Capital Markets Just Got a Tax Makeover: What You Need to Know About RA 12214 (CMEPA)
Effective July 1, 2025, the Capital Markets Efficiency Promotion Act (CMEPA)—officially Republic Act No. 12214—goes live. And for the financial sector, that’s not just a footnote in tax law. It’s a game-changing shift in how capital income is taxed and how investments are encouraged in the Philippines. Passed to sharpen the country’s edge in global […]
Digital Transformation in the Philippines: The Rise of Cashless Payments
The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas just released its 2024 “Status of Digital Payments” report—and it’s a game‑changer. Digital transactions now make up 57.4 % of all retail payment volume, rising from 52.8 % in 2023. On the value side, e‑money claims 59 %, up from 55.3 % last year—surpassing the Philippine Development Plan’s target range of 52–54 %. Momentum & Milestones […]
Internet Transactions Act Now Live — What You Need to Know
What’s New? Republic Act 11967—also known as the Internet Transactions Act (ITA)—has officially entered full effect as of June 20, 2025, concluding its 18‑month compliance lead time. This law empowers the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) to: Why It Matters New Powers for Government & Platforms Private Sector Cheers Major players—Lazada, Shopee, Zalora, Foodpanda, Grab, […]
Offshore Wind in the Philippines Just Got a Boost—Here’s What You Need to Know About the DOE’s New Permitting Guidebook
What’s the Big Deal? The Department of Energy (DOE) just released the “Compendium: Guidebook to Permitting and Consenting for Offshore Wind Energy Projects.” In a sector long known for red tape, this is a breakthrough document—designed to make it faster, clearer, and more consistent to develop wind farms in Philippine waters. Whether you’re a local […]
Can Philippine Tax Collections Keep Up With Its Growing Debt?
As of 2024, the Philippines is sitting on a total debt pile of ₱16.05 trillion—about 60.7% of GDP. Of that, ₱5.14 trillion (USD 137.6 billion) is external debt. That means roughly 30% of our entire economy is owed to lenders abroad—from multilateral powerhouses like the ADB, World Bank, IMF to bilateral partners like Japan and […]
BIR Clarifies VAT Zero-Rating Confusion for Suppliers of EOEs & RBEs
If you’re a local supplier dealing with Export-Oriented Enterprises (EOEs) or Registered Business Enterprises (RBEs), you know the drill: the constant back-and-forth, the refusal to honor VAT zero-rating certificates, or the demand for BIR confirmation. It’s a common headache that slows down transactions and creates unnecessary friction. But here’s the good news. The Bureau of […]
The Ultimate Guide to Agricultural Taxes in the Philippines
In addition to being the foundation of the Philippine economy, agriculture is a growing industry that merits understanding, particularly with regard to taxation. This guide explains what you need to know about Philippine agricultural taxes, whether you’re an agribusiness owner, farmer, or just interested in the system’s operation. What’s the Percentage Tax on Agricultural Products? […]
SEC’s New Crypto Rules: What Philippine CASPs Need to Know
As the Philippines climbs to 8th in the world for crypto adoption—moving an estimated $40 billion in crypto value between July 2023 and June 2024, according to Chainalysis—the SEC isn’t sitting back. On May 30, 2025, it issued Memorandum Circulars Nos. 4 and 5 to lay down the law for Crypto-Asset Service Providers (CASPs) in […]
Understanding MySSS Pension Booster (SSS WISP): A Guide to Saving Your Money
Thinking about your future may have gotten you uncertain over your finances, more importantly now that prices of goods, and almost everything, have constantly surged. But you don’t have to worry, the Philippine Social Security System (SSS) provides you with accessible and safe savings and investment programs. The rebranded MySSS Pension Booster, formerly known as […]
BSP Now Has the Power to Investigate Financial Accounts — What You Need to Know
The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) has been granted expanded authority to access and share financial account information without violating bank secrecy or data privacy laws. This move is part of the Anti-Financial Account Scamming Act (AFASA), aimed at combating financial scams like phishing, money muling, and social engineering schemes. What Does This Mean for […]