It’s a brand-new year, and it’s time to turn the page to a fresh list of New Year resolutions. Just like some people, I too have created my own set of goals. One of my priorities this year is to give back to my Firm, P&A Grant Thornton, by mentoring more staff members in-person. I believe that meeting them face-to-face creates an environment where people feel valued. Additionally, I would also like to remain active in my professional and business organisations, as I see this as an opportunity to make a positive impact not just on my mentees but also on my Firm.

The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) issued Revenue Memorandum Circular (RMC) No. 003-2026 on January 12, 2026, adding new Personal Equity Retirement Account (PERA) investment products to its accredited list. This update supplements earlier issuances—RMC Nos. 131-2016 and 30-2017—and aims to provide more options for Filipinos saving for retirement.

“Those who fail to prepare, prepare to fail.” This principle has never been more relevant in today’s rapidly evolving tax and regulatory landscape. Businesses that fail to adapt to new compliance requirements are not spared from the consequences. With the government tightening compliance rules, failing to prepare can result in the loss of tax incentives that businesses might otherwise be entitled to enjoy. In taxation, entitlement without compliance is no entitlement at all.

The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) released Revenue Regulation (RR) 29-2025 on December 22, 2025, introducing amendments to the maximum amount of De Minimis benefits which are exempt from both income tax on compensation as well as fringe benefit tax.