CLARK FREEPORT— “We have to discover solutions together, so let the suggestions come,” said Clark Development Corporation (CDC) President and CEO Atty. Agnes VST Devanadera, addressing stakeholders from the maintenance, repair and operations (MRO) and aviation industries during a focus group discussion (FGD) held at the Clark Visitors Center on October 3.
The dialogue formed part of CDC’s continuing efforts to engage locators in shaping responsive policies for the Freeport Zone.
Among the updates shared was the rollout of the Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul–Facilitated Access for Services and Trade (MRO–F.A.S.T.) System—a streamlined mechanism jointly developed by CDC and the Bureau of Customs – Port of Clark to support aviation-related businesses operating within the zone.
Metrojet Engineering (Clark) Ltd. Finance Manager Javy Mandap presented the implications of recent Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) issuances, citing Revenue Memorandum Circular (RMC) 005-2024, which classifies services performed abroad but enjoyed in the Philippines as Philippine-sourced. The measure subjects payments to foreign providers to withholding tax and a 12 percent value-added tax.
Mandap also noted RMC 081-2025, which places restrictions on expense deductibility. Taken together, the issuances could result in higher costs when availing of foreign consultancy or training services, potentially affecting the cost competitiveness of incentivized industries such as MROs.
SIA Engineering (Philippines) General Manager Bruno Bousquet acknowledged CDC’s proactive stance.
“CDC has been very helpful and proactive. It listens to locators’ concerns and acts on them promptly,” he said.
Joining Atty. Devanadera were CDC Vice President for Business Development and Business Enhancement Group (BDBEG) Atty. Noelle Meneses, Vice President for Legal Affairs Group Atty. Gloria Victoria Taruc, Assistant Vice President for Business Enhancement Department Rodem Perez, Atty. Bonifacio Tarenio Jr., Assistant Vice President for Administration, and other officers from BDBEG.
The FGD forms part of CDC’s broader commitment to participatory governance and sectoral collaboration.