SEC overhauls rules to expedite cases

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is overhauling its Rules of Procedure to speed up case resolution, reduce administrative delays, and strengthen enforcement powers.

The regulator said Wednesday that it released the draft 2026 Rules of Procedure (ROP) for public comment. The draft consolidates the current 27 rules and 108 sections into 17 rules across 86 sections and incorporates updates from the Revised Corporation Code, the Financial Products and Services Consumer Protection Act, and other relevant laws.

The rules prioritize an “electronic first” approach to filing and service, using corporate email addresses or publication on the SEC website to ensure due process. The shift to simplified summons and robust electronic filing is expected to cut paper costs, logistical delays, and administrative burdens.

The draft clarifies that motions for reconsideration are generally prohibited at the Operating Department level and may only be filed against judgments or resolutions issued by the Commission En Banc.

It also consolidates rules on case conferences, subpoenas, and inspection orders, and introduces judicial notice of SEC records to reduce case aging.

“By prohibiting such motions and allowing judicial notice of internal records, the SEC seeks to significantly reduce the aging of cases brought before it and improve the timeliness of their resolution,” the Commission said.

The rules expand SEC authority for cease-and-desist orders (CDOs) under the Securities Regulation Code (SRC), the RCC, and FCPA, including ex parte CDOs for fraudulent acts or imminent public danger. They also define specific orders as immediately executory and formalize settlement procedures under Section 55 of the SRC.

The public may submit comments on the draft rules via a Google Form until 26 December.