JAO Law

A proud moment for JAO Law. 🤩🙏

We are pleased to share that we have successfully secured and released our client’s land title.

We’re truly happy to deliver this result, knowing that securing and releasing a land title in the Philippines is never an easy process. From documentation to coordination with multiple government agencies, it requires diligence, patience, and persistence.

Also, welcome to JAO Law, Daren Dale Aldea! We’re excited to have you on board. 🎉

📢 NEW FOREIGN INVESTMENT NEGATIVE LIST (13th FINL)

The Philippines has issued Executive Order No. 113, updating the rules on foreign ownership of businesses.

🔍 What you need to know:

✔️Some industries remain 100% Filipino only (e.g., mass media, small-scale mining)
✔️Others allow limited foreign ownership (25%, 30%, or 40%)
✔️Select sectors now allow up to 100% foreign ownership (e.g., telecoms, subject to conditions)

⚠️ Why this matters:

Before setting up a business or accepting foreign investors, you must check if your industry is:
✔️ Allowed
✔️ Restricted
✔️ Or fully prohibited

💡 One wrong structure can lead to SEC issues or invalid ownership arrangements.

💼 Planning to invest or partner with a foreigner?

📢 ITR DEADLINE EXTENDED!

Good news, taxpayers!

The Bureau of Internal Revenue has officially extended the deadline for filing Income Tax Returns (ITR).

🗓️ New Deadline: May 15, 2026
(From the original April 15 deadline)

This extension gives individuals and businesses more time to ensure accurate filing and full compliance with tax requirements.

⚠️ Reminder:
Avoid the rush! We highly recommend filing early to prevent system delays, penalties, and last-minute stress.

📩 Message us today — we’re ready to assisti!

𝗔𝗡𝗡𝗨𝗔𝗟 𝗜𝗡𝗖𝗢𝗠𝗘 𝗧𝗔𝗫 𝗥𝗘𝗧𝗨𝗥𝗡 𝗗𝗘𝗔𝗗𝗟𝗜𝗡𝗘 𝗠𝗢𝗩𝗘𝗗 𝗧𝗢 𝗠𝗔𝗬 𝟭𝟱, 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲

The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) has issued Revenue Memorandum Circular No. 30-2026, extending the deadline to May 15, 2026 for the filing of 2025 Annual Income Tax Returns, payment of the corresponding taxes due thereon, and submission of required attachments.

“In line with the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., this extension is meant to make tax compliance easier for taxpayers at a time when many are managing added strain from the ongoing energy crisis,” Commissioner Charlito Martin R. Mendoza said.

Taxpayers may file through the BIR’s electronic filing platforms and pay electronically through available payment platforms, or manually through the nearest Authorized Agent Banks.

RMC No. 30-2026: https://tinyurl.com/RMC302026

📢 Now is the Perfect Time for MSMEs to Incorporate

Take advantage of SEC’s discounted registration fees for MSMEs and formalize your business today.

Incorporation is more than compliance—it is a strategic move that allows you to:

• Establish a separate legal personality
• Protect your personal assets
• Strengthen credibility with clients and partners
• Access greater business and financing opportunities

With reduced costs, there is no better time to organize your business and build a strong legal foundation for growth.

📩 Our office provides full assistance in business incorporation and regulatory compliance.

Contact us to get started.

📣 𝗦𝗘𝗖 𝗘𝘅𝘁𝗲𝗻𝗱𝘀 𝗗𝗶𝘀𝗰𝗼𝘂𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗙𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗙𝗲𝗲𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗠𝗦𝗠𝗘𝘀

The Securities and Exchange Commission has issued Memorandum Circular No. 13, series of 2026, extending discounted filing fees to further support the growth and expansion of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

This initiative aims to reduce compliance costs, encourage business formalization, and promote ease of doing business for MSMEs nationwide.

🔗 Read the full Memorandum Circular here: https://www.sec.gov.ph/mc-2026/sec-mc-no-13-series-of-2026/

Ensure full compliance with regulatory requirements and avoid penalties.

📩 For inquiries or assistance, please contact us.

Our office will be closed in observance of Holy Week on April 2 and 3. Regular operations will resume on April 6 from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Thank you and have a blessed Holy Week🤍

Please be informed of the updated office hours of JAO Law.
🗓️Monday to Friday: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM
🗓️Saturday & Sunday: By appointment

Welcome to JAO Law, Atty. Darlene Arpon! ⚖️✨

We’re excited to have you join the team and look forward to the great work ahead together.

𝐉𝐀𝐎 𝐋𝐀𝐖 𝐢𝐬 𝐡𝐢𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠.

We are looking for a highly organized, tech-savvy Legal Assistant who can keep up with a fast-paced and detail-driven practice.

If you’re strong in Excel, Word formatting, legal research, and document management — we’d love to hear from you.

📍Onsite position – Applicants must be willing to work in Carigara, Leyte

📩Send your CV to: [email protected]

📢 SEC UPDATE: LESS AUDIT REQUIREMENTS FOR MSMEs

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) issued SEC Memorandum Circular No. 4, Series of 2026, easing compliance for small businesses.

✔️No more audited financial statements for corporations with ₱3,000,000 or below in total assets or liabilities
✔️Submit Financial Statements + Statement of Management’s Responsibility (SMR) instead
✔️Applies to Stock, Non-Stock, and One Person Corporations (OPCs)
✔️Effective for FY ending on or after December 31, 2025

⚠️ Note: Officers remain personally accountable for false or misleading financial statements, and the SEC may still require audits when necessary.

Source: SEC Website