The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is offering discounts for applications from companies with a capitalization below P100 million—classified as micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs)—for a limited period.
The corporate watchdog issued a memorandum on July 16 stating that MSMEs registering as corporations will receive a 20 percent discount on registration fees.
Those seeking to increase their capital stock through amendments to their articles of incorporation will be granted a 25 percent discount on filing fees.
These discounted rates will remain in effect until December 31, 2025, the SEC memorandum noted.
In addition, MSMEs applying for approval to access the capital market may avail of a 50 percent discount on their securities registration fees until June 30, 2026.
This initiative is part of the SEC’s commitment to reduce friction costs for companies looking to go public, according to the memorandum.
“MSMEs are the backbone of our business sector, accounting for more than 99 percent of all businesses in the country and generating millions of jobs for our fellow Filipinos,” SEC Chairman Francis Lim said in a statement.
“This policy reflects our strong resolve to lower barriers for small businesses and ensure they can grow, thrive, and continuously contribute to economic development,” he added.
To qualify for the discounts on capital stock increases and securities registration filings, the SEC stated that the president or treasurer of the applicant company must issue a signed certification of qualification.
This certification should affirm that the company’s total assets—excluding the land on which its office, plant, and equipment are located—do not exceed the MSME threshold.
The discount policy follows the SEC’s announcement of a 50 percent reduction in fees for corporate data requests under Memorandum Circular No. 6, Series of 2025.
It has also committed to enforcing strict timelines for processing applications for permits, licenses, registrations, certificates, clearances, and other authorizations, as outlined in Memorandum Circular No. 7, Series of 2025.
