2022

Tax Principal Ana Katrina C. De Jesus (ACJ) and Global Compliance and Reporting (GCR) Senior Director Fatma Aleah A. Datukon facilitated tax webinars hosted by the Philippine Institute of Certified Public Accountants (PICPA) - Western Metro Manila Chapter (WMMC) in the third quarter of 2022. ACJ led the webinar entitled Filing of Tax Treaty Relief Application with the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) while Fatma led the webinar on Basic Concepts of Expanded Withholding Tax (EWT). Webinar event flyers Ana‘s discussion focused on the procedures and documentation for the availment of tax treaty benefits. She also discussed the flow of filing of the request for confirmation or tax treaty relief application and described the BIR process of granting and denying treaty benefits. Fatma then talked about the basic concepts of EWT such as its nature and principles, withholding agents, the income payments subject to and exempt from EWT as well as the administrative requirements that must be complied with.  Ana and Fatma with the organizers and attendees via Zoom

SGVeans participated in the first hybrid Annual Convention organized by the Institute of Internal Auditors Philippines (IIAP) from 5 to 7 October 2022 with the theme Internal Audit: R.A.I.S.E.D (Resilient, Agile, Innovative, Sustainable, Empowered, Digital). In-person sessions were held at the Clark Marriott Hotel, Pampanga and were simultaneously streamed via Whova and Zoom with previews made available live at the IIAP Facebook page. SGVeans with members of the Annual Convention Committee from other companies and IIAP Annual Convention Special Guest Speaker Atty. Chel Diokno IIAP Annual Convention Chair Christiane Joymiel “Chin” Say-Mendoza (CSM) and IIAP Chairman and President Ryan Gilbert K. Chua (RKC) kicked off the three-day convention with their opening and welcome remarks, respectively. SGV Partners Carlo Kristle G. Dimarucut (CGD) and Philip B. Casanova (PBC) were speakers on tech-enabled Risk Management and Business Continuity practices. Alumni SGV Partner, Mr. Leo J. Matignas, also shared his insights on Combined Assurance through the Three Lines Model. Other convention speakers were Chief Audit Executives (CAEs) and C-Suites from different companies in the Philippines. RKC, SGV Consulting Partner Joseph Ian M. Canlas (JMC), and Consulting Senior Managers Michael Jorge B. Ignacio and Catherine G. Chua also served as moderators for some of the talks.  IIAP Chairman and President Ryan Gilbert Chua and IIAP Annual Convention Chair Chin Say-Mendoza welcome the participants SGV Partners Philip Casanova, Carlo Kristle Dimarucut, and alumni SGV Partner LJM during their respective sessions Consulting Associate Directors Rose Abigael R. Lacuna and Alyssa Ave G. Cui provided live previews of the convention events on IIAP’s Facebook page. 2022 IIAP Annual Convention Committee Members from SGV include Catherine, Consulting Director Janine Fatima M. Beltran, and Consulting Senior Associate Lloyd Christian E. Estillore.  This was the first hybrid convention held by the IIAP after more than two years of holding virtual conventions since the pandemic began. The convention had 159 in-person and 462 virtual attendees, or 621 in total – by far the largest number of participants for the convention, showing the readiness of internal auditors to embrace the “next and better normal.” The discussions and activities during the convention aimed to equip and, as the theme indicated, raise well-rounded and holistically skilled internal audit professionals.

There were 104 SGV staff members who passed the October 2022 Certified Public Accountant licensure exam (CPALE). The results were announced on 26 October, with 1,722 passers out of 6,665 examinees.  SGV extends its warmest congratulations to the following staff members: Abejar,Casey Andrea DAchurra,Lovelaine TAggabao,Jake Emmanuel BAmbay,Mary Grace BAngeles,Christian Mar Renne PAquino,Dale Andrew JArcilla,Nabeela LAspiras,Yves Timothy MBajacan,Ciela Mae Frances MBalagtas,Jemima Eunice LBarbin,Rafael RBartal,Jeffry OBarut,John Leander MBañez,Cathrine Mae PBañez,Nicole PBuefano,Rhea Mae LCandelaria,Lex Oliver BCaringal,Jalen Rose VCastañeda,Edanne Beverly BCeñido,Joan Kris LColumbres,Lea Marie AConstantino,Shaniah Kathleen ICorpuz,Dexter BCostuna,Jude Edzzel ACutillar,Jupher VDalilis,Connery GDano,Shanine Franzel MDatu,Rocelle ADe Guzman,Maria Angela FDe Vera,Loella Gieverlyn MDeocos,Louise SDiego,Patricia Rae PDucalas,Aira Dianne AEcito,Athena Aura VEmperio,Lheiann Vhiev QEscalante,Nicolyn Rae TEspañola,Nathaniel Don BGalarion,Zachary Ivan GGeron,Brent Jacob YGonzales,Jaymee Rose CGuevarra,Shaina THerreria,Carla Mae PHilario,Cadeleine AIbutnandi,John Paul LIndicar,Karla Charina AIturralde,John Rudolf PJandoc,Ciarra Giana MJumawan,Jerico Nouel FKedtag,Rehanna MKonishi,Mica Mae ALeandado,John Richter BLibiran,Angelina GLigon,Edward Joseph MLimjoco,Michelle Angela VLozada,Daisy Marianne CMacabiog,Steve Dan RMaddela,Alicia Bettina DMagsaysay,Nicollene CManapsal,Rob Miguel CMapola,Mia Claire EMateo,Joseph-Ian BMayol,Shania Shahane TMendoza,Jade Camille AMutuc,Christian Dave RMuyco,Rishel PNavalta,Iris Joy TOng,Floriza Mae ROngyaco,Ernalyn ROrallo,Janina NPalogan,Airen BPamintuan,Mariell EPascual,Aila Jean CPataueg,Rizza Joice MPontillas,Kimberly Jayne VPuentevella,James VRama,Renae Gabrielle SRamos,Steve Paulo ARodriguez,Miguel SRoque,Sofia Janine RRosel,Vanessa CRoxas,Victor Franz MSalvedia,Paola VSamutya,Rachel Anne Joyce MSaparita,Cherrylyn PSolamo,Marvin ASta. Maria,Leinell BSusi,Marielle CTarantan,Veatrice STeneza,Madelene GTeodoro,Manuel NTiu,Kelsey Neale CTiu,Pamela Lorraine MTolentino,Nathaniel STolentino,Niña JTriumfante,John Romer BTumamao,Jemimah Claire NUrbano,Ma. Christina Teresa PVenturero,Sheila Marie TVillanueva,Angela Rose MVillar,Mary Joy CVillarama,John Kenneth SViray,Robelou EViray,Shania Grace QYambot,Hazel Angela PYcong,Danah EZamora,Alvin Dan-Neil A Congratulations to our new CPAs!

SGV, through the SGV Sustainable Actions for Value Creation and Enablement (SAVE) Council and in cooperation with the Waves for Water Organization, Inc. (W4W), a non-profit organization that works to provide clean water solutions to communities in need around the world, launched the SAVE4Water Project, which provided access to clean and safe water to selected beneficiaries, in Barangay San Ramon, Floridablanca, Pampanga on 1 October 2022. SGV volunteers with the Waves for Water team  SGV volunteers with the beneficiaries  Thirty-eight SGV volunteers participated in the distribution of water filtration systems to farmers and laborers who sourced drinking water from deep wells and pumps. Demonstrations, orientations, and distribution of donated items were facilitated by W4W representatives, other donors, and barangay officials. SGV volunteers assisted the residents in assembling the water filtration systems. The residents were also given 150 packs of nutribuns from Universal Robina Corporation. W4W representatives demonstrate how to use the water filtration system This project is part of the SAVE Council’s GIVE2SAVE program, a fund-raising activity aimed to promote the spirit of generosity to create a positive impact on society. It also supports sustainable development goal (SDG) 3, Good Health and Well-being and SDG 6, Clean Water and Sanitation, which are two of the Council’s advocacies.

SGV Davao hosted client cocktails and a golf tournament on 14 and 15 September 2022, respectively, to celebrate the move to the new SGV Davao office at the Damosa Diamond Tower, Damosa IT Park in Lanang, Davao City. A toast to SGV Davao and the Davao business community SGV Chairman and Country Managing Partner Wilson P. Tan (WPT) delivered the opening remarks, while SGV Vice Chair and Deputy Managing Partner Vivian C. Ruiz (VCR), Assurance Leader Martin C. Guantes (MCG), and Market Group 4 Leader Veronica R. Pore (VRP) delivered their respective messages before the toast by SGV Davao Partner-in-charge Jose Raoul J. Balisalisa (JJB), to the deep friendship and professional relationship between SGV and the Davao business community. Clients were also given a brief guided tour of the new office. Group photo with SGV partners, managers, and clients Other partners who were present during the cocktails were Noel P. Rabaja (NPR), Jhoanna Feliza C. Go (JCG), Michael C. Sabado (MCS), Jun Torres (NTT), Aris C. Malantic (ACM), Leovina Mae P. Villa-Chu (LVC), Genghis O. Grospe (GOG), Margem A. Tagalog (MAT), Saha A. Bulagsak (SAB), Thyrza F. Marbas (TFM), Marie Stephanie C. Tan-Hamed (MTH), Roel E. Lucas (REL), and Clairma T. Mangangey (CTM). SGV Global Compliance and Reporting (GCR) Associate Anne Eiko Gizelle C. Lumbayon was the emcee for the event.  Alberto Bacani, Wilson, and Alfred E. Samson geared up to play golf SGV FunGolf Tournament winners The SGV FunGolf Tournament was held the next day at the South Pacific Davao Golf Club where SGV clients and partners Wilson, Martin, Jun, Michael, Aris, and Alvin M. Pinpin (AMP) played friendly golf matches. Raoul and Thyrza hosted the event. 

SGV Financial Accounting Advisory Services (FAAS) and Climate Change and Sustainability Services (CCaSS) Partner Benjamin N. Villacorte (BNV) was a speaker at the 2nd Philippine Renewable Energy Virtual Conference held in the third quarter of 2022. The conference focused on the development, integration, and implementation of renewable energy in commercial and residential properties, as well as in manufacturing and industrial facilities. Benjamin during his talk Benjamin talked about “Decarbonizing the Philippines through Renewable Energy Sources.” His discussion focused on the journey towards decarbonization and a brief background on greenhouse gas accounting, primarily Scope 2 emissions or indirect emissions from the generation of purchased energy. He also highlighted EY/SGV’s decarbonization goals and achievements. Other topics he covered during the conference were impacts and policy developments concerning climate change, the role of renewable energy in decarbonization, and ways on how to tap companies/organizations to support renewable-energy initiatives. BNV emphasized that to lower Scope 2 emissions, there needs to be a shift to renewable energy sources in the Philippines. 

SGV Global Compliance and Reporting (GCR) Partner Josenilo “Nilo” G. Mendoza (JGM) and Senior Manager Zorayda Panumpang were speakers in the hybrid Tax Seminar for Kabang Kalikasan ng Pilipinas Foundation, Inc. (KKPFI), also known as WWF Philippines, on 23 September 2022. Zorayda with the in-person attendees at the WWF tax seminar Nilo discussed the basic concepts and rules for Expanded Withholding Tax (EWT) and Final Withholding Tax (FWT). Zorayda discussed the basic concepts and rules for Withholding Tax on Wages (WTW) and Fringe Benefits Tax (FBT). They covered the taxes’ nature and basic principles, withholding agents, exemptions from withholding, timing of withholding, common income payments subject to the taxes, computation, effects of failure to withhold, and administrative requirements. Their discussions also covered Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) law and Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises (CREATE) law updates. Nilo discussing EWT Questions from the WWF participants were addressed after each session. WWF-Philippines is an environmental non-government organization working on improving Filipino lives by crafting solutions to climate change, providing sustainable livelihood programs, and conserving the country's richest marine and land habitats. Zorayda discussing WTW

The SGV Davao office held a town hall meeting with SGV leaders on 15 September 2022. The leaders met with the staff to discuss the Firm’s plans in terms of work flexibility, in-person training, benefits expansion, and the SGV anniversary celebration, among others. The meeting was attended by 150 staff. SGV partners with SGV Davao staff SGV Chairman and Country Managing Partner Wilson P. Tan (WPT), Vice Chair and Deputy Managing Partner Vivian C. Ruiz (VCR), Assurance Leader Martin C. Guantes (MCG), Talent Leader Julie Christine C. Ong-Mateo (JOM), Market Group 4 Leader Veronica R. Pore (VRP), SGV Cebu Partner-in-charge Margem A. Tagalog (MAT), Assurance Partners Leovina Mae P. Villa-Chu (LVC), Jhoanna C. Go (JCG), Genghis O. Grospe (GOG), and SGV Tax Partners Thyrza F. Marbas (TFM) and Saha A. Bulagsak (SAB) were present during the event. The town hall meeting was hosted by SGV Davao Partner-in-charge Jose Raoul J. Balisalisa (JJB).

SGV Davao held its first in-person recruitment event in over two years since the pandemic began. The event was held at SGV Davao’s new office on 16 September 2022. Over 90 graduate and undergraduate students from various universities in the Davao region attended the event.  Wilson delivers his welcome remarks SGV Chairman and Country Managing Partner Wilson P. Tan (WPT) and SGV Davao Partner-in-charge Jose Raoul J. Balisalisa (JJB) welcomed the students. Wilson gave the opening remarks and SGV Vice Chair and Deputy Managing Partner Vivian C. Ruiz (VCR) provided a brief introduction to the Firm. The students were given an overview of the services being offered by the Firm. Assurance Leader Martin C. Guantes (MCG), Strategy and Transactions (SaT) Partner Marie Stephanie C. Tan-Hamed, and Global Compliance & Reporting (GCR) Partner Saha A. Bulagsak (SAB) explained the functions of each service line. Market Group 4 Leader Veronica R. Pore (VRP) and Assurance Partner Roel E. Lucas (REL) gave testimonials. Wilson meets with the students The students participated in a series of meet and greet/networking sessions with the SGV leaders and other SGV partners who also attended the event, namely Leovina Mae P. Villa-Chu (LVC), Jhoanna C. Go (JCG), Josenilo G. Mendoza (JGM), Ma. Genalin Q. Arevalo (MQA), Genghis O. Grospe (GOG), Thyrza F. Marbas (TFM) and Clairma T. Mangangey (CTM). There were also trivia games where special prizes were awarded to the winners.  Students listen to Wilson The recruitment event concluded with a closing message from Talent Leader Julie Christine C. Ong-Mateo (JOM). SGV Cebu Partner-in-charge Margem A. Tagalog (MAT) was the emcee for the event. 

CCaSS Director Erika N. Courteille, in her capacity as an accredited Climate Fresk facilitator, serves as the Learning Head of the Learn2Lead Sustainability Program organized by SustainablePH and the Society of Sustainability Practitioners.  Erika talks about renewable energy Erika conducted a series of workshops on business strategy tools, financial ratio analysis and climate change. The program is a practical six-week hybrid and cohort-based program for sustainability practitioners centered on the theory and practice of sustainability management. Group photo with Learn2Lead mentors, attendees, and organizers The first cohort of the program was composed of different representatives from the government, academe, non-government organizations (NGOs), micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), and private large enterprises. The program was conducted in partnership with the RATP Foundation and ACTED Philippines with its 3Zero Global Alliance and the support of AXA Climate, Circulo, Move as One Coalition, and Verne Energy Solutions.