The Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) Region III Extension Office, in partnership with the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) β Revenue Region 4, successfully conducted a one-day Joint Tax Forum for Cooperatives of Zambales on May 29, 2025, at Peopleβs Plaza, Botolan, Zambales.
The forum was organized in recognition of the vital role cooperatives play in local economic development and the crucial need for their continued compliance with national tax laws and regulations.
The event was attended by 111 participants from various Cooperatives in the Province of Zambales. The program formally started with a welcome message delivered by Mr. Albert Aquino, Jr., PCEDO Zambales.
To integrate a more interactive discussion, an open forum session was created where panelists composed of Atty. Erwin Sepacio, BIR Revenue Region No. 4 -Pampanga, Atty. Liza C. Dimaya, BIR RDO 18 – Olongapo City, Ms. Carolina M. Miguel, Assistant Regional Director of CDA R3 EO, Atty. Macy N. Marcelo, Chief – Legal Section, and Ms. Jasmin P. Barroga, Chief of Supervision and Examination Section.
Personnel from the CDA Region III facilitated the forum including Ms. Rowena Pastor, Developmental CDS of Zambales, Ms. Jennilyn Adajar, CDS II of Legal Section, and Ms. Ana May Doctolera, CDS II of Legal Section. On the other hand, Resource Persons from RDO 18 Olongapo City facilitated the discussions.
The day was structured with comprehensive lecture sessions and an interactive open forum on the following key topics:
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ππ): Discussions focused on the BIR’s digital platform for taxpayer registration and updates. Participants were informed about its temporary unavailability as of May 1, 2025, due to system migration, and the alternative channels available during this period. The impact on Certificate of Tax Exemption (CTE) processing and the anticipated enhanced functionalities of ORUS were also highlighted.
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πΉππππ , ππ΄πΉπ, πππ ππ‘βππ πΈππππ‘πππππ πΆππππππππππ : This session provided an overview of the BIR’s shift towards electronic compliance. Emphasis was placed on the use of eBIRForms for electronic filing of tax returns and eAFS for the electronic submission of Audited Financial Statements and other attachments.
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ππππ‘ππ£π π‘π πΆπππππππ‘ππ£ππ : This segment clarified the tax incentives for cooperatives under RA 9520 (Cooperative Code of the Philippines). Key recent issuances were thoroughly discussed such as RMC No. 38-2025 (April 23, 2025), RMC No. 45-2025 (April 30, 2025), and RMCs related to the Ease of Paying Taxes (EOPT) Act (RA 11976).
The Joint Tax Forum served as an effective platform for the BIR and CDA to disseminate essential tax updates and address concerns directly from the cooperative sector. Participants gained valuable insights into current tax regulations, electronic compliance procedures, and specific issues affecting cooperatives.
The interactive nature of the forum, particularly the panel discussion, allowed for clarification of inquiries and fostered a stronger partnership between the regulatory bodies and the cooperatives.
The completion of this forum aligns with the commitment of CDA Region III and BIR Revenue Region No. 4 Pampanga on promoting tax compliance and fostering a well-informed cooperative sector.
