SEC opens new extension office in Lipa to monitor fraud and boost regional growth

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has opened a new extension office in Lipa City, Batangas to enhance accessibility and enforce regulations more effectively.

Chairperson Emilio B. Aquino stated that the office will monitor fraudulent activities such as investment scams and illegal lending while ensuring consistent enforcement of corporate and securities regulations.

The Lipa Extension Office will handle applications for corporations based in Calabarzon (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, Quezon) and Mimaropa regions, aiming to encourage more businesses to incorporate and contribute to regional growth.

Calabarzon's economy grew by 5.4 percent in 2023 to P3.1 trillion, while Mimaropa's GDP was at P411.4 billion with a 4.7 percent growth rate.

This is the SEC's third extension office opened this year after Koronadal and Butuan, bringing the total number of extension offices across the Philippines to 13.