News

Clark Tax Partners facilitate webinar on BIR Audit  SGV Clark Tax Partners Margaux A. Advincula (MAA) and Hentje Leo L. Leaño (LLL) conducted a webinar titled How to Survive a BIR Audit amidst a Pandemic on 7 December. The webinar aimed to guide taxpayers in handling their BIR tax audits especially during the pandemic.     MAA and LLL presenting at the Tax webinar  MAA welcomed participants to the webinar and provided updates on the BIR’s collection target and priority programs. She then gave a comprehensive overview of the conduct of a BIR audit and remedies available to taxpayers during each stage of the audit, as well as relevant rules, regulations and court decisions. She also discussed COVID-19 related issuances which may affect the participants’ ongoing audits and their tax compliance with the BIR.  LLL then led a discussion on the common issues faced by taxpayers with the BIR, emphasizing the importance of tax compliance in managing these issues. Attendees participated in the webinar through interactive polling questions. The session concluded with an open forum, where the speakers addressed the participants’ questions. Tax Director Michael Ray Lapasaran moderated the session.   Nearly 100 participants attended the event, including SGV Clark Head Peps Zabat and the managers and associates who were part of the webinar’s organizing team. 

SGV Clark Tax Partners Margaux A. Advincula (MAA) and Hentje Leo L. Leaño (LLL) conducted a webinar titled How to Survive a BIR Audit amidst a Pandemic on 7 December. The webinar aimed to guide taxpayers in handling their BIR tax audits especially during the pandemic. MAA welcomed participants to the webinar and provided updates on the BIR’s collection target and priority programs. She then gave a comprehensive overview of the conduct of a BIR audit and remedies available to taxpayers during each stage of the audit, as well as relevant rules, regulations and court decisions. She also discussed COVID-19 related issuances which may affect the participants’ ongoing audits and their tax compliance with the BIR. LLL then led a discussion on the common issues faced by taxpayers with the BIR, emphasizing the importance of tax compliance in managing these issues. Attendees participated in the webinar through interactive polling questions. The session concluded with an open forum, where the speakers addressed the participants’ questions. Tax Director Michael Ray Lapasaran moderated the session. Nearly 100 participants attended the event, including SGV Clark Head Peps Zabat and the managers and associates who were part of the webinar’s organizing team.

FSO conducts third AML CTF webinar   The SGV Financial Services Organization (FSO) conducted Module 2B of the SGV Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Counter Terrorist Financing (CTF) Webinar Series on 27 November. The webinar covered the risk management framework for insurance companies. AML Council Executive Director Atty. Mel Georgie Racela delivered the opening remarks and welcomed over 40 participants composed of representatives from insurance companies. FSO Associate Damlouie Valladolid hosted the session.      VAB and Erika presenting at the AML CTF webinar  SGV FSO Partner Veronica A. Balisi (VAB) and Associate Director Erika Gaanan Teh began the session with a refresher on money laundering, terrorist financing, and proliferation financing followed by a discussion on the results of the 2nd National Risk Assessment (NRA) and Insurance Typologies. They then spoke on updates and key elements of the local AML/CTF framework and the structure and preventive measures for companies engaged in the insurance industry.

The SGV Financial Services Organization (FSO) conducted Module 2B of the SGV Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Counter Terrorist Financing (CTF) Webinar Series on 27 November. The webinar covered the risk management framework for insurance companies. AML Council Executive Director Atty. Mel Georgie Racela delivered the opening remarks and welcomed over 40 participants composed of representatives from insurance companies. FSO Associate Damlouie Valladolid hosted the session. SGV FSO Partner Veronica A. Balisi (VAB) and Associate Director Erika Gaanan Teh began the session with a refresher on money laundering, terrorist financing, and proliferation financing followed by a discussion on the results of the 2nd National Risk Assessment (NRA) and Insurance Typologies. They then spoke on updates and key elements of the local AML/CTF framework and the structure and preventive measures for companies engaged in the insurance industry.

Kudos to our new CMPCs!  SGV Partners Clairma Mangangey, Julie Ong-Mateo and Conrad Alviz, and Talent Associate Director Luisa Hebron recently completed the first EY ASEAN Coaching Program and are now Certified Master Performance Coaches (CMPCs).   They will be taking an active role in furthering our Purpose, supporting ASEAN coaching initiatives, improving our ability to have better conversations and enhancing the development of transformative leaders. The certification is part of the International Coaching Federation (ICF) Accredited Coach Training Program and aims to build a pool of certified coaches to support ASEAN coaching initiatives.   Congratulations, everyone! 

SGV Partners Clairma Mangangey, Julie Ong-Mateo and Conrad Alviz, and Talent Associate Director Luisa Hebron recently completed the first EY ASEAN Coaching Program and are now Certified Master Performance Coaches (CMPCs). They will be taking an active role in furthering our Purpose, supporting ASEAN coaching initiatives, improving our ability to have better conversations and enhancing the development of transformative leaders. The certification is part of the International Coaching Federation (ICF) Accredited Coach Training Program and aims to build a pool of certified coaches to support ASEAN coaching initiatives. Congratulations, everyone!

LLC joins panel at PICPA Ethics & Leadership Summit  SGV Risk Management Leader and Professional Practice Director and PICPA Ethics Committee Chair Lucy L. Chan (LLC) was one of the panelists at the keynote session of the Ethics & Leadership Summit of the Metro Manila Region and the Eastern Metro Manila Chapter of the Philippine Institute of Certified Public Accountants (PICPA) held last 10-11 December. With the theme Traversing the New Landscape with Stronger Ethical and Leadership Foundation, the summit featured sessions on ethics and leadership in the accountancy profession in light of emerging developments.     Title slide of LLC’s presentation as a panelist at the PICPA Summit  Following the keynote presentation on Walk the Talk: Operationalizing the Ethical Requirements under the IFAC Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants by incoming Deputy Chairman of the International Ethics Standards Board for Accountants (IESBA) Caroline Lee, LLC discussed challenges faced by professional accountants due to the pandemic and other developments, namely, meeting targets during an economic downturn, adapting to remote work, keeping up with the pace of digitization, and creating new sustainable business models. She then discussed measures for addressing these issues and shared insights on how leaders can uphold a culture of integrity within their organizations in the current environment.   LLC’s and other panelists’ presentations were followed by an interactive session with the keynote speaker, the panelists, and other participants at the summit. 

SGV Risk Management Leader and Professional Practice Director and PICPA Ethics Committee Chair Lucy L. Chan (LLC) was one of the panelists at the keynote session of the Ethics & Leadership Summit of the Metro Manila Region and the Eastern Metro Manila Chapter of the Philippine Institute of Certified Public Accountants (PICPA) held last 10-11 December. With the theme Traversing the New Landscape with Stronger Ethical and Leadership Foundation, the summit featured sessions on ethics and leadership in the accountancy profession in light of emerging developments. Following the keynote presentation on Walk the Talk: Operationalizing the Ethical Requirements under the IFAC Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants by incoming Deputy Chairman of the International Ethics Standards Board for Accountants (IESBA) Caroline Lee, LLC discussed challenges faced by professional accountants due to the pandemic and other developments, namely, meeting targets during an economic downturn, adapting to remote work, keeping up with the pace of digitization, and creating new sustainable business models. She then discussed measures for addressing these issues and shared insights on how leaders can uphold a culture of integrity within their organizations in the current environment. LLC’s and other panelists’ presentations were followed by an interactive session with the keynote speaker, the panelists, and other participants at the summit.

LLL leads JPIA-SISC virtual conference  Tax Partner Hentje Leo L. Leaño (LLL) was a speaker at the Junior Philippine Institute of Accountants-Southville International School and Colleges (JPIA–SISC Chapter) conference on 4 December. Over 60 participants attended the event, including SISC School of Accountancy Chairperson Dr. Henly S. Pahilagao, SISC faculty and accountancy students. JPIA-SISC Chapter President Aira Jaimee Gonzales moderated the session.   The title slide of LLL’s presentation at the webinar  With the theme, CPAs in Public Practice: Opportunities and Challenges, LLL spoke on his professional journey as an SGV Partner and his career in public practice. He also provided insights on the possible challenges and opportunities CPAs may face in the future beyond the pandemic. 

Tax Partner Hentje Leo L. Leaño (LLL) was a speaker at the Junior Philippine Institute of Accountants-Southville International School and Colleges (JPIA–SISC Chapter) conference on 4 December. Over 60 participants attended the event, including SISC School of Accountancy Chairperson Dr. Henly S. Pahilagao, SISC faculty and accountancy students. JPIA-SISC Chapter President Aira Jaimee Gonzales moderated the session. With the theme, CPAs in Public Practice: Opportunities and Challenges, LLL spoke on his professional journey as an SGV Partner and his career in public practice. He also provided insights on the possible challenges and opportunities CPAs may face in the future beyond the pandemic.