TMAP Collaborates with the UP Law Tax Cluster for a Webinar on Taxation in the Digital Age

On March 17, 2023, the UP College of Law Tax Cluster, in collaboration with TMAP, held a webinar entitled “Taxation in the Digital Age: The BEPS Two-Pillar Solution.”  Mr. Bruno da Silva, an international tax consultant and BEPS Specialist of the Asian Development Bank, known for his work on the taxation of the digital economy, was the guest speaker.

The opening remarks were given by the UP College of Law Dean Carlo L. Vistan II and by TMAP President, Atty. Suzette A. Celicious-Sy.  TMAP Corporate Secretary and Director Atty. Marivic D. Sarmiento and TMAP Director Atty. Caren C. Laforteza provided their comments and insights to the lecture of Mr. da Silva

TMAP Holds Its April 2023 GMM

On April 27, 2023, TMAP held its April 2023 General Membership Meeting (GMM) virtually via Zoom.  The guest speaker for the GMM was Director Johanna Hortinela of the Department of Finance who gave an overview and updates on the national economic policy.  After the GMM, TMAP President Atty. Suzette A. Celicious-Sy Atty. Suzette A. Celicious-Sy administered the oath of membership to new members.

Lingkod TMAP 2023

Volunteers from TMAP member firms provided assistance to taxpayers on April 13, 14, and 17, 2023 at Revenue Region (RR) Nos. 7A, 7B, 8A, and 8B.  TMAP volunteers answered queries from various individual taxpayers on income tax return filing requirements and assisted some taxpayers in computing their income tax payable for the taxable year 2022.

TMAP President Atty. Suzette A. Celicious-Sy spearheaded Lingkod TMAP 2023 together with the help of Project Chairpersons for each Revenue Region, namely, Director Roselle Caraig (RR No. 7A), Director Mike Garcia (RR No. 7B), Director Kenny Mijares (RR No. 8A), and Vice-President for Internal Affairs Jacquie Yu-Villar (RR No. 8B)

TMAP wishes to thank the volunteers from the following member firms for their participation in Lingkod TMAP 2023: Layug, Celicious-Sy & Villapando Law Office; Isla Lipana & Co. – PWC; Salvador Llanillo & Bernardo (SLB); Romulo Mabanta Buenaventura Sayoc & de Los Angeles; Mazars Philippines – Yu Villar Tadeja & Co; SyCip Salazar Hernandez & Gatmaitan; Morfe, Ceneta & Co., CPAs; SM Investments Corporation, Suy Sing Commercial Corporation, and other member firms who supported the activity.

TMAP 2023 Officers and Members of the Board of Directors Visit Tulay ng Kabataan

On May 30, 2023, the Officers and Directors of TMAP visited ANAK-Tulay ng Kabataan (ANAK-Tnk) Foundation in Quezon City and turned over TMAP’s donation to the foundation.  ANAK-Tnk is a non-governmental organization founded in 1998 to support Metro Manila’s street children.  The mission of the ANAK-Tnk is to bring back the smiles and dignity of Metro Manila’s most unfortunate children.  TMAP Officers and Directors met ANAK-Tnk’s Executive Director, Father Matthieu Dauchez, its administrators, and the children under their care.

TMAP Holds Its May GMM with Talk on Cryptocurrency Basics

On May 25, 2023, TMAP held its May 2023 General Membership Meeting (GMM) at the Makati Diamond Residences.  The guest speaker for the GMM was Atty. Nadaine Tongco-Edades, Associate General Counsel and Head of Tax and Finance of Enjin Pte. Ltd, who gave a talk on the fundamentals of cryptocurrencies.  Atty. Tongco-Edades discussed the history, basic concepts, pros and cons, and regulatory landscape of cryptocurrencies.

TMAP Holds Its June GMM with a Talk on REITs

On June 29, 2023, TMAP held its June 2023 General Membership Meeting (GMM) via Zoom.  The guest speaker for the GMM was Atty. Roel A. Refran, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of the Philippine Stock Exchange, Inc.  Atty. Refran gave a talk on the basic regulatory framework of Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) in the Philippines.  He also provides updates and developments on REITs.

TMAP Holds Its 13th Annual Golf Tournament and Bingo Socials

On July 21, 2023, TMAP held its 13th Annual Golf Tournament at the Ayala Greenfields Golf and Leisure Club in Calamba, Laguna.  More than 50 golfers participated in the annual tournament with the top prize going to Mr. Louie Yupangco from PwC Philippines/Isla Lipana & Co.   There was also a Bingo social and raffle event that took place for non-golfers.  The proceeds of the tournament will be used for TMAP’s outreach and advocacy projects for the year.

TMAP Holds July GMM with Updates from the BLGF

On July 27, 2023, TMAP held its July 2023 General Membership Meeting (GMM) at the Makati Diamond Residence.  The guest speakers from the GMM were Mr. Niño Raymond B. Alvina, the Executive Director of the Bureau of Local Government Finance (BLGF) and Ms. Brenda L. Miranda, OIC Director of Local Fiscal Policy Service of the BLGF.  Mr. Alvina and Ms. Miranda provided updates on the relevant rulings and issuances of the BLGF and the Department of Finance.

TMAP Holds August GMM with Updates from the PCC

On August 31, 2023, TMAP held its August 2023 General Membership Meeting (GMM) via Zoom.  The guest speaker for the GMM was Atty.  Lolibeth Ramit-Medrano, Commissioner of the Philippine Competition Commission.  Commissioner Ramit-Medrano discussed the basic regulatory framework on competition in the Philippines and the significant provisions of the Philippine Competition Act and its implementing rules and regulations.

September 2023 TMAP Events

 TMAP will hold its September 2023 General Membership Meeting (GMM) onsite at the Makati Diamond Residences on September 28, 2023.  Guest speaker for the GMM will be ACIR Jethro Sabarriage who will lead a fireside chat on Large Taxpayer Service (LTS) updates.  On the same day, TMAP will also hold its second tax seminar for the year with the following honored resource speakers:

    ​Hon. Catherine T. Manahan

    Associate Justice

    Court of Tax Appeals

    Topic: Recent Tax Jurisprudence

    Hon. Rufino C. Cantaros, Jr.

    Chief of Staff, Office of the Commissioner

    Bureau of Internal Revenue

    Topic: Updates on Run After Fake Transactions (RAFT) Task Force

    Hon. James H. Roldan

    Assistant Commissioner, Enforcement & Advocacy Service

    Bureau of Internal Revenue

    Topic: Updates on Run After Tax Evaders (RATE) Program

    Atty. Carlo L. Navarro

    Deloitte Southeast Asia Transfer Pricing Leader

    Topic: Updates on Transfer Pricing

Please wait for the registration links which will be sent by the TMAP Secretariat through Glue Up.  Hope to see you there!

TMAP Holds its Second Tax Seminar in 2023

On September 28, 2023, TMAP held its second tax seminar for the year with the following honored resource speakers:

Hon. Catherine T. Manahan

Associate Justice

Court of Tax Appeals

Topic: Recent Tax Jurisprudence

Hon. Rufino C. Cantaros, Jr.

Chief of Staff, Office of the Commissioner

Bureau of Internal Revenue

Topic: Updates on Run After Fake Transactions (RAFT) Task Force

Hon. James H. Roldan

Assistant Commissioner, Enforcement & Advocacy Service

Bureau of Internal Revenue

Topic: Updates on Run After Tax Evaders (RATE) Program

Atty. Carlo L. Navarro

Deloitte Southeast Asia Transfer Pricing Leader

Topic: Updates on Transfer Pricing

TMAP Holds its September GMM with a Fireside Chat with ACIR Sabariaga of the LTS

On September 28, 2023, TMAP held its September 2023 General Membership Meeting (GMM) at the Makati Diamond Residences.  The guest speaker for the GMM was Assistant Commissioner (ACIR) Jethro Sabariaga, ACIR for the Large Taxpayers Service (LTS) of the Bureau of Internal Revenue.  ACIR Sabariaga led a fireside chat on the updates on the policies of the LTS as well as issues and challenges faced by the large taxpayers under the jurisdiction of the LTS.

TMAP Holds its October GMM with a Discussion on Eat Bulaga IP Dispute

On October  26, 2023, TMAP held its October 2023 General Membership Meeting (GMM) via Zoom.  The guest speaker for the GMM was Atty. Ray Anthony O. Pinoy, Senior Partner and Head of the Intellectual Property (IP) Practice at Castillo Laman Tan Pantaleon & San Jose Law Office.  Atty. Pinoy discussed the issues that are involved in the ongoing Eat Bulaga IP dispute and provided his personal views and different perspectives on how this may be resolved.

TMAP Holds its November GMM with a Discussion on ESG Matters

On November 29, 2023, TMAP held its November 2023 General Membership Meeting (GMM) via Zoom.  The guest speaker for the GMM was Ms. Catherine H. Lipana-Gomez, the ESG and Sustainability Partner of the Deals and Corporate Finance Practice of Isla Lipana & Co. PwC Philippines.  Ms. Lipana-Gomez discussed matters relating to Environment, Social, and Governance (ESG).  She also discussed what sustainability is and what it means to businesses.

TMAP Holds its Annual Christmas Party at Makati Diamond Residences

On December 7, 2023, TMAP held its Annual Christmas Party at the Makati Diamond Residences.  The theme for this year-end party was Barbie and Ken Christmas.  TMAP’s Special Events Committee organized various games and activities for the event.

The incoming members of the 2024 Board of Directors of TMAP were also presented to the members during the event.  The members of the 2024 TMAP Board of Directors are the following:

Jacqueline Villar – Yu-Villar Tadeja & Co./Mazars Philippines

Carina C. Laforteza – SyCip Salazar Hernandez & Gatmaitan

Martin Ignacio D. Mijares – Salvador Llanillo & Bernardo, Attorneys-at-Law

Irwin C. Nidea, Jr. – Du-Baladad & Associates/BDB Law

Rhea M. Mangubat – Gerodias Suchianco Estrella Law Firm

Maria Gracia L. Morfe – Morfe Ceneta & Co., CPAs

Roselle Y. Caraig – Isla Lipana & Co./ PwC Philippines

Cresencio T. Meneses I – SM Investments Corporation

Michael Jude R. Dolot – Optum Global Solutions (Philippines) Inc.

Rachelle Ann C. Baod-Montalvo – Individual Member

Madeline Z. Villapando – Layug Celicious-Sy and Villapando

Sarah Janine P. Davalos – Metro Pacific Investments Corporation

Mary Elizabeth M. Belmonte – Martinez Vergara & Gonzalez Sociedad

Alvin Noel R. Saldaña – Navarro Amper & Co./Deloitte Philippines

Michael P. Garcia – Romulo Mabanta Buenaventura Sayoc & de los Angeles

Suzette A. Celicious-Sy – Layug Celicious-Sy and Villapando

First GMM and Induction of 2024 TMAP Officers

On 25 January 2024, TMAP held its First General Membership Meeting at the Makati Diamond Residences.

In her inaugural address, incoming TMAP President Atty. Jacqueline M. Yu-Villar talked about this year’s theme – “Shaping a Sustainable Tax Leadership” – and laid down her plans and programs.

As part of the keynote address, Atty. Alta Garcia (Director in the Office of Senator Sherwin “Win”  T. Gatchalian for the Committee on Ways and Means) went through the different tax reform proposals that are presently subject to Senate deliberations.

The 2024 TMAP Officers and Directors were inducted by TMAP Past President Serafin U. Salvador Jr. (1985-1986) and Past Presidents were also admitted and recognized as Lifetime Members of TMAP.

The following day, the 2024 TMAP Officers and Directors met with Senator Win Gatchalian who formally administered the Oath of Office and discussed in further detail the Senate’s tax agenda for 2024.

TMAP Holds its 14th Annual Golf Tournament and Bingo Socials

On May 23, 2024, TMAP held its 14th Annual Golf Tournament and Bingo Socials at the Valley Golf and Country Club in Antipolo, Rizal. The proceeds of this event will be used for TMAP’s outreach and advocacy projects.

Below are the winners of the Golf Tournament:

MEN’S DIVISION:

Overall (lowest gross) - Mark Gorriceta

Champion - Class A - Jay Razon

1st Runner up - Class A - Emer Aceron

2nd Runner up - Class A - Jose Gorriceta

Champion - Class B - Jun Caramat

1st Runner up - Class B - Mark Aloysius Vergara

2nd Runner up - Class B - Jonald Vergara

Champion - Class C - Michael Guari

1st Runner up - Class C - Romel Curiba

2nd Runner up - Class C - Joel Roy Navarro

WOMEN’S DIVISION:

Champion - Judy Lardizabal

1st Runner up - Ria Dam

2nd Runner up - Maria Carmelita Torres

Most accurate drive - Mark Gorriceta

Longest drive - Jose Luis Yupangco / Roselle Caraig

Nearest to the pin - Joel Navarro

Longest putt - Melvin Vergara

TMAP Holds Its May 2024 GMM

On May 30, 2024, TMAP held its May 2024 General Membership Meeting (GMM) via Zoom. Our guest speaker was Irma A. Thiam-Marquez, Bank Officer V (Compliance and Supervision Group, Detection and Prevention Department) of the Anti-Money Laundering Council Secretariat, who provided updates from the Anti-Money Laundering Council. TMAP President Atty. Jaqueline Yu-Villar also presented her April 2024 report.

TMAP Holds Its June 2024 GMM and Tax Seminar

On June 27, 2024, TMAP held its June 2024 General Membership Meeting (GMM) at Makati Diamond Residences where the following guest speakers gave an overview on the role of taxation in achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):

Sudarshan Kasturirangan

Asia Pacific Region Tax Specialist

UNDP Bangkok Regional Hub

Aljo Quintans

SDG Specialist, UNDP Philippines

After the GMM, TMAP held a Tax Seminar where the following resource speakers discussed updates, issues, and challenges relating to implementation of BEPS 2.0:

Atty. Carlo Navarro

Southeast Asia Transfer Pricing Leader

Deloitte/Navarro Amper & Co.

Atty. Maria Margarita Mallari-Acaban

SGV & Co.

TMAP Tree Growing Activity at La Mesa Watershed

On 20 July 2024, TMAP together with the Million Trees Foundations, Inc., held a Tree Growing Activity at the La Mesa Watershed, Million Trees Nursery and Eco-Learning Center (La Mesa Road, Novaliches, Quezon City).

July 2024 GMM – Updates on the Ease of Doing Business Act

On 25 July 2024, TMAP held its July 2024 General Membership Meeting (GMM) via zoom. Our guest speaker, Ms. Marbida L. Marbida (Director IV, Better Regulations Office under the Office of the Deputy Director General for Operations of the Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA)), discussed various updates related to the implementation of the Ease of Doing Business Act as well as other ARTA initiatives.

1st TMAP International Tax Summit

On August 29, 2024, TMAP hosted its first ever International Tax Summit at Makati Shangri-La, Ayala Avenue, Makati, Metro Manila. The summit featured in-depth discussions of various developments in international taxation and its impact on the Philippine taxation, including the following topics,

- Philippine Legislative Agenda;

- BEPS 2.0 in Action;

- Ease of Doing Business in the ASEAN/Taxation of Mergers and Acquisitions;

- ASEAN Tax Enforcement Practices;

- Impact of Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism on Philippine Industries; and

- Ethics in the Tax Profession.

Among the distinguished guest speakers who graced the event were Senator Sherwin “Win” T. Gatchalian, Supreme Court Senior Associate Justice Marvic M.V.F. Leonen, and Commissioner Romeo “Jun” D. Lumagui Jr. of the Bureau of Internal Revenue.

TMAP Holds its October 2024 GMM

TMAP held its October 2024 General Membership Meeting (GMM) at Makati Diamond Residences. Discussions on Bureau of Customs updates were led by our guest speaker, Atty. Vincent Philip C. Maronilla, Assistant Commissioner of the Post Clearance Audit Group (PCAG) of the Bureau of Customs.

TMAP Holds its November 2024 GMM and webinar

On November 28, 2024, TMAP held its General Membership Meeting (GMM) and Tax Webinar via zoom. Our guest speakers provided an overview as well as updates on the following topics:

Topic: VAT Taxation of Digital Transactions

Atty. Larry M. Barcelo

Deputy Commissioner (OIC), Legal Group

Bureau of Internal Revenue

Topic: Salient Features of CREATE MORE Act

Atty. Ma. Lourdes P. Lim

2017 TMAP President

Managing Partner, Tax Department

Isla Lipana & Co. (PwC Philippines)

Topic: Real Property Valuation and Assessment Reform Act

Atty. Cresencio T. Meneses I

TMAP Director

Vice President – Tax Advisory, Planning and Training Group, Corporate Tax

SM Investments Corporation