The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) of the Philippines is the governmental regulatory body responsible for supervising and regulating the securities industry and the capital markets in the Philippines. Established in 1936, the SEC is tasked with ensuring fair and transparent operations within the Philippine securities market, protecting investors, and maintaining confidence in the financial system. The SEC's primary functions include the registration and licensing of market participants such as securities brokers, dealers, and advisors; oversight of public companies to ensure compliance with financial reporting and corporate governance standards; regulation of securities and investment products, including the approval of initial public offerings (IPOs); and enforcement of securities laws to prevent fraud, market manipulation, and other malpractices.