We drive clients through growth and transformation.

After the Covid-induced contraction, the current growth is projected to continue in the next few years. The wholesale and retail trade, construction, agriculture, manufacturing, and utilities are the top budding industries contributing to this positive performance. The fast recovery exhibits the Philippines’ ability to adapt to economic shocks, which cushions businesses in turbulent times. Several policies were designed, such as the Medium-Term Fiscal Framework (MTFF) and the Philippine Development Plan (PDP) 2023-2028, along with the economic liberalization reforms aimed at intensifying investment promotions, to drive continued economic growth and investments in the country.

In addition, the country boasts a competitive employment market housing highly skilled and trainable individuals. English, being one of Philippine's official languages, is also commonly used by Filipinos. With a 97 percent literacy rate (Philippine Statistics Authority, 2023) and the bulk of the workforce composed of the younger population, there is a rich supply of workers to accommodate any underlying business need - including professional, technical, managerial, and skilled workers.

Additionally, its geographic location also holds a strategic advantage for investors. It is a natural gateway to other East Asian nations and an accessible venue for international shipping and airlines for European and American businesses. Moreover, it is also a resource-rich country, meaning there are plenty of business opportunities in the more than 7,000 islands comprising the Philippines.

Another salient factor to consider is the government’s aggressive effort geared towards improving its investment climate. As mentioned by Bureau of Economic and Business Affairs, the Philippines made progress this year in addressing foreign ownership limitations that constrained investment in many sectors. Amendments to the Public Services Act (PSA) opened previously closed sectors of the economy to 100 percent foreign investment. The PSA maintains foreign ownership restrictions in six “public utilities:” (1) distribution of electricity, (2) transmission of electricity, (3) water and wastewater pipeline distribution systems, including sewerage, (4) petroleum and petroleum products pipeline transmission systems, (5) seaports, and (6) public utility vehicles. The Retail Trade Liberalization Act (RTLA) reduced the minimum per-store investment requirement for foreign-owned retail trade businesses, from USD 830,000 to USD 200,000, and the quantity of locally manufactured products foreign-owned stores are required to carry. The amendments to Foreign Investment Act (FIA) eliminated restrictions of foreign ownership of export enterprises and opened up most areas except those subject to nationality requirements outlined in the Constitution and in the Philippines’ Foreign Investment Negative List (FINL).

Moreover, the 2021 Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises (CREATE) Act reduced the corporate income tax from 30 percent to 25 percent for large firms, and 20 percent for small firms. The rate for large firms will be gradually lowered to 20 percent by 2025. CREATE also mandated fiscal incentives to be performance-based and time-bound and granted more authority to the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), which narrowed eligibility for Value Added Tax (VAT) exemptions

In support of the country's promising economic trajectory, RMLO brings its wealth of experience and knowledge of local matters to resolve daily business problems by providing services to individuals and organizations committing to the country's long-term development. Our lawyers offer comprehensive legal advice and innovative solutions for various legal issues. We have served a diverse clientele, which includes multinational companies, local businesses, and entrepreneurial start-ups. Our clients come from multiple industries, including information technology, business process outsourcing, logistics, financial services, retail, training facilities, manpower recruitment, travel, and tourism. Through our extensive network of key people in various local institutions, we have the capability to address our clients' individual needs and deliver the greatest possible economic benefit in any cross-border transaction.

As a leading boutique business consulting firm, RMLO delivers expansion solutions for businesses seeking to break into the Philippine market. Using highly qualified local consultants, we provide you with the clarity and confidence to thrive in a new market. By blending Western business cultures with local practices, we tailor the best business strategy to ensure a successful market entry for your firm.