TARLAC CITY, Tarlac (August 15, 2025) — The Securities and Exchange Commission – Tarlac has joined forces with The Tarlac Press and Radio Club, Inc. (TPRC) to enhance public awareness about corporate regulatory compliance, financial literacy, and the prevention of investment scams.
The collaboration was formalized through a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signed during the “Kapihan sa SEC” media forum, held at the Lucky Chan Chinese-Filipino Restaurant in this city this morning. Richard Laus, SEC Tarlac Director, and Jerry Hernandez, TPRC President, signed the agreement, witnessed by SEC-Tarlac Securities Counsel Emerald Lansangan and TPRC Director Jojo Pascual.
The event highlighted the SEC’s ongoing efforts to protect investors and promote good corporate governance.
Laus emphasized the importance of media partnerships in disseminating critical information to the public.
“Through this collaboration, we aim to empower Tarlaqueños with the knowledge to make informed financial decisions and avoid falling victim to fraudulent schemes,” Laus said.
Hernandez thanked the government agency for choosing TPRC as their media partner.
“I would like to thank the SEC for partnering with our group. Rest assured, our organization will help educate the public on financial literacy and raise awareness to combat investment scams,” Hernandez said.
Among the key updates shared during the forum were the SEC’s latest initiatives, such as the mandatory use of the Zuper Easy Registration Online (ZERO) system, which streamlines the registration process for corporations by eliminating physical submissions. Additionally, the SEC announced reduced fees for IT-related services and discounted rates for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to support business growth.
The SEC also issued advisories warning the public against unauthorized crypto platforms, advance fee scams, and the dangers of becoming “money mules” for illegal activities. Violators of the Anti-Financial Account Scanning Act (RA 12010) face severe penalties, including up to 14 years in prison and a P5 million fine.
Under the MOA, the SEC Tarlac and TPRC will collaborate on projects under the SEC Communication, Advocacy, and Network (SEC-CAN!) initiative. These include joint activities, educational campaigns, and the production of information materials to promote financial literacy and investor protection. The agreement will remain in effect for two years, with the possibility of renewal.
The forum concluded with an open discussion between SEC officials and local media representatives, reinforcing the shared commitment to safeguarding the public from investment scams and fostering a culture of financial responsibility in Tarlac.
