The recently signed New Government Procurement Act Republic Act (R.A.) No. 12009 is a major piece of legislation which aims to enhance existing government procurement systems in the Philippines. Among its salient provisions and important governing principles is the principle of “[e]fficiency by implementing an organized, uniform, and straightforward government procurement process through the use of emerging technologies and innovative solutions” (Sec. 3(c), R.A. No. 12009).

In the case of People of the Philippines vs. ZZZ, G.R. No. 266706, June 26, 2024, the Supreme Court reiterated the well-settled principle that proof of resistance by the victim is not required in rape cases.

In the case of DEPARTMENT OF TRADE AND INDUSTRY vs. TOYOTA BALINTAWAK, INC. AND TOYOTA MOTOR PHILS. CORP., G.R. Nos. 254978- 79, October 11, 2023, the Supreme Court held that the Lemon Law is not an exclusive remedy for consumers or purchasers of defective brand-new vehicles. The last paragraph of Section 7 of RA 7394 or the Philippine Lemon Law specifically provides that “Nothing herein shall be construed to limit or impair the rights and remedies of a consumer under any other law.” (Emphasis added).

On March 21, 2024, the Department of Trade and Industry, together with the Department of Agriculture and Department of Energy, signed Joint Administrative Order No. 24-02 (JAO No. 24-02), which revised the rules on granting special discounts to Senior Citizens and Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) on the purchase of basic necessities and prime commodities (BNPC).

On September 23, 2024, President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. signed into law Republic Act No. 12021, dubbed the “Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers.” During the ceremonial signing of the Act at the Malacañang Palace, the President proclaimed that the Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers is the State’s way of telling the country’s seafarers: “we see you, we hear you, and we are here to support you.” (Philippine News Agency, 2024)

On June 9, 2023, the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) released Department Circular No. 1 or the 2023 DMW Rules and Regulations Governing the Recruitment and Employment of Landbased Overseas Filipino Workers (“2023 Rules” for brevity). According to former Department Secretary Susan Ople, the 2023 Rules were issued to “ensure better protection and empowerment” of the country’s Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), and to “enable the industry to succeed and flourish” (Philippine News Agency, 2023).

Based on recent studies, the Philippines is one of the fastest growing startup centers in the world. It is not surprising, considering that Filipinos have been known in different parts of the world for their commendable work ethics and their wide range of skill sets. Conscious of this great potential to speed up the country’s economic growth, the government enacted the Republic Act (R.A.) No. 11337 or the Innovative Startup Act.

Republic Act (R.A.) No. 12023 or the “Value-Added Tax on Digital Services Law” is a newly-signed law under President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.’s administration, which imposes a 12% Value Added Tax (VAT) on Digital Service Providers (DSPs), be they resident or nonresident foreign entities.