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.

Proclamation No. 470, series of 1994 declares the first week of October of every year as LINGGO NG KATANDAANG FILIPINO or ELDERLY FILIPINO WEEK.

During this week, we celebrate the immeasurable contributions of our beloved Senior Citizens to Nation Building. [ SOURCE: Proclamation No. 470, September 26, 1994 ]

While employers are obliged to provide their employees with a weekly rest day of not less than twenty (24) consecutive hours, the Labor Code, under Article 92, nonetheless recognizes circumstances when the employer may compel his or her employee to work on a rest day.

Proclamation No. 244, series of 1993 declares September of every year as the National Clean-up Month, and every 17th to the 23rd of each September as the World Clean and Green Week. During this month and week, clean-up and greening activities of the government, and of the Global YES Resolution, are observed and intensified.