In observance of Ease of Doing Business (EODB) Month 2026, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) reaffirmed its commitment to transforming the Philippine business landscape under the theme, “Achieving Results through Transparency and Accountability (ARTA): Towards a More Productive Bagong Pilipinas.”
As the nation’s primary corporate regulator, the SEC continues to spearhead reforms designed to make company registration and capital market participation faster, simpler, and more accessible to all Filipinos.
The Commission has significantly expanded its digital infrastructure and adjusted its fiscal policies to foster a more inclusive economy. Key milestones include:
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OneSEC Upgrade: The One-Day Submission and E-registration (OneSEC) Zuper Easy Registration Online has expanded its coverage from 33 to 81 industries, allowing for near-instant company incorporation.
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MSME Empowerment: To reduce the cost of doing business, the SEC introduced discounted filing fees for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) covering corporate registration, amendments, and securities registration.
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Capital Market Efficiency: The review process for Registration Statements has been streamlined to a 45-day window, encouraging more companies to tap into the capital markets.
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Extended Shelf Registration: The validity of shelf registrations has been extended from three to five years, providing issuers with greater flexibility in timing their fund-raising activities.
To further modernize public service delivery, the SEC officially launched its Fourth Wave of Digital Initiatives, leveraging cutting-edge technology to ensure security and efficiency:
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HARBOR: A dedicated portal to promote transparency through mandatory beneficial ownership disclosures.
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VERITAS: A blockchain-powered platform for secure digital signing and verification of official documents.
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ENDOW: A centralized digital repository designed for high-speed document management.
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AWE: Automated workflows implemented to ensure faster and more responsive internal processes.
In strict adherence to Republic Act No. 11032 (The Ease of Doing Business and Efficient Government Service Delivery Act of 2018), the SEC has implemented rigorous processing timelines. The Commission now enforces a “deemed approved” policy for applications, permits, and licenses that are not acted upon within the prescribed period, ensuring that bureaucratic delays do not hinder private sector productivity.
“These milestones reflect the SEC’s vision of a modern, transparent, and investor-friendly regulatory environment,” the Commission stated. “By leveraging innovation, we are positioning the Philippines as a preferred investment destination in Southeast Asia.”
Through these sustained efforts in transparency and digital transformation, the SEC remains a steadfast partner in driving inclusive growth, promoting good governance, and protecting the investing public.
