Following the release of SEC Memorandum Circular No. 15, Series of 2025, the Philippine Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has introduced the General Information Sheet (GIS) Version 2026. The update implements the Revised Beneficial Ownership Disclosure Rules, which officially migrate the reporting of beneficial ownership from a page within the GIS form to a centralized digital registry.
The HARBOR Registry and Access Requirements
Pursuant to Section 22.1 of the memorandum, all beneficial ownership information must now be submitted through the Hierarchical and Applicable Relations and Beneficial Ownership Registry (HARBOR), which is integrated with the Electronic Filing and Submission Tool (eFAST). Per SEC, filers must have an account on the Electronic SEC Universal Registration Environment (eSECURE), which serves as the “digital passport” and maintain an active and authorized status (i.e., authorized as filers) within the eFAST portal.
While the SEC remains the primary oversight body, it may still authorize physical submissions or alternative filing methods, only in exceptional circumstances, through official correspondence or advisory (Section 22.2).
Our corporate compliance team at Duran & Duran-Schulze Law handles SEC filings and corporate amendments, applying Philippine corporate law to prepare accurate submissions, meet regulatory requirements, and ensure timely filing with the SEC.
Implementation Period
The new GIS form must be used starting January 30, 2026, upon the launch of HARBOR, and must not be used prior to the said date, as indicated in the circular’s annexes. The transition is designed to create a structured, verifiable database that aligns Philippine corporate transparency with international anti-money laundering standards.
About Beneficial Ownership
As the SEC defines it, a beneficial owner is any natural person who exercises ultimate ownership or effective control over a corporation or legal entity. To comply with disclosure requirements, entities must report their beneficial owners to the SEC, providing comprehensive data that includes their personal and contact details, tax registration, ownership percentages, and specific voting rights.
The timing of this disclosure depends on the entity’s status. Newly registered entities must submit beneficial ownership information during the initial incorporation or registration process. In contrast, existing corporations are required to provide this data alongside their next General Information Sheet (GIS) filing.
For legal consultations and service inquiries regarding compliance with SEC regulations in the Philippines, call us at (02) 8478-5826 (landline) or +639171940482 (mobile), or email info@duranschulze.com.
12 Responses
Hello. I can’t access to harbor. restricted. authorized filer and eSecure registered.
Hi Marilyn! You may be facing the same problem that others have reported. Since the SEC HARBOR system is still in its early stages, it might not yet be fully stable. For quick help, please reach out directly to the SEC via their official support channels or hotlines.
Hello, i cant access to HARBOR, currently restricted as per reply, i am the authorized filer and im already registered in eSECURE, what will i do?
Hi Venus! It looks like you’re be encountering the same issue others have reported. The SEC HARBOR system was only recently launched, so it may still be in the process of stabilizing. We suggest reaching out to the SEC through their official hotlines or support channels for prompt assistance.
hi, po. i can’t access to harbor. currently restricted. i am an authorized filer of our federation. What should i do.i can log in esecure na.
Hi Marlyn! Thank you for reaching out. We’re sorry to hear about the issue you’re experiencing. The SEC HARBOR system may still be stabilizing, as it was only recently launched. While we are not directly affiliated with the SEC, we recommend contacting them through their official hotlines or support channels for immediate assistance.
Hi Good Day! do we have downloadable forms, applying this HARBOR?
Hi Analyn! Thank you for reaching out. You can download the updated GIS 2026 format here (SEC website): https://www.sec.gov.ph/reportorial-requirements/corporations-with-primary-licenses/. For HARBOR submission of beneficial ownership data, access the portal here: https://harbor.sec.gov.ph/login.
Alternatively, our team at Duran & Duran-Schulze Law can assist with SEC compliance. Contact us at (02) 8478-5826 / +639171940482 or email info@duranschulze.com.
on the GIS form v02026 that i have filled out, there is no portion or sheet for beneficial owner
the beneficial owner sheet was included in 2020 version of GIS form
what will i do?
Hi Jocelyn! Thank you for reaching out. Yes, the Beneficial Ownership Data page has been removed from the new GIS form, as it must now be filed separately through the SEC HARBOR system.