Sycip Gorres Velayo Co

10/19/2026 | Press release | Archived content

SGV launches new SGV Tax Vision at The 5th Tax SymposiumTM in time for PH ASEAN Chairship and SGV’s 80th Year

SGV hosted The 5th SGV Tax Symposium™ - ASEAN Edition on 19 October 2026 at the Makati Shangri-La Hotel, in line with the Philippines' ASEAN Chairship and SGV's 80th anniversary. The symposium, themed "Beyond Borders: Advancing Philippine Growth through ASEAN and the Big Bold Tax Reforms," brought together government officials, business leaders, and tax experts to discuss tax reforms and opportunities for Philippine growth.

SGV Chairman and Country Managing Partner Rossana A. Fajardo delivered the opening message, followed by welcome remarks from SGV Head of Tax Atty. Jules E. Riego. Tax Solutions and Foreign Direct Investments Leader, SGV Clark Partner-in-Charge, and SGV Baguio Markets Leader Atty. Margaux A. Advincula provided an overview of the event.

Rossana, Jules, and Margaux open The 5th SGV Tax Symposium

Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Cristina A. Roque delivered the keynote message on the ASEAN Chairship, underscoring the Philippines' role in advancing regional cooperation and economic growth.

The conversation continued with a closer look at the changing tax landscape across ASEAN. Ernst & Young (EY) ASEAN Tax Leader Amarjeet Singh discussed Digital Tax Administration in ASEAN, while EY Asia East Tax Leader Eng Ping Yeo shared her perspectives on Tax Controversy in ASEAN. Jules then brought the two discussions together through an engaging Q&A, drawing out valuable insights and perspectives from both EY ASEAN Tax Leaders.

DTI Secretary Cristina A. Roque delivers keynote message; Jules moderates discussion with EY Leaders Amarjeet Singh and Eng Ping Yeo

Department of Finance (DOF) Undersecretary for the Revenue Operations Group Rolando Ligon Jr. shared the accomplishments of the 22nd Working Group on the ASEAN Forum on Taxation, offering a closer look at the ongoing conversations and collaboration on taxation across the region, while Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) Commissioner Charlito Martin "Charlie" Mendoza spoke on "BIR DARES: Driving Change, Delivering Impact."

The discussions were followed by a conversation with BIR Deputy Commissioners Larry Barcelo of the Legal Group and Vener Baquiran of the Operations Group. The panel discussion was facilitated by Margaux, with BIR leadership participating in a meaningful conversation on change and transformation.

DOF Undersecretary for the Revenue Operations Group Rolando Ligon Jr. and BIR Commissioner Charlito Martin "Charlie" Mendoza speaking on ASEAN Forum Taxation and BIR developments; Margaux moderates panel discussion with BIR officers

Bureau of Customs Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno discussed "BOC Customs Modernization: Promoting Transparency and Accountability," followed by an engaging Q&A facilitated by SGV Tax Principal and Indirect Tax and Global Trade and Customs Leader Atty. Lucil Q. Vicerra. The conversation then looked to the future as EY Malaysia's International Tax and Transaction Services (ITTS) and Tax Technology Partner Meng Hui Chua shared his perspective on "Beyond Automation: Reimagining Tax in the Age of AI."

Lucil facilitates discussion with BOC Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno; EY Malaysia's ITTS and Tax Technology Partner Meng Hui Chua shares insights on Tax in the age of AI

Also featured in the symposium was a conversation with C-Suites, including Rossana Fajardo, SteelAsia Manufacturing Corporation Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Pek Hoong Chong, Airspeed International Corporation President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Mariz C. Regis, IT and Business Process Association of the Philippines (IBPAP) President and CEO Celeste Ilagan, and Upgrade Energy Philippines (UGEP) CEO Ruth Yu-Owen. The conversation was moderated by broadcast journalist and host Rico M. Hizon. The discussion explored how business leaders can drive impact and strengthen the Philippines' ASEAN growth trajectory.

Following the conversation with C-Suites, Director IV (Technical Staff Chief) of the House Committee on Ways and Means Atty. Rene Delorino discussed the latest tax and legislative developments, and their implications for businesses.

Rossana joins industry leaders for a conversation with C-Suites; Atty. Rene Delorino discusses latest tax and legislative developments

The 5th SGV Tax Symposium concluded with the launch of the 2026 SGV Tax Vision, led by Margaux, and closing remarks from SGV Vice Chairman, Deputy Managing Partner, and Strategy and Transactions Leader Noel P. Rabaja, closing a day centered on meaningful dialogue, collaboration, and a shared vision for a better Philippines.

Margaux leads new SGV Tax Vision launch and Noel delivers closing remarks

Sycip Gorres Velayo Co published this content on October 19, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on November 11, 2026 at 06:56 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]