Taxation on Go-Bags: Are Emergency Kits Subject to Levies?
Preparedness Meets Compliance With the recent events the Philippines has faced — floods, frequent earthquakes, and volcanic eruptions, it underscores the importance of being prepared for such disasters. Hence, “Go-bags” are highly encouraged for households, survival kits containing food, water, supplies, and other essentials in case of an emergency. Yet, beyond the importance of preparedness, […]
AI and the Data Privacy Act: A Gap in Confidentiality
Recently, when OpenAI CEO Sam Altman emphasized that conversations with ChatGPT might need to be “produced” and easily given if authorities demanded it, a renewed discussion was started on one of today’s most pressing problems: how confidential are our interactions with AI systems? Altman’s discussion highlights a reality often underestimated by everyday users and even […]
Insights from ACPAPP: How CPAs Can Lead Through Technology
The accounting profession is at crossroads — where tradition meets technological transformation. With the new generations’ technology, such as automation, AI, and sustainable practices, businesses need to reshape their operations. Nowadays, CPAs are not just safeguarding ledgers but also serving as strategists, innovators, and catalysts. The abovementioned was strongly highlighted in this year’s ACPAPP 25th […]
Capitalization of Borrowing Cost from Interest-Free Advances
When a company receives an interest-free advance from a related party, an accounting question arises: can the borrower capitalize any borrowing cost related to that advance? Under the accounting standards, specifically PAS 23 – only borrowing costs actually incurred by the entity can be capitalized as part of a qualifying asset. In other words, unless […]
The Blockchain Bill: Can it Fix the Corruption?
When was the last time you checked where your taxes really went? — Ghost projects, delayed infrastructure or projects, contracts that vanished into thin air. Corruption in the Philippine governance is truly an old, deeply-rooted enemy of the public, draining the trust and hopes of the people. We have seen numerous reforms and promises, yet […]
Buy Now, Pay Later — Empowerment or Debt Trap?
You’ve probably seen it before — a tempting little button that says “Pay in installments with SPaylater, Check out with TikTokPaylater, or Use LazPaylater”. Just one click, and that gadget, those shoes, or that “I deserve” this thing you want is yours instantly. It sounds empowering, right? There’s no need to wait for your next […]
BSP Implements New Rules for Cash Transactions Above ₱500,000
The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) has issued Circular No. 1218, known as the Regulation on Large Value Cash Transactions, which took effect on October 3, 2025. This new regulation aims to promote financial transparency and strengthen the integrity of the Philippine monetary system. What the Circular says Under BSP Circular 1218, all cash withdrawals […]
Can You Really Go to Jail for Not Paying Your Debt?
Many people still wonder: “What if I cannot pay my debt for a long time?” “Would I be imprisoned if I admitted that I don’t have the means to pay?” or “Could my creditor file a criminal case if I am insolvent?” Let’s break down what the law really says about these situations and understand […]
SEC eyes term limit for Independent Directors
Independent directors in Philippine Corporations tend to serve for extended periods, and there are even cases where their terms exceed the ideal duration for maintaining authentic independence and fresh supervision. This traditional practice has raised concerns about whether boards can still make objective decisions that also protect the interests of shareholders. With this, the Securities […]
New DOLE AEP Guidelines: Faster Processing and Skills Transfer Support
The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has updated the guidelines for Alien Employment Permits (AEP) through Department Order (DO) No. 248 and its supplemental addendum DO 248-A-25 to facilitate the easier and faster hiring of foreign workers while protecting Filipino workers’ job opportunities by implementing mandatory skills transfer programs and assessments of economic needs. […]