THE Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) said it is providing discounted rates on certain transactions to micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
On July 17, the SEC said it issued Memorandum Circular No. 8, series of 2025.
“MSMEs are the backbone of our business sector, accounting for more than 99% of all businesses in the country and generating millions of jobs for our fellow Filipinos,” said SEC chairperson Francis Lim.
“This policy represents our strong resolve to help bring down the barriers to entry of small businesses to ensure they can grow, thrive, and continuously contribute to economic growth,” he added.
Under the latest memorandum circular, the SEC grants a 20% discount on registration fees to MSMEs that seek to register as a corporation.
MSMEs seeking to increase their capital stock through an amendment of their articles of incorporation will be given a 25% discount on filing fees.
The discounted rates will be effective until the end of the year, or on December 31, 2025.
The agency is also giving a 50% discount for the registration of securities for MSMEs who will tap the capital market as it aims to further reduce friction costs for firms going public.
The discount will be effective until June 30, 2026.
The SEC said that its latest memorandum circular adopts the classification of MSMEs based on asset size provided under Republic Act 9501, or the Magna Carta for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises.
Under the law, micro-sized businesses have assets of up to P3 million, up to P15 million for small businesses, and up to P100 million for medium-sized enterprises.
For an increase in capital stock and securities registration filings, the president or treasurer of the applicant company shall issue a signed certification of qualification stating that the company’s total assets, exclusive of the land on which the particular business entity’s office, plant, and equipment are situated, it said.
Earlier this month, the SEC reduced the rates for corporate data requests by 50% under Memorandum Circular No. 6, series of 2025. (GMA Integrated News)
