Payment to CARS Investors not Prioritized in FY 2026 PH Budget
When President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. signed the 2026 General Appropriations Act (Fiscal Budget), he vetoed more than ₱92.5 billion in unprogrammed appropriations — funds that may be released only when specific conditions are met, such as excess revenues, new revenue sources, or additional borrowings beyond original projections. What Was Included in the Veto While the […]
The True Cost of Non-Compliance: Why Penalties Are More Expensive Than Professional Fees
Some business owners believe that delaying accounting or compliance support saves money. Monthly retainers, consultation fees, and audit costs can feel like avoidable expenses, especially for start-ups and growing Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) managing tight cash flow. However, this stance often creates a dangerous blind spot. In reality, non-compliance leads businesses to incur compounding […]
SEC’s New Beneficial Ownership Rules Take Effect in 2026
Following the previous push for stronger transparency, the Securities and Exchange Commission has officially released a memorandum for Beneficial Ownership (BO) Rules effective on January 1, 2026. With the issuance of SEC Memorandum Circular No. 15, series of 2025, the Commission has critically made a shift as to how entities should identify, report, and maintain […]
2025 Year-End Tax Compliance Checklist for Philippine Businesses
As year-end approaches, Philippine taxpayers must prepare for the upcoming series of mandatory filings and compliance requirements due within the first month of the upcoming year. These submissions are required by the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) and Local Government Units (LGUs). To help businesses, employers, and professionals stay on track — here is a […]
Can Cryptocurrencies be Subjected to Taxation?
Nowadays, Cryptocurrencies, such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Stablecoins like USDT, are gradually becoming well-known and not just speculative assets anymore in the Philippines, as they have been generating such economic value that even the government aims to regulate them, as the Securities and Exchange Commission have been taking steps to enforce administrative actions by blocking […]
Establishing Accountable AI: Governance Essentials for the Philippines
The Philippines has become one of the largest users of generative Artificial Intelligence(AI) models worldwide. Our country has placed sixth globally, with around 42.4% of Filipino internet users having used ChatGPT in September. As AI adoption accelerates, government attention has increasingly shifted toward the development of regulatory frameworks to address AI-related risks. Recent legislative initiatives […]
RMC No. 109-2025: Clarifications from the BIR Audit Suspension
Recently, the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), in cooperation with the Department of Finance (DOF), announced a temporary suspension of the issuance of new Letters of Authority (LOA) and the execution of specific audit operations under RMC 107-2025. In our prior article, we discussed the background, rationale, and general implications. Now, the issuance of RMC […]
Vena Energy Secures Landmark Financing for 300-MW Solar Project in the Philippines
Vena Energy, a part of Singapore’s Vena Group’s renewable energy portfolio, has achieved a significant breakthrough in the Philippines’ transition to clean energy by securing the largest fully international-financed energy project. Namely, the Opus Solar Energy Project, a 300-megawatt (MW) stationary solar facility located in Ilocos Norte, has secured a landmark $210 million financing from […]
Finternet Technology: The New Financial Landscape Taking Shape
As digital finance gradually takes over, an idea is beginning to revolutionize the global commercial community: The Finternet Technology – a unified, interoperable “Financial Internet” designed to address the problems of modern financial systems, all in a seamless network. At the 2025 Singapore Fintech Festival, insights from the conference highlighted the Finternet vision as the […]
President of the Philippines Extends Tax Relief to Power Plants
On December 3, 2025, through Executive Order 106, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. once again extended the tax relief to Independent Power Producers (IPPs) operating under Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) agreements with the government-owned or controlled corporations. This step by the President was deemed a continuation of the policy reinstituted earlier in the year under Executive Order 83, […]