and Facilities
• Telecommunications (only new players may 13. Energy
qualify for registration) recovery facility
• State-of-the-art engineering, procurement,
and construction 10. Energy
• Power generation projects utilizing
conventional fuels, waste heat and other wastes
• Establishment of battery energy storage
systems
21Doing Business in the Philippines
The ASEAN
Economic
Community
The Philippines is one of the five founding members of the
Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), along with
Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand. The country assumed
the chairmanship of the ASEAN and served as the ASEAN Summit
host in 2017 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the group.
Established on 8 August 1967, the ASEAN is guided Initially released by the ASEAN Secretariat in
by its basic principles of cooperation, amity and non- November 2007, the AEC Blueprint sets out
interference and seeks to: broad and comprehensive directions to guide the formal
• Accelerate economic growth, social progress, and establishment of the AEC on 31 December 2015. The
cultural development in the region Blueprint is mainly built on four pillars: (a) a single
• Promote regional peace and stability market and production base, (b) a highly competitive
• Promote active collaboration and mutual economic region, (c) a region of equitable economic
assistance on matters of common interest development, and (d) a region fully integrated into the
• Provide assistance to each other in the form of global economy.
training and research facilities
• Collaborate more effectively for the greater The first pillar seeks to create a single market and
utilization of agriculture and industry, the production base through the free flow of goods,
expansion of trade, the improvement of services, investment, skilled labor and free flow of
transportation and communications facilities and capital. The second pillar aims to foster business-friendly
the raising of the living standards of the people and innovation-supporting regional environment through
• Promote Southeast Asian studies the implementation of common frameworks, standards
• Maintain close and beneficial cooperation with and mutual cooperation across many areas, such as in
existing international organizations with similar agriculture and financial services, competition policy,
aims and purposes intellectual property rights and consumer protection.
It also reinforces enhanced transport connectivity and
The launch of the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) in infrastructure networks. The third pillar seeks to fulfill
pursuit of the region’s goals gives rise to the formation equitable economic development by reducing barriers
of an economic powerhouse. Collectively, at US$2.55 between and among Member States, and to achieve
trillion, they are ranked as the sixth largest economy in higher levels of economic dynamism through creative
the world and the third largest in Asia. initiatives that encourage small and medium enterprises
to participate in regional and global value chains. The
The region’s GDP grew at 4.8% in 2016, while total trade fourth pillar involves an outward perspective of the AEC
amounted to US$2.2 trillion. The region is also the fifth to fully integrate into the mainstream global economy
biggest recipient of foreign direct investment in the through a coherent approach towards external economic
world with a share of 5.6%. relations, and with improved participation in global
supply networks.
24Doing Business in the Philippines The ASEAN Economic Community
AEC 2015: Milestones AEC 2016-2025: Looking Ahead
The ASEAN Secretariat reports the following key The need to maintain relevance in today’s evolving
achievements under AEC 2015: global economy led to the establishment of the AEC in Population
2015. To sustain the AEC 2015 dynamic process, the
1. More liberalized market: Intra-ASEAN import AEC Blueprint 2025 has been incorporated to serve as
tariffs have been virtually eliminated and formal a guide for ASEAN economic integration from 2016 to
restrictions in the services sector gradually 2025. It forms part of ASEAN 2025: Forging Ahead
removed, providing its peoples with greater Together.
opportunities in trading and doing business within
the region. The new Blueprint is envisioned to strengthen
2. Reduced trade costs: Cross-border trading AEC by 2025 with the following characteristics
processes have been simplified, including and indicators:
in customs procedures and rules of origin,
harmonization of technical regulations and mutual 1. A Highly Integrated and Cohesive
recognition arrangements. Economy – trade in goods and services,
3. Improved investment regimes: ASEAN investment environment, financial integration,
has become a more attractive investment inclusion and security, facilitating movement of
destination for international and domestic skilled labor and business visitors, and enhancing
investors alike. participation in global value chains.
4. Enhanced mobility of skilled people: Cross-border 2. A Competitive, Innovation, and Dynamic
movement of skilled people and professionals has ASEAN – effective competition policy, consumer Source: ASEAN Secretariat
been facilitated. protection, strengthening intellectual property
5. Free trade and comprehensive economic rights cooperation, productivity-driven growth,
partnership agreements: ASEAN businesses are innovation, research and development, and
provided with more opportunities to expand their technology commercialization, taxation
reach in the external markets, and strengthen
their role in regional and global value chains.
cooperation, good governance, effect, efficient, Major Trading Partners
coherent and responsive regulations and good
6. A business-friendly and innovation-supportive regulatory practice, sustainable economic
environment: This is achieved through the development, and global megatrends and
adoption of common frameworks, standards emerging trade related issues.
and mutual cooperation in various areas, such 3. Enhanced Connectivity and Sectoral
as in agriculture and financial services, and in Cooperation – transport, information and
competition policy, intellectual property rights, communications technology, e-commerce,
consumer protection as well as SME development. energy, food, agriculture and forestry,
7. Physical improvements in transportation tourism, healthcare, minerals,
and other infrastructure networks: These and science and technology.
improvements have facilitated cross-border 4. A Resilient, Inclusive and People-Oriented,
transportation and contributed to the reduction of People-Centered ASEAN – strengthening the role
overall costs of doing business, providing ASEAN of MSMEs, and the private sector, PPPs, narrowing
peoples and businesses with the opportunity to the development gap, contribution of stakeholders
work together more productively. on regional integration efforts.
8. Narrowing the development gap: Along with the 5. A Global ASEAN – more strategic and
process of regional integration, initiatives that help coherent approach towards external economic
narrow the development gap among and within relations, review existing FTAs, enhance economic
ASEAN Member States have also been put in place. partnerships, engage with regional and global
partners, continue supporting multilateral
trading system and promoting global and regional
institution engagements, and actively participating
The AEC Blueprint is mainly built in regional fora.
on four pillars: (a) a single market
In the years to come, ASEAN, with the help of
and production base, (b) a highly the post-2015 agenda, will aim to continue what AEC
competitive economic region, 2015 has started. Furthermore, aside from expecting
new challenges and opportunities, ASEAN will ensure
(c) a region of equitable the success of the community building process
economic development, and through efficient institute, adequate resources, and
effective planning and monitoring.
(d) a region fully integrated into
the global economy.
Source: ASEAN Statistical Yearbook 2016/2017
25 26The ASEAN Economic Community
Setting up a
business in
the Philippines
The new administration is committed to setting up businesses in
the Philippines by reducing red tape and streamlining processes,
making it faster and easier. The requirements for setting up a
business will depend on the type and location of the entity. It
will also require registration with various government agencies,
including the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), the
Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), the Bureau of Internal
Revenue (BIR) and local government units, as appropriate. If the
business qualifies for incentives, it must also be registered with
incentives promotion agencies such as the Philippine Economic
Zone Authority and the Board of Investments as
discussed on page 12.
Source: ASEAN Economic Community Chartbook 2017, ASEAN Statistical Highlights 2018
EY ASEAN Leaders
ASEAN Tax Leader
ASEAN Regional Managing ASEAN Assurance Leader Yeo Eng Ping
Partner Rauf Rashid Email: eng-ping.yeo@my.ey.com
Max Loh Email: abdul-rauf.rashid@my.ey.com Tel: +6 012 271 5215 (Malaysia)
Email: max.loh@sg.ey.com Tel: +6 037 495 8728 (Malaysia)
Tel: +65 9637 2881 (Singapore) ASEAN Financial Services
ASEAN Transaction Leader Organization Leader
ASEAN Advisory Leader Vikram Chakravarty Nam Soon Liew
Chow Sang Hoe Email: vikram.chakravarty@sg.ey.com
Email: nam-soon.liew@sg.ey.com
Email: sang-hoe.chow@my.ey.com Tel: +65 6309 8809 (Singapore)
Tel: +65 6309 8092 (Singapore)
Tel: +6 012 388 7016 (Malaysia)
27Doing Business in the Philippines Setting Up Business in the Philippines
Securities and Exchange Among the services of the DTI-NCR is the Competitive human capital
registration of business names as provided under
Commission (SEC) RA No. 3883. Business name registration involves resources
the submission of copies of the corporation’s articles
The SEC is the government agency responsible for of incorporation, by-laws, and SEC certificate of The Philippines offers a highly educated and literate
registering, licensing, regulating, and supervising registration to the DTI and the payment of a registration workforce, with most people having a good command
all corporations and partnerships organized in the processing fee. A business name registration is valid for of the English language. The UNESCO Institute for
Philippines, including foreign corporations licensed to five years. Statistics records an adult literacy rate of 98.11% among
engage in business or to establish branch offices in the Filipinos aged 15 years and older while according to the
Philippines. UN Population Division, the median age is 24.2.
Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) The country’s labor market is one of the most
The SEC is mandated to implement the following competitive in the world, ranked 4th out of 61 economies
The BIR is tasked to administer the collection of internal in the 2017 International Institute of Management
Philippine laws among others: Development (IMD) World Competitiveness Report. In
revenue taxes pursuant to the Tax Code.
the latest World Talent Report also released by the IMD,
PD No. 902-A and the Securities Regulation Code which focuses on countries’ ability to develop, attract
(SRC) All taxpayers are required to secure from the BIR a
unique Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) which will and retain talent based on three factors, the Philippines
PD No. 902-A dealt with the reorganization of the SEC ranked 11th in the readiness factor. Among all criteria,
and conferred upon it the power to hear and decide be indicated on all tax returns filed with the BIR.
the country performed well in terms of the availability
on cases involving corporate fraud, of skilled labor (4th), the availability of competent
intra-corporate disputes, election cases involving Taxpayers will also have to register with the BIR Revenue
District Office (RDO) having jurisdiction over the place of senior managers (17th), language skills (13th), and the
officers and directors, suspension of payments international experience of senior managers (23rd).
proceedings, and rehabilitation proceedings. business of the taxpayer. The book of accounts, invoices,
and receipts of a taxpayer will have to be registered with It also ranked in the upper half of economies when it
the RDO before these are used. comes to the sufficiency of apprenticeships (29th) and
With the enactment of the Securities Regulation the importance given to employee training in companies
Code, however, Rule 5.2, Title II thereof removed (34th) under the appeal factor.
all jurisdiction of the SEC over all cases enumerated
above and transferred jurisdiction to hear and Local government Out of 138 countries, the country ranked well in
decide these cases to the regular courts. With the the higher education and training pillar of the World
realignment of its powers, the SEC then The Philippines is divided into provinces, municipalities, Economic Forum’s Global Competitiveness Index
shifted its focus to the promotion of capital market and chartered cities, each enjoying a certain degree of 2016-2017, with the extent of staff training (38th),
development, in accordance with the mandate of the local autonomy. The barangay is the basic political unit. quality of management schools (38th), quality of
Securities Regulation Code. the education system (46th), and local availability of
Republic Act No. 7610, otherwise known as the specialized training services (43rd) as contributing
Corporation Code of the Philippines Local Government Code of 1991, provided for a factors. It is also on track to meet its Philippine
(Batas Pambansa Blg. 68) more responsive and accountable local government Development Plan targets related to enhancing the
The Corporation Code is the primary law that structure. Local governments were given more powers, knowledge and skills of the workforce as higher
governs the relationship of a corporation with its authority, responsibilities and resources through a education graduates as well as technical vocational
shareholders from the setting up of the corporation to system of decentralization. Each unit is allowed to levy education and training (TVET) graduates continue to
its dissolution. It provides the basic rules under which and collect taxes and other fees, in accordance to the increase.
a private corporation as an investment vehicle power delegated to them under the Code. All business
is governed. establishments are required to get licenses and permits Priority courses or degree programs were identified
from the barangay, municipality or city and province and are being promoted by the Commission on Higher
where the business is located. The local government Education (CHED) based on national development plans
Express registration unit imposes taxes, fees or charges to generate revenue and manpower demands until 2018 as well as a study by
through an appropriate ordinance. Each municipality the Department of Labor and Employment determining
To facilitate registering new corporations, the or city has its own revenue code which provides for the the 275 in-demand and 102 hard-to-fill occupations
SEC operates an “express lane,” with application forms registration procedures and taxation of businesses in the aligned with the future employment requirements of
specially prepared for specific types of business. locality. key industries until 2020. These are in the fields of
Filing normally takes one day, provided all necessary agriculture, engineering, science and math, information
documents and prior clearances from other agencies are Local government units also have the power to impose technology, teacher education, health sciences, arts and
submitted in the morning. and collect real property taxes from real property humanities, social and behavioral sciences, business
owners or those enjoying the use of real properties. administration, architecture, maritime industry and
Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) communication.
For 2014-2016, Technical Education Skill and
After registration with the SEC, all corporations Development Authority’s institution-, enterprise- and
organized under the Corporation Code are encouraged community-based programs, and online programs
to register their business name with the DTI. produced 6,066,673 TVET graduates. These graduates
have been certified as highly qualified to work both in
The DTI-National Capital Region (DTI- NCR) is one of the the Philippines and abroad.
primary government agencies tasked with the promotion
as well as the registration of the trade and industry Sources: UN Population Division, Technical Education and Skills
sector in the Metro Manila area. Development Authority, Philippine Statistics Authority, National
Economic Development Authority
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