On June 18, 2024, the Dutch Chamber of Commerce in the Philippines in partnership with Manila Bookkeepers – a finance and tax outsourcing firm – hostedheld at One Ayala Corporate Center in Makati City. Panelists Atty. Jose Calsas, Jr., CPA the CFO of D&V Philippines, Edmundo Macaraeg, CPA the General Manager of Manila Bookkeepers, Atty. Joanna Marie O.
Digitalization is a possible game changer for the Philippines and allows it to be competitive with its regional neighbors. The passing of the Ease of Paying Taxes Law and the Ease of Doing Business and Efficient Government Service Delivery Act of 2018 are part of the roadmap to achieve the digitalization goals of the country.
The panelists agreed that transitioning to digital payments and registrations is a positive development. These have shortened the wait times and queues at government offices such as the Bureau of Internal Revenue when tax deadlines arrive. The simplified processes have improved efficiency and made the release of permits, licenses, and invoices faster.
According to Atty. Jose Calsas, Jr., CPA, “if it’s a question of payments and issuance of permits, there are improvements. You can now pay easily, and agencies are aiming at the issuance of permits within 20 days for highly technical transactions like the issuance of PEZA LOAs.” The Philippine government’s digitalization is promising. Its potential benefits for large corporations and small businesses are far-reaching. However, there is still room for improvement when it comes to implementation and consistency.