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Lexus Manila Gallery is on 8th Avenue Cor. Col. Santos Street, Grand Central Park, North Bonifacio Global City, Taguig. — PHOTO FROM LEXUS PHILIPPINES

Lexus Manila Gallery is the new home befitting the country’s leading premium auto brand

LEXUS in the Philippines recently moved into its new home — a multi-storey facility that’s not just reflective of the auto brand’s premium nature but truly befitting its luxury-segment leadership here.

What a difference 16 years can make.

Not too long ago, it seemed that Lexus was more of an experiment than anything — a bold move by Toyota Motor Philippines to bring in the brand, and during a period of global economic uncertainty, no less. Rising on a 4,000-sq.m. lot on the corner of 8th Avenue and 34th Street in Bonifacio Global City, Lexus Manila remained the marque’s showroom and facility in the country. Three floors and 10,000 sq.m. of everything Lexus — which at the outset had as its centerpiece an atrium garden with real balete trees and mint plants underneath a skylight — was eventually outgrown by the brand’s success. Underscored Lexus President Masando Hashimoto in a speech at the recent inauguration of the facility, “When we opened our… showroom that year, we sold 172 units.”

This makes its segment dominance — first attained in 2023 and repeated last year (with 53.5% market share to the tune of 2,263 units) — an even more noteworthy achievement. Word has it that Lexus is set to do a “three-peat” by the time 2025 is done and dusted.

With total cumulative sales breaching 12,000 vehicles since its humble beginnings, Lexus Philippines (through Lexus Manila) made an easy choice to pack bags for a more appropriate location. “The decision to move to a bigger and better facility is intended to cater to the enhanced lifestyle of luxury customers,” said Lexus Philippines in release.

The growth, continued Mr. Hashimoto, is also mirrored in the expansion of the model line from five to 12. “With each vehicle built in Japan at our Tahara, Motomachi, Miyata, and Iwate plants, every Lexus delivered to our customers carries the finest ‘made in Japan’ craftsmanship and quality,” he stated.

And Lexus Manila Gallery, as the dealership facility is now called, is just further down 8th Avenue from its original location — and, while we’re at it, right after the “semi-permanent” Lexus at Mitsukoshi brand space.

Lexus Manila Gallery isn’t just defined by the design and elements that go into the physical structure. Averred Lexus Philippines Chairman Alfred Ty: “In Lexus, our philosophy is to treat each customer as we would a guest in our own home. It is what we call the omotenashi spirit. Our goal is to provide number-one quality in every vehicle and deliver the omotenashi experience to every single guest.”

Mr. Ty maintained to guests at the inauguration, “In the past 16 years, our team has tried to craft a personal relationship with each one of you, or as personal as you would allow us to be, because we believed this was how we could provide the best service possible. Whether it would be pocket events about coffee making and appreciation, calligraphy basics or bonsai making.”

The executive looks fondly upon the old location, describing it as one his late father (business magnate George SK Ty) loved. “It was intimate and personal. It had allowed the outdoor feature to come inside with an indoor garden. It is also where we were able to welcome late Honorary (Toyota Motor Corp.) Chairman Dr. Shoichiro Toyoda and also current Chairman Akio Toyoda.

But the four-storey facility, which stands on 4,200 sq.m. of prime real estate, of course ticks important boxes — particularly by enhancing the service capacity of the brand by “at least 50% of the original for both productive bays and holding stalls,” reflecting a meaningful capacity scaleup. It gets 12 service bays, and is also 40% larger than the original location (which, for now, is retained as a used-car showcase/depot).

Lexus Manila Gallery, with a total floor area of around 10,000 sq.m., boasts a sprawling eight-car showroom on the ground floor, with an additional pocket showroom on the third floor that also doubles as a lounge complete with Ogawa massage chairs and even a golf simulator.

As in the previous facility, Lexus Manila Gallery is imbued with an unmistakably warm, homey, and inviting ambience, obviously in keeping with its aforementioned omotenashi vow. Generous use of wood also lends a decidedly Lexus character as in other Lexus facilities — particularly Intersect locations. Artworks featuring stylized Lexus vehicles on canvas tastefully dot the location, as well as a delightful mélange of merchandise, brand and dealership achievements, and even a kiddie LX 570 in the showroom.

Just before the elevator on the left side of the ground floor — just past the huge service reception lounge with comfortable couches — is a bar where signature coffee blends are served using Lexus Crafted in-house sumiyaki beans (not for sale, unfortunately) which are charcoal-roasted using a Japanese technique. Other offerings include mocktails, juices, desserts, cookies, and brownies.

At its core, the raison d’être for new dealership is simple: To reflect the vision of what Lexus is as it evolves for the future. “This vision is echoed by our global chairman Akio Toyoda, who recently said: ‘Lexus is now poised to evolve further. The keyword is discover. Lexus doesn’t imitate anyone.’ Guided by this, we will continue to deliver unique products and experiences to customers in the Philippines,” concluded Mr. Hashimoto.

The Lexus Manila Gallery is located on 8th Avenue Cor. Col. Santos Street, Grand Central Park, North Bonifacio Global City, Taguig. It is open from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays, and 10 a.m. to 6 a.m. on Sundays. After-sales service reception is from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays.

How PSEi member stocks performed — November 21, 2025

Here’s a quick glance at how PSEi stocks fared on Friday, November 21, 2025.

Tax Justice Network: Philippines loses $20.7 billion in taxes, hitting more than half of its health spending

The Philippines’ tax revenue losses reached $20.65 billion between 2016 and 2021, according to the latest edition of the State of Tax Justice by Tax Justice Network. This was equivalent to 51.2% of its total health spending during the same period. The country’s share of losses was the second highest among its peers in the East and Southeast Asian region and was significantly higher than Asia’s 10.5% total share. The report monitors the amount of money lost per country in tax to multinational corporations and wealthy individuals who use tax havens to underpay tax.

PHL stocks may extend gains if catalysts hold

BW FILE PHOTO

By Alexandria Grace C. Magno

PHILIPPINE STOCKS may extend their advance this week after the market staged a strong rebound and moved close to the 6,000 level, analysts said.

“Local shares rebounded this week and almost breached the 6,000 zone, as investors capitalized on multi-year low valuations,” online brokerage 2TradeAsia said in a note.

On Friday, the Philippine Stock Exchange index (PSEi) climbed 1.11% or 66.32 points to 5,997.13. The broader all-share index rose 2.5% or 83.5 points to 3,418.52.

Week on week, the PSEi gained 412.78 points from its 5,584.35 close on Nov. 14.

“The local market has shown signs of life last week, bouncing strongly on the back of positive narratives,” Philstocks Financial, Inc. Research Manager Japhet Louis O. Tantiangco said in a Viber message. “However, technically, the market is still considered to be on a downtrend.”

“To negate its current trend, it must establish a high exceeding its previous one at 6,141.87 touched last Oct. 20, and a low shallower than its last one at 5,584.35 touched last Nov. 14,” he added.

Despite last week’s rally, he said the market remains undervalued. As of Friday’s close, the bourse was trading at a price-to-earnings ratio of 10x, below its five-year average of 17.3x and the regional average of 17.9x.

Latest financial results have also been encouraging, with 23 of the 30 index members posting bottom-line growth.

To keep bargain hunting active, Mr. Tantiangco said more positive catalysts must emerge. Without these, the market may slip back into profit taking, given persistent worries about corruption issues and the economy’s outlook.

He added that traders might also take cues from peso movements. An appreciation against the dollar could support sentiment, while a decline may weigh on the market.

On the technical front, Mr. Tantiangco said the PSEi ended last week above its 50-day exponential moving average (EMA). “Holding position above the 50-day EMA leaves the 6,000 resistance level as the next target. The market’s MACD (moving average convergence/divergence) line has crossed above the signal line, implying short-run bullish momentum. Major support is at 5,800,” he said.

Meanwhile, 2TradeAsia said near-term downside might be limited by holiday liquidity, the US Federal Reserve’s planned end to quantitative tightening in December, and typical year-end window dressing.

Still, it warned that global uncertainty calls for disciplined positioning in high-quality companies with strong balance sheets.

“Stay nimble as opportunities arise when sentiment overshoots fundamentals,” it said. The brokerage placed immediate support at 5,800 and resistance at 6,000, with secondary resistance at 6,100.

Capacity still main issue for coco industry after tariff break

PHILSTAR FILE PHOTO

By Vonn Andrei E. Villamiel

THE coconut industry stands to gain the most from the recent US tariff concessions, though analysts said the extent of these gains will depend on industry capacity and regional competition.

In an executive order, the US exempted from tariffs more than 200 agricultural commodities that it does not produce in large quantities. As such, some Philippine agricultural goods will no longer be subjected to the 19% reciprocal tariff.

Coconut and its derivatives are the Philippines’ top agricultural export to the US. In 2024, the Philippines exported P558 million worth of coconut oil to the US, accounting for 4.6% of the total, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority.

Charles R. Avila, president of the Confederation of Coconut Farmers’ Organizations of the Philippines, said the tariff exemptions are a “crucial relief to farmers and exporters.”

Mr. Avila told BusinessWorld via Viber that when Philippine exports, including coconut products, were charged higher tariffs, the initial response was to find alternative markets.

“Our immediate reaction, then, was that the US is not the only market there is for coconut. Europe has been big for the longest time and will be shifting now from oil palm to coconut products … there’s also Asia ready to gobble up anything coconut,” he said.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel, Jr. has said the tariff exemptions remove the doubts that had held back producers and exporters.

“Now people can plan, invest, and expand… As far as the DA is concerned, we have to start planting more … so that we can export more to the US,” Mr. Laurel told reporters on the sidelines of the 3rd Philippine Hydro Summit last week.

However, analysts also pointed out that the tariff exemptions are not specific to the Philippines. The US decision applies to all supplying countries, as part of its efforts to tame rising domestic food prices.

“The Philippines doesn’t suddenly have a monopoly on the opportunity to export duty-free to the US. Every other country exporting the same agri products to the US basically gets the same chance so the Philippines is not suddenly better off than its competitors and is really just in the same situation it was before Trump’s bullying tariffs since early this year,” IBON Foundation Executive Director Jose Enrique A. Africa told BusinessWorld via Viber.

Because of this, gains will ultimately boil down to production-side factors and regional competition, analysts said.

Samahang Industriya ng Agrikultura Executive Director Jayson H. Cainglet told BusinessWorld via Viber that the Philippines faces stiff competition within Southeast Asia. “For coconut oil and coconut water, Indonesia is now producing them at scale. For bananas, Indonesia, India, Vietnam, and China are our competitors,” he said.

Mr. Cainglet also said these countries enjoy government support and subsidies, giving them an advantage in scaling production and maintaining competitiveness.

“The pressure and responsibility are actually on the government to undertake strategic interventions to boost domestic value-added to gain a market edge. More high value-added processing and refining by Filipino firms will create and capture more value domestically,” Mr. Africa said.

He said the government should also take steps to allow small farmers and domestic producers to benefit from exporting agricultural products, such as by ensuring higher farmgate prices.

Eduardo Mora, a coconut farmer and former sectoral representative to the National Anti-Poverty Commission, told BusinessWorld via Facebook Messenger that much needs to be done to translate trade gains to farmer welfare.

“Sa bahagi ng magsasaka ng niyog, ang nagtatakda ng presyo ng raw material ay ang bumibili ng aming copra mula sa Pilipinas papuntang ibang bansa. Ang makikinabang dito ’yung negosyante at ’yung bibili, hindi naman mga magsasaka. (For coconut farmers, the price of raw materials is dictated by traders who export them to other countries. It is the businesses, not the farmers who will benefit,)” he said.

Mr. Mora said the government should also invest in building production capacity and developing local industries.

“Kaya naman ng Filipino na paunlarin ang industriya. Kailangan ng value-added processing para dito na sa Pilipinas gawin at mga Filipino, mga magsasaka ang makinabang. (Filipinos can develop their industries. We need value-added processing, so it can be produced here in the Philippines, and Filipino farmers will benefit),” he said.

100% public-school connectivity expected by year’s end, DICT says

DPWH.GOV.PH

THE Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) said it is expecting to connect all public schools to the internet by the end of 2025.

“We’re at 80%. It just so happened that (there have been) typhoons,” Information and Communications Technology Secretary Henry Rhoel R. Aguda told reporters last week.

“Our target is 90% (of public schools) by end-November and 100% by December. We had to temporarily pause deployment due to typhoons Tino and Uwan,” he said.

Mr. Aguda said the DICT is looking to connect more schools to its internet nodes ahead of more possible weather disturbances by year’s end.

“Science and Technology Secretary (Renato U.) Solidum, Jr. just informed me that two more (typhoons) are expected. But hopefully, they’ll be weak.”

Internet connectivity in schools is hindered by unreliable electricity and underutilization of state infrastructure budgets, the Second Congressional Commission on Education has said.

The National Fiber Backbone project is expected to result in faster and more reliable internet connectivity in remote areas. About 70 million Filipinos are expected to benefit from the project, the DICT said.

The fourth and fifth phases of the national fiber backbone will be completed next year. It is expected to bring high-speed internet to Mindanao via a 1,000-kilometer high-speed government-owned fiber network connecting Butuan, Cagayan de Oro, Bukidnon, Zamboanga, and Davao.

The first phase, which covers 1,245 kilometers with 28 nodes, links Laoag, Ilocos Norte to Quezon City. It was completed in April last year, and has an initial 600 gigabits per second optical spectrum capacity. — Beatriz Marie D. Cruz

Palawan ecozone ready for locators by mid-2026

PHILSTAR FILE PHOTO

THE Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) said it is expecting to host the first locator at the Palawan Mega Ecozone (PMEZ) by mid-2026.

“We are looking at four to six months processing time for the presidential proclamation, and by mid next year, we can start hosting locator companies,” PEZA Director General Tereso O. Panga told BusinessWorld.

“We will offer a very low lot rental rate to the first set of investors that will sign up with us, provided they undertake all the land improvements at their own cost,” he added.

PEZA signed a joint memorandum circular (JMC) on the development of the ecozone with the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) on Thursday.

The JMC formalized the transfer of the exclusive use and possession of the BuCor-administered portion of the Iwahig Prison and Penal Farm for ecozone development.

The mega ecozone is geared towards strengthening domestic production and create quality jobs for local communities.

The zone is projected to employ 480,000 direct jobs in the region.

Mr. Panga said he expects the ecozone to attract new investments and housing locators with complete supply chains.

“There is much interest in the PMEZ and when we can put it into operation. I have received queries on this and interest to invest as developers and locators,” he said.

According to PEZA, some investors that have inquired about locating include Thai conglomerate Charoen Pokphand Group.

Other firms have also signified interest, including a Taiwanese aqua farm operator, a Peruvian producer of Stevia, a Philippine exporter of coconut-based products, and a power generation company.

“PEZA is open to joint ventures for the development of embedded utilities or facilities. We plan to allocate huge areas to sub-developers or facilities providers to accelerate the development of the property,” Mr. Panga said.

“This will all be based on a master plan that will be commissioned by both BuCor and PEZA,” he added. — Justine Irish D. Tabile

Biodiesel group urges caution on proposed biofuels act changes

An attendant fills up a vehicle at a gasoline station in Manila, Sept. 18, 2023. — PHILIPPINE STAR/EDD GUMBAN

THE Philippine Biodiesel Association (TPBA) recommended caution on proposed changes to Republic Act (RA) No. 9367, or the Biofuels Act of 2006, particularly on the suspension of the coco-biodiesel program when blended diesel hits certain price triggers.

In a statement over the weekend, the group said that while it acknowledged the intent of House Bill (HB) No. 4151 to protect consumers, the proposed measure needs to be evaluated “with a complete understanding of its wider implications.”

RA 9367 requires that all liquid fuels contain locally sourced biofuel components.

HB 4151, otherwise known as the Murang Langis Act, seeks to grant the president the authority to suspend the program if the price of blended diesel is at least 5% higher than that of pure diesel.

TPBA said blended diesel “is not always more expensive” and in fact, at par or cheaper than pure diesel, particularly during global oil volatility.

Citing studies by the Department of Energy (DoE) and the University of the Philippines’ National Center for Transportation Studies, TPBA said that although higher biodiesel blends cost a little more per liter, they promise mileage gains that translate to consumer savings.

The group said that the DoE is already ensuring energy security and balancing stakeholder needs, which it hope to “preserve that momentum.”

“Our contribution to the discussion is simply to highlight additional considerations to help ensure that all angles are fully evaluated. We believe this approach supports the spirit of HB 4151 and the broader goals of government,” TPBA Executive Director Ramon Taniola said.

TPBA said that millions of Filipinos depend on the coconut industry, and the biodiesel mandate has become one of the most stable domestic markets supporting farmers at a time of global commodity uncertainty.

“Any potential changes to the mandate… should take into account how stability affects replanting, modernization, and long-term productivity programs,” the group said.

The government started ordering the increase of the coco methyl ester (CME) blend in diesel to 3% (B3) in October last year, in a bid to reduce pump prices and support the local industry. CME is a biodiesel component derived from coconut oil.

Oil firms are due to increase the coco biodiesel blend to 4% by Oct. 1, 2025, and to 5% by Oct. 1, 2026.

The implementation, however, has been suspended due to the high cost of coconut oil.

This week, oil industry analysts are projecting a possible increase of P0.80 to P1 per liter for diesel. Since January, the price of diesel has increased by P24.05 per liter. — Sheldeen Joy Talavera

Hydro investment demand estimated at $3.9 trillion

A DIGITAL rendition of the planned hydropower plant in Davao Oriental’s Caraga town. — DAVAO ORIENTAL PROVINCIAL GOVT

THE PHILIPPINES will need around $3.9 trillion in investment to unlock the potential of its hydropower resources, according to the PhilHydro Association, Inc. 

Speaking to reporters last week, PhilHydro President Gertrude V. Roque said the country’s potential hydropower capacity has been estimated at 650 gigawatts.

Ms. Roque said, however, that not all sites are accessible, making hydropower development “very costly, difficult, risky.”

She said that developing a facility that could generate one megawatt (MW) of capacity costs between $5 million and $6 million.

Hydropower facilities generate electricity from the natural flow of moving water. The type varies depending on the capacity, water resources, and design of harnessing electricity. This includes impounding hydro, run-of-river hydro, and pumped storage hydro.

Ms. Roque cited the need for a balance of hydropower technologies to effectively support and stabilize the grid.

“We really need to look into the capacities that we need to build for each type of these hydro projects,” she said.

The Philippines is also banking on hydropower to increase the share of renewable energy in the national power mix to 35% by 2030 and 50% by 2040.

Since the signing of the Renewable Energy Act in 2009, the Philippines has installed 337.872 MW of capacity. For this year, an additional 22.864 MW was injected to the grid.

“Water… can be the backbone of our energy security and stability, working in synergy with biomass, geothermal, solar, ocean, wind, and other renewable energy technologies,” Energy Secretary Sharon S. Garin has said.

Ms. Garin said hydropower can also serve as critical infrastructure for disaster mitigation, as reservoirs and water management actively control river flows and mitigate flash floods. — Sheldeen Joy Talavera

House bill seeks to arrest ageing trend in farm workforce

ERIK OHSMHHK-UNSPLASH

A BILL seeking to inject more youth in the agricultural workforce was filed at the House of Representatives last month.

House Bill No. 5291 seeks to establish a national program to attract and train the young to take up farming, offering education and technical training, livelihood support and access to credit to develop their farm lots.

“The Philippine agriculture sector is on the edge of collapse,” Iligan City Rep. Celso G. Regencia said in the bill’s explanatory note, which was filed on Oct. 8. “The average age of a Filipino farmer is now 56 years old, and within a few years, many of them will no longer be able to plant the fields or fish the waters.”

“At the same time, there is no sufficient influx of young people to take their place, (and) unless decisive action is taken, the nation’s food production chain will break down,” he added.

The next decade could see crippling labor shortages in farming as young people increasingly migrate to city jobs.

“There remains a narrow window to avert this outcome,” according to Mr. Regencia, adding that authorities must develop a pipeline that will draw the young into agriculture and provide support to help them succeed.

The proposed “national pathway” for young farmers will be overseen by the Department of Agriculture (DA), with the departments of Agrarian Reform, Education and Trade and Industry among those also steering the program.

Under the bill, potential farmers aged 15 to 40 will be granted access to technical training, startup capital, and credit to help them get established.

“Not less than 10% of all credit facilities and financing windows administered by the government financial institutions and credit programs of the DA are to be reserved for young farmers and fisherfolk,” according to the bill.

Agribusinesses owned and led by young farmers will also be eligible for tax exemptions in the first five years of operations, alongside a 50% government subsidy on agricultural insurance. — Kenneth Christiane L. Basilio

SBMA makes bid for cruise lines to homeport vessels at Subic Bay

SUBIC BAY METROPOLITAN AUTHORITY

THE Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) is looking into the possibility of building a new cruise terminal capable of accommodating ships that designate Subic Bay as their home port.

The new facility will be done in two phases: construction of the jetty and reclamation of the land for the passenger terminal and leisure and commercial area.

Estimated to cost P1.2 billion, the first phase covers the construction of a double berth 380- and 350-meter jetty with a water depth of 12 meters.

The timeline for the initial phase is 2027 to 2028.

Meanwhile, the second phase, which is estimated to cost around P8.96 billion, covers the reclamation of a 20-hectare area.

It will also include the construction of a passenger terminal, an area for cruise-related businesses, a public park and esplanade, an amusement park, and shopping and dining centers.

“This is a conceptual plan. The Philippines has no dedicated cruise ship terminal, and Subic Bay would like to take the lead in developing this cruise terminal,” according to Ronnie R. Yambao, senior deputy administrator for operations at SBMA.

The port received the maiden visit of the Villa Vie Odyssey in September, with 650 passengers visiting destinations within the free port.

The SBMA has said that the Subic Bay Freeport, along with Hermosa, Bataan, is also being considered for connecting to the proposed Subic-Clark-Manila-Batangas Railway.

Estimated to cost P1.8 billion, the link will involve the creation of an eight-kilometer access road that will run from Hermosa to Subic Freeport’s Naval Supply Depot. — Justine Irish D. Tabile

Transforming tax with INFA-Net

IN BRIEF:

• Thirty-eight government agencies signed a Joint Memorandum Circular to establish INFA-Net, a unified network aimed at simplifying investment processes and creating a more agile and transparent investment climate under the Bagong Pilipinas vision.

• The SGV’s 4th Tax Symposium highlighted INFA-Net as a strategic initiative to streamline investment processes, enhance transparency, and ensure integrity.

• INFA-Net is supported by ARTA, BoI, and BIR’s digital reforms aimed at streamlining bureaucracy, strengthening trust, and creating a competitive environment for investors.

When Department of Finance (DoF) Undersecretary Charlito R. Mendoza — now the newly appointed Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) Commissioner — took the stage at SGV’s 4th Tax Symposium, his keynote message expressed a clear call to action. Framed around the event theme “From Compliance to Confidence: Trust, Transformation, and Transparency,” his message captured the urgency of reform and the promise of a new era for Philippine tax administration.

At the forefront of these efforts is INFA-Net, an investment facilitation network launched in 2024 and chaired by the Board of Investments (BoI). This initiative brings together 38 government agencies to simplify investment processes, dismantle bureaucratic bottlenecks, and accelerate digital reforms under the Bagong Pilipinas vision. Backed by the Anti-Red Tape Authority’s (ARTA) reforms, the BoI’s programs, and the BIR’s digitalization efforts, it aims to make doing business in the Philippines faster, fairer, and more predictable.

These reforms are expected to boost investor confidence and position the Philippines as a more competitive destination for strategic investments.

ARTA AND DIGITAL REFORMS
According to ARTA Director General Ernesto V. Perez, for many years, doing business in the Philippines felt like navigating a maze. “The problem was not just inefficiency — it was the absence of visibility and interoperability. When people cannot see the rules, they cannot follow them. When government cannot see itself, it cannot improve.” Guided by this principle, ARTA aims to build a transparent and intelligent regulatory system to help citizens understand, assist businesses in compliance, and enhance government performance.

ARTA intends to take a proactive approach to addressing tax-related concerns that affect the ease of doing business. The agency works closely with the BoI, DoF, BIR, and other government agencies to resolve stakeholder issues and promote a tax environment defined by predictability and fairness.

ARTA showcased key digital initiatives, including the Philippine Business Regulation Information System for easy access to government-issued regulations, the Anti-Red Tape Electronic Management Information System for real-time database of government services and Citizen’s Charters detailing requirements, fees, and processing times, and the Electronic Business One-Stop Shop for business registration and licensing permits to cut processing time. Mr. Perez also cited major reforms such as Executive Order No. 32, which streamlined permit approvals for telecommunications and internet infrastructure, and mining process improvements that helped the Philippines rise from 72nd to 16th in the Fraser Institute’s 2024 Investment Attractiveness Index.

While some concerns remain, such as some local government units (LGUs) imposing challenging requirements, Mr. Perez assured strict enforcement and penalties for non-compliance. To strengthen accountability, ARTA launched Talk to TALA, an AI-powered complaint management system operating 24/7 to address public concerns in real time — underscoring ARTA’s push for transparency and responsiveness.

In the panel discussion, Better Regulations Office Director Marbida L. Marbida explained that ARTA’s success in turning “red tape into red carpet” stems from its 3-7-20 rule, which sets clear timelines for government transactions — three days for simple, seven days for complex, and twenty days for highly technical processes.

By embedding these standards into the Citizen’s Charter, ARTA ensures transparency and predictability, two factors that reduce operational uncertainty and improve investor confidence. These reforms reflect a broader push to digitalize government services, fostering a more efficient and competitive business environment aligned with global best practices.

BOI, DIGITAL INTEGRATION AND INFA-NET
BoI Executive Director Bobby G. Fondevilla, emphasized the BoI’s commitment to enhancing the investment environment in the Philippines through the BoI Business One-Stop Shop, an online investment assistance platform. OWN streamlines investor interactions and significantly improves transparency, making it easier for businesses to navigate the investment landscape. This digital transformation aligns with global best practices, making the Philippines a more competitive destination for foreign direct investment by reducing bureaucratic delays and improving ease of doing business.

Mr. Fondevilla also highlighted the crucial role of the Operations Support and Advisory Committee for Strategic Investments (OSACSI) in facilitating compliance and monitoring across LGUs, which is essential for creating a seamless investment experience. By collaborating closely with LGUs, the BoI ensures that projects are endorsed efficiently, allowing for a smoother path for investors.

The importance of engaging the private sector and incorporating investor feedback into BoI strategies was further emphasized. “We are committed to creating programs for direct engagement, enabling stakeholders to voice their concerns,” he said. By fostering a transparent and responsive investment ecosystem, the BoI aims to strengthen investor confidence and ultimately support sustainable economic growth in the Philippines.

BIR ACCELERATES DIGITAL REFORMS
BIR Deputy Commissioner Larry M. Barcelo noted that the BIR prioritizes streamlining processes to deliver excellent taxpayer services and attract more investments. As part of its commitment to the INFA-Net, the BIR, through then Commissioner Romeo D. Lumagui, Jr., has directed all its offices to fast-track business registration and permit issuance for strategic investments endorsed by the BoI’s OSACSI. This includes continuously simplifying procedures and documentary requirements for registration. These initiatives are expected to accelerate under new Commissioner Mendoza.

The BIR recently issued Revenue Memorandum Circular No. 74-2025 to update its Checklist of Documentary Requirements for applications and registrations, reinforcing its commitment to efficiency, transparency, and accountability under the Ease of Doing Business Act. The circular reduces documentary requirements and allows the submission of certified true copies and digital copies of original documents for online transactions via platforms such as the New Business Registration Portal, Taxpayer Registration-Related Application Portal, and the Online Registration and Update System.

These reforms aim to expedite processes and create a more investor-friendly environment, complemented by generous incentives for qualified projects under the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises to Maximize Opportunities for Reinvigorating the Economy Act, also known as CREATE More Act.

To ensure effective coordination under INFA-Net, the BIR is implementing mechanisms to monitor and address investor-related issues. Beyond regular communication with government agencies, the Bureau, according to Mr. Barcelo, engages the private sector through multi-sectoral consultations and memoranda of understanding that provide real-time feedback on business concerns. Issues raised are addressed promptly, and when necessary, new regulations are issued to resolve bottlenecks.

By combining digitalization, streamlined processes, and proactive stakeholder engagement, the BIR is reinforcing investor confidence and supporting the Philippines’ broader economic agenda under the Bagong Pilipinas vision. These measures not only reduce bureaucratic delays but also position the country as a competitive destination for strategic investments, driving sustainable growth and job creation.

THE SHIFT TOWARD A INVESTOR-FRIENDLY PHILIPPINES
INFA-Net and the digital initiatives led by ARTA, BoI, and BIR represent more than regulatory reform — they signal a real shift toward a modern, investor-friendly Philippines. This transformation resonates with the theme of SGV’s 4th Tax Symposium, which emphasized the importance of trust, transformation, and transparency in driving economic progress. Central to this discussion is SGV’s Tax Vision — a framework for building a tax ecosystem where compliance is encouraged, collaboration with regulators is prioritized, and integrity among tax practitioners is upheld.

Together, these efforts streamline bureaucracy, embrace technology, and engage stakeholders to create an environment that inspires confidence and accelerates growth — reinforcing the Philippines’ commitment to global competitiveness and sustainable development.

This article is for general information only and is not a substitute for professional advice where the facts and circumstances warrant. The views and opinions expressed above are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the views of SGV & Co.

 

Jao Renzo L. Mercado, Teresa Rose D. Parcia, and Mikhaella Martina H. Puno are tax senior managers of SGV & Co.

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