2014 AFA-PICPA Accountancy and Tax Conference – Cebu Philippines

By: Tax and Accounting Center

2014 AFA-PICPA Conference at Cebu City.Jan. 24-25, 2014

In an effort to harmonize with internationalized accounting practice, the Philippine Institute of Certified Public Accountants (PICPA) joined hands with ASEAN Federation of Accountants (AFA) for the “2014 AFA-PICPA Accountancy and Tax Conference” under theme, “ASEAN Integration 2015:Rising the Challenge” held in last January 24-25, 2014 at Cebu City, Philippines and hosted by PICPA-Cebu City Chapter. Tax and Accounting Center Philippines has supported and participated such event by sending its executive, Jobelle Mendoza, CPA along with its resource speakers and partners with Gimena Pagaspas Partners & Co. CPAs – Garry S. Pagaspas, CPA and Wilson John Gimena, CPA. The two-day event was a success for local and foreign participants participants and the AFA-PICPA for it clearly sent its message on the ASEAN integration, the challenges on the practice of profession in the ASEAN region, and the opportunities within the ASEAN region. The first day concentrated on ACCOUNTING DEVELOPMENT IN THE ASEAN REGION carried on with the following presentations:

• Keynote Address by Hon. Jennifer Jardin-Manalili, Commissioner, Philippine Regulations Commission (PRC)
• ASEAN Economic Community 2015: Challenges and Issues by Hon. Atty. Eugene Mateo, Chairman, Philippine Board of Accountancy (BOA);
• Talent Development and Wider Opportunities for ASEAN Accountants by Mr. Mark Billington, Regional Director, Southeast Asia ICAEW;
• Empowering Professional Accountants Toward Global Competitiveness by Mr. Greame Wade, Deputy President, CPA Australia;
• Singapore Experience: Changing Accountancy Services Landscape by Dr. Ernest Kan, President, Institute of Singapore Chartered Accountants;
• Harmonization of the Accountancy Profession Beyond Frontiers by Prof. Sidharta Utama, Council Member, Institute of Accountants of Indonesia;
• Core Competencies for Accountants by Mr. Reza Ali, Head of Emerging Markets – Asia, ACCA; and,
• Application of IFRS and ISAS in ASEAN Countries by Ms. Josephine Adrienne Abarca, Partner, Sycip Gorres Velayo & Co. (SGV & Co.)  

Second day is more interesting for as we all know, tax rules in the Philippines are on constant changing stage so everybody seemed to have strong interest on the TAX FORUM carried on with the following discussions:

• Philippine Tax Structure and System, Compared with ASEAN Countries by Atty. Alexander B. Cabrera, Chairman, Isla Lipana & Co.;
• Transfer Pricing Law and its Application by Atty. Romulo S. Danao, Parner, Sycip Gorres Velayo & Co. (SGV & Co.); and,
• Updates and Concerns on recent BIR Issuances and Court Decisions by Atty. Victorino C. Mamalateo, Managing Partner, VC Mamalateo & Associates

After each topic in the above, participants are allowed to raise questions and clarifications on the topics presented and other related matters. The second day on Tax Forum in the Philippines was more lively as more questions on taxation in the Philippines had been raised. We are looking forward with the big positive impact on the event for the conference participants and organizers. More interesting is the next conference for 2015 as the 2014-2015 President for the ASEAn Federation of Accountants (AFA) is a Filipina and the very first woman President, Dean Estelita C. Aguirre. Let us see it for ourselves in the upcoming events and programs of AFA during her term. Let us continue to  support and participate the programs and activities of AFA, PICPA, and other professional organizations geared towards, professionalism of accounting practice in the Philippines, dealing with challenges and issues, and maximizing opportunities. Some events picture reminders on the 2014 AFA-PICPA Conference at Cebu City, Philippines held last January 24-25, 2013 at Marriott Hotel Cebu, and Parklane International Hotel Cebu.

Wilson Gimana and Jobelle Mendoza with Dr. Ernest Kan of Institute of Singapore Chartered Accountants)

(Jobelle Mendoza, Garry Pagaspas with Dean Estelita Aguire, 2014-2015 AFA President)

(Garry Pagaspas, Jobelle Mendoza, and Wilson Gimena poses at the 2014 AFA-PICPA Conference at Cebu City.Jan. 24-25, 201)

Jobelle Mendoza, Wilson Gimena, and Atty. Victorino C. Mamalateo

(Wilson Gimena, Jobelle Mendoza, with Prof. Sidharta Utama from the Institute of Accountants in Indonesia with his company)

Jobelle Mendoza and Wilson Gimena with Atty. Eugene Mateo, Chair of PRC-BOA

Garry Pagaspas, Jobelle Mendoza posing with a foreign participant from Australia

Garry Pagaspas, Jobelle Mendoza posing with Atty. Eugene Mateo, Chair of PRC-BOA

Disclaimer: This article is for general conceptual guidance only and is not a substitute for an expert opinion. Please consult your preferred tax and/or legal consultant for the specific details applicable to your circumstances. For comments, you may also please send mail at info(@)taxacctgcenter.org, or you may post a question at Tax and Accounting Center Forum and participate therein.

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