The government is challenging the Securities and Exchange Commission to continue enhancing initiatives to protect the investing public, Finance Secretary Benjamin Diokno said.

"I challenge the Commission to ramp up its enforcement and investor protection efforts. We must ensure that the people can rely on the government to keep their hard-earned money and investments safe," Diokno said during the SEC's 86th Anniversary and Recognition Ceremony recently.

The Department of Finance secretary is cognizant of the indispensable role that the SEC plays in the development and modernization of the country's financial markets.

Diokno also noted how the SEC has built a competitive and secure business environment critical for capital formation, consistent with the agency's mandate as the enforcer of standards for corporate governance and protector of the investing public.

High standards

Furthermore, the SEC has maintained its high standards of responsive and innovative service, keeping the country's capital market and corporate sector robust.

These efforts are documented in the recently published "The SEC Reports: Pandemic Years 2020 to June 2022."

"The achievements noted in the report attest to the exemplary work put in by the men and women of the SEC despite the limitations set by the pandemic," Diokno said.

The government, he said, envisions a robust and resilient economy characterized by investment-led growth.

To achieve this, the government is working to enhance the local business climate, expand financial inclusion, and ensure that small businesses have better access to financial services in the capital markets.

"The SEC stands front and center in this effort. As we improve the ease of doing business in the country, we hope to attract more investments that will accelerate growth and quicken our economic recovery," Diokno said.