The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has relaxed regulations for companies seeking to hold annual stockholders’ meetings earlier than the dates specified in their bylaws.
The the SEC Markets and Securities Regulation Department issued a notice on March 9, 2026 stating that publicly-listed companies and other firms with registered securities no longer require prior approval from the commission to hold an early meeting.
Instead, these firms should submit a written notice to the regulator at least 32 business days before the scheduled date.
The updated guidelines are designed to help firms meet deadlines for filing the Preliminary Information Statement and the Definitive Information Statement under Republic Act No. 8799, also known as the Securities Regulation Code.
Under the new rules, the written notice should explain the reason for the earlier schedule and confirm that the board of directors has approved the move.
Companies are required to disclose the early meeting on their official websites, while publicly listed firms must also post the announcement on the Philippine Stock Exchange Edge platform.
The regulator said companies should protect the rights of stockholders and encourage minority investors to attend the sessions. Firms should also strictly adhere to deadlines for the filing and distribution of information statements, it said.
“The SEC said this step will help ensure firms meet the deadlines for filing the Preliminary Information Statement and the Definitive Information Statement under Republic Act No. 8799, or the Securities Regulation Code,” the notice read.
