SGV Climate Change and Sustainability Services (CCaSS) Senior Associate Jouelle Hannah Nerveza was the resource speaker in a Thought Leadership Series session entitled “Building Professionals for Sustainability and Climate Action” held at Mapúa Malayan Colleges Laguna (MCL) on 11 May 2023. Jouelle talks about building professionals for sustainability and climate action Jouelle gave an introduction on sustainability and its relevance to society. She discussed the four pillars of sustainability - economic, environment, social and governance - and its drivers - regulators and government, investors, NGOs and communities, employees, customers, and private entities. She also shared her path towards sustainability and some significant global and local developments on sustainability reporting. She introduced SGV and CCaSS and shared some of SGV’s sustainability initiatives particularly the formation of the Sustainable Actions for Value Creation and Enablement (SAVE) Council, which aims to help drive and integrate sustainability in the Firm. She also talked about the publication of SGV’s Sustainability Report including Beyond the Bottom Line: Sustainability Reporting in the Philippines, which contains a review of Philippine publicly listed companies’ sustainability reports, as well as discussions on global and local developments around environmental, social, and governance (ESG). Jouelle Nerveza with Mapúa MCL’s Vice President Prof. James Ronald Mesina and the onsite participants Jouelle concluded her presentation by highlighting how different professionals have the opportunity to apply their respective experiences in leading sustainability initiatives. She also encouraged the participants to start their journey towards sustainability.

The SGV Business Tax Services team headed by SGV Tax Partner Cheryl Edeline C. Ong (CCO) held a webinar on “How to Hurdle your BIR Audit” on 28 April 2023. SGV International Tax and Transaction Services (ITTS) Partner Atty. Auresana “Rhena” B. Ines (ABI) was the resource speaker for the webinar which was attended by 175 clients and non-clients from various industries.  SGV Partners and participants during the webinar ABI discussed how to navigate the complexities of BIR audits, providing valuable insights and practical tips to help participants prepare for and successfully hurdle these audits. The topics discussed in the webinar were highly relevant and informative, covering tax issuances and jurisprudence essential for businesses.  SGV Tax Partners Cheryl Edeline C. Ong and Auresana B. Ines (center) with the Business Tax Services team Rhena also delved into common tax audit issues that businesses face, such as discrepancies in financial statements or incomplete documentation. She provided practical tips on how to handle these issues effectively, including maintaining accurate records and responding promptly to audit requests.  Members of the SGV Business Tax Services team Members of the organizing team included Ala Mei T. Domingo, Ernest Adrian F. Co, Jasmine Ann A. Rosit, Katelene D. Alianza, Kara Marie Angela R. Bagunas, Kimberly Camille G. Mendoza, Kristina Mae V. Cueto, Lou Delianne I. Reboja, Marla Arielle B. So, Niño Louis M. Belarma, Ron Christian T. Eupeña, Tom Lui M. Estrella, Wilfred P. Alfeche, Lei Christianne O. Delos Angeles, Honey Grace O. Carlos, and Cristine Limho.

EY Latin America North Tax Technology & Innovation Leader Luis D. Beltran Farias (Mexico), Tax Policy for Government Services Partner Richard Stern (US), and Asean Tax Leader Amarjeet Singh (Malaysia) together with SGV Tax Leader Fabian K. Delos Santos (FKS), SGV Clark Partner-In-Charge and Head Margaux A. Advincula (MAA), and Tax Partners Cheryl Edeline C. Ong (CCO) and Thyrza F. Marbas (TFM) joined a Consultative Meeting with the Department of Finance (DOF) and the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) on the Digital Transformation Initiatives in ASEAN at the BIR National Office Building (NOB) in Diliman, Quezon City on 19 April 2023. SGV Partners and EY Global and Asean Leaders with BIR leaders and representatives The EY Global and Asean Leaders and consultants from the different regions shared their experiences on the role of tax intermediaries, data analytics, and e-tax audits in the digital transformation of tax administrations. The participants shared insights on how digital solutions can enhance tax collection, reduce fraud, and improve taxpayer experience. The consultative meeting aimed to discuss the digital transformation initiatives in ASEAN and how other countries have implemented them. It also discussed the challenges and opportunities brought about by digital transformation in the ASEAN region and explored ways to leverage technology for tax administration and compliance.