Mata-Perez, Tamayo and Francisco

11/09/2026

Intercompany offsetting agreement in VAT refund cases

We like to share with you the article written by one of our associates, Atty. Keshia Daniell L. Valencia, entitled “Intercompany offsetting agreement in VAT refund cases,” which was published last September 10, 2026.

This week’s article puts into light the rule on intercompany sales arrangements between and/or among affiliated companies in relation to proving zero-rated sales for purposes of claiming refund of input taxes attributable to zero-rated sales. It also discussed the documentary requirements needed in order for the netting of payables and receivables, in lieu of the actual inward remittances, to be considered as acceptable proof that zero-rated sales are paid for in acceptable foreign currency accounted for in accordance with BSP rules which is one of the essential requisites in proving the presence of zero-rated sales under the Tax Code.

Read more: https://mtfcounsel.com/2026/09/11/non-compete-agreements-in-the-philippines/

The article was published in the More to Follow Column at The Manila Times on September 10, 2026. You can read the full article by clicking the link below:

https://www.manilatimes.net/2026/09/10/business/top-business/intercompany-offsetting-agreement-in-vat-refund-cases/2421903

Should you have questions on the above article, please do not hesitate to contact us at [email protected].

-2003 -2020

04/09/2026

Whistleblowing and integrity in the GOCC sector

We like to share with you the article written by our Managing Partner, Atty. Euney Marie J. Mata-Perez, entitled “Whistleblowing and integrity in the GOCC sector,” which was published on September 3, 2026.

This week’s article highlights Memorandum Circular No. 2025-01 (Circular) dated January 13, 2025, issued by the Governance Commission for GOCCs (Government-Owned and Controlled Corporations) or the GCG. The Circular establishes the Whistleblowing and Integrity Program (WHIP) for the GOCC sector, and provides a framework for reporting acts or omissions that may violate or erode integrity in the GOCC sector.

Whistleblowing does not just make government officials accountable; it is the cornerstone to the protection of integrity. Without doubt, it is something that should be strongly promoted and encouraged.

Read more: https://mtfcounsel.com/2026/09/04/whistleblowing-and-integrity-in-the-gocc-sector/

The article was published in the More to Follow Column at The Manila Times on September 3, 2026. You can read the full article by clicking the link below:

https://www.manilatimes.net/2026/09/03/business/top-business/whistleblowing-and-integrity-in-the-gocc-sector/2417360

Should you have questions on the above article, please do not hesitate to contact us at [email protected].

03/09/2026

"Non-compete agreements in the Philippines"
Published in the Asia Business Law Journal (August 20, 2026)

In this latest feature, MTF Partner Atty. Gerardo Maximo “Gary” V. Francisco examines the legal standards governing the enforceability of employment non-compete agreements in the Philippines. The article traces the development of the prevailing standards through various Supreme Court decisions to more recent jurisprudence. It highlights the factors that courts consider in determining whether a restrictive covenant constitutes a reasonable and permissible restraint or an unreasonable restriction on an employee’s right to seek employment.

You can read the full article by clicking the link below:
🔗https://law.asia/philippines-employment-noncompete-agreements-law/?fbclid=IwY2xjawUFxYhwZG9mAWV4dG4DYWVtAjExAHNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR6j_JPbl7rykdz6hxJdrplBwPdoa09tTOG8sTwgcau4_jPBtY00Xat95yj8yA_aem_P0-zts2RTd8fkfGC1GNi7w

Please visit Asia Business Law Journal's official page to be updated with the latest news in Asian Business Law.

03/09/2026

As a result of the dearth of express legislation, the current and longstanding Philippine standard on the enforceability of employment..

31/08/2026

Our partner, Atty. Mark Anthony P. Tamayo , is one of the featured regional practioners in the upcoming 2-part seminar series by Tax Academy of Singapore and Taxise Asia LLC (WTS Taxise) called, “Tax and Trade Strategies for Cross-Border Business” along with 4 other practitioners from Singapore, Indonesia and Vietnam. The 2-part seminar will be on September 16 to 17, 2026 at TAS Hub, Revenue House or Zoom at 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm. (UTC +8)

The agenda of the following seminars:

September 16, 2026 – Tax Showcase
The Dawn of the Global 15% Minimum Effective Tax Rate Era
- BEPS 2.0 and the 15% Minimum Tax, Side-by-Side Arrangement and Treaty Access, Rewritten CIT, VAT and Incentive Regimes, Indirect Transfers and PE Risk, Audit Focus and AI-Assisted Enforcement, and Transfer Pricing Controversy.

September 17, 2026 – Trade Showcase
Origin, Tariffs and Controls – International Trade Developments
- Tariff Exposure and Trade Remedies, Rules of Origin and Transhipment Controls, Reciprocal Trade Arrangements, Export Controls and Sanctions, AI Sovereignty and Economic Security, and Post-Clearance Audits and Penalty Exposure.

To register please click link below:

🔗https://go.gov.sg/vdmowi

$196.20 𝗽𝗲𝗿 𝘀𝗲𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗿 or $327 for 𝗯𝗼𝘁𝗵 𝘀𝗲𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗿𝘀 (inclusive of 9% GST)

Please visit link below for more information:
🔗https://www.linkedin.com/posts/if-your-business-operates-across-southeast-share-7500026925499920384-mbQJ/?utm_source=social_share_send&utm_medium=ios_app&rcm=ACoAABOepYEBWlGBjNYpsSSVd-NjBr3JZviplj0&utm_campaign=share_via

28/08/2026

NATIONAL HEROES DAY

Please be informed that the MTF Counsel office is closed on Monday, August 31, 2026.

Regular office operations will resume on Tuesday, September 1, 2026.

28/08/2026

27/08/2026

Atty. Euney Marie Mata Perez as moderator and speaker in two ICD sessions for the month of August 2026

The Institute of Corporate Directors (ICD) recently held its whole-day session called, “Whistleblowing and Integrity Program (WHIP) for GOCCs” last August 20, 2026, at Parañaque AB Function Room in Makati Shangri-La. Our Managing Partner, Atty. Euney Marie Mata Perez, was invited to be the moderator for panel discussion & Q&A: "Implementing Integrity: Overcoming Real-World Challenges in GOCCs". Before the panel discussion, speakers Dr. Kenneth Hartigan-Go, Atty. C.A. Gerard Lukban, Ms. Rossana Javier, and Mr. Frank D. Numann shared their knowledge and expertise on various topics related to Whistleblowing and Integrity Program (WHIP) for GOCCs. Their presentations provided participants with valuable insights with the following topics: Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees, Laws Against Graft, Corruption, Bribery, Malversation, and Plunder, Understanding RA 11313 and RA 7877: Promoting Safe and Respectful Spaces and Fraud and Whistleblowing.

During the panel discussion, Atty. Euney had an insightful discussion with Atty. Jose Vicente “Van” Jimenez and Mr. Frank D. Numann about the real-world challenges in GOCCs. They talked about current events especially the controversial flood control issue in the country and compared it with how other countries handle flood control. They also addressed the garbage problem in Manila that happened years ago. Other topics discussed were about fraud, tax and integrity. Mr. Frank D. Numann highlighted the quote from Gandhi, “If you want to change the world, start with yourself” which means good governance begins with individuals who choose to uphold integrity and accountability in their own actions.

Atty. Euney also became one of the speakers of ICD’s online lecture course called “Corporate Governance Orientation Program for GOCCs” last August 25, 2026 via Zoom. She presented the R.A 10149 or GCG Law to over 50 participants from GOCC. She explained the overview of GCG Law and how it affects GOCCs.

20/08/2026

Non-Working Holiday

Please be informed that the MTF Counsel office is closed on Friday, August 21, 2026.

Regular office operations will resume on Monday, August 24, 2026.

20/08/2026

Excluding system losses from VAT base

We like to share with you the article written by our Managing Partner, Atty. Euney Marie J. Mata-Perez, entitled “Excluding system losses from VAT base,” which was published today, August 20, 2026.

This week’s article examines the timely issue of the VAT treatment of “system losses” in the electricity rates charged by distribution utilities. The article explores the legal and policy considerations underlying the current treatment of system losses, including the interplay between the Tax Code and the regulatory framework governing electricity rates. It likewise considers the potential implications of excluding system losses from the VAT base, particularly in light of ongoing legislative proposals to address the issue.

Read more: https://mtfcounsel.com/2026/08/20/excluding-system-losses-from-vat-base/

The article was published in the More to Follow Column at The Manila Times today, August 20, 2026. You can read the full article by clicking the link below:

https://www.manilatimes.net/2026/08/20/business/top-business/excluding-system-losses-from-vat-base/2408680

Should you have questions on the above article, please do not hesitate to contact us at [email protected].