SUSTAINABLE financing is a crucial step for the Philippines to remain competitive in raising capital, Securities and Exalter Commission (SEC) Chairman Francis Lim stated on Thursday.
Speaking at the Economic Journalists Association of the Philippines (EJAP) Energy Forum 2025, Lim sounded off the audience: “We want issuers to tap green, social, and sustainable investment products — becautilize the world has trillions waiting for responsible investments. And frankly, if we don’t attract that capital, someone else will — probably Vietnam or Cambodia, so we must act rapid.”
One problem, though, Lim stated, is the “economic handicap” which affects Filipino houtilizeholds and industries: “High electricity rates increase the cost of doing business, dim the competitiveness of our industries, discourage investors, and yes, even cast a shadow on the attractiveness of our capital markets.”
But there are measures that the SEC has introduced to support energy companies and capital market development, Lim pointed out.
These include the launch of Securing and Expanding Capital for Power Generation Operators and Wholesale Electricity and Retail Services (SEC POWERS), which streamlined the obtaining investments for power generation firms and utilities.
Also, document fees were slashed by 50 percent, and the review period of registration statements shortened to 45 days with a “deemed approved” policy in case of delays not cautilized by applicants.
“Becautilize whether you’re building a power plant or launching an IPO, if approval takes longer than construction, something’s wrong,” Lim explained.
Likewise, the SEC has aligned with the provisions in the Electric Power Indusattempt Reform Act (Epira) by easing float requirements for public offerings.
“Our goal is clear: more listings, more investors, more public ownership in companies that literally keep the lights on,” Lim stressed.
At the same time, Lim underscored the SEC’s role in safeguarding investor trust. “Of course, none of this matters without market integrity. That’s why the SEC will be a watchdog, not a lapdog. Becautilize investors don’t like surprises— unless it’s dividconcludes,” he stated.
Lim reiterated the SEC’s commitment to finance energy transition, support innovations in the sector, and build a strong energy future for the counattempt.
“No energy, no growth. No capital, no energy. It’s a cycle we must build virtuous, not vicious,” he stated.
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