SEC Clarifies Registration Status of Philippine GUARDIANS Brotherhood, Inc. (PGBI) – Victorias Chapters

Bacolod City, Philippines – 11 April 2025

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has clarified the registration status of the Philippine GUARDIANS Brotherhood, Inc. (PGBI) Victorias Chapter and PGBI – Victorias City Chapter, emphasizing that it is the PGBI National Headquarters that holds the accreditation for local chapters, not the individual local entities themselves.

In a recent communication, Atty. Annabelle Corral-Respall, Director II of the SEC Bacolod Extension Office, issued a letter addressed to Mr. Audie Malaga, SP Member, City of Victorias City, Bacolod, confirming that while both the Victorias Chapter and Victorias City Chapter of the PGBI may be registered organizations, the nature of their accreditation falls under the authority of the national body of the PGBI. This means that local chapters, such as those in Victorias, do not have independent accreditation from the SEC but rather operate under the auspices of the broader national organization.

The SEC’s statement comes in response to an increasing number of illegal and unaccredited chapters that have been falsely claiming affiliation with the PGBI by using the organization’s SEC registry numbers. This situation has created concerns regarding the legitimacy of some local chapters, leading the SEC to stress the importance of verifying the authenticity of any PGBI organization before engaging with them.

“This verification is a reminder that while local chapters are crucial to the grassroots operations of organizations like the PGBI, their authority and accreditation ultimately stem from the national level,” said an SEC spokesperson. “Anyone seeking to engage with these chapters should be aware of this framework and verify their legitimacy.”

To prevent potential misunderstandings and safeguard members and interested parties, the SEC encourages individuals to reach out to the PGBI National Headquarters or the National Secretariat Chairman Maria Lorenza FRMG LOIS Madriago or to the General Secretary and Vice President for Visayas Glen FRMG HAWK Domingo for confirmation. For those who wish to discern the truth about local chapters and ensure their interactions are with legitimate entities, contacting the national body is highly advisable. Interested parties can verify the status and accreditation of any local PGBI chapter by emailing the National Headquarters at pgbinationalheadquarters@gmail.com.

The PGBI is a civic-minded organization focused on community service, brotherhood, and leadership development. With chapters spread across various regions of the Philippines, it plays an essential role in local civil society. However, the SEC’s guidance reinforces the importance of a unified national approach, ensuring that all local operations adhere to the standards set forth by the organization’s national headquarters.

As local citizens and members of the community look to join or interact with the PGBI Victorias Chapters, they are encouraged to consult with the PGBI National Headquarters for more information regarding membership, activities, and proper governance.

In addition, the SEC urges existing members and prospective recruits to verify the legitimacy of any local chapter activities and affiliations through official channels to avoid any potential issues or misunderstandings in the future.

For further inquiries, individuals can contact the SEC or visit the official PGBI National Headquarters’ website to gain a clearer understanding of the organization’s structure and functions. – GSM