If a private school that you, your child, or someone close to you attended or worked at has closed its doors, you may need its Articles of Incorporation on file with the Securities and Exchange Commission. This foundational document can help clarify the school’s legal identity, original purpose, incorporators or trustees, and governance structure—information that often proves useful in labor claims, legal disputes, asset tracing, government requirements, or simply understanding what happened to the institution.

Even when operations have stopped, the corporate records remain with the SEC. The good news is that you can now request these documents conveniently and entirely online through the SEC Express System, without visiting any government office. This guide explains the process in clear, practical steps based on current Philippine procedures.

What the Articles of Incorporation Reveal About a Closed School

The Articles of Incorporation (commonly called the AOI) is the primary legal document that creates a corporation’s juridical personality under Philippine law. For a private school, it typically states:

The exact corporate name (often ending in “Inc.” or “Foundation, Inc.”)
The primary purpose, which usually includes establishing, operating, and maintaining an educational institution
The principal office address
The term of existence (now generally perpetual under current law unless a specific term was stated)
The names of the incorporators or trustees (for non-stock corporations)
Other key provisions on governance, membership, and dissolution

Most private schools in the Philippines are organized as non-stock, non-profit corporations registered with the SEC. They do not issue shares of stock; instead, they are governed by a board of trustees and must comply with both SEC rules and the regulatory requirements of the Department of Education (DepEd) for basic education or the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) for higher education.

When a school closes, the corporation does not automatically disappear. It retains its legal existence until it undergoes formal dissolution and liquidation. The original and amended Articles of Incorporation stay on file with the SEC and remain accessible to the public.

Legal Basis for Requesting These Documents

The governing law is Republic Act No. 11232, the Revised Corporation Code of the Philippines (enacted February 20, 2019). This law updated and replaced Batas Pambansa Blg. 68. Key relevant provisions include:

Section 13, which details the required contents of the Articles of Incorporation
Provisions on corporate registration and the SEC’s authority to maintain corporate records
Sections 134 to 138, which govern voluntary and other modes of dissolution

Corporate documents filed with the SEC, including the Articles of Incorporation, are considered public records. Any interested person may request copies upon payment of the prescribed fees. The SEC Express System was established precisely to provide convenient public access to these records.

Private schools must also hold permits or recognition from DepEd or CHED, but the corporate formation documents themselves are handled exclusively by the SEC.

Step-by-Step: How to Request the Articles of Incorporation Online

The fastest and most reliable method is through the official SEC Express System at secexpress.ph. This platform handles requests for plain copies and authenticated copies and arranges courier delivery nationwide.

Prepare the correct corporate name or SEC Registration Number.
This is the most important step. Use the exact registered name as it appears on any surviving school document, diploma, receipt, closure announcement, or old website. Common variations include adding or removing “School,” “Academy,” “Center,” “Inc.,” or “Foundation.” If you have the SEC Registration Number (usually found on the old Certificate of Incorporation or General Information Sheet), use that instead—it produces faster, more accurate results.
Go to the SEC Express System.
Visit https://secexpress.ph/ on any device with internet access.
Search for the corporation.
Enter the full corporate name or SEC Registration Number and submit the search. Review the results and select the correct entity. If nothing appears, try slight spelling variations or contact former school personnel or the DepEd regional office for confirmation of the registered name.
Select the document and copy type.
Choose “Articles of Incorporation” (original or amended, if you know which version you need). You can also add related documents such as the By-Laws or General Information Sheet in the same transaction for a more complete picture.
Decide between a plain copy (adequate for personal reference) or an authenticated copy (recommended for legal, court, or official submissions because it carries official SEC certification).
Enter your contact and delivery details.
Provide your name, mobile number, email address, and complete delivery address (including barangay, city or municipality, province, and ZIP code). The system supports delivery anywhere in the Philippines.
Review fees and pay.
The exact amount is displayed before you confirm. Accepted payment methods include GCash, Maya, bank online transfers, credit or debit cards, and over-the-counter options at designated payment centers. Courier delivery fees are calculated based on your location.
Submit the request and track your order.
After successful payment, you will receive a reference or tracking number. The SEC processes the request and releases the documents, after which the courier delivers them. Typical delivery is 3 to 5 working days for Metro Manila and up to 7 working days for provincial addresses once the documents are released.

You can request multiple documents in one order, which is often more efficient and cost-effective.

Fees and Timelines (as of 2026)

Fees for corporate document requests have been reduced several times in recent years through SEC Memorandum Circulars, including the further reduction under SEC Memorandum Circular No. 18, series of 2026 effective June 1, 2026.

For the Articles of Incorporation, plain copies generally fall in the lower hundreds of pesos while authenticated copies are modestly higher. Additional per-page charges may apply for longer documents, and courier fees vary by destination. The precise total is always shown transparently on the SEC Express System before payment.

Most requests are completed and delivered within one week. Very old records (registered decades ago) or unusually complex retrievals may take slightly longer, but the digital system has significantly improved speed and convenience compared with older manual processes.

Special Situations: Dissolved, Revoked, or Long-Closed Schools

Many private schools close operations due to financial pressures, low enrollment, or regulatory issues but do not immediately complete formal dissolution. In these cases, the corporation continues to exist legally, and its Articles of Incorporation remain fully available for request.

If the school underwent voluntary dissolution under Section 134 of the Revised Corporation Code (no prejudice to creditors), the SEC issues a Certificate of Dissolution after the required notice period. Even then, the original and amended Articles of Incorporation stay on permanent record and can still be requested.

If the SEC revoked the corporation’s registration for repeated failure to file reports or other violations, the foundational documents are likewise still accessible.

The online system generally works for both active and non-operational entities. If a search returns no results, it usually means the exact name needs adjustment or the records require manual retrieval assistance from the SEC.

Common Challenges and Practical Tips

Search fails to find the school — Try every plausible variation of the name. Check old Facebook pages, Wayback Machine archives of the school website, or ask former administrators. DepEd or CHED regional offices sometimes have the corporate name on file from permit applications.
Need it for a legal claim — Request an authenticated copy. Combine it with the latest available General Information Sheet to identify officers or trustees at relevant times. For labor concerns, the corporate name from the AOI is essential when filing with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) or National Labor Relations Commission (NLRC) under the Labor Code.
Delivery address issues — Use a complete address with a reliable contact person or nearby landmark. Track the package and be available to receive it.
Requesting from abroad — The online system works from anywhere. Provide a Philippine delivery address (to a trusted relative or representative) or an international address if the courier supports it. For official use overseas, obtain an authenticated copy and have it apostilled by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA).
Very old schools — Pre-digital records may involve additional retrieval steps or a research fee. Start with the online system; if it cannot locate the file, follow up directly with the SEC Records Section or your nearest Extension Office.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can anyone request the Articles of Incorporation of a closed school?
Yes. These are public corporate records. You do not need to be a former student, parent, employee, or prove any personal interest. The SEC Express System is open to the general public.

How much does it cost in 2026?
Fees have been reduced through recent SEC circulars. Expect plain copies in the lower hundreds of pesos and authenticated copies somewhat higher, plus courier charges based on location. The exact amount is shown on screen before payment. Check secexpress.ph for the current schedule.

How long does delivery take?
Most orders are delivered within 3–7 working days after SEC release, depending on your location. Metro Manila is usually faster.

What if the search does not find the school?
Try different name variations or the SEC Registration Number. If still unsuccessful, the records may require manual assistance. Contact SEC support through the website or visit an Extension Office. Former school officials or the DepEd regional office can often confirm the exact registered name.

Do I need any special ID or authorization letter?
No special authorization is required for basic documents like the Articles of Incorporation. The online system handles public requests with minimal formalities.

Can I use the copy for court or official purposes?
An authenticated copy from the SEC is officially certified and generally accepted by Philippine courts and government agencies. A plain copy is fine for personal reference but may not suffice for formal submissions.

What if the school was never incorporated with the SEC?
This is uncommon for established private schools, which almost always register as corporations. If it operated only with a DepEd permit or as a sole proprietorship (rare), the AOI will not exist. In such cases, focus on DepEd or local government records instead.

Can foreigners or overseas Filipinos request these documents?
Yes. The online system works from anywhere. Provide a delivery address in the Philippines or an international address if supported. For use abroad, apostille the authenticated copy at the DFA.

Is there a difference between requesting for an active versus a closed school?
No significant difference for the Articles of Incorporation. The records remain available regardless of operational status or dissolution, as long as the corporation was registered with the SEC.

Can I request the document in person instead?
Yes, but it is no longer necessary. The SEC Express System was created to eliminate the need for physical visits. If you prefer in-person assistance or the online search fails, you may go to the SEC main office Records Section or the nearest Extension Office.

What should I do after receiving the document?
Review it for the corporate name, purpose, and key persons. Use it to file claims with DOLE/NLRC (labor), support court cases, respond to other government agencies, or clarify accountability. Keep both digital and physical copies safe.

Key Takeaways

The Articles of Incorporation of any SEC-registered private school remain public records even after the school closes operations or undergoes dissolution.
Request them easily and entirely online through the SEC Express System at secexpress.ph with nationwide courier delivery—no office visit required.
Prepare the exact corporate name or SEC Registration Number to avoid search issues; slight variations are common with school names.
Choose an authenticated copy for legal or official use; plain copies suffice for personal reference. Fees are reasonable and clearly displayed before payment.
Combine the AOI with the General Information Sheet and other available documents for a fuller picture of the corporation’s history and responsible persons.
This document is particularly valuable for labor claims under the Labor Code, legal proceedings, asset or liability tracing, and interactions with DepEd, CHED, BIR, or other agencies.
For concerns involving employment rights, student records, or property, use the corporate details from the AOI together with actions through the appropriate agencies or courts.
Always verify the latest fees, procedures, and any advisories directly on secexpress.ph and sec.gov.ph, as digital services continue to evolve for greater public convenience.

Obtaining these records is a straightforward first step that can bring clarity and support concrete next actions when dealing with a closed school. The process is designed to be accessible to ordinary Filipinos and those living abroad alike.

How to Obtain Articles of Incorporation From the SEC for a Closed School