News & Updates

Imagine an AI system that, entirely on its own, invents a long-sought medicine that cures cancer. No human contributed to its creative process. Should the law allow such an invention to be patented? This is Part 2 of a series exploring how artificial intelligence is reshaping intellectual property law.

In the article, Ms. Culala examined the gender-based distinctions in the Philippine legal framework governing foreign spouses of Filipino citizens. She discussed the different pathways respectively available to foreign women and foreign men seeking Philippine citizenship by reason of marriage, as well as the requirements and procedures applicable to each. She also outlined the alternative immigration options available to foreign male spouses who do not qualify for citizenship through marriage.

On 4 September 2026, ACCRALAW Davao Branch held its Legal Forum for clients at the SEDA Abreeza Hotel in Davao City. This year’s Forum also marked the 30th anniversary since the opening of ACCRALAW Davao Branch, affirming the Firm’s long-established reputation of providing excellent legal service to its clients in the Philippines, including Mindanao.

ACCRALAW acted as Philippine counsel to Dubai Aerospace Enterprise (DAE) Ltd. in connection with the compulsory notification requirements under Republic Act No. 10667 or the Philippine Competition Act in connection with its acquisition of 100% of the issued share capital of Macquarie AirFinance Limited.

ACCRALAW’s senior partners served as moderator and panelists at the 5th Philippine Construction Arbitration Conference, further solidifying the Firm’s seasoned expertise in alternative dispute resolution and its intersection with construction law.

ACCRALAW acted as counsels in the investment by Sumitomo Mitsui Finance and Leasing Company, Limited (“SMFL”) in RCBC Leasing and Finance Corporation (“RLFC”). On 24 August 2026, SMFL and RLFC completed their transaction resulting in SMFL’s subscription to One Billion Three Hundred Eleven Million Sixty-Two Thousand Eight Hundred Eighty-Nine (1,311,062,889) newly issued Class B Common Shares of RLFC, representing thirty percent (30%) of RLFC’s outstanding capital stock.

ACCRALAW assisted Coolwave Communications Philippines, Inc. (“Coolwave”) in its registration as Data Transmission Industry Participant (“DTIP”) classified as a Voice-over-Internet-Protocol (“VoIP”) Reseller with the National Telecommunications Commission (“NTC”). Coolwave is an international cloud communications, voice, and messaging services provider and operates worldwide with network points of presence in major data hubs including Amsterdam, Dublin, London, and Singapore.

On 24 July 2026, the Angara Abello Concepcion Regala and Cruz Law Offices (ACCRALAW) held a testimonial dinner at the Shangri-La The Fort, Bonifacio Global City, to celebrate the admission of seven new Partners, namely, Ms. Celerina Rose D. Fajardo-Nacin, Ms. Franchesca Abigail C. Gesmundo, Ms. Shiree Amor P. Roma, Mr. James Patrick O. Alojado, Mr. Charlemagne Rae P. Chavez, Ms. Felice Suzanne D. Soria, and Mr. Dan Bernard S. Sabilala.

On its 25th year of providing scholarships to deserving students of the University Philippines (UP) College of Law, the ACCRALAW Scholarship Foundation, Inc., together with former Senator Franklin M. Drilon, the family of Atty. Violeta Calvo-Drilon, and the UP Law Scholarship Committee, held its annual scholarship awarding ceremony on 5 August 2026 at the Malcolm Hall Theater of the UP College of Law.

ACCRALAW acted as counsel to Issuer, Century Properties Group Inc. (“CPGI”), in connection with its PHP3 billion 5-year Series A 7.7000% Fixed Rate Notes issuance on 30 June 2026.