MANILA — The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has taken decisive action against Melot's Catering Services, issuing a cease and desist order to halt its unauthorized investment activities. The regulatory body has directed the firm, its owner Mary Rose Reales Ceprino, and associated agents to immediately stop soliciting public funds.
In an order dated March 14, the SEC's enforcement and investor protection department mandated the removal of all online promotional materials related to the scheme and prohibited further business transactions involving investor deposits. The commission also froze the group's assets, including bank accounts, to safeguard funds for affected individuals.
"The act of Melot's Catering through Ceprino and its agents in selling unregistered securities operates as a fraud to the public which, if unrestrained, will likely cause grave injury or prejudice to the investing public," stated the SEC order.
The investigation revealed that Melot's Catering was not registered as a corporation or partnership and lacked the necessary license to sell securities. The company had been promoting investment opportunities through social media, inviting contributions for purported kitchen expansion and renovation projects.
Investment Scheme Details
The operation involved offering investment contracts with a minimum placement of ₱50,000, promising monthly returns of 10 percent over six to twelve months. According to the SEC, such offerings qualify as securities under Republic Act No. 8799, the Securities Regulation Code, which requires prior registration and licensing.
Sections 8 and 28 of the code explicitly prohibit the sale of unregistered securities and mandate that brokers, dealers, and salespersons be registered with the commission.
Regulatory Violations
The SEC further determined that the scheme constitutes financial fraud under Republic Act No. 11765, the Financial Products and Services Consumer Protection Act. The regulator had previously issued a public advisory in October 2025 warning against investments linked to Melot's Catering.
The commission emphasized the ongoing risk to investors, noting that unchecked solicitation could lead to significant financial harm. Authorities continue to urge the public to verify the legitimacy of investment offers before committing funds.