PEZA highlights CREATE MORE as catalyst for investment at tax forum

Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) Deputy Director General for Operations Vivian S. Santos joined industry and government leaders in tackling key tax reform issues during the BDB Law Tax Forum 2025 held on July 8 at the New World Hotel Makati.

Themed “Tax Policy and Compliance in a Changing Economy: Regulatory Directions and Legal Reforms,” the forum gathered stakeholders from the government, legal, and business communities to assess how new policies like the CREATE MORE Act are influencing the country’s competitiveness and investment climate.

In her remarks, Santos described CREATE MORE as a strategic tool to sustain investor confidence and unlock high-value investments, especially within PEZA ecozones. She emphasized that the updated incentive structure—particularly the inclusion of High Value Domestic Market Enterprises (HV-DMEs)—is designed to stimulate innovation, job creation, and deeper participation in global value chains.

Fellow panelists included Atty. Ravienne Lim of the Fiscal Incentives Review Board (FIRB), Juanito H. Balbastre III of the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) Legal Service, and PhilExport Vice President Ma. Flordeliza C. Leong, who each provided insights on how ongoing fiscal reforms could reshape the investment and export landscape.

The event also featured discussions on digital economy taxation, policy shifts affecting high-growth sectors, and updates to the tax code. Notably, the 5th edition of the National Internal Revenue Code (NIRC) was launched, compiling legal and regulatory changes from 2022 onward.

The forum coincided with the 16th anniversary of BDB Law, reflecting the firm’s continued role in shaping fiscal dialogue in the Philippines.

PEZA reaffirmed its support for a “coherent and competitive fiscal regime,” calling it vital to unlocking the country’s full potential as a prime investment destination in Southeast Asia.