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SGV Global Compliance and Reporting (GCR) Partner Michael A. Madlangbayan was the resource speaker at the SGV Tax Basics Seminar (Tax BaSe) workshop on Income Tax Computation and Return Preparation held at the SGV Clark office. Michael at the SGV Tax BaSe workshop Michael discussed basic and updated income tax concepts, including guidance on the computation, filing and payment, substantiation/documentation, and administrative requirements. Leo (left) and Michael (right) during the Q&A session Atty. Margaux delivers the closing remarks Michael was also joined by GCR Partner Hentje Leo L. Leaño in the question-and-answer session. SGV Clark Partner-in-Charge and Head Atty. Margaux A. Advincula delivered the closing remarks. GCR Senior Manager Atty. Jan Kriezl M. Catipay facilitates polling questions The session was hosted by GCR Senior Manager Atty. Jan Kriezl M. Catipay, who also facilitated the Q&A session and knowledge checks during the discussion through a series of polling questions. Participants during the practical exercises The workshop was held to prepare participants for the Annual Income Tax Return filing deadline on 15 April 2024. The workshop registered the highest number of attendees in the Tax BaSe series in SGV Clark this fiscal year.

SGV Partners and Managers joined the 2024 Philippine Institute of Certified Public Accountants (PICPA) Metro Manila Region (MMR) Geographical Area Office (GAO) Tax Conference with the theme “Beyond Compliance: Transcending Regulatory, Tax Challenges and Opportunities.” The two-day event was held at the Century Park Hotel Grand Ballroom in Malate, Manila. Around 200 participants per day attended the event. Tax Conference Committee Co-Chair Meynard Sardalla, PICPA MMR Chair and GAO Regional Director Sonia D. Segovia, Tax Conference Committee Chair Maricris U. See, and Tax Conference Committee Member Earvin Darren Lee PICPA MMR Chair and GAO Regional Director Sonia D. Segovia and Tax Conference Committee Chair Maricris U. See led the PICPA MMR GAO team. Tax Senior Directors Meynard Sardalla and Earvin Darren Lee served as Co-Chair and Committee Member, respectively. Meynard and Earvin also served as the Masters of Ceremonies during the event. Tax Conference Committee Chair Maricris U. See talks about the BIR’s 2024 Priority Plans Tax Partner Aaron Escartin during his lecture on gearing up for annual income tax activities Tax Conference Committee Chair Maricris U. See discussed the Bureau of Internal Revenue’s (BIR’s) 2024 Priority Plans and recent regulatory updates, while Tax Partner Aaron Escartin discussed the essentials and dos and don’ts in preparing the 2024 Annual Income Tax Return, which is due for filing on 15 April 2024. Aaron also joined a roundtable discussion with Tax Partner Atty. Thyrza Marbas on Day 1. PAS Immigration and ITTS Advisory Leader Atty. Fidela Reyes receives certificate and token of appreciation People Advisory Services (PAS) – Immigration and ITTS Advisory Leader Atty. Fidela Reyes was the guest speaker for Day 2. She discussed the Base Erosion and Profit Shifting (BEPS) 2.0 Pillar and highlighted its global and local tax impacts. Atty. Fidela, along with the other Day 2 speakers also addressed questions and clarifications from the audience during the roundtable moderated by Maricris. Earvin, Peter, Sonia, Aileen, Maricris, and Meynard pose for a group photo PICPA Southern Metro Manila Chapter (SMMC) President Aileen L. Saringan, PICPA Western Metro Manila Chapter (WMMC) President Peter John R. Ventura, and PICPA MMR GAO Council Treasurer Francis Ricamora introduced some of the speakers.

SGV paid a courtesy call on the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR). The discussions revolved around PAGCOR’s approach to money laundering and terrorist financing, which involve strategies in line with the national policy and sanctions in the casino industry.  (From left to right) FinCrime AML/CTPF Senior Associate Damlouie Valladolid, Assurance Partner Christine G. Vallejo, FSO) Risk Management Leader Vicky Lee-Salas, PAGCOR Assistant Vice-President, AML Supervision & Enforcement Department Dave Fermin J. Sevilla, FinCrime AML/CTPF Partner Veronica Mae Arce Balisi, Cybersecurity Partner Carlo Kristle G. Dimarucut, and Forensic and Integrity Partner Roderick M. Vega Attendees included PAGCOR AML Supervision & Enforcement Department Assistant Vice-President Dave Fermin J. Sevilla, Asia Pacific Financial Services Organization (FSO) Risk Management Leader Vicky Lee-Salas, FinCrime AML/CTPF Partner Veronica Mae Arce Balisi, Forensic and Integrity Partner Roderick M. Vega, Assurance Partner Christine G. Vallejo, Cybersecurity Partner Carlo Kristle G. Dimarucut, and FinCrime AML/CTPF Senior Associate Damlouie Valladolid. More key points discussed during the meeting included adaptation to regulatory demands, data quality improvement, innovation, and collaboration. SGV showcased its support for covered organizations through first-generation capabilities, technological advancements, and collaboration in domains such as Anti-Money Laundering/Countering the Financing of Terrorism, Forensics & Integrity Services, and Technology and Cybersecurity.

SGV Senior Advisor and former Secretary of Foreign Affairs of the Philippines and former Ambassador Delia Domingo Albert was conferred the Romanian National Order of Merit with the Grade of Commander. President Klaus Werner Iohannis of Romania granted this honor in acknowledgment of Ambassador Delia's 50-year career in diplomacy and her pivotal role in peacebuilding initiatives.  Ambassador Delia Domingo Albert (right) receives Romanian National Order of Merit with the Grade of Commander Ambassador Delia served as the chair of the UN Security Council in 2004 and championed the contribution of women to peacebuilding processes. She has also consistently advocated for women in leadership roles while breaking barriers throughout her career. She stands as a role model for women diplomats worldwide and continues to pave the way for younger generations. This conferment underscores her role in strengthening international relations while highlighting the importance of diversity in diplomacy. Congratulations, Ambassador Delia!

SGV Tax Leader Atty. Fabian “Fame” K. Delos Santos, SGV Tax Partner Atty. Betheena C. Dizon, and Global Compliance and Reporting (GCR) Senior Director Mary Grace N. Cabalida were resource speakers at the Philippine Association of Service Exporters, Inc. (PASEI) briefing for the EduTraining Series #1. The event was recently held at the SGV Makati office. It aimed to enhance the understanding of BIR Audit Preparation and the provisions of the newly enacted Ease of Paying Taxes (EOPT) Law for PASEI's members. SGV Tax Partner Atty. Betheena C. Dizon and SGV Tax Leader Atty. Fabian K. Delos Santos (center) with PASEI members PASEI Chairman Emeritus Edwina L. Beech opened the event. This was followed by PASEI Corporate Secretary Dr. Cristina Castañeda’s introduction of the SGV Team.  Atty. Fame discusses BIR Audit preparation Atty. Fame discussed common issues and strategies for handling BIR Audits, while BCD discussed the provisions and recent tax developments in Republic Act No. 11976 or the Ease of Paying Taxes (EOPT) Law. Atty. Beth was joined by GCR Senior Director Mary Grace N. Cabalida.  Atty. Beth talks about the EOPT Law and relevant recent tax developments Business Tax Associate Director Atty. Tracie Kathlynne B. Bacarro hosted the event. Several GCR Senior Associates were also present. PASEI President Raquel E. Bracero delivered the closing remarks. The resource speakers received certificates of appreciation and attendees were handed participation certificates as part of the closing ceremony.

SGV Consulting Partners Christiane Joymiel “Chin” Say-Mendoza and Ryan Gilbert K. Chua participated in the recently held first General Membership Meeting for 2024 organized by the Institute of Internal Auditors Philippines (IIAP) at the Marco Polo Hotel in Ortigas Center, Pasig City. SGV Consulting Partner Christiane Joymiel Say-Mendoza with psychologist Lillian Gui The meeting, themed "Driving Purposeful Change," saw an exchange of insights and best practices among IIAP members and Internal Audit professionals, including SGV representatives. The meeting emphasized how aligning actions with a definite purpose can drive meaningful changes. IIAP 2024 Board of Trustees and Officers The event also marked the induction of the 2024 Board of Trustees and Officers. Chin was inducted as a new IIAP Trustee and Technical Standards & Research Committee Chair. Chin facilitated the session titled "Mapping the Path for Purposeful Personal Transformation." She discussed the key aspects of initiating personal and organizational changes aligning with the vision and mission of the organization. Other plenary discussions during the meeting were on "Corporate Governance Leadership: Strategies for Driving Purposeful Change" and "Internal Audit's Role in Steering Organization's Visionary Drive for Change." Manager Arjane Mae Isla, Senior Manager Pia Isabella Pagdanganan, SGV Consulting Partners Christiane Joymiel Say-Mendoza and Ryan Gilbert K. Chua, Manager Rose Abigael Lacuna, and Senior Associate Lloyd Christian Estillore Chin and Ryan were joined by Senior Manager Pia Isabella Pagdanganan, Managers Arjane Mae Isla and Rose Abigael Lacuna, and Senior Associate Lloyd Christian Estillore.

Financial Services Organization (FSO) Financial Crime Risk Management (FinCrime) Anti-Money Laundering (AML) Associate Jason Fernandez won a gold medal in the 2024 Jager Manila Open Jiu-Jitsu Championship held on 13 January 2024 at Ayala Malls Circuit, Makati.  FSO FinCrime - AML Associate and Jiu Jitsu gold medalist Jason Fernandez Jason believes that building a strong body builds a strong mind and that experiencing hardship plays an integral part in his journey. As part of his training regimen, he also trains for wrestling and judo, along with his strength and conditioning program.  Jason has also garnered medals in other high-level jiu-jitsu competitions such as the Pan Asian, and International Open.  The 2024 Jager Manila Open Jiu Jitsu Championship was organized by the Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Federation of the Philippines (BJJFP) in cooperation with Jager, one of Korea's largest competition organizers. Congratulations, Jason! 

Financial Services Organization (FSO) Financial Crime Risk Management (FinCrime) Anti-Money Laundering (AML) Associate Renson John N. Chavez passed the Sept - Oct 2023 Certified Management Accountant (CMA) exam. The results were announced on 12 December 2023. FSO FinCrime – AML Associate Renson John N. Chavez, CPA, CMA Renson said that his journey toward getting certified was not easy but through prayers and motivation, he was able to strive and continue with his journey. The CMA title is a credential that represents enhanced expertise in areas of accounting and finance, with competencies in strategic thinking, business analysis, and leadership. It is offered by the Institute of Management Accountants (IMA).  Congratulations, Renson!

SGV alumnus, Association of CPAs for Sustainability Inc. (ACPAFSI) President, and Accountancy Centenary Award of Excellence recipient Dr. Rufo R. Mendoza launched his book titled “Understanding Sustainability in Business” on 9 January 2024. The book was produced with the assistance of the SGV Foundation (SGVF). SGV alumnus and author Dr. Rufo Mendoza “Understanding Sustainability in Business” is a technical-professional book which provides a comprehensive understanding of the scope, frameworks, models, standards, regulations, and laws on the three pillars of sustainability. It can also be used as a textbook or reference book for undergraduate and graduate programs. The book has Chapter Review sections with multiple-choice items, review questions, and chapter activities. Members of SGV’s Climate Change and Sustainability Services (CCaSS) team, Partner Benjamin N. Villacorte, Director Diana A. Sadili-Chu, Senior Associate Raymond R. Paras, and Associates Zachary Y. Jara and Caryll Joy C. Franco, reviewed and provided significant insights around the book's technical facets. SGV Chairman and Country Managing Partner Wilson P. Tan delivers his message  Book launch attendees Professionals interested in sustainability and being part of the conversation on integrating sustainable strategies into their business framework for a healthier planet and a more prosperous future can secure a copy of the book by contacting the SGV Alumni Store (sgvf.admin@sgv.ph). Congratulations, Dr. Rufo!

In pursuit of continuous learning and professional growth, SGV Financial Services Organization (FSO) Financial Crime Risk Management (FinCrime) Anti-Money Laundering (AML) Associate Director Michael Ranz Luigi G. Tabar has obtained multiple certifications. Ranz is now a Certified Anti-Money Laundering Professional (CAMP), Anti-Financial Crime Professional (CFCP), and Certified Audit and Investigations Professional (CAIP).  SGV FSO FinCrime – AML Associate Director Michael Ranz Luigi G. Tabar, CPA, CAMP, CFCP, CAIP Ranz completed a series of courses and modules and passed the respective online examinations for CAMP, CFCP, and CAIP. He was certified by the Financial Crime Academy, an external online education provider for the global anti-financial crime community, in January 2024. The CAMP certification enables professionals to enhance their organization’s AML capabilities and build up their career in financial crime prevention.  The CFCP certification is intended for professionals in departments and functions such as compliance, anti-financial crime compliance, fraud investigation, fraud detection, internal controls, fraud risk management, and internal audit.  The CAIP certification enables professionals to carry out an exhaustive investigation of a company or enterprise to find instances of misconduct by management, staff, or outside parties. Ranz quotes Ashok Veda, saying that upgrading one’s skills is not an option but a necessity. Congratulations, Ranz!