File Smart: A Practical Guide to the SEC General Information Sheet (GIS) Requirement in the Philippines

For companies operating in the Philippines, regulatory compliance is not optional—it is foundational. One of the most frequently overlooked, yet strictly enforced, requirements is the annual filing of the General Information Sheet (GIS)with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

For foreign investors, regional headquarters, and Philippine subsidiaries, failure to file an accurate and timely GIS can lead to penalties, regulatory delays, and complications in future transactions. Understanding this requirement is essential to maintaining good standing and protecting business continuity.

Doing Business in the Philippines: What Is the SEC General Information Sheet (GIS)?

The General Information Sheet (GIS) is the SEC’s annual snapshot of a corporation’s legal and operational structure. It serves as a transparency and governance tool, allowing regulators, counterparties, and stakeholders to verify that a company’s information remains current and compliant.

A properly prepared GIS typically includes:

• Corporate details such as registered name, principal office address, and contact information
• Business activities, including primary and secondary purposes
• Capital structure, covering authorized, subscribed, and paid-up capital
• List of directors, officers, and shareholders, including nationality and shareholdings
• Certification by the Corporate Secretary, confirming accuracy and compliance under oath

Because the GIS is a sworn document, inaccuracies or omissions may expose directors, officers, and the company itself to regulatory risk.

Legal Compliance for Foreign Investors and Corporations

Under the Revised Corporation Code of the Philippines, all corporations registered with the SEC are required to file a GIS annually, including:

• Domestic stock and non-stock corporations
• Philippine subsidiaries of foreign companies
• Regional headquarters and representative offices
• Branch offices of foreign corporations licensed to do business in the Philippines

For foreign-owned or multinational entities, GIS compliance is often reviewed alongside foreign equity rules, immigration filings, BOI registrations, and tax incentive applications, making accuracy especially important.

How to File the GIS Through the SEC eFAST System

The SEC now requires electronic filing of the GIS through its Electronic Filing and Submission Tool (eFAST). This system is designed to improve efficiency, but it also places responsibility on companies to ensure that filings are complete, properly authorized, and correctly uploaded.

Pre-Filing Requirements

Before filing, corporations must:

1. Enroll in the SEC eFAST system
2. Designate an Authorized Filer
3. Prepare and notarize:
   • A Board Resolution authorizing the filer
   • A Secretary’s Certificate confirming board approval

Step-by-Step GIS Filing Process

1. Log in to the eFAST portal.
2. Click Forms, then continue to Submission.
3. Choose Submit New Form and select GIS under “Form Type.”
4. Upload two (2) sets:
   • The scanned notarized GIS; and
   • The PDF version of the GIS.
5. Edit and fill out required fields.
6. Click Submit once complete.
7. Monitor your registered email for confirmation
8. Receive the QR code confirmation, which serves as proof of successful submission

SEC GIS Filing Deadlines and Regulatory Risk

The GIS must be filed within 30 days from the relevant triggering date:

• Stock corporations: Date of the annual stockholders’ meeting
• Non-stock corporations: Date of the annual members’ meeting
• Foreign corporations: Anniversary date of the SEC license

Late or defective filings may result in:

• Monetary penalties and fines
• Delays in SEC approvals and corporate amendments
• Issues with government registrations, banking, and contracting
• Possible suspension or revocation of SEC registration or license

For companies engaged in government procurement, regulated industries, or cross-border transactions, even minor delays can have outsized commercial consequences.

Common GIS Filing Mistakes Businesses Should Avoid

In practice, many compliance issues arise from avoidable errors, including:

• Failure to update directors, officers, or shareholders
• Incorrect or inconsistent capital structure disclosures
• Unsigned or improperly notarized GIS documents
• Use of an unauthorized or unregistered eFAST filer
• Filing beyond the prescribed 30-day period

These issues can lead to rejection, penalties, or additional scrutiny—particularly for foreign-owned companies.nce and prevents processing delays or penalties that could affect business operations and transactions.

Why GIS Compliance Matters Beyond Annual Filing

GIS filing is not merely a formality. It is a core corporate governance requirement used by the SEC to assess transparency, ownership structure, and regulatory compliance.

An updated and accurate GIS is often required for:

• SEC amendments and certifications
• BOI registration and tax incentive applications
• Immigration and work visa support
• Banking, financing, and due diligence processes
• Government bidding and procurement eligibility

Consistent compliance signals operational discipline, credibility, and readiness to engage in larger transactions.

Working With Philippine Counsel for Ongoing Compliance

For international investors and companies operating across multiple jurisdictions, local regulatory requirements are often more interconnected than they first appear. In the Philippines, corporate governance, employment obligations, data protection, investment incentives, immigration, and sector-specific regulations frequently overlap and affect one another.

AJA Law supports clients through an integrated approach to regulatory and commercial compliance. Our work spans corporate and governance matters, employment and data privacy requirements, cross-border operations, investment structuring, and industry-specific regulatory considerations, including those relevant to trade, logistics, and the creative economy.

Our approach is practical, technology-enabled, and aligned with business realities—helping ensure that compliance supports growth, continuity, and sound decision-making rather than disrupting operations. If your company requires assistance with SEC GIS filing, ongoing corporate compliance, or entry into the Philippine market, our team provides clear, timely, and strategic legal guidance. Contact AJA Law to help keep your Philippine operations compliant, credible, and transaction-ready.