2024

SGV Financial Services Organization (FSO) Partner Veronica Mae Arce Balisi and Senior Director Minette Cruz were resource speakers at the Philippine Association of Real Estate Boards – Pasay-Makati Realty Board, Inc.’s 7th Business Membership Meeting. The event took place at Paseo de Magallanes, Makati City. They shared their knowledge and insights on Anti-Money Laundering and Counter Terrorist and Proliferation Financing (AML/CTPF) through a training session.PAREB-PMRB, President Glorie Marie Sy welcomed the attendees. Secretary Amor Milana introduced Veronica and Senior Director Minette Cruz as the resource speakers.Veronica provided a review of the latest AML/CTPF developments within the Philippine legislative and regulatory framework. She also discussed the responsibilities of Real Estate Brokers (REBs) and Real Estate Developers (REDs) as entities subject to AML/CTPF regulations.Minette provided a detailed walkthrough of the Anti-Money Laundering Council's (AMLC) newly launched Compliance Optimization and Registration System (CORS). She also discussed how to navigate and utilize the system effectively to ensure compliance with the latest AML/CTPF requirements.Veronica and Minette were joined by FSO Consulting Director Anne Mariel Lagao, Senior Associate Alech Nicole Margallo, and Associates Liddy Lalaine Corpuz, Jonna Rose Javier, Polaine Garrovillas, and Chenalyn Ondoy, who served as facilitators during the AML/CTPF training.To wrap up the session, Veronica emphasized the crucial role of real estate brokers in the fight against money laundering, calling on them and developers to uphold integrity and deter illicit financial activities within the Philippines' real estate sector. She concluded with a reminder that no client is worth letting your company, your profession, and yourself be involved in money laundering.SGV's FSO team had previously conducted a specialized training session for the PAREB-PMRB members in March 2024. This earlier session laid the groundwork for the discussions and updates that were presented in the July meeting, demonstrating SGV's commitment to supporting AML/CTPF knowledge and awareness.

The SGV Clark team paid a courtesy visit to Don Honorio Ventura State University (DHVSU) officials on 9 September 2024. The team discussed existing and possible collaboration activities with DHVSU such as internship, lectures and seminars, and support for student organizations.  SGV Clark team presents token of appreciation to DHVSU The SGV Clark team was led by SGV Clark Partner-in-Charge and Head Atty. Margaux A. Advincula, Market Group 7 Leader Jose Pepito E. Zabat, and Consulting Partner Joseph Ian M. Canlas. They were joined by Assurance Senior Director Leo Niño R. Canlas, Tax Director David Jonathan F. Manalili, Assurance Associate Director Angelie M. Marcelo, and Assurance Associates Aizel Ann Y. Sampang, Aljen S. Santos and Aldrich Carl P. Galang (3rd placer, October 2023 CPALE). Associates Aizel, Aljen, and Aldrich are DHVSU alumni. The SGV Clark team at DHVSU DHVSU attendees included OIC Executive Vice President, OIC Vice President for Administration and Finance, and Vice President for Academic Affairs Engr. Reden M. Hernandez, College of Business Studies Dean Luisito B. Reyes, Accountancy Program Chairperson Jason Carreon, Legal Management, Logistics and Supply Chain Management and Real Estate Management Program Chairperson Ma. Antonette Guintu, Office for Career Services Coordinator Cristal Rio Manuel, OIC Director for Public Relations and Industry Linkages Office Kathleya Vianca Habon, and School of Law Faculty member Atty. Regina Salonga.

The SGV Technology Consulting Group held a Managers Workshop on 20 August 2024 at the Shang Grand Tower, SGV Penthouse in Makati. Discussion during the Managers Workshop The workshop, led by Partners/Principals Armand N. Cajayon, Warren R. Bituin, and Lee Carlo B. Abadia and Associate Principal Norbin F. Astrero, provided training on progression planning to ensure a smooth transition of leadership roles.  Technology Consulting Partners/Principals and Managers The event equipped managers with strategies and skills needed for the new fiscal year. It also set the course for the upcoming fiscal year by establishing targets, defining managerial responsibilities, and selecting key projects. 

Sustainability Services Senior Associate Erica Nicole D. Gomez recently earned her EY Master’s in Sustainability. She was one out of six EY Asia-Pacific members who have been awarded prestigious EY Degrees – five were achieved in Master’s in Sustainability and one in Master’s in Business Analytics. EY Master’s in Sustainability graduate Erica Nicole D. Gomez The graduation ceremony was held in the Metaverse on 4 September and was hosted by Global Learning and Development Leader Simon Brown. The event also featured guest speakers, Global Vice Chair for Talent Trent Henry, Global AI & Data Leader Beatriz Sanz Saiz, and Global Vice Chair for Sustainability. EY Degrees are excellent learning opportunities and underline EY’s commitment to offer its people, across all ranks and locations, unique ways to learn new skillsets and be relevant in an ever-evolving market. EY Degrees and EY Badges can help to accelerate career progression and offer a potential way for differentiation across our many markets.  The three EY Degrees offered in partnership with the renowned Hult International Business School are EY Tech MBA, EY Master’s in Business Analytics and EY Master’s in Sustainability. Learn more about EY Degrees here.  Congratulations, Nicole!

SGV Clark, in collaboration with the Pampanga Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc. (PamCham), conducted a seminar on Wealth Succession Planning titled "Protecting your Legacy." The event was held on 19 August 2024 at SGV Clark. It was attended by 45 participants, including family business owners from Pampanga and Central Luzon. SGV Partners and Managers with with PamCham President Teresa David-Carlos The session commenced with opening remarks from SGV Chairman and Country Managing Partner Wilson P. Tan. Market Group (MG) 7 Leader Jose Pepito E. Zabat introduced the speaker for the session, SGV Partner Atty. Thyrza F. Marbas. MG7 Leader Jose Pepito E. Zabat (right) introduces session speaker, SGV Partner Atty. Thyrza F. Marbas Atty. Thyrza (right) during her discussion Atty. Thyrza shared her knowledge and insights on tax strategies and legal tools vital for safeguarding the future of estates and family businesses.  Following Atty. Thyrza’s presentation, PamCham President Tereza David-Carlos delivered the President’s Message.  The event concluded with closing remarks from SGV Vice Chair and Deputy Managing Partner Maria Vivian C. Ruiz and the screening of SGV Clark’s 5th Anniversary video. SGV Clark Partner-In-Charge and Head Atty. Margaux A. Advincula, Global Compliance and Reporting (GCR) Partner Hentje Leo L. Leaño, Tax Partner Atty. Victor C. De Dios, and GCR Director David Jonathan F. Manalili were also present.

SGV Clark celebrated its Fifth Anniversary by hosting a One Clark briefing and the launch of the 2024 Edition of the Doing Business in Clark publication. The briefing and launch took place at SGV Clark on 19 August 2024 and was attended by 120 participants. Aside from commemorating the office’s fifth anniversary, the event aimed to provide insights into business opportunities within Clark.  Attendees showcase the 2024 Edition of the Doing Business in Clark publication SGV Chairman and Country Managing Partner Wilson P. Tan opened the event, followed by SGV Clark Partner-In-Charge and Head Atty. Margaux Advincula, who introduced the speakers. SGV Chairman and Country Managing Partner Wilson P. Tan delivers his opening remarks SGV Clark Partner-In-Charge and Head Atty. Margaux Advincula introduces the speakers The speakers included Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) Chairman and Retired Major General Delfin N. Lorenzana, BCDA Vice President for Investments Promotion and Marketing Erwin Kenneth Peralta, Clark Development Corporation (CDC) President and CEO Atty. Agnes VST Devanadera, and Clark International Airport Corporation (CIAC) Vice President for Finance and Administration Nancy Paglinawan. The speakers discussed their respective organizations' plans for Clark in 2024 and beyond, highlighting the area's potential for business and investment. Other key attendees included US Embassy Senior Commercial Counselor Paul Taylor, Economic Counselor Tom Pohlman, Commercial Specialist Easter Villanueva, IT and Business Process Association of the Philippines (IT-BPAP) President Jack Madrid, Subic-Clark Alliance for Development Council (SCAD) Executive Director Atty. Carminda Z. Fabros, the Clark Investors and Locators Association (CILA) Board of Directors, CILA President Dr. Francisco Villanueva Jr., and Malaysia Embassy Assistant Trade Commissioner Adhwa Azmil. SGV Vice Chair, Deputy Managing Partner and Assurance Leader Maria Vivian C. Ruiz delivers her closing remarks The event concluded with closing remarks from SGV Vice Chair, Deputy Managing Partner and Assurance Leader Maria Vivian C. Ruiz and a series of video greetings from government officials and business community leaders on SGV Clark's fifth anniversary.

SGV Sustainability Services Leader and Philippine Sustainability Reporting Committee (PSRC) Chair Benjamin “Benjie” N. Villacorte was a speaker on “Beyond Borders: The Impact of CBAM on Philippine Industries” at the Tax Management Association of the Philippines (TMAP) International Tax Summit 2024. The event, themed “Shaping a Sustainable Tax Leadership,” was held on 29 August at the Makati Shangri-La. Benjie discusses CBAM Benjie discussed the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM). He explained the mechanism’s objectives, scope, covered product categories, and implementation timeline. He explored the potential impacts of the mechanism on importers outside the EU, particularly those from Asia and the Philippines. Benjie receives certificate of appreciation from TMAP President Jacquie Villar and Vice President for Internal Affairs Caren Laforteza Benjie provided insights on how Philippine importers can adapt to this emerging requirement and emphasized that companies should view it as an opportunity to demonstrate a competitive advantage over their regional peers. He explained that by meeting CBAM requirements, businesses can show environmental responsibility, maintain current EU business, capture additional market share, and establish themselves as industry leaders.

SGV Sustainability Services Leader and Philippine Sustainability Reporting Committee (PSRC) Chair Benjamin “Benjie” N. Villacorte was a panelist at the European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (ECCP) Energy Smart Forum 2024. The event, themed “Powering Progress: Accelerating Towards a Sustainable Energy Future,” was held on 28 August at the Dusit Thani Hotel in Makati City. Benjie (right) with moderator and other panelists during the panel discussion (Photo courtesy of ECCP) Benjie participated in the panel discussion on Renewable Energy Promotion Towards a Greener Future. He talked about the findings of EY’s 63rd edition report on the Renewable Energy Country Attractiveness Index (RECAI) and discussed the factors driving the attractiveness of renewable energy investment and deployment potential in various countries. He also highlighted the Philippines' position relative to other nations, delving into the unique challenges and opportunities within the country's energy sector.  Benjie (second from right) with Moderators and other Panelists receiving their certificates (Photo courtesy of ECCP) (From left to right) Benjie with Business Tax Services and CCaSS Senior Associates Geremae M. Mata and Marieson V. Micosa, Manager Katherine M. Velasquez, and Senior Manager Argel M. Cabañero Benjie encouraged the private sector participants to set targets for accelerating their energy transition. He emphasized this call to action by sharing the SGV Makati building's feat of switching to 100% renewable energy.

SGV Financial Services Organization (FSO) Financial Crime Risk Management (FinCrime) Partner Veronica Mae Arce Balisi was a resource speaker at the Anti-Money Laundering and Counter Terrorist and Proliferation Financing (AML/CTPF) training event hosted by Robert G. Sarmiento (RGS) Realty on 23 July 2024. The training took place at the Architectural Centre Club, Inc. in Makati City. Veronica during the training session RGS Realty Owner Robert G. Sarmiento welcomed the participants and introduced Veronica as the resource speaker for the training. The event also featured various industry speakers who shared their respective insights. Veronica receives token of appreciation Veronica underscored the importance for real estate brokers and developers to officially register as covered persons under the Anti-Money Laundering Act (AMLA). She urged them to champion AMLA compliance within the Philippines in order to play a pivotal role in the fight against money laundering in the real estate industry. She also stressed the necessity of recognizing the risks and red flags associated with money laundering and highlighted the critical role brokers play in identifying and reporting suspicious transactions. Senior Director Armina Cruz, Director Anne Mariel Lagao, Senior Associate Kristine Louie T. David, and Associates Ma. Tiffany Atis, Christian Atillano, Jhory-Ann Canto, and Angelica Joy Navarro supported Veronica during the event. 

The SGV Global Compliance and Reporting (GCR) team, led by Tax Partner Hentje Leo L. Leaño with Tax Directors David Jonathan “Tan” F. Manalili, Virly Jane “Vjane” R. Tiare, and Mica Alyana C. Rivera served as resource speakers at the “Value Added Tax (VAT) & Withholding Taxes, with Ease of Paying Taxes (EoPT) Updates” seminar organized by the Association of Certified Public Accountants in Public Practice (ACPAPP) Central Luzon Chapter held on 23 August 2024 at the SGV Clark Office. More than 100 members of the ACPAPP Central Luzon Chapter were present. Members of SGV’s GCR team receive certificates of appreciation from ACPAPP Central Luzon Officers ACPAPP Central Luzon Chapter President Rhene Payabyab delivered the opening remarks and SGV Clark Partner-in-Charge and Head Atty. Margaux A. Advincula delivered the welcome remarks. The SGV GCR team’s discussion covered various aspects of the Philippine tax system, starting with an overview provided by Leo. Tan delved into Output VAT, incorporating practical examples, real court cases, and updates related to the EoPT Act’s impact. Vjane focused on Input VAT, clarifying the invoicing requirements under the EoPT Act. Mica addressed the nuances of Expanded Withholding Tax (EWT), focusing on the changes introduced by the EoPT Act. The seminar concluded with a question-and-answer session and awarding of certificates to the speakers by ACPAPP Central Luzon President Rhene Payabyab, Philippine Institute of Certified Public Accountants (PICPA) Central Luzon Chapter Senior Regional Director Rowena Reyes, and ACPAPP Central Luzon Executive Vice President Walter Thater.