The Philippine Securities and Exchange Commission issued the 2026 Rules of Procedure of the Securities and Exchange Commission through SEC Memorandum Circular No. 08, series of 2026, replacing the 2016 rules to streamline administrative and adjudicative processes, reduce case aging, and improve clarity and predictability for stakeholders. The updated procedures consolidate and refresh how the SEC exercises powers under the Securities Regulation Code, the Revised Corporation Code of the Philippines, and the Financial Products and Services Consumer Protection Act. To accelerate case disposition, the rules introduce measures such as allowing parties to submit draft decisions and removing motions for reconsideration of decisions by operating departments and extension offices, which are replaced by direct appeals to the Commission En Banc. Motions for extension of time and motions to declare default are prohibited, alongside automatic decision-making when parties fail to answer within prescribed periods; once an Answer is filed, the handling office may set a conference to explore settlement, narrow issues, and set hearing dates. The SEC may also take administrative notice of documents within its records, including general information sheets, annual financial statements, and articles of incorporation, to reduce evidentiary burden. For filing and service, email becomes the primary mode, with initial pleadings still allowed via registered mail, accredited courier, or electronic mail, while subsequent pleadings and submissions must be filed online unless otherwise allowed. The rules also consolidate enforcement mechanisms, including cease and desist orders under the Revised Corporation Code (ex parte, valid for 20 days from receipt), the Securities Regulation Code (10-day validity for investor fraud), and the Financial Products and Services Consumer Protection Act (without prior hearing for fraudulent or unlawful acts of financial service providers), and provide that department- and extension office-level issuances are immediately executory unless restrained or enjoined by the Commission En Banc, the Court of Appeals, or the Supreme Court.

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