Gogagah | ECONLENSE 2025: Driving Development through Tax Reforms and Ease of Doing Business | The Junior Philippine Economics Society – Luzon, in collaboration with the Polytechnic University of the Philippines Economics Research Society, successfully held the ECONLENSE 2025 Regional Convention with the theme “Driving Development through Tax Reforms and Ease of Doing Business.”
The program opened with an onsite academic competition, the Economics Quiz Bee titled, The Marginal Thinkers’ Cup which drew active participation from attendees representing
various institutions. The format was designed to promote not only recall of economic knowledge but also collaborative thinking and competitiveness. Participants faced rounds of carefully curated questions across multiple topics in economics, taxation, and current affairs, with the top-performing teams emerging after a rigorous elimination and final round. The segment was both engaging and enriching, setting a dynamic tone for the rest of the convention.
Following the competition, the plenary session featured two distinguished speakers who provided in-depth insight into key issues surrounding tax reform and digital governance in the Philippine context.
Mr. Al John F. Fetilo, CPA, JD, Revenue Officer III from the Bureau of Internal Revenue – Revenue Region No. 6, delivered a session titled “Philippine Tax Reforms: Policies in Motion, Progress in Question.” His presentation critically examined the implementation gaps and ongoing challenges surrounding the country’s reform agenda, contextualized through his own professional experience across multiple districts in Metro Manila.
Dr. Muzzamil Gutierrez HJ Salleh, CPA, JD, PhD, currently serving as Revenue Officer III at BIR – RDO No. 32 and Vice President for External Affairs of the PICPA Palawan Chapter, presented on “Harnessing Digital Taxation for Business Competitiveness: Opportunities and Challenges in the Philippines.” He addressed the evolving dynamics of digital economies, the regulatory gaps that need urgent attention, and how digital taxation can be used as a tool for national growth without burdening innovation.
Together, these sessions cultivated critical reflection on the structural and administrative issues that shape the Philippine tax landscape. Delegates were encouraged to engage with both the promise and the practical realities of current fiscal reforms, as well as how these impact business sectors, public governance, and national competitiveness.
This event would not have been possible without the support of our sponsors and media partners. We extend our sincere gratitude to the following:
Co-Presenters:
John Robert Powers
When In Manila
The Manila Times
Philippine Economics Society
Hammerjack
Gardenia (and its product lines: Muffin, Toasties, Cream Roll, Coffee Smile)
Media Blast Digital
Event Sponsors:
Ash Tech
Bead-a-Best
Their contributions helped bring this initiative to life and ensured that our academic goals were met with impact and quality.
ECONLENSE 2025 marks another milestone in JPES Luzon’s commitment to providing platforms for discussion, competition, and collaboration. We look forward to creating more spaces that challenge ideas, promote policy literacy, and build a stronger community of young economists and future leaders.
