Forum convenes international experts to discuss best practices in tax policy and enforcement
The Department of Finance is hosting the International Tax Forum, a dialogue on taxation in the context of ASEAN Regional Integration, from 12-14 November, 2014, at the Fairmont Hotel in Makati City.

The International Tax Forum (ITF) convenes various experts and professionals from national government agencies, international financial and development institutions, the private sector, as well as academe and civil society to discuss relevant issues on taxation in light of regional integration and economic opportunities brought about by the upcoming ASEAN economic integration in 2015.

“We host this International Tax Forum in light of the ASEAN economic integration in 2015, knowing that countries in the region need to update and improve both tax policy and implementation to boost competitiveness, ensure fairness, and promote inclusive growth. Countries like the Philippines have much to gain in inviting experts with rich experiences on these issues to share best practices and innovations on taxation,” DOF Undersecretary Jeremias N. Paul, Jr. of the Domestic Finance Group said.

Secretary of Finance Cesar V. Purisima welcomed the forum saying, “We look forward to a dialogue with our neighbors and experts in light of our continuing efforts to effectively enforce a fair and equitable tax structure that would raise enough revenues to fund sustainable, inclusive growth.”

High-level officials who develop and implement tax policy will share experiences, information, and developments on tax reforms with and among ASEAN and emerging countries. Insights from multilateral development and financial organizations will also be heard in the forum as the Philippines and other ASEAN countries continue to explore innovations and enhancements in tax enforcement, sustainable health financing, and equitable tax policy.

Recently appointed UN tax expert Commissioner Kim Henares of the Bureau of Internal Revenue is expected to speak on the Philippine experience with taxation and best practices moving forward. “As the Philippines continues to experience growth in an increasingly globalized world, we are very keen to share and learn with experts and our neighbors to improve enforcement of an effective tax system. As we continue to keep on track with our goal 16.6% tax effort by 2016, we remember that we owe it to the Filipino people to collect the right taxes to fund investments and services they deserve,” Commissioner Henares said.

Discussions will include best practices in tax enforcement such as tax treaties, exchange of information, accounting, and other tax administration issues. Addressing base erosion and profit shifting, as well as exploring sustainable financing for public health, are also slated to be covered by the forum.

Experiences and insights on the Global TIN, as well as taxation of capital markets, e-commerce, and extractive industries, will be shared by officials who have a significant grasp of the issues involved. The forum will also discuss how best to craft a code of conduct for granting tax incentives to balance competitiveness and fairness.

Finally, the forum will consider the role tax policy plays in driving growth and reducing inequality. Interesting debates between consumption taxes and income taxes, as well as subsidy and tax relief, will also be highlighted in pursuit of an inclusive and equitable tax system.

Officials from the Department of Finance, the Bureau of Internal Revenue, the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Thailand Revenue Department, the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, the Asian Development Bank, the International Monetary Fund, the International Bureau of Fiscal Documentation are expected to speak at the forum.

Partner experts from the private sector, such as Development Alternatives Incorporated, Sycip Gorres Velayo & Co., and the National Competitiveness Council are also slated to offer valuable insights. Members of the media, academe, youth, and other civil society organizations are also invited to attend.

The event will be live tweeted using the hashtag #IntlTaxForum from 12-14 November, 2014.