Meta Description: The SEC has released a new notice for comments on sustainability reporting updates. Here’s what Philippine companies must prepare before the October 30 deadline—and how GCSS, Inc. can guide you through it.

Published October 28, 2025

The SEC’s New Sustainability Reporting Update: What It Means

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Philippines is strengthening its stance on corporate accountability and transparency.

In its latest notice for comments, the SEC proposes updates to its Sustainability Reporting Guidelines for Publicly Listed Companies, aiming to better align with IFRS S1 and S2, the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD), and other global frameworks.

Companies are urged to review and submit their comments before October 30, 2025—a date that marks a critical turning point for sustainability disclosure in the country.

Why This Matters for Philippine Companies

For publicly listed firms and large non-listed companies (LNLs), the SEC’s update is more than a procedural revision—it signals a shift toward stricter, globally aligned reporting.

Key implications include:

• Deeper disclosure requirements on climate-related risks and opportunities
• Integration of IFRS S1 and S2 standards, which demand financial materiality and comparability
• Enhanced governance and assurance expectations—companies will need to validate the reliability of reported data
• Broader scope—potential expansion to cover large non-listed companies (LNLs) in future cycles

These changes ensure Philippine disclosures can stand alongside international reports—an important signal for investors, regulators, and lenders seeking credible, decision-useful sustainability information.

CTA: Ensure your disclosures meet IFRS and TCFD expectations. GCSS, Inc. can help you integrate these frameworks seamlessly.

The Push Toward IFRS S1 and S2 Alignment

The IFRS Sustainability Disclosure Standards (S1 and S2) are reshaping global sustainability reporting.

• IFRS S1 covers general sustainability-related financial disclosures, requiring organizations to present information that’s material to investors and creditors
• IFRS S2 focuses on climate-related risks and opportunities, integrating TCFD’s four pillars—governance, strategy, risk management, and metrics/targets

The SEC’s update signals the Philippines’ alignment with these international standards, raising the bar for data quality, materiality assessments, and cross-sector comparability.

CTA: Need help mapping your GRI or SEC disclosures to IFRS S1/S2? GCSS, Inc. provides detailed framework mapping and alignment support for issuers preparing for 2026 reporting cycles.

Common Challenges Companies Will Face

Many organizations—especially those still early in their sustainability journey—may encounter new complexities:

• Translating qualitative CSR data into quantitative, decision-useful disclosures
• Ensuring data integrity and traceability across business units
• Conducting climate risk scenario analysis aligned with TCFD guidance
• Strengthening board oversight and sustainability governance structures
• Preparing for independent assurance of non-financial data

These challenges underscore the need for technical expertise and cross-functional collaboration—and for many, that means bringing in a sustainability consultant with proven experience in SEC, IFRS, and GRI compliance.

CTA: Avoid last-minute compliance risks. Work with GCSS, Inc. to streamline data systems, governance, and materiality processes before the SEC deadline.

The Role of Consultants in the Transition

Consultants like GCSS, Inc. play a critical role in helping companies navigate these regulatory transitions.

Our approach combines reporting compliance, data validation, and stakeholder engagement, ensuring your sustainability report doesn’t just meet requirements—it enhances investor trust.

We help clients:

• Conduct gap analyses against new SEC, IFRS, and TCFD standards
• Strengthen sustainability governance frameworks
• Facilitate climate risk assessments and materiality workshops
• Prepare investor-grade sustainability reports ready for assurance

CTA: Partner with a consultant that understands both local and international reporting landscapes. Get in touch with GCSS, Inc. today.

Beyond Compliance: A Competitive Advantage

While many will see the SEC’s update as an additional requirement, forward-looking companies will recognize it as a strategic opportunity.

Transparent, data-backed sustainability reporting not only mitigates compliance risks—it also:

• Strengthens investor confidence
• Opens doors to green financing opportunities
• Improves brand reputation and stakeholder relations
• Positions your company as a leader in sustainable governance

In a market increasingly shaped by climate risks, investor scrutiny, and regulatory expectations, sustainability is no longer a cost—it’s a form of business resilience.

Prepare Now for October 30

The SEC’s new sustainability reporting circular is a clear message: Philippine companies must evolve their reporting systems to match global standards.

With GCSS, Inc. as your sustainability reporting partner, you gain not just compliance—but clarity, credibility, and competitiveness.

Reach out at sales@gcssinc.com to begin your IFRS- and TCFD-aligned ESG journey. Book your discovery call here and talk to our experts today.

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Transform compliance into confidence. Prepare your report with GCSS, Inc. today.