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25th April 2025

DA boosts farm sector with energy-efficient cold chain and logistics

The Department of Agriculture (DA) is enhancing farm productivity with energy-efficient cold chain and food logistics systems. Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. issued Memorandum Circular (MC) No. 5, outlining measures to reduce post-harvest losses, ensure food safety, and secure a stable supply of agricultural and fisheries products. Poor infrastructure has long led to high transport costs, wastage, and food insecurity.

25th April 2025

Key updates on mandatory creditable withholding tax refund

The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) has clarified rules on tax credit and refund applications under Revenue Memorandum Circular (RMC) No. 14-2025. In time for the tax season and filing of returns this upcoming 15 April 2025; Here’s what businesses need to know:

When Does This Apply to Businesses?
Business Closure or Cessation – If a company is shutting down, it can apply for a tax credit or refund of excess/unutilized Creditable Withholding Taxes (CWT). Corporate taxpayers have two years from the date of dissolution to claim this under Section 76(C) of the Tax Code.

25th April 2025

2025 PEDP export target under refinement as external factors impact growth

In 2024, the Philippines’ total exports reached $125.21 billion, with a total of $73.23 billion of goods and US$51.98 billion of services exports. The value of goods exports, reflecting a slight 0.5% decline from the $73.62 Billion reported in 2023.

According to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) report, Electronic products (including other electronics) remained the country’s top export, reaching $42.7B. However, this reflects a 6.4% decline compared to the $45.7B in 2023.

25th April 2025

Unlocking Enterprise Competitiveness and Productivity: Making businesses thrive and future ready

“Unlocking enterprise competitiveness and productivity” took center stage at the Philippine Exporters Confederation, Inc. (PHILEXPORT)’s 1st Quarter General Membership Meeting (GMM). Aligning with its theme, the discussions underscored skills, production, market opportunities, and incentives – key elements to help businesses adapt, survive and thrive in the global landscape.

17th March 202517th March 2025

ARTA holds World Bank’s Business Ready Report forum

The Anti-Red Tape Authority conducted a forum entitled “New Insights on the Philippine Business Environment: Exploring the World Bank’s Business Ready Report” to discuss the Business Ready (B-READY) Report, which assessed how prepared the country is in expanding business-friendly programs and policies. The event is in collaboration with the World Bank and attended by key government agencies, various businesses, and academic leaders to explore how the country can enhance the ease of doing business.

17th March 2025

Unlocking VAT Perks: DTI-BIR Consultation Clarifies Zero-Rating for Exporters

The Department of Trade and Industry – Export Marketing Bureau (DTI-EMB) held a Joint Public Consultation (PubCon) on February 19, 2025, to clarify the implementation of the CREATE MORE Act, specifically regarding the Certificate of Zero-VAT Rating for Export-Oriented Enterprises (EOEs).

Held both onsite and online, the consultation tackled the tax treatment of EOEs under the new law. Officials presented the draft Revenue Regulation (RR), draft Joint Administrative Order (JAO), and the procedures for securing a Zero-Rated VAT accreditation certificate. Key speakers included Mr. Jun-Jun B. Andallo, Atty. Brianna Kay De Los Santos, and Ms. Asnia R. Bayabao from the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) and DTI-EMB.

17th March 2025

Growing Prosperity: Lessons from the 8th Philippine Farm Tourism Conference

Following Bohol’s hosting last year, General Santos City—the Tuna Capital of the Philippines—welcomed delegates to the 8th Philippine Farm Tourism Conference (PIFTC) from February 24-26, 2025, at KCC Mall. Themed “Stimulating Sustainable Economic Growth in Rural Communities through Farm Tourism,” the event provided valuable insights from agricultural experts, farm owners, and industry leaders on advancing farm tourism.

14th February 2025

PHILEXPORT National sets $110 billion goal for 2025 export target

The Philippine Exporters Confederation, Inc. (PHILEXPORT), has set a more ‘realistic’ $110 billion target for exports in 2025, reflecting a more feasible approach given the current circumstances. In an interview, PHILEXPORT President Sergio R. Ortiz-Luis Jr. pointed out that, despite this goal, exporters are struggling to thrive, and they are ‘living through chance’ due to a lack of government support. This lack of budget for Philippine exporters has kept them from participating in international fairs and limited the support for product and export development and promotions.

14th February 2025

PCCI Education Committee tackles implementation challenges of Enterprise-Based Education and Training Act

On January 30, 2025, the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) held its first Education Committee Meeting to discuss the newly enacted Enterprise-Based Education and Training (EBET) Framework Act (RA No. 12063). The law aims to enhance workforce skills by aligning education with industry needs, addressing job-skills mismatches, and strengthening private-sector collaboration.

14th February 202517th March 2025

BOC-NAIA holds first CICAC general assembly for 2025, strengthens industry collaboration

The Bureau of Customs-Ninoy Aquino International Airport (BOC-NAIA), led by District Collector Atty. Yasmin O. Mapa, convened its first General Assembly with the Customs Industry Consultative and Advisory Council (CICAC) for 2025.

The assembly provided key updates from 2024, highlighting BOC-NAIA’s border protection efforts and the total number of seized goods by commodity from January to December. Confiscated items included drugs, foreign and local currencies, medicines, and other regulated products.