ACPACI Holds Seminars on Fighting Corruption, Public Speaking and Basic EWT
In keeping with its mission to provide continuing professional education and personal development of its members, the Association of Certified Public Accountants in Commerce and Industry (ACPACI) held its 6th General Membership Meeting (GMM) at the Hotel Intercontinental Manila in Ayala, Makati last October 16, 2013.
Mr. Gil Gonzales, VP for Corporate Governance and Risk Management of SM Investment Corporation, delivered a speech on Leading the Fight Against Corruption in the luncheon meeting, and this was followed by two technical sessions, Enhancing Public Speaking lectured by Ms. Dina Loomis, President of Toastmaster International South Asia Speakers and Trainers Bureau, Inc.; and Basic Withholding Tax discussed by Mr. Senen Quizon, Senior Manager of Punongbayan & Araullo.
Mr. Gonzales discussed the anti-graft and corruption policies and what the different sectors and organizations do to wage war against corruption in the Philippines. Our government is rocked with an explosive graft and corruption scandal over the Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) or the so-called pork barrel fund, a discretionary allowance divided among legislators, ostensibly for spending on social projects and infrastructure in their districts. The fund was allegedly misused and was pocketed for personal enrichment by a number of government officials including three sitting Senators. These officials, along with a businesswoman involved in the scandal, are currently facing plunder charges.
In the first technical session, the elegant and eloquent Ms. Loomis, donned in her signature Lady Di hat, said that “public speaking is an expanded conversation; it’s like talking with best friends.” She gave the awed (by her appearance and her dynamic personality) audience numerous pointers on the DOs and DON"Ts of public speaking and how to conquer the fear of it. She also gave out a copy of her latest book, Beyond Looking Good, to one lucky 6th GMM participant who recited the dos and don’ts pointers which she just lectured. On the other hand, Mr. Quizon discussed in detail the nature of withholding tax, kinds of withholding tax, tax rates, updates, revenue regulations, exemptions, tax cases plus more in the last technical session. He was bombarded with a lot of questions and points for clarification from the floor, proof of the members profound interest in the subject and their desire to learn and be updated with the latest EWT trends, and do better in their respective jobs.
New members were inducted during the program by ACPACI President, Ms. Connie Cadelina and ACPACI Director, Ms. Cecile Carandang. The occasion was hosted by ACPACI Directors, Ms. Edna Constantino and Nanette N. Tabuac.