SEC extends ₱80 million in fee discounts to MSMEs, corporations
SEC Chairperson Francis E. Lim
The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) reported that it had given discounts in fees amounting to ₱80 million to thousands of corporations, including micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), across more than 40,000 transactions due to recent corporate sector reforms.
Since July, the SEC has issued three memorandum circulars (MCs) aimed at encouraging the incorporation of MSMEs and further streamlining the registration process for companies tapping the capital market.
Based on preliminary data as of Oct. 19, the Commission has accommodated 40,157 transactions under these rules, collectively providing ₱80.3 million in discounts to the transacting public—with more than half or ₱40.9 million going to MSMEs.
“The SEC is taking an active role in the national government’s efforts to further unlock the massive potential of the MSME sector in driving the Philippine economy’s growth,” SEC Chairperson Francis Lim said.
He added that, “By lowering the barriers to entry for small businesses, we are sending a strong message that the corporate sector is an inclusive space where everyone–not just established industry players–can survive and thrive.”
SEC MC No. 6, series of 2025, which took effect on July 1, provided a 50-percent discount on the physical and authenticated copies of company filings, including the articles of incorporation and by-laws, general information sheet (GIS), and annual financial statements, among others.
The reduced rates for such documents and other information technology (IT)-related services of the Commission under MC 6 has since provided over ₱36.5 million in discounts to the transacting public.
Meanwhile, MC 8 provided discounted rates for certain filing fees to support the growth of MSMEs following its release on July 16. The SEC has since allowed a total of 8,506 MSMEs, which registered as corporations, to accumulate ₱21.4 million in discounts for their registration fees.
Over 200 MSMEs that applied for an increase in their authorized capital stock also saved more than ₱19.4 million in line with the MC.
Companies tapping the capital market likewise secured around ₱3 million in discounts thanks to MC 9, which provided a 30-percent discount for the assessed registration fees of all registration statement applications until Dec. 31, 2025, among others.
“The SEC will continue to assess its rules and policies to see where we can provide further assistance to our stakeholders, consistent with our goal of empowering MSMEs and the overall corporate sector to become catalysts for economic growth,” Lim assured.