How to verify a Philippine company’s registration and operating reality

Layer 1: documents

• SEC registration: entity type, number, incorporation date, active status;
• Business scope: whether it covers the category — scope and actual business often diverge;
• Shareholders and directors: identify beneficial owners and avoid contracting with intermediaries;
• BIR registration: tax registration and invoicing capability;
• Mayor's / business permit: valid for the current year.

Layer 2: site

Documents can be genuine while the entity is a shell. Check whether office and production sites match the registered address, equipment is running, inventory is real, staff are present and dispatch areas show recent activity.

Layer 3: third-party cross-checks

• Bank account name matches company name;
• Reference customers or peer reputation;
• Public litigation and adverse records;
• Industry association membership;
• Import/export records where obtainable.

Common misreadings

• “Complete documents” does not mean “can supply”;
• “Has a factory” does not mean “capacity matches”;
• “Low price” often means compromise in material or process;
• Intermediary quotes carry layers of markup; direct factory contact may save 8–20%, but confirm willingness to serve small orders.

Reporting

Ask for item-level findings (verified / unverifiable / exception) with evidence and dates. A paragraph of summary text cannot support a risk decision.