The electronic invoicing system was first introduced via an amendment to the National Internal Revenue Code (NIRC or Tax Code) through the TRAIN Law, effective January 2018, and further amended by the recently signed CREATE MORE. To implement the updated provisions on electronic invoices, electronic sales reporting and...
The Philippines is one of the first adopters of Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) or Public-Private Partnership (PPP) schemes for infrastructure development in Asia. To date, there are 174 PPP projects in the government’s pipeline. In 2023, Republic Act No. 11966, or The PPP Code of the Philippines, was signed into law to...
I was browsing through the envelopes in my mailbox when I found an unsolicited letter that had been sitting there for some time. I wondered how the sender got my home address. It turned out to be a greeting from a city councilor. It did not look like the usual political ad, but the name and message of the sender...
Pursuing tax refunds in the Philippines can be complex, but the process rewards the meticulous. A recent ruling by the Court of Tax Appeals (CTA) sitting en banc underscores the intricate process involved in claiming tax refunds and highlights the importance of adhering to the stringent requirements set forth by the...
Filing a tax refund claim brings a sense of anticipation, as taxpayers aim to get back a portion of their hard-earned money. However, the process of obtaining a VAT refund in the Philippines is often one of the most challenging experiences taxpayers can go through. Considering the rigorous documentation requirements...
In November, Republic Act 12066 (otherwise known as CREATE MORE), which amended CREATE, was finally signed into law. The new law seeks to enhance the competitiveness of the Philippines’ incentive regime.
Strolling through the mall one afternoon, I came across a cafe with a poster outside bearing signage that the cafe was “deaf-friendly” in large text. It felt good to be reminded that there are still some things right in this world. The incident also highlighted the strides we are making in creating an inclusive...
Imagine a world where the rules of the game are crystal clear. In December, the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) took a huge step to clarify the tax treatment of the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (PAGCOR), including its Contractees and Licensees, when it issued Revenue Memorandum Circular (RMC) No....
As we hold public officers and employees to higher standards of conduct and ethics, we also recognize the importance of supporting them in fulfilling these exacting principles of public service. This will reduce the burden of generally perceived low wages, and even boost morale. Given limited resources, it has become a...
2025 has finally rolled in and social media posts about the possible long weekends throughout the year brought about by the declared regular and special non-working holidays are all over the place. Of course, when we speak of long weekends, people tend to see these as possible out-of-town holidays or even long haul...
The New Year is a time of renewal and fresh beginnings. For businesses, it is a time to revisit existing policies, and keep abreast of new developments.
As we contemplate the meaning of Christmas two millennia after our Messiah was born in a humble manger, we also come to observe that nothing is really constant except change. Over the ages, the world has experienced recurring plagues, economic upheavals, revolutions and wars, despite best efforts of the authorities to...
