October 2020

COIN Team holds ASEAN Tax webcast  SGV’s China Overseas Investment Network (COIN) team, led by Tax Partners Fidela Francisca I. Reyes (FIR) and Maricris U. See (MUS) and Assurance Senior Manager Jonathan Bino, facilitated a webinar titled Going Global Webinar Series 2: Investing in Malaysia and the Philippines last 18 September. The webinar was conducted in Mandarin and hosted by EY China. Other speakers included members of the EY Malaysia COIN Team.  FIR, MUS and Jonathan with other members of the EY ASEAN COIN Team   The speakers discussed the tax considerations in setting up manufacturing facilities in or transferring supply chain operations to the Philippines. They presented local policies and regulations that may impact existing and new investors, such as COVID-19-related stimulus plans and tax incentives intended to mitigate the impact of the pandemic. The webinar was well-received by participants composed of executives and representatives from Chinese companies.  

CCO speaks at PAMPI meeting  On 23 September, SGV Tax Partner Cheryl C. Ong (CCO) was also a guest speaker at the General Membership Meeting of the Philippine Association of Meat Processors Inc. (PAMPI). Over 60 participants composed of representatives from manufacturers of processed meats and suppliers attended the meeting.   CCO with participants at the PAMPI meeting  She discussed tax updates on recent BIR issuances, the Bayanihan 2 Law, and pending legislation before Congress. She also discussed newly issued regulations such as the submission of BIR Form No. 1709 and related attachments on related-party transactions, the Voluntary Assessment and Payment Program for Taxable Year 2018 (RR No. 21-2020), the CREATE bill, and the extension of the period to avail of estate tax amnesty (House Bill No. 7068). 

Cebu holds CREATE webinar  SGV Cebu organized a webinar on the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises (CREATE) bill for members of the Mactan Export Processing Zone Chamber of Exporters and Manufacturers (MEPZCEM) and the Association of MEPZ Controllers and Accountants (AMCA) last 18 September. Tax Manager Anne Momongan moderated the session.   CCO presenting at the CREATE webinar  SGV Tax Partner and SGV Cebu Partner-in-Charge Cheryl C. Ong (CCO) discussed updates on the bill’s progress, its salient provisions and proposed tax incentives. She explained business strategies companies can explore to maximize the bill’s incentives, creating better opportunities for their businesses. She also provided insights on how companies can prepare for the proposed tax reforms. The webinar’s organizing team included Tax Managers Karen Mae Calam-Ibanez, Edmond Emperio and Senior Associate Wennonah Marie Garces. 

CCO joins EY ASEAN Tax webcast  SGV Tax Partner Cheryl C. Ong (CCO) was one of the speakers at the EY ASEAN Tax webcast last 17 September. The webinar covered how ASEAN companies and potential investors can optimize their investments in Malaysia, the Philippines and Myanmar. The presenters discussed how businesses can benefit from a global investment strategy on relocation and expansion, maximizing the benefits of COVID-19-related incentives in the three countries.     CCO presenting at the EY ASEAN Tax webcast  CCO discussed key points and relevant issues in investing in the Philippines and provided an overview of Philippine tax incentives, emphasizing the recent proposed tax reforms and items under the 2017 Investment Priorities Plan (IPP). She also discussed local COVID-19-related incentives under Republic Act No. 11469 or the Bayanihan to Heal as One Act.   Other speakers included EY ASEAN Tax Leader Amarjeet Singh; EY Global Incentives, Innovation and Location Services Leader Brian R. Smith; and EY Myanmar Tax Director Phyo May Thaw. 

WPT joins Ayala-FINEX Summit  SGV Chairman and Country Managing Partner (CMP) Wilson P. Tan (WPT) was a panelist in the Ayala-FINEX Finance Summit last 9 September. With the theme Reimagining the future. Leading through the unknown, the summit discussed leading practices and business strategies aimed at managing the challenges caused by the pandemic, as well as global megatrends and possible scenarios for businesses in a future beyond the pandemic.   JAZA presenting at the Ayala-FINEX Summit  Ayala Corporation (AC) Chairman and CEO Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala (JAZA) shared how AC is reframing the future through innovative and sustainable practices. He emphasized the importance of stakeholder-centric and discovery-driven approaches in optimizing customer reach and experience, designing alternative work arrangements and operating models, and renewing commitment to society. He also presented AC’s digital transformation framework and spoke on the pandemic’s impact on the areas of digital finance, e-commerce and telemedicine, highlighting how it has encouraged them to innovate and redesign their operating models.  WPT presenting at the Ayala-FINEX Summit  WPT commended AC’s people-centric business approach and its commitment to its stakeholders. He also commended AC’s inspiring social corporate responsibility initiatives that strengthen meaningful collaboration across organizations.   Emphasizing the value of digital transformation and innovation strategies, he pointed out that business leaders need to maximize digital platforms to drive long-term value in their organizations, connect with their people, and better serve their clients. WPT shared how SGV has also leveraged on digital platforms to continue delivering exceptional client service during the pandemic.