Perspectives from Our Experts
Dive into thought leadership, practical guides, and expert commentary from the Starlight team — covering compliance, taxation, corporate strategy, and life in the Philippine business landscape.
Philippine Lifestyle Sourcing Expo 2026: Starlight Recap
Starlight joined the Philippine Lifestyle Sourcing Expo 2026 at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City on October 8 to 10. We met businesses interested in our services, especially Chinese business owners looking to enter the Philippine market. Ms. Aileen Chen, our Sales Consultant, spoke about our four major solutions: Enter, Establish, Approve, and Protect.
By Starlight Admin · Blogs · October 13, 2026
Registered Isn’t Protected: What Philippine Founders Still Need After SEC and BIR
Registering with the SEC or DTI and the BIR makes your business legal, but it doesn't protect your assets, your family, or your co-owners. Here are the tax, liability, and ownership gaps Philippine founders should close next.
By Starlight Admin · Blogs · October 5, 2026
FDA Compliance Health Check: Auditing Your LTO, CPN, and CPR Before They Expire
The License to Operate covers your establishment, while the CPR and CPN cover your products, and each has its own expiry date. The FDA's renewal rules shifted during 2025 under Administrative Order No. 2024-0015 and several advisories. This guide walks Philippine businesses through a practical audit of their FDA authorizations, with a checklist to help avoid a lapse.
By Starlight Admin · Blogs · September 28, 2026
Year-End Compliance Countdown: Business Permit Renewal, 13th Month Pay, and Mandatory Benefits Ahead of 2027
As the year comes to a close, Philippine businesses face a compressed compliance period covering business permit renewal, 13th month pay, and year-end payroll and government filings. This guide breaks down the key deadlines, requirements, and compliance points to help businesses prepare ahead of the 2027 renewal cycle and avoid last-minute penalties or missed filings.
By Starlight Admin · Blogs · September 16, 2026
Employer of Record in the Philippines: A Complete Guide to Compliant Hiring Without a Local Entity
What an Employer of Record (EOR) actually covers under Philippine law, how it compares to setting up a local entity or hiring contractors, and how to check a provider's compliance before you sign.
By Starlight HR · Blogs · September 11, 2026
SEC Annual Compliance Calendar in the Philippines: GIS, AFS, and Other Deadlines You Can't Miss
SEC compliance doesn't end at registration. Every Philippine corporation owes the SEC a General Information Sheet and Audited Financial Statements every year — plus a beneficial ownership update that can now block your GIS from filing if it's not done first. Here's the current deadlines, what changed under the 2026 rules, and the penalty relief in effect through year-end.
By Starlight Compliance · Blogs · September 9, 2026
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