Cuenca Law Office

16/01/2026

📄 𝗦𝗘𝗖 𝗽𝘂𝘀𝗵𝗲𝘀 𝗥𝗘𝗜𝗧 𝗺𝗮𝗿𝗸𝗲𝘁 𝗴𝗿𝗼𝘄𝘁𝗵 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗶𝘀𝗲𝗱 𝗿𝘂𝗹𝗲𝘀

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has amended the rules governing real estate investment trusts (REITs), providing both issuers and investors with more opportunities to participate in the capital market through investments in real properties.

The Commission on January 08 issued SEC Memorandum Circular No. 1, Series of 2026, which provides for Revisions to SEC Memorandum Circular No. 1, Series of 2020, otherwise known as the Revised Implementing Rules and Regulations of Republic Act No. 9856, or the REIT Act of 2009.

The memorandum circular broadens the list of “REIT-able” income-generating assets, extends the reinvestment period for a sponsor/promoter of a REIT, and expands the list of public shareholders, among others.

🔗 Read the full Memorandum Circular here: https://www.sec.gov.ph/mc-2026/sec-mc-no-01-series-of-2026/

27/10/2025

❗️❗️❗️

Make a habit of checking your online banking apps or online/mobile wallets on a daily basis.

HEADS UP, GCASH USERS!

The National Privacy Commission (NPC) announced on Monday that an investigation is now underway regarding a reported data leak allegedly involving GCash operator G-Xchange, Inc.

"The NPC has immediately launched an investigation after a dark web post appeared claiming to sell user information. The post, made by a threat actor using the alias 'Oversleep8351,' allegedly offers merchant and basic user data, GCash account numbers, linked bank and virtual card accounts, and KYC (Know Your Customer) records containing names, addresses, employment details, and valid Philippine IDs," the commission said.

While the matter is being verified, the regulator is urging GCash users to take extra measures to secure their accounts.

"GCash users should actively monitor their accounts, regularly update their MPINs and passwords, and enable additional security features to protect their information. They must also remain alert to phishing attempts and refrain from sharing personal or sensitive data while the investigation is ongoing," the NPC added. (Facebook/NPC)

27/10/2025

FYI. Take time to check.

𝗔𝗗𝗩𝗜𝗦𝗢𝗥𝗬: 𝗨𝗡𝗥𝗘𝗖𝗢𝗥𝗗𝗘𝗗 𝗢𝗡𝗟𝗜𝗡𝗘 𝗟𝗘𝗡𝗗𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗣𝗟𝗔𝗧𝗙𝗢𝗥𝗠𝗦

Ipinapaalala na ang mga sumusunod na Online Lending Platforms (OLPs), applications, at websites ay 𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗱𝗶 𝗮𝘄𝘁𝗼𝗿𝗶𝘀𝗮𝗱𝗼 𝗮𝘁 𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗱𝗶 𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗽𝗮𝗵𝗶𝗻𝘁𝘂𝗹𝘂𝘁𝗮𝗻 na mag-alok, mag-process, o magpautang, alinsunod sa SEC Memorandum Circular No. 10, Series of 2021 na nagpatupad ng moratorium sa mga bagong OLPs simula 02 November 2021.

Google Play Store:
1. PeraGo: Secure Loans
2. LoanTayo – Flexible Loans
3. SeaCash – Safe and Fast Loan
4. ZRT CREDIT: Loan PH
5. Bingo Peso: Philippine CashLoan
6. Peso Maya – Fast Online Loan
7. Cash Muna
8. GZ Lend – Online Cash Loan App

Apple Store:
1. Valor Credit – Loan App Quickly 18+
2. Dolo Loan
3. Maxi Lending – Loan & Mabilis Cash
4. Sky Loan – Quick Lending App
5. VIP Loan – Quick Lending App
6. AssetCred – Loan App Philippines
7. PeraOne – Online Mabilis Cash
8. Easy Loan – Loan App Philippines

Websites:
1. Andali Cash
2. Cashcano
3. Metacash

Para sa katanungan o reklamo, makipag-ugnayan sa SEC FinLenD sa (02) 8818-5990 o sa SEC iMessage Portal.

Para sa listahan ng mga awtorisadong OLPs, bisitahin ang opisyal na website ng SEC: https://www.sec.gov.ph/lending-companies-and-financing-companies-2/list-of-recorded-online-lending-platforms/

Basahin ang kabuuan ng advisory dito: https://www.sec.gov.ph/advisories-2025/advisory-re-undrecorded-online-lending-platforms/

29/09/2025

🚨 𝐈𝐍𝐕𝐄𝐒𝐓𝐎𝐑 𝐀𝐋𝐄𝐑𝐓

𝗛𝗨𝗪𝗔𝗚 𝗠𝗔𝗚-𝗜𝗡𝗩𝗘𝗦𝗧 𝗦𝗔 𝗜𝗡𝗙𝗜𝗡𝟴 𝗦𝗨𝗖𝗖𝗘𝗦𝗦 𝗚𝗟𝗢𝗕𝗔𝗟/𝗜𝗡𝗙𝗜𝗡𝟴𝗦𝗨𝗖𝗖𝗘𝗦𝗦-𝗚𝗟𝗢𝗕𝗔𝗟 𝗛𝗘𝗔𝗟𝗧𝗛 𝗔𝗡𝗗 𝗕𝗘𝗔𝗨𝗧𝗬 𝗣𝗥𝗢𝗗𝗨𝗖𝗧𝗦 𝗧𝗥𝗔𝗗𝗜𝗡𝗚

Batay sa mga ulat at impormasyong nakalap ng Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), ito ay nag-aalok at nangangalap mula sa publiko ng investment o anumang halaga kapalit ng pangakong kita, tubo o interes.

Tandaan na ito ay 𝗛𝗜𝗡𝗗𝗜 𝗥𝗘𝗛𝗜𝗦𝗧𝗥𝗔𝗗𝗢 at 𝗪𝗔𝗟𝗔𝗡𝗚 𝗣𝗔𝗛𝗜𝗡𝗧𝗨𝗟𝗢𝗧 mula sa SEC upang mangalap ng investment mula sa publiko.

I-sumbong ang mga ilegal na gawain na katulad nito sa aming Enforcement and Investor Protection Department (EIPD). Mag-send ng email sa 𝗲𝗽𝗱@𝘀𝗲𝗰.𝗴𝗼𝘃.𝗽𝗵, o bumisita sa The SEC Headquarters, 7907 Makati Avenue, Salcedo Village, Brgy. Bel-Air, Makati City.

Mangyaring i-verify kung may rehistrado sa SEC at may secondary license ang mga kompanya sa checkwithsec.sec.gov.ph o kaya ay idownload ang SEC Check App sa Apple App Store at Google Play Store.

BASAHIN ang kabuuan ng advisory dito: https://www.sec.gov.ph/advisories-2025/infin8-success-global-infin8success-global-health-and-beauty-products-trading/

30/05/2025

🚨 | 𝐈𝐍𝐕𝐄𝐒𝐓𝐎𝐑 𝐀𝐋𝐄𝐑𝐓

𝗛𝗨𝗪𝗔𝗚 𝗠𝗔𝗚-𝗜𝗡𝗩𝗘𝗦𝗧 𝗦𝗔 𝗕𝗠𝗝 𝗗𝗔𝗧𝗔 𝗣𝗥𝗢𝗖𝗘𝗦𝗦𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗦𝗘𝗥𝗩𝗜𝗖𝗘𝗦

Batay sa mga ulat at impormasyong nakalap ng Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), ito ay nag-aalok at nangangalap mula sa publiko ng investment o anumang halaga kapalit ng pangakong kita, tubo, o interes.

Tandaan na ito ay 𝗛𝗜𝗡𝗗𝗜 𝗥𝗘𝗛𝗜𝗦𝗧𝗥𝗔𝗗𝗢 o 𝗪𝗔𝗟𝗔𝗡𝗚 𝗣𝗔𝗛𝗜𝗡𝗧𝗨𝗟𝗢𝗧 mula sa SEC upang mangalap ng investment mula sa publiko.

I-sumbong ang mga ilegal na gawain na katulad ng mga ito sa aming Enforcement and Investor Protection Department (EIPD). Tumawag lamang sa numerong: 𝟴𝟴𝟭𝟴-𝟲𝟬𝟰𝟳, o mag-send ng email sa 𝗲𝗽𝗱@𝘀𝗲𝗰.𝗴𝗼𝘃.𝗽𝗵.

Mangyaring i-verify kung rehistrado sa SEC at may secondary license ang kompanya sa checkwithsec.sec.gov.ph o kaya ay idownload ang SEC Check App sa Apple App Store at Google Play Store.

BASAHIN ang kabuuan ng advisory dito: https://www.sec.gov.ph/advisories-2025/sec-advisory-against-bmj-data-processing-services/

30/05/2025

⚠️ 𝐀𝐃𝐕𝐈𝐒𝐎𝐑𝐘 ⚠️
The public, especially individuals and companies with registered bank accounts, e-wallets such as GCash and Maya, online financial platforms such as Palawan Express, or other financial accounts, is strongly advised not to share, lend, rent out, or allow other people or entities to use their personal financial accounts.

Individuals or companies with the aforementioned financial accounts may be used as “money mules” by criminal syndicates to perpetrate various financial scams.

🔗 Read the Full Advisory: https://www.sec.gov.ph/advisories-2025/advisory-on-the-unauthorized-use-of-personal-financial-accounts-or-being-money-mules/

21/05/2025

Notice to the public!

In view of the decision issued by the Securities and Exchange Commission - Cagayan de Oro Extension Office dated January 10, 2025, on SEC CDOEO Case No. 2024-11-001 (IN THE MATTER OF THE CANCELLATION OF THE REGISTRATION OF BALUYOS NAMATA MEMORIAL FOUNDATION, INC.), the registration of BALUYOS NAMATA MEMORIAL FOUNDATION INC. has been REVOKED AND CANCELLED.

Any transaction and/or business of BALUYOS NAMATA MEMORIAL FOUNDATION, INC., following the cancellation of its registration is without authority and invalid.

08/04/2025

NOTICE!

We are closed tomorrow in recognition of Araw ng Kagitingan.

We will resume our normal office hours on April 10, (Thursday)

04/04/2025

PRESS RELEASE | DOJ-BIR crackdown vs. Ever Bilena for tax evasion

On March 25, 2025, the Department of Justice (“DOJ”) filed four (4) criminal Informations before the Quezon City Metropolitan Trial Court (MeTC) Branch 33 against Ever Bilena Cosmetics, Inc. (“Ever Bilena”), a leading cosmetics company, and its responsible corporate officers Dioceldo S. Sy, President, and Miami S. Siytaoco, Treasurer, for tax evasion and failure to supply correct and accurate information in its tax returns. This is in relation to the Bureau of Internal Revenue’s (“BIR”) intensified Run After Fake Transaction (“RAFT”) Program involving fake/fictitious receipts.

Based on the Investigation of the RAFT Task Force, Ever Bilena used and claimed benefits from the Ghost Receipts issued by Decarich Supertrade Inc., a ghost company. The use of ghost receipts had resulted to Ever Bilena’s over-stated expenses amounting to millions of pesos and lowered taxable income. Consequently, it failed to declare and pay the correct amount of tax due. Hence, on February 1, 2024, the BIR, headed by Commissioner Lumagui, filed a criminal complaint against Ever Bilena before the DOJ.

“This is an affirmative step which clearly conveys the government’s unwavering commitment to intensifying the prosecution of tax evasion cases under the Bagong Pilipinas governance where a reasonable certainty of conviction exists,” Secretary Remulla stressed.

“I thank Commissioner Lumagui for the BIR’s relentless efforts in our continuous pursuit for justice, specifically in the realm of enforcing our tax laws,” added Secretary Remulla.

The filing of this case is a result of DOJ’s own investigation finding evidence of reasonable certainty of conviction that the allegation of tax evasion against Ever Bilena is sufficient to warrant conviction.

Ever Bilena, a large cosmetic company, has to defend itself before the Quezon City Court as warrants of arrest will soon be issued against it and its responsible corporate officers.

19/03/2025

📰 𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗗: 𝗦𝗘𝗖 𝗽𝘂𝘀𝗵𝗲𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝘂𝗱𝗶𝘁 𝗾𝘂𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆, 𝗳𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗿𝗲𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗴𝗿𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗶𝗻 𝗴𝗹𝗼𝗯𝗮𝗹 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸𝘀𝗵𝗼𝗽 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗶𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗽𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗮𝘂𝗱𝗶𝘁 𝗿𝗲𝗴𝘂𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘀

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is taking a more active role in enhancing the quality of financial reporting by promoting high-quality audits to protect the investors and public interest, as it represented the Philippines in the International Forum of Independent Audit Regulators (IFIAR) Inspection Workshop in Mauritius.

Hosted by the Financial Reporting Council, Mauritius’ audit oversight and market regulator, from March 5 to 7, 2025, the IFIAR Inspection Workshop brought together over 100 audit regulators from 56 member countries to exchange insights on strengthening global audit oversight and regulatory best practices.

The IFIAR Inspection Workshop is an annual event hosted by a member country, with its Inspection Workshop Working Group currently led by the Auditor Oversight Body of Germany.

Read more: https://www.sec.gov.ph/pr-2025/sec-pushes-for-audit-quality-financial-reporting-integrity-in-global-workshop-for-independent-audit-regulators/ .tab=0

16/03/2025

The Philippine Deposit Insurance Corporation clarified that the higher maximum deposit insurance coverage of P1 million will only be given to depositors of closed banks, and not to those who may have been victims of scams or hacking. | via ANC 24/7

Link to full story in the comments section.

30/10/2024

NOTICE

Please be advised of our schedule


On October 31, we will be open until 12pm.

On November 1 and 2, we will be closed in observance of the holiday.



Office will resume on November 4, 2024 (Monday).