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The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) has extended until October 31, 2026 the compliance period for covered taxpayers to display their BIR Registration Seal Badge on their online platforms. Under Revenue Memorandum Circular (RMC) No. 99-2026, taxpayers have until that date to comply without penalties arising solely from non-display of the badge. The badge serves as proof of BIR registration and allows customers to verify a business’s registration through its QR code.

The requirement covers online sellers, online merchants, digital platform operators, and persons selling goods or services through digital or electronic platforms, including businesses with an online presence. BIR guidelines also identify online service providers and income-earning content creators, such as bloggers, vloggers, influencers, and live streamers. Covered taxpayers must prominently display the badge on their applicable websites, marketplace seller pages, mobile applications, and social media business pages.

Individuals using social media solely for personal, non-business purposes fall outside the described coverage. Likewise, businesses operating entirely offline without an online business presence are outside this particular online display requirement, although their regular BIR registration and tax obligations remain. The circular provides no blanket exemption for micro or small online businesses. The extension concerns badge display only and does not excuse failure to register a business, file returns, or pay applicable taxes.

To obtain the badge online, taxpayers can visit the BIR’s official Online Registration and Update System (ORUS) at https://orus.bir.gov.ph/home. Users must create an ORUS account or log in to their existing account, then follow the applicable business registration or badge-generation process. The badge may also be obtained through the taxpayer’s Revenue District Office. Once issued, taxpayers should display the badge itself rather than their entire Certificate of Registration, helping protect personal information while providing verifiable proof of registration.

The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) has issued new guidelines on electronic invoicing through Revenue Memorandum Circular No. 98-2026. The circular explains what qualifies as an electronic invoice and the steps covered taxpayers must take before issuing one. Under the current rules, covered taxpayers must comply with the electronic invoice issuance requirement on or before December 31, 2026.

The deadline covers several groups, including small, medium, and large taxpayers engaged in e-commerce or internet transactions; taxpayers under the Large Taxpayers Service; taxpayers classified as large under the Ease of Paying Taxes rules; and taxpayers using a computerized accounting system or other invoicing software. Micro taxpayers are exempted from the e-commerce category stated in the circular. Businesses should review their classification and invoicing setup to determine how the rules apply to them.

An electronic invoice must come from a duly registered, approved, or accredited system, be issued electronically to the buyer, and contain structured data that can be extracted and transmitted for BIR reporting. An invoice made in a spreadsheet or word processor does not meet this standard. The BIR also requires covered taxpayers to secure a Permit to Issue Electronic Invoice before issuing electronic invoices and obtain EIS certification within six months after the permit is issued. Electronic invoice issuance and electronic sales reporting are separate obligations; the BIR says the latter will be required under further implementing guidelines.

For businesses preparing for the transition, now is the time to review invoice formats, system capabilities, branch processes, and the requirements for BIR approval. ComUnion Technologies Inc. helps companies align their accounting and operational workflows with their business needs, including preparation for electronic invoicing requirements. Early preparation gives teams time to assess their systems, address gaps, and test their processes before the deadline.

The Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) has ordered the lifting of its ban on Discord following a meeting with the platform’s representatives. The announcement came a day after internet providers began restricting access to Discord in the Philippines.

The restrictions followed a 24-hour warning issued by the CICC earlier this week. The agency asked Discord and Reddit to designate local representatives and explain how they would improve their responses to online safety concerns, including threats involving minors. CICC said platforms operating in the Philippines must be reachable and responsive when authorities need to act on such threats. Philippine News Agency reported the agency’s demands on September 22..

After the warning, some Filipino users found that they could no longer access Discord through their internet providers. The interruption affected a platform used for gaming communities, study groups and work collaboration..

Following talks with Discord, CICC moved to restore access. The agency said Discord had committed to closer coordination with Philippine authorities, including a local point of contact and a more direct process for handling requests. Unbox PH reported that CICC had asked the National Telecommunications Commission to restore access. Service may return at different times depending on the internet provider.

Apple has announced three new iPhones: the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, and iPhone Duo. The Pro models arrived in stores on September 18, while the Duo is scheduled for release in October.

The iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max bring a 48MP main camera with an adjustable aperture, giving users more control over lighting and background blur. Both run on Apple’s A20 Pro chip and include a smaller Dynamic Island, while the Pro Max offers improved battery life.

The biggest design change is the iPhone Duo, Apple’s first foldable iPhone. It has a 5.4-inch outer screen for everyday use and opens to a 7.6-inch display for viewing content and using multiple apps. Apple says pre-orders begin October 16, with availability starting October 23.

or people who use their phones to create content or manage work on the go, the new lineup offers two different directions: stronger camera and battery features in the Pro models, or more screen space in the Duo. We’ll be watching how the foldable design works in everyday use once it reaches customers.