PBBM declares special non-working days in 5 areas
Other Relevant Tax Updates:
- TAX & BUSINESS-RELATED NEWS [JANUARY 10-14]
- SEC EXTENDS DISCOUNTED FILING FEES ON CORPORATE REGISTRATION & PARTICIPATION IN CAPITAL MARKETS FOR MICRO, SMALL & MEDIUM-ENTERPRISES (MSMES)
- SEC RECALIBRATED CEILINGS ON INTEREST RATES & OTHER FEES CHARGED BY FINANCING & LENDING COMPANIES
I. TAX & BUSINESS-RELATED NEWS [JANUARY 2-9]
1. Philippines likely to be East Asia and Pacific region’s third fastest-growing economy until 2027
2. Pangasinan’s ‘summer capital’ records 186K tourist arrivals
3. Kung ayaw nyo, ‘di wag: Francisco Motors shelves $1B Philippine ecozone project amid policy delays; shifts to China, US
4. Quezon City introduces risk-based system for faster business permits
5. Court of Appeals upholds wage hike for Lucio Tan’s beer company workers
6. NAPC welcomes BIR’s decision to raise non-taxable benefits for workers
Philippines likely to be East Asia and Pacific region’s third fastest-growing economy until 2027 [BusinessWorld, January 14, 2026]
Vietnam is projected to grow by 6.3% this year, followed by Mongolia (5.6%), and the Philippines (5.3%), Indonesia (5%), Samoa (4.4%), China (4.4%), Cambodia (4.3%), Malaysia (4.1%), and Marshall Islands (4.1%).
Pangasinan’s ‘summer capital’ records 186K tourist arrivals [Philippine News Agency, January 13, 2026]
Malico emerged as the town’s top destination with 97,932 visitors, followed by Agpay Eco Park with 49,058 and Puyao Picnic Grounds with 39,638.
Kung ayaw nyo, ‘di wag: Francisco Motors shelves $1B Philippine ecozone project amid policy delays; shifts to China, US [Bilyonaryo, January 13, 2026]
Francisco Motors LLC has hit the brakes on its P52.11-billion special economic zone project in Bicol—the largest investment approved by the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) in 2024—and will instead focus on its China factory for now.
Quezon City introduces risk-based system for faster business permits [The Manila Times, January 13, 2026]
The new system classifies businesses into low-risk, medium-risk, or high-risk, based on the nature of their operations and their potential impact on public safety, health, and the environment, according to the local government.
Court of Appeals upholds wage hike for Lucio Tan’s beer company workers [The Manila Times, January 12, 2026]
DOLE had found that ABI was financially able to grant a pay increase, since company records showed steady profits in 2022 and 2023, improved cash flow, lower debts, and growing assets, while wage costs increased only slightly over the years.
NAPC welcomes BIR’s decision to raise non-taxable benefits for workers [The Manila Times, January 12, 2026]
According to NAPC-FLWMSC, the previous ceiling on de minimis benefits no longer reflected present economic realities.
House passes 12 of 48 LEDAC priority bills [The Philippine Star, January 12, 2026]
The House of Representatives has approved on third and final reading 12 out of the 48 Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council (LEDAC) priority measures of President Marcos, according to House majority leader and Ilocos Norte Rep. Sandro Marcos.
If you wish to get a copy of complete text of CTA cases, please e-mail us at taxseminars@dmdcpa.com.ph.
II. SEC EXTENDS DISCOUNTED FILING FEES ON CORPORATE REGISTRATION & PARTICIPATION IN CAPITAL MARKETS FOR MICRO, SMALL & MEDIUM-ENTERPRISES (MSMES)
SEC Memorandum Circular (MC) No. 2, Series of 2026, issued on January 9, 2026, extends the discounted rates for certain filing fees for qualified MSMEs previously granted under MC No. 8, Series of 2025. This issuance is aligned with the mandate for inclusive economic development pursuant to Republic Act (R.A.) No. 9501, also known as the “Magna Carta for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises.” Highlights include coverage, conditions, and requirements.
III. SEC RECALIBRATED CEILINGS ON INTEREST RATES & OTHER FEES CHARGED BY FINANCING & LENDING COMPANIES
SEC Memorandum Circular (MC) No. 14, Series of 2025, issued on December 10, 2025, sets the ceilings on interest rates and other fees charged by financing companies (FCs) and lending companies (LCs). Highlights include applicability and coverage of the circular to all unsecured, general-purpose loans offered by FCs and LCs, prescribed ceilings on interest rates and other fees for specific loans, and imposition of penalties for non-compliance.
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