Look, let’s just get straight to the painful question, the one that hangs in the air every time the storm signals go up: “Sino ang pinaka-apektado kapag kulang ang proteksyon?” Who is most affected when protection is lacking? Honestly? It’s always the most vulnerable communities. You know this. We see it on the news every…
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. signed Republic Act No. 12252. This is a big move for the economy. The new law extends the maximum long-term lease period for foreign investors. It goes from 75 years (50 years plus a 25-year renewal) to a single, stable 99-year term. Photo courtesy of Freepik The core goal is simple:…
When the rain won’t stop, you have that feeling that washes over you as the water creeps closer to your door? That’s what a natural disaster feels like. It’s scary, it’s destructive, and it should be the moment our communities stand together. In recent years, widespread flooding has affected major urban areas like Metro Manila,…
Flood control projects were designed to protect us… and yet we are still paying the price while the floods keep coming? Billions have been poured into concrete, pumps, and levees, all meant to be the ultimate guarantee against disaster. And yet, the floods still happen. The damage still mounts. It feels like a fundamental promise…
Global investors are turning their attention to the Philippines. This focus is not about short-term market hype. It is based on a major legal change: Republic Act No. 12252, which amends the Investors’ Lease Act. The Strategic Shift The new law, RA 12252, was signed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. through a presidential decree. This…
Photo courtesy of Project Risk Coach
“Drainage projects na hindi pumapasa sa ulan?” This question captures the frustration felt by millions every time a strong rain turns our streets into instant rivers. Every year, massive government budgets are allocated for new roads and major drainage systems, yet the cycle persists. The paradox is that we continue to spend billions only to…
History was made in the Philippine real estate on September 3, 2025. That day wasn’t just another date on the calendar; it was the moment the Philippines threw open the doors for foreign investors in a way we’ve never seen before. With Republic Act No. 12252 now signed into law, the message is loud and…
The ongoing scandal involving widespread corruption in the Philippines’ flood control projects is more than just a case of money being wasted. For a country known as one of the most disaster-prone in the world, failing to build and maintain strong flood defenses is a deadly problem. This failure turns the challenge of adapting to…
Why You Need to Know Your Rights Now Renting a home in the Philippines, whether it’s a sleek Makati condo or a cozy Cebu house, comes with its own set of worries. The biggest one? Getting blindsided by a vague lease or unfair rule. Will your landlord keep your security deposit for no good reason?…
In the Philippines, land use conflicts often arise from misunderstandings about the legal status of occupants on residential properties. It is crucial to clearly differentiate between a free lease arrangement, commonly known as “katiwala,” and squatting, as these have vastly different legal implications and protections. Executive Summary By Sheila Viesca, Ph.D.With insights from John Riad,…
The real estate market has never been static, but 2025 is still changing quickly. Whether you’re a veteran broker or just starting out, you’ve likely noticed how unpredictable the first half of the year has been. Shifting buying behavior, evolving seller expectations, and rapid-fire advances in technology are fundamentally changing the way properties are bought,…