SEC eases rules on early stockholders’ meetings

Upgrade to High-Speed Internet for only ₱1499/month!

Enjoy up to 100 Mbps fiber broadband, perfect for browsing, streaming, and gaming.

Visit Suniway.ph to learn

March 11, 2026 | 12:00am

MANILA, Philippines —  Publicly listed companies and other issuers of registered securities planning to hold their annual stockholders’ meetings (ASM) earlier than the date specified in their bylaws will now have an easier time doing so.

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has relaxed the requirements for these companies by removing the need to obtain prior approval from the commission for the early conduct of their ASM.

Instead of obtaining prior approval from the SEC, all publicly listed companies and other firms with registered securities are now required to submit a written notice to the commission regarding the early conduct of their ASM at least 32 business days ahead of the scheduled meeting.

The SEC said the notice should include a justifiable reason for the ASM’s early conduct and must be approved by the board of directors and supported by the secretary’s certificate.

According to the commission, the submission of a written notice will ensure the compliance of covered companies with the prescribed periods for the filing of the preliminary information statement (PIS) and definitive information statement (DIS), as well as their distribution, as provided under the Securities Regulation Code and its implementing rules and regulations.

The early conduct of the ASM and the reason must be disclosed through the filing of SEC Form 17-C, which should be made publicly available on the company’s website and on the Philippine Stock Exchange Edge website in the case of listed firms.

Further, the SEC said covered companies are required to ensure that the rights of stockholders will not be impaired, encourage the attendance of minority stockholders at the ASM, and comply with the deadlines for filing the PIS, DIS and the distribution of information statements.