News

SGV Climate Change and Sustainability Services (CCaSS) Leader and Philippine Sustainability Reporting Committee (PSRC) Chair Benjamin N. Villacorte and Sustainability Principal Bonar A. Laureto participated in the 30th UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP30) in Belém, Brazil. The first COP held in the Amazon region, the summit gathered global leaders, businesses, and key stakeholders at a crucial moment for climate action.SGV joined EY’s global sustainability events, contributing to discussions on climate finance, nature integration, energy transition, adaptation, and the private sector’s role in accelerating implementation of the Paris Agreement.Through SGV’s participation, the Firm reinforced its commitment to supporting clients in understanding emerging climate frameworks, investment pathways, and policy developments arising from COP30. SGV continues to collaborate closely with EY teams worldwide to help drive sustainable strategies and long-term value creation.

The SGV Technology Risk team participated in the ISACA Manila Academe Summit 2025, themed “Navigating the IT Governance Landscape: Pathways to Success,” held on 15 November 2025 at the University of Santo Tomas (UST). Organized by ISACA Manila in partnership with the UST Accounting Information System (AIS) Society, the event gathered more than 300 BS AIS students from different colleges and universities for a half-day program on digital transformation and IT governance.SGV Technology Risk Senior Manager Elvin Mercader opened the event by delivering his welcome remarks, while Manager Dale Andrew Aquino led the plenary session on “Expanding Horizons of AIS Professionals in Today’s Business Context.” He discussed the evolving digital economy, trends shaping business transformation, and the challenges organizations face as technology accelerates. He emphasized the vital role AIS professionals play in the digital trust ecosystem, noting the growing demand for talent based on ISACA certification trends.Dale also highlighted the broad career opportunities for AIS graduates, identifying skills essential for future professionals and sharing strategies to overcome common barriers students experience. He concluded with a personal message of inspiration, reflecting on his journey from being a UST student to becoming an SGV Manager.Alongside the plenary, the SGV booth provided students with an opportunity to learn more about SGV’s Technology Risk practice. The booth was manned by Technology Risk Partner Conrad Allan M. Alviz, Managers Renz Criste and Cris Angelo Bola, Senior Associate Mark Oliveros and Associate Jewel Mae Mesina, together with Allysa Ignacio and Jessa Monteiro from the AGA Resource Management team.The summit strengthened SGV’s engagement with the academe and reaffirmed the Firm’s commitment to supporting future professionals as they navigate a rapidly evolving technology and governance landscape.

SGV hosted the Indirect Tax and Transfer Pricing Convergence Summit 2025 on 14 November, bringing together over 100 tax professionals and industry leaders to discuss the latest developments and best practices in indirect tax and transfer pricing.The event opened with a program featuring SGV’s Got Talent 2025 2nd runner-up Jullana Fernandez who led the National Anthem, followed by a prayer led by SGV Tax Principal Atty. Joyce A. Francisco. Tax Leader Atty. Jules E. Riego set the tone for the summit with his opening message.SGV Tax Partner Auresana B. Ines provided updates on Transfer Pricing, initiating a series of sessions on the latest developments in indirect tax highlighting global trade and customs and transfer pricing. Insights from the Bureau of Customs were shared by Assistant Commissioner Atty. Vincent Philip C. Maronilla of the Post Clearance Audit Group, followed by a Q&A session moderated by Indirect Tax Leader Atty. Lucil Q. Vicerra.The summit also featured technical discussions on customs valuation and transfer pricing convergence facilitated by Atty. Lucil. A fireside chat with Tax Partner Atty. Deonah Marco-Go and Tax Principal Atty. Victor C. De Dios, along with a presentation on Global Data Analytics by Tax Principal Atty. Stephanie V. Nava, offered practical insights and perspectives on emerging trends and strategies in the field.Tax Partner and Transfer Pricing Leader Atty. Reynante M. Marcelo concluded the program with his closing remarks, followed by networking and cocktails for attendees.The summit underscored SGV’s commitment to thought leadership in indirect tax, global trade and customs and transfer pricing, providing a platform for knowledge-sharing and collaboration on the latest industry developments, and reinforcing its role in guiding organizations toward effective governance and compliance.

SGV conducted a training session on Smart Finance Solutions: Spotlight on Bookkeeping and Payroll, themed “Transforming Payroll and Bookkeeping for Efficient and Effective Compliance” on 7 November 2025, with over 100 participants in attendance.The event opened with remarks from Accounting Compliance and Reporting (ACR) and Payroll Leader Sonia D. Segovia. The session was hosted by Senior Directors Earvin Darren Lee and Marivic Rebulanan, who guided the participants through the afternoon's agenda. A series of insightful sessions addressing payroll, bookkeeping, and compliance challenges were featured in the event, including “GPO: Disrupting the Industry with EY Interact Payroll Technology” presented by APAC Payroll Operate Technology Leader Nikki Dequito, “Payroll Power-Up: Overcoming Challenges with Confidence” by SGV Global Compliance and Reporting (GCR) Partner Aaron C. Escartin, and “Bookkeeping Made BIR-Ready: Best Practices and Common Pitfalls” by GCR Partner Maricris U. See.Further discussions on payroll tax and immigration essentials for mobility assignments were presented by People Advisory Services Partner Czarina R. Miranda and International Tax and Transaction Services (ITTS) Senior Director Atty. Jackie Lou D. Lamug.The program also included a roundtable moderated by GCR Partner Joanna Marie T. Dela Chica and a live demonstration of EY payroll and bookkeeping technology. GCR Leader Henry M. Tan delivered the closing remarks. GCR Partner Hanna S. Rojo, GCR Senior Director Clarissa Cristelle Chua and GCR Director Gerald Co also assisted in organizing the event.

SGV Tax Partner Atty. Karen Kaye M. Sta. Maria-Constantino and Principal Atty. Arlyn A. Sarmiento-Sy conducted a complimentary tax briefing for locators of Carmelray Industrial Park II – Special Economic Zone held at the Carmelray Industrial Park 2 Administration Office in Calamba City, Laguna on 7 November 2025. Organized by Carmelray 2 Incorporated (C2I) and the Carmelray Industrial Park 2 Association, Inc., the briefing brought around 50 representatives from the finance and tax teams of various locators.The session, titled “Understanding the Taxability of Interconnectedness: Insights on Revenue Memorandum Circulars No. 5-2024 and No. 38-2024, and Republic Act No. 12023 (VAT on Digital Services Act),” provided participants with updates and practical guidance on the tax treatment of cross-border services and digital transactions.Joining Atty. Karen and Atty. Arlyn were Tax Directors Atty. Grace Lilac Desuasido and Atty. Cecille De Villa, Associate Director Atty. Mary Evielyn Mateo, and Senior Associates Atty. Jona Christia Salvador and Ms. Christine Josette Lopez.Through this session, SGV highlighted its commitment to delivering timely insights and support to help businesses navigate evolving tax regulations while ensuring compliance with the latest statutory and regulatory requirements.

SGV Climate Change and Sustainability Services (CCaSS) Leader and Philippine Sustainability Reporting Committee (PSRC) Chair Benjamin N. Villacorte represented the Firm as a panelist at the 13th Associations Summit held on 6 November 2025 at Clark Freeport Zone, Pampanga. Organized by the Philippine Council of Associations and Association Executives (PCAAE), the summit gathered association leaders and professionals under the theme “Power in Unity: Connect, Convene, Collaborate.” The event was hosted by the Clark Development Corporation and supported by the Tourism Promotions Board. Benjamin joined the panel discussion on “The Future of Associations: Navigating Digital, Sustainable, and Leadership Challenges,” where he underscored the importance of governance as a core pillar of sustainability. He emphasized the growing need for transparency in sustainability reporting, particularly with the increased use of AI and emerging digital technologies in the association landscape.Benjamin also shared insights on the leadership qualities that association leaders must strengthen to foster collaboration and drive meaningful impact, highlighting the value of strong business sense. He further spoke on SGV’s CSR initiatives as examples of how people engagement can be embedded in programs that support local communities.Other panel speakers included Globe Business - Business Solutions Consulting and Architecture Assistant Vice President Marlon Cruz, GMA New Media Chief Technology Officer Raymund Sarmiento, and International Digital Economies Association Co-founder and Deputy Secretary General Dr. Alexander Titov. Sinag Solutions Founder & CEO Francis Uy moderated the panel discussion.Apart from the panel sessions, the event also featured “Ang Susi Awards”, which recognized outstanding associations and exceptional leaders who exemplify excellence, innovation and impact in their fields.  SGV CCaSS Managers Louisse Anne F. Bugante and Judd P. Tablazon, along with Senior Associate Maria Margarita B. Dela Cruz, also attended the summit.

SGV’s newly promoted Senior Directors successfully completed the EY Asean New Senior Managers and Associate Directors Program (NSMADP) held from 3 to 6 November 2025 at the Asia School of Business in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.The program provided SGV’s emerging leaders with a comprehensive development experience designed to strengthen leadership capabilities, enhance strategic thinking, and reinforce their sense of stewardship as they take on broader responsibilities within the Firm. Through collaborative sessions with Asean counterparts, the participants gained practical insights that will support them in leading high-performing teams and delivering quality services.The new Senior Directors returned to SGV equipped with deeper regional perspectives and strengthened leadership competencies, enabling them to contribute meaningfully to the Firm’s long-term growth and commitment to building a better working world.

SGV Chairman Wilson P. Tan led a virtual seminar on Key Concepts in Good Governance, hosted by the Far Eastern University (FEU) Institute of Accounts, Business and Finance and FEU Manila – Junior Philippine Institute of Accountants on 6 November 2025.During the session, Wilson discussed the role of independent audits in strengthening corporate governance and risk management. He shared practical insights in guiding organizations toward transparency, accountability, and sound governance practices.The seminar highlighted SGV’s commitment to promoting professional excellence and thought leadership in accounting, auditing, and corporate governance. Participants gained valuable perspectives on implementing governance frameworks that drive organizational integrity and performance.

SGV conducted a Tax Briefing for the Chinese Enterprises Philippine Association (CEPA), covering year-end tax reminders, new tax issuances, and BIR audit tips on 5 November 2025.The session commenced with welcome remarks from SGV Country Managing Partner Rossana A. Fajardo, followed by messages from Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in the Philippines Minister Counselor Yang Guoliang and CEPA President and Bank of China (HK) Ltd. – Manila Branch Country Head Hu Xinquan.SGV Tax Partners Maricris U. See and Michael A. Madlangbayan, together with International Tax and Transaction Services (ITTS) Senior Manager Jackie Lou D. Lamug, shared practical insights on tax compliance, audit readiness, and the latest developments in Philippine tax laws. The briefing concluded with closing remarks from SGV Assurance Partner Maria Vivian C. Ruiz.The session was organized by the Philippine-China Overseas and Investment Network (COIN) team, led by ITTS Leader Fidela I. Reyes, Assurance Partner Jonathan T. Bino, and Maricris, with the assistance of Global Compliance and Reporting (GCR) Managers Gerald Co and Paul Adrian Batang and ITTS Manager Precioso San Juan. The briefing highlighted SGV’s commitment to supporting CEPA members in navigating the evolving tax landscape with clarity and confidence.

The SGV Cyber Consulting practice celebrated Cybersecurity Month 2025 in October through a series of initiatives that promoted awareness, enhanced digital literacy, and reinforced the importance of cybersecurity across the organization.At the center of the celebration was the Cyber Talk Series, where members of the SGV Cybersecurity Team conducted discussions on relevant and emerging topics. These sessions provided practical insights into cybersecurity issues and encouraged active participation among SGVeans.The featured sessions included “Cybersecurity in the Age of IoT” by Manager Nathaniel F. Dizon; “Digital Paparazzi: Your Data’s Getting More Attention Than You Think” by Senior Associates Faeka D. Ahmed, Jose Luis M. Sunga and Marielle R. Saliva; “Cybersecurity in Online Games” by Manager Glenn James C. Asoy and Senior Associates Kurt C. delos Reyes and Kelvin Dale A. Gonzales; “Social Media Algorithms, Fake News and Scams” by Manager Danielle Rose B. Castillo and Intern John Rey T. Ugates; “AI-generated Content: What’s Real Anymore?” by Manager Joseph Albert R. dela Rosa; and “Cyber for Non-Digital Natives (Family and Seniors)” by Manager Allison Jay S. Yabes and Associates Mary Carolynn C. Asoy and Missy B. Cortes.To conclude the month-long celebration, SGV Cyber hosted the Consulting Fright Fest on 29 October, combining cybersecurity learning with team engagement activities. The event featured the final installment of the Cyber Talk Series with discussions on “Horrors of the Internet” and “Protective Measures for Parents,” led by SGV Cyber Partner Alvin G. Manuel and Manager Dann Albert S. Veridiano. It also included the Cyber Escape Room: Ransomware Rescue Challenge, where eight teams from various SGV Consulting competencies competed in a time-bound code-cracking challenge that tested their cybersecurity knowledge and teamwork.The celebration concluded with the CyBeer Team Celebration Night, where members of the SGV Cyber Team reflected on the activities throughout the month and recognized their collective efforts in fostering a cyber-aware and resilient culture within SGV Consulting.