SEC, PICPA Central Luzon sign MOA to boost investor education, corporate compliance

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) – Tarlac Extension Office and the Philippine Institute of Certified Public Accountants (PICPA) Central Luzon, together with its six (6) local chapters—Bataan, Bulacan, Freeport Area of Bataan, Nueva Ecija, Pampanga, and Zambales—and partner sectoral organizations, formally sealed their partnership through a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signing under the SEC-CAN (Communication, Advocacy, and Network) initiative on February 2, 2026, at the PICPANGAN Building in the City of San Fernando, Pampanga.

The ceremonial signing was led by SEC Tarlac Director Atty. Richard R. Laus and Securities Specialist II Atty. Charito P. Bañez-Santiago, alongside PICPA Central Luzon officers headed by Senior Regional Director Ronald S. Leabres and Junior Regional Director Ferdinand J. San Diego. Also present were the presidents and officers of the PICPA Central Luzon local chapters and partner sectoral organizations, namely, Association of Certified Public Accountants in Public Practice (ACPAPP) – Central Luzon and Bulacan Chapters, and the Association of Certified Public Accountants in Commerce and Industry (ACPACI) – Central Luzon Chapter.

This collaboration underscores a shared commitment to advancing financial literacy, investor protection, and regulatory compliance in Central Luzon. It also aims to strengthen collaboration between regulators and accounting professionals in preventing investment scams and improving public understanding of SEC reporting and compliance requirements.

Through the SEC-CAN initiative, the SEC and PICPA will undertake joint activities such as seminars, public awareness campaigns, and stakeholder engagements. These initiatives are expected to empower CPAs, accounting students and the investing public—helping build a more informed, compliant, and financially responsible business community.

PICPA Central Luzon Senior Regional Director Ronald S. Leabres emphasized the long-term value of the partnership, noting that the collaboration goes beyond the signing of the agreement and reflects a sustained commitment to working closely with the SEC.

“This MOA marks only the beginning of stronger and more meaningful collaborations between PICPA Central Luzon and the SEC–Tarlac Extension Office. We are committed to supporting stakeholders through education, advocacy, and professional guidance. As CPAs, we stand firm in promoting reliable and honest financial reporting for the protection of the public and the business sector,” Leabres said.

For his part, SEC Tarlac Director Atty. Richard R. Laus highlighted the importance of collaboration with professional organizations in advancing investor protection and regulatory awareness.

“Our partnership with PICPA Central Luzon chapters reinforces the SEC’s commitment to proactive regulation through education and engagement. By working closely with accounting professionals, we strengthen our collective efforts to promote transparency, accountability, and investor protection across the region,” Laus said.

With this collaboration, SEC Tarlac and PICPA Central Luzon, together with their local and sectoral chapters, reaffirm their shared commitment to trust, transparency, and accountability—key pillars in fostering a resilient and well-governed business environment in Central Luzon.

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