May 2026

SGV Risk Consulting Partner Christiane Joymiel “Chin” S. Mendoza led an Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Counter-Terrorist and Proliferation Financing (CTPF) training as part of the Financial Executives Institute of the Philippines (FINEX) Academy’s 15th Capital Markets and Fixed Income Securities Course on 30 May 2026 via Zoom.The session provided participants with valuable insights into the evolving financial crime landscape and underscored the importance of sustaining AML and CTPF effectiveness in a post-grey-list environment. Chin discussed key developments shaping today’s AML landscape, including geopolitical risks, emerging typologies, and key findings from the Philippines’ Third National Risk Assessment. (From left to right) Chin opens the session on AML and CTPF; Closing segment highlighting everyone’s role in “Building a Better Philippines”Chin underscored that the Philippines’ exit from the FATF grey list is a significant milestone, but not the endpoint of the country’s AML efforts. She emphasized that sustained effectiveness requires continuous vigilance, proactive risk management, and a strong risk-based approach to managing financial crime risks. By strengthening risk awareness, enhancing controls, and fostering a culture of shared responsibility, institutions can move beyond compliance—helping safeguard trust in the financial system while supporting a more transparent and resilient Philippine economy.Chin concluded with a reminder that we carry a deeper national purpose. She stressed that “each of us has a part to play. Every control we strengthen, every report we file, every risk we take seriously—each one matters.” She added that beyond professional roles, the participants are Filipinos whose decisions shape the country’s future, noting that “the choices we make in our institutions ripple outward, shaping the kind of country our children will inherit.” For Chin, this responsibility defines the profession—one grounded in vigilance, shared accountability, and a collective commitment to building a better Philippines.The AML and CTPF training was also attended and supported by SGV Risk Consulting Senior Director Glaiza A. Escaño, Director Anne Mariel M. Lagao, Associate Director Rubin S. Hollero II, Senior Associate Randjee Earl A. Saludares, and Associates Ace B. Limpin, Jenny Rose J. Fantilaga, and Orwell Bono D. Dianito.

Members of the SGV Cebu team participated in the Mandaue Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (MCCI) Forum held at Radisson RED Cebu Mandaue on 28 May 2026. During the forum, SGV Tax Partner Atty. Anne Margaret E. Momongan-Lim and SGV Tax Director Atty. Ma. Alexandria M. Daileg served as resource speakers, with support from Tax Senior Associates Atty. Desiree Clemence B. Panelo and Atty. Neil Marvin N. Maambong. Atty. Alex and Atty. Anne receive plaques of appreciation for serving as MCCI Forum speakersAtty. Alex opened the session with a presentation on key Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) updates for 2025 and 2026, providing participants with valuable insights to help strengthen tax compliance and support effective business operations.Following this, Atty. Anne discussed the Real Property Valuation and Assessment Reform Act (RPVARA), its Implementing Rules and Regulations, and their implications for businesses and taxpayers. Atty. Anne also addressed BIR audits, explaining the audit process and sharing practical strategies for managing audit-related concerns. She emphasized the importance of proper documentation, thorough preparation, and proactive tax governance in addressing assessments and maintaining compliance. Atty. Alex and Atty. Anne during their presentationsThe sessions concluded with an open forum, where attendees raised questions on tax updates, audit procedures, and the RPVARA. Through their responses, the speakers helped participants gain a deeper understanding of current regulatory developments and their impact on business operations. The discussion provided practical guidance and actionable insights that the participants can apply to strengthen compliance and navigate an evolving tax landscape.The event was attended by MCCI members, non-members, and business owners from various industries. Also present were MCCI President Barbara Gothong-Tan, Immediate Past President and Training Committee Chair Mark Anthony Ynoc, and Trustee and Training and Education Co-Chair Jefferson Tan.The forum underscored SGV’s commitment to sharing relevant tax and regulatory insights that help businesses remain informed, compliant, and prepared for change.

SGV Academy Leader and Technology Risk Partner Allan W. Ocho served as a technical session speaker at the 47th Annual National Convention and Seminar of the Government Association of Certified Public Accountants, Inc. (GACPA) held in Puerto Princesa, Palawan on 27 May 2026. Allan shares insights on data analyticsDuring his session on “Data Analytics for Government Accountants,” Allan shared insights on how government accountants can leverage data analytics to enhance decision-making and improve operational efficiency. Drawing from more than 400 pre-session survey responses, he highlighted a common challenge across government agencies: while data is readily available, much of the work remains manual, limiting the time available for analysis and timely decision-making.Allan emphasized the evolving role of government accountants—from focusing primarily on reporting to becoming enablers of better, data-driven decisions. He also demonstrated how recurring audit findings often stem from missed data signals that could be identified earlier through the effective use of analytics. GACPA officers and delegates at the eventThe session introduced practical and accessible approaches using familiar tools to help participants reduce repetitive tasks, uncover insights more efficiently, and focus on high-risk areas that matter most. These strategies support stronger accountability, greater transparency, and more informed decision-making within the public sector.At the heart of the discussion was a simple yet powerful message: better questions lead to better insights, and better insights lead to better decisions that strengthen public trust.

SGV participated in the inaugural GRI-ISSB Interoperability Capacity-Building Session held on 26 May 2026 at the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Headquarters. Organized by the SEC in partnership with the Philippine Sustainability Reporting Committee (PSRC) and co-organized by the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI), the session aimed to strengthen the readiness of Philippine companies to meet evolving sustainability reporting requirements.The training focused on the interoperability of the GRI Standards and the International Financial Reporting Standards Sustainability Disclosure Standards (IFRS SDS), helping participants understand how these frameworks can work together to support more consistent and globally aligned sustainability disclosures. Organizers and participants of the inaugural capacity-building sessionThe program featured remarks from SEC Corporate Governance and Finance Department Director Atty. Rachel Esther Gumtang-Remalante, followed by an overview of sustainability reporting developments in the Philippines by PSRC Chairman and SGV Climate Change and Sustainability Services (CCaSS) Leader Benjamin N. Villacorte, who highlighted the importance of building organizational capability to support the adoption of globally aligned reporting standards.GRI Philippines Country Manager Vincent de Paz and GRI ASEAN Regional Project Implementation Manager Lany Harijanti also led discussions on the GRI Standards, ISSB frameworks, and GRI-ISSB interoperability. PSRC Consultative Panel member Ma. Victoria Tan shared insights on the practical application of sustainability reporting standards, while GRI ASEAN Regional Director Dr. Allinnettes Go-Adigue led an open forum and delivered the closing remarks. Atty. Rachel Esther Gumtang-Remalante delivers opening remarks; Benjie shares key updates on sustainability reporting developments in the PhilippinesSGV professionals actively contributed to the learning sessions. Climate Change and Sustainability Services (CCaSS) Senior Director Kevin Henson discussed climate-related physical risks and how organizations can assess their exposure to climate hazards. CCaSS Senior Director Melisa de Ramos-Turingan shared insights on transition risks, including the financial and strategic implications of regulatory developments, technological change, and the shift to a low-carbon economy.  CCaSS Senior Directors Kevin Henson and Melissa Turingan share insights on climate-related physical and transition risksCCaSS Senior Directors Crystal Cornell and Francisco Miguel de la Cruz also facilitated case studies and group exercises that enabled participants to apply concepts such as materiality, governance, and strategic integration in real-world reporting scenarios.  CCaSS Senior Directors Crystal Cornell and Francisco Miguel de la Cruz lead participants in a group discussion during the breakout sessionThe capacity-building session was also supported by CCaSS Senior Director Diana Rose Sadili-Chu and Senior Associate Russel James Andrade.Through SGV’s leadership and participation in these learning initiatives, the Firm continues to support organizations in strengthening sustainability reporting capabilities and navigating the evolving landscape of global sustainability standards.

SGV, together with the Subic-Clark Alliance for Development (SCAD), conducted a workshop on Base Erosion and Profit Shifting (BEPS) 2.0 on 26 May 2026 at the SGV Clark office, bringing together representatives from key investment promotion agencies to discuss the implications of the OECD Pillar Two Global Minimum Tax (GMT) framework. Representatives from SGV, SCAD, CDC, CIAC, AFAB, FAB and SBMA during the workshopThe workshop was organized following discussions during the Philippine Investment Promotion Plan Technical Working Group (PIPP TWG) meeting on Global Minimum Tax (GMT)-OECD Pillar Two held on 15 May 2026. As a collaborative platform among government agencies and stakeholders in the Subic-Clark economic corridor, SCAD sought to provide its member agencies with a deeper understanding of the evolving international tax landscape and support efforts to harmonize policies and processes across investment zones hosting multinational enterprises. BEPS 2.0 Workshop attendeesSGV Tax Partner and International Tax and Transaction Services Leader Atty. Fidela I. Reyes spearheaded the workshop, while SGV Tax Partner Atty. Margarita D. Mallari-Acaban led the technical presentation and discussion. SGV Tax Partner, Tax Solutions Leader, Foreign Direct Investments Leader, SGV Clark Head, and SGV Baguio Markets Leader Atty. Margaux A. Advincula also participated in the event.Attendees included representatives from the Clark Development Corporation (CDC), Clark International Airport Corporation (CIAC), Authority of the Freeport Area of Bataan (AFAB), Freeport Area of Bataan (FAB), and Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA), as well as officials from SCAD led by Executive Director Atty. Amee Fabros.The session provided a venue for participants to exchange insights on the implementation of BEPS 2.0 and the Global Minimum Tax framework, discuss potential implications for investment promotion agencies and locators, and explore opportunities for greater coordination in supporting multinational companies operating within their respective zones.

The Philippine Sustainability Reporting Committee (PSRC) and the Philippine Financial and Sustainability Reporting Standards Council (FSRSC), together with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), held the “Aligning Finance with Nature – A High-Level Roundtable Discussion with TNFD” on 25 May 2026 at the SGV Training facility at the STI Holdings Center in Makati City. The event gathered sustainability leaders, finance professionals, and industry representatives to discuss the growing importance of integrating nature-related considerations into financial and sustainability reporting frameworks. SGV, PSRC, FSRSC, and UNDP leaders at the session SGV Chairman and Country Managing Partner Rossana A. Fajardo delivered the welcome message, emphasizing the importance of collaboration in advancing sustainability and nature-related disclosures. This was followed by opening remarks from FSRSC Chair and former SGV Country Managing Partner Wilson P. Tan. SGV Sustainability Leader and PSRC Chair Benjamin N. Villacorte also delivered a message to the participants.The roundtable featured presentations and insights from UNDP Biodiversity Finance Initiative National Consultant Edgardo Tongson, Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD) Market Engagement Director Candice Dott, TNFD Market Engagement Lead for Asia-Pacific and the Middle East Tejeshwar Goyal, City Developments Limited Sustainability Manager Priscilla Tan, and Olam Agri Sustainability Finance Professional Isabel Loh. SGV Partners with industry leaders at the event A panel discussion followed, featuring Manila Water Corporation Sustainability Corporate Center Director Sarah E. Bergado, PLDT Inc. and Smart Communications, Inc. First Vice President and Chief Sustainability Officer Melissa Vergel de Dios, and PGPC–SM Investments Corporation Sustainability Assistant Vice President Mercy Grace Dionisio. UNDP Climate Finance Project Manager Josem Eijansantos served as moderator. (From left to right) Sarah Bergado, Mercy Grace Dionisio, Melissa Vergel de Dios, Candice Dott and Josem Eijansantos during the panel discussionThe discussions centered on nature-related financial disclosures, regional and global adoption of the TNFD framework, developments related to the International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB), and private-sector initiatives supporting biodiversity and sustainable finance. The event also underscored the role of organizations and financial institutions in driving more transparent, resilient, and nature-positive business practices.

The SGV Sustainability team provided training on IFRS Sustainability Disclosure Standards Reporting Essentials for finance professionals on 20 May 2026 in Clark, Pampanga, as part of the firm’s Sustainability Training Series: Gearing up for ISSB Standards Sustainability Reporting in Practice. Following the successful rollout of earlier sessions this year, the whole-day training continued SGV’s efforts to help organizations strengthen their understanding and application of sustainability reporting standards. (From left to right) top: Diana Rose A. Sadili–Chu and Crystal Aleli R. Cornell; bottom: Joyce Anne A. Soriano and Zoe Aurora H. Romero share their insights on IFRS sustainability disclosure standards reporting essentialsThe program opened with welcome remarks from SGV Sustainability Senior Manager Crystal Aleli R. Cornell, who highlighted the importance of enhancing capabilities in sustainability-related financial disclosures amid the evolving reporting landscape. This was followed by sessions introducing the purpose, scope, conceptual foundations, and key requirements of the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) Sustainability Disclosure Standards, facilitated by SGV Sustainability Managers Diana Rose Sadili-Chu and Crystal Aleli R. Cornell.Participants also took part in in-depth discussions on the core components of the IFRS Sustainability Disclosure Standards. SGV Sustainability Manager Diana Rose Sadili-Chu led the session on Governance, while SGV Sustainability Manager Joyce Anne A. Soriano discussed Strategy. SGV Sustainability Manager Zoe Aurora H. Romero facilitated the discussion on Risk Management, Metrics, and Targets. Participants at the sustainability training Through interactive discussions and practical insights shared by the SGV Sustainability Managers, the training provided participants with a deeper understanding of the principles, requirements, implications, and leading practices in sustainability-related disclosures and reporting.The session concluded with closing remarks from SGV Sustainability Leader Benjamin N. Villacorte. Benjie delivers closing remarks

SGV Sustainability Leader Benjamin N. Villacorte participated as a plenary speaker during Day 2 of the ASEAN Science Diplomats Assembly’s (ASDA) 10th Founding Anniversary held at the Acacia Hotel in Alabang, Muntinlupa City on 19 May 2026. Benjie speaks at the ASEAN Science Diplomats AssemblyThe assembly brought together ASEAN Science Diplomats, policymakers, academics, researchers, and industry leaders to celebrate a decade of advancing science diplomacy across Southeast Asia under the theme, “A Decade of Science Diplomacy: Bridging Divides, Inspiring Lives.” Benjie joins industry leaders in the plenary session  Benjie joined the plenary session on Science Diplomacy in Resiliency and Sustainability, contributing to Pillar 3: Finance, Digital Innovation, and Frontier Resilience Diplomacy. He delivered a presentation on Banking and Sustainability Finance Diplomacy, highlighting the role of sustainable finance in supporting resilient economies, accelerating sustainable development, and fostering responsible business practices across the ASEAN region. Benjie at the ASDA eventThe Pillar 3 discussion explored how finance, technology, and innovation can help address emerging challenges and strengthen regional resilience. Benjie joined fellow experts from the legal, cybersecurity, and space science sectors in sharing insights on advancing cooperation and sustainability through their respective fields. (From left to right) Benjie with Mrs. Corazon de la Paz-Bernardo, Dr. Jesus Estanislao, Hon. Amina Rasul-Bernardo, and Sci. Dpl. Glenn BanaguasOrganized as part of ASDA’s 10th Founding Anniversary celebration, the assembly served as a platform for dialogue, knowledge-sharing, and collaboration among leaders committed to leveraging science diplomacy to address regional and global challenges.

SGV Technology Consulting Senior Associate John Cyran Lemoncito passed the CREST Practitioner Security Analyst (CPSA) and CREST Registered Penetration Tester (CRT) examinations in March 2026.The CREST certifications are internationally recognized validations of technical competence, ethical standards, and professional rigor in cybersecurity, penetration testing, and security analysis. Recognized by governments, regulators, and industry leaders worldwide, they represent a significant milestone in professional development within the global cybersecurity field.Beyond his CREST certifications, John has also obtained other industry-recognized certifications, including Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP), CompTIA Security+, CompTIA CySA+, CompTIA PenTest+, Certified Red Team Operator (CRTO), Certified Red Team Expert (CRTE), Certified Red Team Professional (CRTP), and ISC2 Certified in Cybersecurity (CC).Congratulations, John Cyran! Your hard work and dedication inspire us all. We are thrilled to celebrate this incredible achievement with you!

SGV Partners attended the official launch of the Doing Business in Bacolod publication on 14 May 2026 at the L’Fisher Hotel in Bacolod City. SGV Partners with Bacolod City government officialsRepresenting SGV at the event were Chairman and Country Managing Partner Rossana A. Fajardo, Assurance Leader Cyril Jasmin B. Valencia, Assurance Partner and SGV Bacolod Partner-in-Charge Djole S. Garcia, Strategy and Transactions Partner and Government & Infrastructure (G&I) and Economic Research Leader Marie Stephanie C. Tan-Hamed, Climate Change and Sustainability Services Partner Katrina F. Francisco and Tax Partner Anne E. Momongan-Lim.The publication launch was led by Bacolod City Mayor Greg Gasataya during the Bacolod in Action: Sustainable, Resilient, and Open for Business segment of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s 35th Visayas Area Business Conference hosted by the Metro Bacolod Chamber of Commerce and Industry.Developed by the Bacolod City Government in collaboration with SGV, Doing Business in Bacolod serves as an investment guide for local and international investors, showcasing the city’s economic landscape, investment ecosystem, and business opportunities.