Filing of Reports and Other Documents in SEC Main Office during Temporary Closure

This Accounting Alert is issued to circulate the SEC Notice dated July 29, 2020 which provides guidelines on the filing of reports and other documents in relation to the temporary closure of the SEC Main Offce.

Introduction

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has previously announced the suspension of work at its Main Office within the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) Complex in Pasay City, after four personnel tested positive in rapid antibody tests for COVID-19. The SEC Main Office will be closed initially until June 30, 2020 to facilitate the disinfection of the premises, and may further be extended depending on the results of confirmatory tests performed.

​In the Notice issued on June 29, 2020, the SEC notified all concerned companies that the SEC Main Office shall temporarily stop receiving printed reports such as Annual Financial Statements (AFS) and the General Information Sheet (GIS), and other documents. The SEC Express Nationwide Submission (SENS) facility, which allows for the submission of AFS, GIS and other reports through courier or registered mail, shall likewise be suspended.

Adjusted deadlines

The SEC shall also adjust the deadlines and allow for alternative modes of filing for reports and other documents due for submission while the SEC Main Office remains closed. New deadlines for filing of reports and other documents shall be released by the SEC within the week. 

Email submissions

Corporations may continue submitting the scanned copies of their duly signed and, if applicable, notarized reports, letters and other documents to the concerned departments or offices through email while the SEC Main Office is temporarily closed. The reports, letters or documents shall be considered received by the SEC on the date reflected in the Acknowledgment Receipt that the concerned department or office shall send through email. Further announcements will be made on when the companies can submit the printed copies after the resumption of work in the SEC Main Office.

Submission to the SEC Extension Offices

Corporations headquartered outside the National Capital Region may likewise continue filing their reports, letters and other documents with the SEC Extension Offices. Please note, however, that the SEC - Cebu Extension Office will be closed to the public while the city remains under Enhanced Community Quarantine.

Payment of filing/processing fees

The SEC shall issue electronic Payment Assessment Forms (PAFs) for the applicable filing and/or processing fees through email. Corporations may pay the applicable filing and/or processing fees at the ground floor of SEC's former headquarters along EDSA in Ortigas, Mandaluyong City. The payment center is open from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., from Monday to Friday.

Interim contact center

While the SEC Main Office remains closed, the public may reach the SEC at the following telephone number: +632 8584-9772, or the public can send their queries to the departments or offices concerned at the email addresses provided in the attached SEC Contact Center.

See attached Accounting Alert for further details.