The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on Tuesday extended discounted registration fees for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) from end-March to end-December this year.

In a statement, the SEC said the move aims to encourage more MSMEs to incorporate.

It said MSMEs have saved about PHP54.77 million as of March 26 since fees were reduced on July 16, 2025.

“As the backbone of the Philippine economy, MSMEs deserve every opportunity to grow and thrive. The savings already realized by our entrepreneurs since July represent the businesses that now have legal standing to access credit, grow their operations, and contribute more robustly to our economy,” SEC Chairperson Francis Lim said.

“By extending these discounted rates through the end of 2026, we are reaffirming our commitment to the accessibility and affordability of doing business in the Philippines,” he added.

Meanwhile, the 50-percent discount on securities registration for MSMEs remains in effect until June 30.

The SEC said “the lower fees also cover securities being registered through the Commission’s streamlined processes for power generation and distribution utility companies, real estate developers and/or managers in relation to rental pool deals, agri-business firms, and hospitals.”

Citing Republic Act 9501 or the Magna Carta for MSMEs, the SEC said micro enterprises have capital of up to PHP3 million; small enterprises, up to PHP15 million; and medium enterprises, up to PHP100 million.

“Companies planning to avail of the discounted securities registration filing fee are required to submit a Certification of MSME Qualification, executed by the company’s president or treasurer, and should have a paid-up capital of PHP25 million, except for those filing through the streamlined registration of securities process for agri-businesses,” the SEC said. (PNA)