The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has moved to accelerate corporate filings, issuing new rules that slash processing times for companies seeking to amend their governing documents.

In a memorandum circular released Jan. 12, the regulator expanded the scope of its digital filing system to cover a wider range of corporate changes.

The new guidelines, under Memorandum Circular No. 3, Series of 2026, govern how applications are classified and processed through the Electronic Application for Modification of Entity Data, or eAMEND, portal.

The move is designed to bring processing times below the mandates of the Ease of Doing Business and Efficient Government Service Delivery Act of 2018. By using standardized forms and digital signatures, the SEC aims to eliminate the manual bottlenecks that have historically slowed corporate registrations.

“The SEC is committed to making every transaction seamless and efficient,” SEC Chairperson Francis Lim said in a statement.

The goal, he added, is to allow companies to “direct their efforts on growing their business, rather than spend time with regulatory roadblocks.”

The commission first launched the eAMEND portal in 2024. Under the updated framework, the number of transactions eligible for

“Simple Processing” has been increased to 28 from just four previously. These include changes to a company’s primary and secondary purposes, corporate names, and the shortening of corporate terms.

Transactions categorized as simple are processed within seven working days and are eligible for an immediate digital certificate upon initial system approval. More complex changes, such as the conversion of a stock corporation to a non-stock entity or the dissolution of partnerships, fall under “Regular Processing.” These are treated as highly technical transactions with a 21-day window for review.

To ensure compliance, the SEC has introduced a strict window for documentary submissions. Companies using the simple track must submit physical copies of their amendment documents within 15 days of paying the filing fees. Those that miss this deadline but file within 45 days will be hit with a P5,000 penalty.

Failure to submit the hard copies within the 45-day period will result in the automatic cancellation of the application. In such cases, the digital certificate is rendered null and void, and any fees paid are forfeited to the commission.