If a foreigner wants to buy a property and develop it to a beach resort, which part of Luzon is better? Batangas, Zambales, La Union or Pangasinan?
I am not sure which part is best (although I would favour Batangas) but it is more the very specific location (e.g. local scenery, near an airport, other public transport links, quality of roads, access to beaches, access to diving, facilities within the resort, quality of food) which would make the biggest difference. Then, however good all the above are, if the resort is not underpinned by excellent customer service, it will be far less successful than it could be or maybe even will close. One factor may be how many other resorts are in the area: Some may see this as competition but others may see it as a sign the area is good for locating a resort and can draw people in (as with Dauin). I would agree with the latter view.
I suppose we could ask any of the foreign "resort owners" right here in Dumaguete? But really, no special laws are needed. The foreigner just has to realize he can only own a certain percentage of the Philippine Corporation that owns the land. The resort (on land leased from the said corporation) can be owned by a foreigner with the existing laws. But you better check with a lawyer as I have been wrong before. (However if it turns out I am wrong this time you should let the big foreign corporations like Hilton and Marriot know about it as they think they own their resorts, I'm sure.)
Aren't they franchises? Much different than corporations in the Philippines. Foreigners are not allowed to own any percentage of a franchise and they cannot be bought through a dummy (or legitimate) corporation.
There are no special laws permitting foreigners to buy property. Its simply not allowed under the constitution. You will need to enter into an agreement with a Filipina to possess the title and have it legally consigned to you via a lease or some such mechanism.
