SEC reopens Butuan office
The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) will reopen its Butuan Extension Office on June 22, restoring walk-in services in the Caraga region while authorities continue investigating the office’s director.
In a statement on Friday, the SEC said the reopening would ensure uninterrupted delivery of services to entrepreneurs, corporations and other stakeholders despite the ongoing probe.
Services available to the public include assistance in online company registration, initial review of documents for submission through the Electronic Application for Modification of Entity Data Portal and the receipt of letters and complaints.
The SEC said the office’s reopening follows a notice issued on June 18 and forms part of efforts to maintain normal operations in the region while investigations proceed.
The National Bureau of Investigation had earlier arrested Jasoc Tan, the director of the SEC Butuan Extension Office, for allegedly attempting to extort P250,000 from a private corporation.
According to the Commission, it is actively coordinating with law enforcement agencies in connection with the case involving the office’s director, underscoring its commitment to accountability and the rule of law.
“The SEC remains committed to fostering a robust and transparent business environment in the Caraga region,” SEC Chair Francis Lim said. “Reopening the Butuan EO ensures that recent internal disruptions will not affect local entrepreneurs and businesses, who are vital to the growth of our economy.”
Lim also said the regulator is strengthening internal controls and procedures across its offices nationwide to help ensure seamless and corruption-free transactions.
The SEC did not disclose additional details about the investigation.
