Amicus Curiae

Can a company assert ownership and exclusivity over a single letter? The Supreme Court tackled this issue with nuance in the case of Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, LLC (formerly Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide Inc.), v. Oceanic Empire Limited, promulgated on 28 January 2026.

The new Konektadong Pinoy Act (KPA), which took effect on 23 August 2025, marks a significant shift in how the Philippines approaches digital infrastructure. Positioned as a comprehensive framework for data transmission and connectivity, the new law and implementing rules and regulations (IRR) aims to dismantle longstanding structural barriers in the telecoms sector while accelerating universal internet access. As with any transformative reform, its promise is matched by the complexity of its implementation.

At the core of Republic Act No. 12234 or the Konektadong Pinoy Act (KPA), which took effect on 14 September 2025, is the policy objective of expanding digital connectivity while promoting fair competition and efficient use of spectrum resources. The KPA and its implementing rules and regulations contemplate future reforms in spectrum allocation, pricing, and utilization, as telecommunications technologies continue to evolve.

In today’s digital age, a person’s identity has become one of the most valuable assets he or she can own. Because of the rise of social media, artificial intelligence, and the content creator economy, a person’s identity now carries significant commercial value, creating opportunities for endorsements and business ventures.

Despite global uncertainties and headwinds, capital markets in the United States continue to set record highs. For one, the S&P 500 has repeatedly beaten its pre-pandemic records and rallied from a low of 2,191.86 points in March 2020 to about 7,408.50 points in May 2026. This would translate to about three-times growth in value of invested money.

It is an enshrined policy in our Constitution for the State to encourage non-governmental, community-based, or sectoral organizations that promote the welfare of the nation. This mandate is made more important today for Filipinos left impoverished and vulnerable, caused by the looming effects of the geopolitical disruptions affecting our country. In line with this mandate, the National Internal Revenue Code (Tax Code) provides tax incentives to persons who contribute to accredited institutions (Donee Institutions). This is where philanthropy and corporate social responsibility intersect.