January 2023

SGV General Santos and the General Santos City Government launched its first edition of the Doing Business in General Santos City publication on 19 January 2023 at the Avior Hotel, General Santos City.  SGV Chairman and Country Managing Partner Wilson P. Tan (WPT) with OIC Mayor, City Councilor Richard Atendido during the Doing Business in GenSan launch SGV partners and leaders, GenSan CEMCDO officials, and representatives from the GenSan Chamber of Commerce and Industry, South Cotabato Filipino-Chinese Chamber of Commerce, the LGU, and national government agencies pose with a copy of the Doing Business in GenSan brochure Developed by SGV in close collaboration with the General Santos City Economic Management and Cooperative Development Office (CEMCDO), the publication is a brief guide for potential foreign and local investors looking to set up business operations in GenSan. The publication aims to promote and highlight the developments in GenSan, as well as the reforms and initiatives set forth by the government and the private sector that would benefit locators and investors alike. On behalf of General Santos City Mayor Lorelie G. Pacquiao, Executive Assistant III Johnrex Galdo delivered the opening remarks. This was followed by an opening message from SGV Chairman and Country Managing Partner Wilson P. Tan (WPT). SGV Davao and General Santos Partner-In-Charge Jose Raoul J. Balisalisa (JJB) provided a short introduction of the Doing Business in General Santos City brochure before it was officially launched. To conclude the program, City Government Department Head II Dr. Leonard V. Flores and SGV Market Group 4 Leader Veronica R. Pore (VRP) delivered their respective closing messages. SGV Business Tax Partner Thyrza F. Marbas (TFM), SGV Global Compliance and Reporting Partner Saha P. Adlawan-Bulagsak (SAB), and SGV Assurance Senior Associate Kenneth John E. Alimosa were also present during the event. They were joined by OIC Mayor Councilor Richard Atendido, CEMCDO Department Head Dr. Leonard V. Flores, and representatives from the GenSan Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the South Cotabato Filipino-Chinese Chamber of Commerce, the LGU, and national government agencies. The Doing Business in General Santos City publication is the latest issue in SGV’s Doing Business in the Philippines series. The brochure presents an economic overview of GenSan, its taxation rules, investment policies, incentives for investors, and essential information on GenSan’s assets.
Global Compliance Reporting (GCR) Partners Hentje Leo L. Leaño (LLL) and Maricris U. See (MUS) were recognized as Outstanding Philippine Institute of Certified Public Accounts (PICPA) Members from the Metro Manila Region (MMR) during the 77th PICPA Annual National Convention (ANC) held from 23 to 26 November in Cebu City. Outstanding PICPA Members Maricris U. See and Hentje Leo L. Leaño Leo and Maricris were recognized for their outstanding performance as presidents of the PICPA Eastern Metro Manila Chapter (EMMC) for Fiscal Year (FY) 2016-2017 and Southern Metro Manila Chapter (SMMC) for FY 2020-2021, respectively. Their citations noted their active participation as chairs or members of various MMR and PICPA national committees which contributed to the attainment of PICPA’s goals and aspirations. Also recognized during the 77th PICPA ANC were former Business Consulting Partner and Chief Risk Officer Leonardo J. Matignas Jr. (LJM) and former Country Tax Leader Luis P. Ferrer (LPF) as Honorary Life Members. Congratulations, Leo and Maricris!
SGV’s Financial Accounting Advisory Services (FAAS) and Climate Change and Sustainability Services (CCaSS) teams hosted a webinar titled Climate change and its impact on your reporting on 5 December 2022. The webinar was attended by about 121 Chief Financial Officers and finance team members.  Event poster Assurance Leader Martin C. Guantes (MCG) delivered the opening remarks while FAAS and CCaSS Partner Benjamin N. Villacorte (BNV) and FAAS Senior Director Anna Maria Rubi B. Diaz (Rhia) were the resource speakers at the event. Benjamin and Rhia were also joined by EY Asean FAAS Leader Aris C. Malantic (ACM) for a panel discussion moderated by FAAS Director Sheena Dyan C. Suarez, who hosted the webinar as well. Martin delivers his opening remarks Benjamin talks about creating long-term value with sustainability Rhia talks about accounting for climate change Benjamin and Rhia talked about creating long-term value with sustainability, developments on sustainability standards, and accounting for climate change. Benjamin said that creating long-term value is a strategic move by organizations. He also added that long-term value and sustainability have created a strategic imperative for business leaders to act, driven by investors, regulators, employees, consumers, and a broader society. Panel discussion Rhia talked about increasing expectations from stakeholders and the role of entities in explaining how climate-related matters are considered material from a qualitative perspective in preparing their financial statements. She also discussed accounting considerations that entities need to contemplate in accounting for climate change particularly Philippine Accounting Standard (PAS) 16, Property, Plant and Equipment; PAS 36, Impairment of Assets; PAS 37, Provisions, Contingent Liabilities and Contingent Assets; and PAS 1, Presentation of Financial Statements. CCaSS Senior Director Crystal Aleli R. Cornell, CCaSS Associate Director Rosheena E. Borlaza, FAAS Associate Director Russel P. Ocol, FAAS Administrative Lead Kristine Kaye E. Bacay, FAAS Senior Associate John Andrew H. King, FAAS Associate Julia John B. Tabuzo, and EY Technology Associate John Edward C. Saw were part of the organizing team.
The SGV Customs team conducted a complimentary Customs Updates seminar for various clients/importers located in Davao on 13 December 2022 at the SGV Davao office. The SGV Customs Updates seminar was headed by Indirect Tax and Customs Partner Atty. Stephanie V. Nava (SVN) and featured discussions led by Senior Director Atty. Jo Ann Marie O. Casio, Associate Director Atty. Dawna Fya O. Bandiola, and Senior Associates Atty. Michelle V. Alvaro and Atty. Andrea Nicole C. Loreno. Event poster SGV Davao clients/importers at the Customs Updates seminar SGV Davao Tax Partner Saha P. Adlawan-Bulagsak (SAB) delivered the opening remarks and Atty. Jo Ann initiated the discussion by giving an introduction on the Bureau of Customs (BOC) processes. She also explained the Post Clearance Audit (PCA) and Prior Disclosure Program (PDP) processes. Atty. Dawna provided an in-depth lecture on the Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) Program, Strategic Trade Management Act (STMA), and New Rules on Accreditation of Importers.  The SGV Customs team with SGV Davao Partners Saha P. Adlawan-Bulagsak and Jose Raoul J. Balisalisa The SGV Customs Team with SGV Davao Partners Saha P. Adlawan-Bulagsak and Jose Raoul J. Balisalisa Atty. Nicole then described the phases of establishing and operating a Customs Bonded Warehouse. She also presented updates on the 2022 ASEAN Harmonized Tariff Nomenclature (AHTN 2022) and discussed the Tariff Classification/Dispute Ruling.  Atty. Michelle provided clarification on the list of imported articles that no longer require the issuance of an Authority to Release Imported Goods (ATRIG) prior to release from the custody of the Bureau of Customs. She discussed the implementation of the Net Weight per Line-Item Declaration for All PEZA Shipments and updated the clients on other recent customs issuances.  The seminar concluded with a message from SGV Davao Partner-in-charge Jose Raoul J. Balisalisa (JJB) who thanked the attendees for their time and mentioned that the Customs Updates seminar is part of the thought leadership initiatives of the Firm. 
The SGV Business Tax Services (BTS) team conducted an Electronic Invoicing System (EIS) webinar for clients on 7 November 2022. It was attended by over 800 SGV clients engaged in the export of goods and services, e-commerce, and/or classified as Large Taxpayers by the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), which are covered taxpayers in the upcoming implementation of the EIS. EIS webinar speakers and participants SGV BTS Team awards certificates of appreciation to BIR speakers SGV Technology Consulting Partner Armand N. Cajayon (ANC) discussed the basics of developing an Application Programming Interface (API) that can transmit invoices issued from the taxpayers' system to the BIR. Tax Senior Associate Atty. Ma. May P. Matuguina hosted the webinar and moderated the Q&A session.  The team was also joined by representatives from the BIR. BIR Assistant Commissioner Janette Cruz discussed and answered questions on Revenue Regulations 8-2022 and 9-2022 as well as the latest information, updates, and insights on the BIR’s implementation of the e-Invoicing System (EIS). She was joined by BIR Tax Audit Review Division OIC-Chief Junjun Andallo and Taxpayer Service Programs & Monitoring Division Revenue Officer Tessa Hermosura. SGV Tax Partners Atty. Thyrza F. Marbas (TFM) and Atty. Arlyn A. Sarmiento-Sy (AAS), Senior Directors Atty. Melissa Joyce To and Atty. Rule Amethyst Oporto, Associate Director Atty. Grace Lilac Desuasido, and Senior Associate Atty. Cecille De Villa led the webinar’s organizing team.
SGV International Tax and Transaction Services Partner Atty. Auresana “Rhena” B. Ines (ABI) was a resource speaker at the Excursion: Navigating the Trail of the Accounting Profession webinar organized by the Junior Philippine Institute of Accountants - Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila (JPIA-PLM) on 20 November 2022 via Zoom. Around 60 Accountancy students attended the event. Atty. Rhena with some of the participants Atty. Rhena talked about her journey to becoming a CPA-Lawyer and personal and professional challenges she encountered. She also shared tips on getting good grades, passing the board and bar exams, and joining a firm that advocates integrity. Atty. Rhena highlighted the need to have a firm purpose to withstand challenges. She shared that she was able to achieve what she had always wanted to do because of her family, team, and SGV’s support. She added that the Firm’s Purpose aligned with hers and that the Firm gave her the opportunity to do what she loves – mentoring, teaching, and helping others comply with rules. Talent Supervising Associate Julia-Anne J. Deypalan and Talent Associate Juliene Marinela M. Salayon assisted Atty. Rhena in coordinating with the JPIA-PLM team.
SGV International Tax and Transaction Services (ITTS) Partner Atty. Auresana “Rhena” B. Ines (ABI) and Indirect Tax (IDT) Senior Director Atty. Alden Patrick C. Labaguis participated in the 3rd IT & Business Process Association of the Philippines (IBPAP) CEO Forum with the theme “Harnessing Multi-Sectoral Synergy for Talent Development in PH IT-BPM” on 28 November 2022 at the Manila House, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig. The event was attended by IBPAP Platinum Club members and Ernst & Young Global Delivery Services (EY GDS) representatives. Atty. Rhena (left) and Atty. Alden (right) with IBPAP President and CEO Jack Madrid (center) Guest speakers covered the Philippine Skills Framework which focuses on creating a common skills language, building deep skills for a lean workforce, enhancing business competitiveness, and supporting employment and employability. EY GDS Philippines Consulting Leader Raymond Garret Go was part of the panel discussion. They talked about IT-BPM’s roadmap to 2028, the need to acquire and develop young and innovative talent, the DTI’s role in helping the industry, the execution of set rules, and the role of the academe in upgrading and rescaling courses. The forum concluded with a call to action for the government, academe, and private sector to respond quickly and create other modes of learning such as certification programs. 
Global Compliance Reporting (GCR) Partner Hentje Leo L. Leaño (LLL) served as one of the Overall Co-Chairs of the 77th Philippine Institute of Certified Public Accountants (PICPA) Annual National Convention (ANC) held from 23 to 26 November 2022 in Cebu City. GCR Senior Director Meynard L. Sardalla also served as a member of the ANC Overall Committee.  77th PICPA ANC Technical Sessions Committee members Leo concurrently served as the Technical Sessions Committee Chair in charge of the selection of topics, speakers and moderators for the technical sessions held during the ANC. GCR Associate Directors David Jonathan F. Manalili and Mica Alyana C. Rivera, GCR Senior Associate Jan Marion V. Dela Cruz and Administrative Intermediate Anna Eliza S. Hernandez were also part of the ANC’s Technical Sessions Committee. The topics in the technical sessions revolved around the theme of the 77th PICPA ANC, “Play It Forward: Securing a Sustainable Future.” 
SGV International Tax and Transaction Services (ITTS) Partner Atty. Auresana “Rhena” B. Ines (ABI) hosted a webinar on “Recent Developments on Transfer Pricing in the Philippines” organized by the Philippine Institute of Certified Public Accountants (PICPA) Western Metro Manila Chapter (WMMC) on 28 November 2022. Around 70 PICPA members and officers attended the event. Event poster During the session, Atty. Rhena helped participants clarify the items to be disclosed in their respective Information Return on Related Party Transactions (BIR Form 1709), the types of taxpayers required to prepare Transfer Pricing documentation, and the items that they should consider or look into while preparing their audited financial statements for Transfer Pricing audit.
SGV Partners Marie Stephanie C. Tan-Hamed (MTH), Christian G. Lauron (CGL), and Clairma T. Mangangey (CTM) served as speakers in the 77th Philippine Institute of Certified Public Accountants (PICPA) Annual National Convention (ANC) technical sessions held from 23 to 26 November 2022 in Cebu City. Stephanie provides economic updates Clairma talks about E&S issuesChristian during his technical sessionStephanie kicked off the technical sessions with an economic update focusing on the Philippine developmental objectives and strategy of the new administration in the context of the global economic environment and conditions. Christian, representing the Public Practice Sector, led the discussion on “CPAs as Industry Leaders in a Highly Disrupted Period” while Clairma discussed “Governance of Environmental and Social (E&S) Issues.” Consulting Markets Co-Leader and EY Asean Fields of Play Leader Maria Kathrina Macaisa-Peña (KSM) moderated the panel discussion on CGL’s technical session, while Business Tax Services (BTS) Partner and Asean Tax Transformation Leader Cheryl Edeline C. Ong (CCO) moderated the panel discussion on “Digital and Agile Leadership: Going beyond Paper to PDF.” Nearly 6,000 participants attended the 77th PICPA ANC with more than 4,600 attending physically at the IEC Convention Center and 1,300 virtually via Zoom.