Draft:Raymond Abrea

• Comment: No claim to notability, and reads like a sales pitch or CV. bonadea contributions talk 06:51, 18 November 2024 (UTC)

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Raymond Abrea, CPA, MBA, MPA The most prominent Tax Expert in the Philippines a.k.a. The Philippine Tax Whiz

Raymond Abrea, CPA, MBA, MPA

Raymond "Mon" Abrea, CPA, MBA, MPA is best known as “The Philippine Tax Whiz”, a sought-after speaker and advocate for genuine tax reform, and consultant for high-profile individuals, celebrities, and businesses. He is often invited as a tax expert resource in conferences and legislative committee hearings, and has given investment and tax briefings to foreign investors and overseas Filipinos in more than 50 states in Asia, the United States, Canada, Europe, Australia, and the Middle East.  

Currently he is the Founding Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Asian Consulting Group (ACG). – the Philippines’ first Tax Hub for top corporations, SMEs, and celebrities in the Asia-Pacific, and founding Trustee of the Center for Strategic Reforms of the Philippines (CSR Philippines) – the advocacy partner of the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA), previously serving as the Co-Chair of the Ease of Doing Business (EODB) Task Force on Paying Taxes. Additionally, he is the man behind the TaxWhizPH mobile application, which aims to make tax compliance easier and simpler for taxpayers.

In recognition of his outstanding work and tax advocacy, Abrea has garnered multiple prestigious awards. He was named one of the 2017 JCI Outstanding Young Persons of the World and Rappler’s 2016 Digital Mover award. He also received JCI’s The Outstanding Young Men of the Philippines (TOYM) award in 2015 and the Asia CEO Young Leader award for his contributions to tax reform. Additionally, Abrea was honored with the Metrobank Foundation’s Award for Continuing Excellence and Service.

Abrea is also a prolific author and columnist, as he maintains the online column #AskTheTaxWhiz on Rappler and writes in the Management Association of the Philippines on relevant tax topics and policy proposals. He has published a series of books, including “Got A Question About Taxes? #AskTheTaxWhiz” and “Iwas BUWISit: What To Do When Tax Attacks? #AskTheTaxWhiz.” His most popular books include “Reimagining the World Without Corruption”, which was launched at the Harvard Kennedy School, and the University of Sydney, and "Why Invest in the Philippines? A Guide to Investing and Doing Business in the Philippines” which he launched in more than 15 states, countries, and regions promoting the Philippines as an investment destination. His studies in Oxford inspired him to write his new book, “Reimagining the World Without Carbon Emission” developed from his various engagements with various international organizations such as the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development and International Monetary Fund. He hosts the ACG podcast titled Thought Leaders and Game Changers, which features international experts and leaders in global taxation. Abrea also writes for various publications like the Philippine Daily Inquirer, BusinessWorld, and Manila Standard.

He earned his bachelor’s degree in Accountancy at San Beda University and later completed his Master’s in Business Administration at Ateneo de Manila University. In 2023, he furthered his education with a Master in Public Administration/Mason Fellowship at the Harvard Kennedy School, and subsequently completed the Philosophy, Politics, and Economics program on Climate Change, Politics, and Environmental Justice at the University of Oxford

Professional Highlights

• Organized the 2023 International Tax Conference in collaboration with the World Bank, International Monetary Fund (IMF), Organization for Economic Cooperation and Organization (OECD), United Nations Office of Drugs and Crimes (UNODC), Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Philippine Government as resource speakers to discuss emerging global economic and tax issues including digitalization, ease of paying taxes, good governance and the fight against corruption.
• Served as tax expert at the Philippine Senate Ways and Means Committee and led a national campaign for a simple, fair and efficient tax system that resulted to the passing of two landmark legislations: Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) law and Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprise Act (CREATE) law.
• Conducts investment and tax briefings about new laws and regulations in investing and doing business in the Philippines like the TRAIN law and CREATE law at the Philippine Embassies and Consulate General Offices in the US, Europe, Canada, Australia, Asia and Middle East.
• Served as tax expert at the Philippine Senate Blue Ribbon Committee that investigated the biggest COVID-19 scandal which implicated the former Philippine President and led to filing graft charges to all government officials involved in the scandal.
• Published seven tax books from 2015-2022 to demystify taxes and help MSMEs in doing business and continues to publish regular articles on Rappler.com, The Philippine Daily Inquirer and BusinessWorld.
• Launched a book in Harvard about corruption including tax evasion entitled ‘Reimagining the World Without Corruption’ and will publish another book in March 2024 entitled ‘CEO GUIDE In Investing and Doing Business in the Philippines.’
• Launched a podcast with thought leaders and game changers to promote good governance and tax reform and continues to give media interviews on tax-related issues and legislations.
• Founded a tax firm helping professionals and corporations manage their taxes without compromises.
• Founded a non-profit organization which serves as advocacy partner of the government in promoting ease of doing business, tax reform and investing in the Philippines; served as Co-Chair of the Ease of Doing Business on Paying Taxes and member of the e-Commerce Promotional Council that reviewed and finalized the Philippine E-Commerce 2022 Roadmap.
• Founded a tech company that developed a tax mobile app for self-employed and professionals. It provides free access to tax information, free consultation, a platform to file tax returns anytime and anywhere.
• Received prestigious international and national awards as the most prominent tax expert and advocate in the Philippines like The Outstanding Young Persons of the World, Ten Outstanding Young Men of the Philippines (TOYM), Asia CEO Young Leader Award, Special Citation from National Federation of Filipino American Associations and Metrobank Foundation, Rappler Mover Award and Distinguished Bedan in the field of Accounting and Taxation

Work Experience

International Tax and Investment Center                                                                              Advisor, Taxation in the Digital Economy & OECD Global Minimum Tax Provides insights and advise on several issues related to taxation of the digital economy. Conducts presentations to the Board on tax legislation updates in the Philippines particularly on the proposed Digital Economy Taxation Bill which will impose VAT on imported digital transactions. Assists in discussing global tax issues e.g., adoption of OECD Pillar Two Global Minimum Tax.	Washington, D.C. 2023-Present
World Bank Project - A Technical Assistance for Climate Change Commission Fiscal Policy Expert Conducted desk review and analysis through research on incentive availment workflows. Provided analysis and recommendations on the incentives of the Green Jobs Act of 2016 and other laws and policies such as CREATE law and Board of Investment’s Strategic Investment Priority Plan.	Quezon City, PH 2022
Ease of Doing Business Task Force Co-Chair on Paying Taxes Works with the Ease of Doing Business Task Force, focusing specifically on proposing strategic reforms to improve the ease of paying taxes as one of the indicators in the World Bank's Doing Business report. Collaborates with government agencies such as the Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA), the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), and the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) to improve the ease of doing business in the Philippines.	Quezon City, PH 2011-Present
Asian Consulting Group Founding Chairman and Chief Tax Advisor Oversees the handling of tax audit and investigations of large enterprises, which has resulted in P27.2 billion of tax savings for the company’s clients. Sets strategic development goals to usher in the company's digital transformation, to consistently provide expert tax solutions, and to expand the operations of the company in the Asia-Pacific. Collaborates with media networks and high-profile personalities in order to promote the company's advocacies.	Quezon City, PH 2011-Present
Center for Strategic Reforms of the Philippines Founding President and Trustee Founded the organization to institutionalize the advocacy on tax reform and to be the center for integrated efforts of the public and private sectors that empower the MSMEs toward inclusive growth. Conducts projects and initiatives intended to encourage entrepreneurship in the Philippines and promote tax reform both locally and internationally, working closely with various government agencies toward that end. Lobbies proposals to the national government on the necessary reforms to establish a better and fairer tax system, as well as on various economic and fiscal policies.	Quezon City, PH 2013-Present
MyTaxWhizPH Digital Solutions Chairman and CEO Determines the overall strategic direction of the company and takes innovation opportunities in the field of taxation - such as through the development of a mobile app, the establishment of an online academy, and the production of various digital content. Aligns the company's tech solutions with the ultimate goal of providing free access to information and updates on tax matters.	Quezon City, PH 2020-Present

Published Articles

Making Tax Evasion An International Crime	Finding solutions to economic and tax issues	[Ask the Tax Whiz] Taxing unhealthiness: Is it a healthy approach?
A look at how corruption works in the Philippines	Beyond Borders: Successful conclusion of the 2023 International Tax Conference by The Asian Consulting Group	[Ask the Tax Whiz] Can Senior Citizens and PWDs avail Tax-exemption on their online transactions?
Paying Taxes as Easy as 1-2-3	Red Flags of the Maharlika Investment Fund	[Ask the Tax Whiz] Do Agricultural producers need to issue receipts/invoices?
Adopting pre-populated tax returns in the Philippines	Tax incentives for sustainable and ethical fashion	[Ask The Tax Whiz] How do international students file tax returns in the United States?
Lower income taxes pushed	Marcos told to settle estate tax to boost credibility	[Ask The Tax Whiz] Dealing with corrupt accountants and BIR officers

Other Professional Experience

Entrepinoy Volunteers Foundation, Inc. (EVFI)	Trustee and Treasurer	2013-present
Panpacific Graduate School	Faculty, Executive MBA Program (Finance and Taxation)	2020
Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI)	Training Consultant, Bank Officers Development Program	2006-2017
Ateneo Graduate School of Business	Regis Faculty, Tax Management	2016-2016
Baliwag Polytechnic College	Dean, College of Accountancy, Business, IT, and Engineering	2009-2014
University of Asia and the Pacific	Faculty, School of Management	2010-2011
Bureau of Internal Revenue	Revenue Officer and Examiner	2009–2010
Institute for Professional Review and Skills Development	Director and Reviewer	2006-2008
San Beda University	Chair, Department of Accountancy, Financial Management, and Legal Management	2004-2008

Academic Degrees

Harvard University, John F. Kennedy School of Government Master in Public Administration Coursework: Global Governance; Leadership and Negotiation; Macroeconomic Policies; Public Narrative; Behavioral  Science; Digital Marketing and Social Media Analytics; and Anti-Corruption Advocacy	Cambridge, MA May 2023
Ateneo Graduate School of Business Master in Business Administration – Regis Coursework: Strategic Management; Economics for Managers; Financial Reporting and Analysis	Makati, PH February 2010
San Beda University Bachelors of Science in Accountancy | Certified Public Accountant Coursework: Management Advisor Services; Income and Business Taxation; Auditing Theory and Practice	Manila, PH March 2003