Author: Mark Virgil Lofranco

When businesses hear the word “audit,” the first reaction is often to start gathering documents. That is already too late to begin organizing them. Audit readiness should be part of ordinary accounting and tax compliance. A business that maintains organized records throughout the year is in a much better position to explain its transactions than…

When businesses hear about Philippine investment incentives, the conversation often becomes focused on one question: “Which gives better incentives, BOI or PEZA?” That is understandable, but it can lead to the wrong analysis. The real question is: “Which investment framework fits the actual project?” BOI and PEZA registrations should be evaluated based on the company’s…

Common BIR Compliance Mistakes That Can Cost Philippine Businesses Money Tax problems do not always begin with a major mistake. Sometimes they start with something small. A document was not submitted to accounting. A transaction was posted to the wrong account. A withholding obligation was overlooked. A registration detail was never updated. One isolated mistake…

Receiving an SEC Certificate of Incorporation feels like the finish line. For a new business owner, it is a major milestone. The corporation now exists as a juridical entity, the founders can finally see the company taking shape, and attention naturally shifts toward sales, hiring, banking, contracts, and operations. But from a compliance perspective, this…

A foreign investor who wants to establish a company in the Philippines will often ask one question first: “Can I own 100% of the company?” It is an understandable question, but it is rarely the best place to begin. The more useful question is: “What exactly will the Philippine company do?” In the Philippines, foreign…

Starting a corporation in the Philippines often looks straightforward from the outside. Choose a company name, prepare the documents, file with the Securities and Exchange Commission, and wait for approval. In practice, however, many registration problems begin long before the application reaches the SEC. They usually start when the founders have not yet settled the…

Most small businesses in the Philippines do not have a technology problem. They have a sequencing problem. Software gets bought in a panic — usually in January, or the week a BIR letter arrives — and then bolted onto a process nobody has examined. So before the list, one rule: map the work first, then…

Navigating BIR Davao: Tax Registration for RDO 113 A and 113 B The final hurdle in setting up a business in Davao City is registering with the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR). Davao City is split into two primary districts: RDO 113A (West Davao) and RDO 113B (East Davao). Where Do You Belong? RDO 113A…

Opening a Hospitality Venture in Davao? Here’s Your CTOO Compliance Guide Davao City’s tourism industry is booming, but launching a resort, travel agency, or restaurant requires specific regulatory steps. The City Tourism Operations Office (CTOO) ensures all local operators meet national and municipal service standards. Who Needs Tourism Certification? Primary Tourism Enterprises: Hotels, tourist inns,…

Unlocking Growth: How the DCIPC Helps Businesses Scale in Davao City Establishing a enterprise in Metro Davao comes with strong strategic advantages, particularly through the Davao City Investment Promotion Center (DCIPC). Operating under the Davao City Investment Incentive Code, the DCIPC offers foreign and local investors generous fiscal and non-fiscal support. Priority Investment Areas in…