Philippine Tax Leaders Convened in Clark as TMAP2026 Tax Forum Tackled Reforms and Global Tax Developments

Government officials, tax professionals, business executives, and policymakers gathered in Clark for TMAP's flagship forum on domestic tax developments, policy reforms, and international tax trends.

The Tax Management Association of the Philippines (TMAP) successfully staged the TMAP 2026 Tax Forum on 28 August 2026 at the Hilton Clark Sun Valley Resort in Mabalacat, Pampanga. Anchored on the theme, "Philippine Tax at a Crossroads: Strengthening Local Foundations, Aligning with Global Standards," the forum brought together leaders from government, industry, and the tax profession for a full day of presentations and panel discussions on developments shaping the Philippine and international tax landscape.

The morning session, titled "Strengthening Local Foundations: Domestic Tax Updates and Property Tax Reform," featured a keynote address by Atty. Agnes VST Devanadera, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Clark Development Corporation.

The technical program commenced with "BIR Updates: Latest Issuances and Administrative Developments," presented by Hon. Brianna Kay T. De los Santos, Chief of the Legal and Legislative Division of the Bureau of Internal Revenue. This was followed by "Judicial Updates: Key Court Decisions," delivered by Hon. Maria Rowena Modesto-San Pedro, Associate Justice of the Court of Tax Appeals.

A panel discussion on "Real Property Valuation and Assessment Reform Act (RPVARA) in Focus: Implications for Taxpayers, LGUs and Practitioners" brought together perspectives from government and the real estate sector. The panel featured Ms. Laurice Jane J. Navarro, Chief of the Policy, Planning, Program and Standards Division of the Bureau of Local Government Finance; Atty. Mary Daphne G. Bereciarte, Past National President of the Philippine Association of Real Estate Boards; and Mr. Rodolfo G. Valencia, former Congressman and Governor and Founding Director of the Chamber of Real Estate and Builders' Associations, Inc.

The afternoon session shifted the focus to "Aligning with Global Standards: Philippine Policy Direction and Global Best Practices." Hon. Romero Federico "Miro" S. Quimbo, Chair of the House Committee on Ways and Means, discussed "Policy Roadmap: Proposed Tax Measures." Hon. Larry M. Barcelo, Deputy Commissioner of the Bureau of Internal Revenue Legal Group, presented "BEPS Pillar Two: Philippine Qualified Domestic Minimum Top-up Tax (QDMTT) Framework: What to Expect."

The technical program also featured a panel discussion on "Cross-Border Taxation: Treaties, Mutual Agreement Procedures (MAPs), and Advance Pricing Agreements (APAs)." The panel included Atty. Cresencio T. Meneses I, Vice President - Tax Advisory, Planning and Training Group, Corporate Tax of SM Investments Corporation; Atty. Carlo L. Navarro, Tax & Legal Leader of Deloitte Philippines; Atty. Maria Margarita D. Mallari-Acaban, Tax Partner and Principal for International Tax Services of SGV & Co.; Atty. Lawrence C. Biscocho, International Tax Leader of PwC Philippines; Prof. Dr. Rene Matteotti, Tax Partner of Taxand Switzerland and Professor of Law at the University of Zurich; and Atty. Irwin C. Nidea, Jr., Senior Partner of Du-Baladad & Associates (BDB Law).

The forum concluded with closing remarks after a day of discussions covering tax administration, legislative and judicial developments, property tax reform, international taxation, and evolving cross-border tax issues.

As one of TMAP's flagship annual events, the Tax Forum provided a platform for professional learning, knowledge sharing, and engagement among members of the tax community. It was followed by the 16th TMAP Golf Cup on 29 August 2026 at D'Heights Country Club in Clark Freeport Zone, Pampanga.

Through initiatives such as the Tax Forum, TMAP continues to bring together representatives from government, business, academia, and the tax profession to discuss reforms and emerging issues affecting the Philippine tax landscape and the broader business community.