Title
Classification of Govt Corps as GBEs or Non-GBEs
Law
Coa Circular No. 2015-003
Decision Date
Apr 16, 2015
COA Circular No. 2015-003 classifies government corporations and entities as either Government Business Enterprises (GBEs) or Non-GBEs to determine the applicable financial reporting framework, aligning with international standards to enhance accountability and transparency in financial reporting.
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Definitions of Key Terms

  • Government Corporations: Includes government-owned or controlled corporations (GOCCs), government financial institutions (GFIs), government instrumentalities with corporate powers (GICPs)/government corporate entities (GCEs), including subsidiaries and water districts.
  • GOCCs: Stock or non-stock corporations owned by the Philippine government (directly or indirectly majority ownership) performing governmental or proprietary functions.
  • GFIs: Majority government-owned financial institutions supervised by BSP or involved in public fund collection and investment.
  • GICPs/GCEs: Government instrumentalities endowed with corporate powers through law or charter, enjoying operational autonomy but not classified as regular corporations.
  • GBEs: Government corporations meeting criteria such as power to contract, financial/operational authority to do business, sale of goods/services at profit or cost recovery, not reliant on continuous government funding, and controlled by public sector entities.
  • GBEs include trading enterprises, financial enterprises, and BSP-supervised banks and SEC-registered entities adopting PFRS.
  • Non-GBEs: Entities not fulfilling all GBE characteristics.
  • Public Sector Entities: National, regional, local government units, agencies, boards, commissions, subject to budget limits.
  • Small and Medium-sized Entities (SMEs): Corporations with assets between P3 million to P350 million; liabilities between P3 million to P250 million; not required or filing under SRC rules except where stated; not secondary license holders; not public utilities.

Guidelines on Financial Reporting Framework Application

  • GBEs are required to apply PFRS, in accordance with:
    • International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS) as adopted in PPSAS 1.
    • BSP Circular 494 series of 2005.
    • SEC Rules 68 and 68.1 and amendments.
  • SMEs classified as GBEs may adopt PFRS for SMEs per SEC Notice (Dec 11, 2009).
  • Non-GBEs must apply PPSAS as prescribed by COA Resolution No. 2014-003.

Procedures for First-time Adoption and Conversion

  • Both GBEs and Non-GBEs shall convert their financial statements to the applicable framework upon first-time adoption.
  • The Government Accountancy Sector (GAS) will prepare specific guidelines for conversion and reconciliation in consultation with the Corporate Government Sector (CGS) and concerned entities.
  • Revised Chart of Accounts (RCA) under COA Circular No. 2014-003 will be updated to:
    • Include BSP Financial Reporting Package accounts and other pertinent GBE accounts.
    • Include accounts for Non-GBEs.
  • Electronic-New Government Accounting System (e-NGAS) conversion procedures to be separately issued.

Responsibilities of Government Entities

  • Chief Accountants/Heads of Accounting Units and Budget Officers/Heads of Budget Units responsible for:
    • Proper conversion and reconciliation of accounts.
    • Submission of Journal Entry Vouchers and Financial Statements to COA Auditors and GAS.
  • Heads of Government Corporations shall oversee the accurate financial statement conversion in their agencies.

Saving Clause and Repealing Clause

  • Issues not covered by this Circular to be referred to GAS for resolution.
  • All inconsistent prior issuances are repealed or amended as necessary.

Transitory Provisions During Chart of Accounts Update

  • New accounts for PPSAS to be utilized as per standards.
  • GBEs must use applicable accounts prescribed under COA Circular No. 2014-003 and those from regulatory bodies for PFRS compliance.
  • Unconverted accounts pending issue resolution must be converted to the most appropriate RCA account until further guidance is issued.

Effectivity

  • This Circular took effect 15 days after publication in a newspaper of general circulation.

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