The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) vows to comply with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s directive to streamline its processes, aligning with the Marcos administration’s vision of an inclusive and efficient capital market that can help pave the way for a financially secure future for Filipinos.

In his speech during the special bell-ringing ceremony to mark the effectivity of the Capital Markets Efficiency Promotion Act (CMEPA) last July 1, President Marcos directed the SEC to undertake the necessary changes to fulfill its responsibilities amid the changing times.

“I direct the Securities and Exchange Commission to streamline its procedures, remove bureaucratic bottlenecks, [and] reduce transaction costs within its control,” he said.

Pursuant to this directive, the SEC has committed to streamlining its procedures, reducing costs, and promoting transparency and good governance in the corporate sector and capital market.

“We thank the President for his clear directive and continued support toward our mission to develop the business sector and capital market as one of the best in Southeast Asia. The SEC stands ready to deliver on this mandate with urgency, integrity, and accountability,” SEC Chairperson Francis Lim said.

He added that, “We are confident that the enactment of CMEPA will help the Commission in expanding accessibility of investment opportunities to more Filipinos, thereby encouraging them to invest in the capital market.”

In addition to the reforms introduced by CMEPA, the SEC has consistently launched programs aimed at streamlining procedures and enhancing the ease of doing business in the country.

On July 1, the SEC officially opened the Public Assistance and Complaints Desk (PACD) on the ground floor of The SEC Headquarters in Makati City.

This will handle on-site client inquiries, feedback, and complaints, facilitating public consultation and providing prompt responses to stakeholders’ concerns, in line with Anti-Red Tape Authority standards.

Following his appointment as chairperson, Lim has also committed to streamlining transactions by ensuring that all steps and requirements for SEC processes are necessary, consistent, and simplified, while unnecessary requirements will be removed.

To this end, all SEC departments and offices were directed to prioritize the resolution of applications and requests pending before the Commission in line with the time frames mandated by law.

The Commission will also continue to invest in technology to further improve its systems, enhance accessibility, and increase operational efficiency.

On the reduction of fees, the SEC has issued Memorandum Circular No. 6, Series of 2025, providing for the Reduction of Fees and Charges for IT-Related Services under SEC Memorandum Circular No. 10, Series of 2023.

The memorandum circular effectively reduced by 50% the rates for documents requested from the SEC, including the articles of incorporation, by-laws, and general information sheet, among others. With the new rules, the public may now request for plain digital copies of documents for as low as P375 each, compared to the previous rate of P750.

“Likewise, we call on all capital market participants to join the SEC in enhancing the global competitiveness of our markets. Through collaboration and a firm commitment to reform, we believe that we can create a financial sector that both local and international investors can trust,” Lim said.