SEC OKs Philippines Green Equity guidelines

MANILA, Philippines — The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has approved revised guidelines on Philippine Green Equity, transferring authority to evaluate applications and grant the label to the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE).

The revised guidelines streamline accreditation mechanisms in line with international standards.

The new guidelines officially transfer the authority to grant the Philippine Green Equity Label to the PSE, which will now handle application processing and ongoing monitoring.

This includes the review and evaluation of the application and all acts necessary for its processing.

The PSE will have to notify the SEC within five days of such grant, including the relevant details of the application and basis for approval.

Aligned with the PSE’s existing monitoring responsibilities, the SEC said the transfer of authority streamlines the application and evaluation process, and minimizes duplication of functions to promote a more efficient green equity framework.

Further, the commission said the transfer of authority is consistent with the exchange-based approach under the World Federation of Exchanges’ Green Equity Principles, which recognizes the role of exchanges in establishing and administering green classifications for listed equity securities.

The guidelines also empower the PSE to establish an accreditation mechanism for external reviewers that listed companies may engage to secure the label.

Philippine Green Equity is a game-changing initiative that helps develop the capital market by boosting liquidity and supporting climate goals.

In September last year, the SEC issued Memorandum Circular 13, Series of 2025, which outlines guidelines on Philippine Green Equity to advance sustainable finance in Southeast Asia.

Green equity complements sustainable debt instruments, and by providing a framework for green equity offerings, the SEC gives green activities greater visibility and credibility, helping investors identify them and guard against misleading green claims.