2021

Tax Partner Stephanie V. Nava (SVN), Senior Director Alden Patrick C. Labaguis, and Senior Associate Lauren Antonette M. Mendoza, in collaboration with PortCalls, led a webinar on "Latest Customs Regulations (January to September 2021)” last Friday, 29 October 2021 via Zoom. Over 90 participants from several industries were present at the event.  Latest Customs Regulations webinar speakers during Q&A Mariel KIiatchko from PortCalls introduced SGV Indirect Tax Partner Stephanie V. Nava (SVN) as the opening speaker. SVN began the session with an overview of the Bureau of Customs, particularly updates on the collection efforts of the Bureau in relation to its Post Clearance Audit (PCA) and Prior Disclosure Program (PDP) and its relevance and importance in the logistics industry.   Senior Director Alden Patrick C. Labaguis and Senior Associate Lauren Antonette M. Mendoza discussed the relevant customs updates from March to September 2021. The discussion included customs regulations under the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA) of particular interest to the logistics sector (i.e., Compendium of Penalties under the CMTA, Manual of Appeals Procedure under the CMTA). The event included an open forum where the speakers were joined by Mr. Dexter Pedreza, VP-Professional Development of the Chamber of Customs Brokers, Inc. to address several questions from the participants.  The webinar’s organizing team included Tax Senior Associates Lauren Mendoza and Francis Escala.
SGV Indirect Tax & Global Trade Senior Director Atty. Alden Patrick Labaguis was the guest speaker at the IBPAP LEGCOM Meeting: VAT on Digital Transactions on 6 October 2021. The virtual briefing was spearheaded by and provided in coordination with the IT and Business Process Association of the Philippines (IBPAP).  IBPAP guest speaker SGV Tax Senior Director Atty. Labaguis Atty. Labaguis was invited by IBPAP to share his valuable insights on the salient provisions of House Bill No. 7425, which proposes to impose value-added tax (VAT) on digital transactions in the Philippines. On 21 September 2021, the House of Representatives approved on final reading a proposal imposing a 12% VAT on digital transactions in the country to generate new sources of funding for the country’s COVID-19 response efforts. The Bill seeks to clarify the imposition of VAT on online advertisement services, digital services in exchange for a regular subscription fee, and the supply of other electronic and online services. Participation in the virtual briefing was coordinated by Logistics Industry Leader and Tax Principal Stephanie V. Nava (SVN) and Technology Industry Leader and Assurance Partner Manolito R. Elle (MRE). The briefing’s coordination and organizing team included Tax Associate Director Gracia Mae A. Beronilla and Tax Senior Associate Roland Joseph C. Mendoza.
The Philippine Association of Realty Appraisers (PARA) Inc. conducted its third Continuing Professional Development (CPD) webinar, on  “Philippine Valuation Standards (PVS) 2018, 2nd Edition”. SGV Strategy and Transactions Partner Marie Stephanie Tan-Hamed (MTH) was invited as a guest speaker during the sessions held on 16 October and 23 October of the three-day event. MTH shared her insights on IVS 200 Business and Business Interests and IVS 210 Intangible Assets during the first day. She then shared insights on IVS 500 Financial Instruments during the second day.  MTH presents during the second day of the webinar The CPD-accredited webinar was attended by licensed and registered real estate practitioners who were interested in learning more about the Philippine Valuation Standards 2018, its contents and impact on the practice of the appraisal profession. 
The Philippine Institute of Certified Public Accountants (PICPA) East Metro Manila Chapter organized a webinar titled Basic Customs Rules on Import and Export of Goods last 19 October 2021. PICPA Eastern Metro Manila representative Alexander Querido hosted the event and welcomed over 90 participants to the webinar. He also introduced the speaker, SGV Indirect Tax Senior Director Atty. Alden Patrick C. Labaguis. PICPA East Metro Manila webinar attendees Atty. Labaguis provided a comprehensive discussion on the basic customs rules on import and export to the PICPA Eastern Metro Manila chapter members. He started the topic with a brief overview of the Bureau of Customs and the governing law which is the CMTA; thereafter, he proceeded with a detailed discussion on Export, Import and addressed the penalties under the CMTA. Lastly, he also briefly discussed the CREATE Law updates in relation to Customs.  The webinar concluded with an open forum moderated by Mr. Querido where Atty. Labaguis addressed the participants’ questions.
Strategy and Transactions (SaT) Senior Associate Natalya Gertrude O. Ng passed the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) Level 2 examination.  Natalya Gertrude O. Ng Offered by the CFA Institute, the CFA credential is the standard of choice for investment professionals with real-world analytical skills, technical competence, and high ethical and professional standards. Level 1 tests a candidate’s knowledge and comprehension of investment tools, while Level 2 focuses on the application of these tools and analysis for asset valuation. Finally, Level 3 synthesizes all learnings in the portfolio management context and incorporates a constructed response component. Candidates who have completed all three levels of the exam may seek to earn the CFA Charter after meeting the required professional work experience.  Congratulations Natalya! 
The Junior Philippine Institute of Accountants - University of the East Manila Chapter (JPIA - UE Manila Chapter) organized a webinar titled Groundwork: Knowledge is Power (Tax) on 17 October 2021. The webinar was part of the Groundwork Series by the JPIA - UE Manila Chapter. The Groundwork Series is a long-term project that aims to cover the six major subjects that will be included in the CPA board exams. The webinar was attended by 70 participants composed of 3rd year and 4th year BSA and BSMA students from University of the East Manila.  LLL and ACE with participants at the webinar SGV Tax Partners Hentje Leo L. Leaño (LLL) and Aaron C. Escartin (ACE) were invited as guest speakers for the event. They shared knowledge and expertise on the Special Economic Zone Act, the Omnibus Investments Code and the basics of double-taxation agreements.  The webinar ended with an open forum led by the organizers. Tax Associate Director Virly Jane R. Tiare assisted on the preparation of materials and on-the-day support during the event.
SGV Partners and staff took part in the Philippine Institute of Certified Public Accountants Southern Metro Manila Chapter (PICPA SMMC) Adopt-A-Chapter webinar series on 26 September 2021. Tax Partner and PICPA SMMC Ex-Officio Maricris U. See (MUS) delivered the opening remarks and emphasized the value of continuous learning and professional growth and the partnership between PICPA SMMC and PICPA Palawan Chapters. Tax Senior Associates and PICPA SMMC Co-Chairs for Social Involvement Edsel Francis Lima and Maria Edelwina Pastrana moderated the morning session and led the participants during the Oath of CPAs. ACE during the PICPA SMMC session Tax Partner Aaron C. Escartin (ACE) led the morning session on the recent developments in taxation particularly the newly enacted CREATE Law. Tax Associate Director and PICPA SMMC Chair for Social Involvement Jao Renzo Mercado welcomed the participants during the afternoon session, which focused on year-end reminders for the audit of financial statements and their preparation. Over 110 participants joined the morning and afternoon sessions from the PICPA Palawan Chapter. The PICPA Adopt-A-Chapter webinar series is an annual project of the PICPA SMMC and aims to equip participants with relevant competencies and update the knowledge of CPAs in different regions.
The Philippine Institute of Certified Public Accountants (PICPA) Western Metro Manila Chapter (WMMC) conducted a webinar titled Sustainability Reporting and the Evolving Role of Accountants on 29 October 2021. Climate change and sustainability services (CCaSS) Partner Benjamin N. Villacorte (BNV) and CCaSS Manager Joanna Benin were the speakers at the webinar. Over 80 people attended the event.  BNV and Joanna as speakers of the webinar Joanna gave an overview of sustainability and its relevance to business and different stakeholders. She highlighted the benefits of Sustainability Reporting and Assurance to meet the growing demand for greater transparency regarding non-financial reporting. BNV discussed long-term value creation on sustainability, including investors’ take on ESG and non-financial reporting. He also talked about the materiality principle and the importance of stakeholder engagement as part of materiality assessment.  BNV closed the session by highlighting the role of accountants in the sustainability space.  
Single parenting is a role that is both challenging and fulfilling at the same time. SGV Consulting, in the 4th installment of its SheInspires webinar series on 29 October 2021, put the spotlight on single parents and their children.  The webinar was attended by over 300 SGVeans.  SGV Partners with panelists and moderators The panelists shared their individual stories and how they were supported by family and their extended families at work.  Through this support, they managed to find balance in their lives despite overwhelming responsibilities. One notable item highlighted by the panelists was how their children turned out to be more responsible, more independent and more driven to succeed.  Indeed, there is no limit to the love and care that humans can extend and there is no limit as well on the positive effects of this love.     The webinar included panelists: Assurance Partner Christine G. Vallejo, Tax Partner Maricris U. See, Tax Senior Manager Auresana Torres and BES Administrative Lead Romelizza Gonzales. MG1 Leader Michael C. Sabado, Assurance Partner Djole S. Garcia and Consulting Partner Carlo Kristle G. Dimarucut moderated the event.
SGV Tax leader Atty. Fabian K. delos Santos (FKS) was invited by the Bankers Institute of the Philippines, Inc. (BAIPHIL) to be the guest speaker in a webinar titled General Membership Meeting (GMM) and Executive Learning Series (ELS): The Fundamentals of CREATE Law and Updates on Tax Regulations on 26 October 2021. FKS answers questions from the participants FKS provided updates on the tax regulations and other issuances impacting the banking industry. He also shared his insights on pending bills, such as the Digital Services Taxation Bill and Tax Reform Packages 3 and 4.  The webinar concluded with an open forum, where FKS addressed the participants' questions. The event was attended by over 300 participants, with Financial Services Organization - Tax Partner Jay A. Ballesteros (JAB) and Global Compliance and Reporting (GCR) Senior Manager Mary Grace Cabalida representing SGV.