CEBU CITY, Philippines — On the second day of the East Central Philippine Union Conference-wide “Legal, Education, Church Manual, Working Policy, and Adventist Identity Review,” participants received technical legal training and a spiritual approach to administration, with a focus on tax compliance, corporate governance, and working policies.
The Feb. 11 sessions at ECPUC headquarters, 112 Gorordo Avenue, Kamputhaw, Cebu City, began with devotionals. Delegates from missions and conferences sought guidance for the day’s legal and financial discussions.
Governance as Stewardship
Wendell Ganhinhin, a certified public accountant, led a session on corporate governance, presenting it as both a legal obligation and a form of “sacred stewardship.” He stressed that transparent leadership and ethical financial management are essential to the church’s mission and public reputation.
Shekina Sibala, risk management services director for the Southern Asia-Pacific Division, continued her discussion on risk management and insurance, focusing on identifying potential liabilities in local missions and using insurance frameworks to protect church assets and personnel.
Navigating Philippine Tax Law
Atty. Roselle M. Quiño-Abenir, CPA, gave a detailed briefing on recent changes in Philippine taxation. She covered withholding tax rates and key provisions of the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises (CREATE) Law.
Quiño-Abenir delved into the proper use of the Bureau of Internal Revenue’s filing systems and tax returns. She also discussed audit procedures, including understanding BIR audit timelines and maintaining readiness for government reviews.
She also explained the requirements and deadlines for mandatory Securities and Exchange Commission report submissions.
“The administrative body, or the board of directors, must ensure that all regulatory requirements and deadlines are strictly honored. Regarding withholding taxes, the treasury officer must be proficient in identifying taxable transactions and understanding tax rates,” Quiño-Abenir said, stressing the necessity of compliance with Philippine tax laws.
Strengthening Working Policies
Atty. Evin Villaruben, associate treasurer and legal services director of the SSD, continued his lecture on SSD Working Policies, including the retirement plan and its integration with the Philippine Labor Law (RA 7641). He outlined the 15-year service requirement, the family rate versus the “basic rate,” the 65-year-old mandatory date, and more. He aimed to ensure that regional operations remained in sync with the division’s broader administrative standards.
The seminar, themed “Order, Unity, and Adventist Identity,” aims to equip church leaders to manage denominational affairs with professional excellence and spiritual integrity.
The delegates continue to look forward to two more days of insights and learning on the theme, culminating Feb. 13.
Lyn Lucero / ECPUC Communication Staff