THE Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on Monday warned the public against an unauthorized investment scheme being offered by Puerta Farm Café, also known as Puerta Café, which promises annual returns of up to 21 percent and a money-back guarantee.
In an advisory, the SEC said Puerta Farm Café was promoting the scheme through social media, particularly Facebook, with a minimum investment of P100,000.
Investors are promised a 15-percent interest in the first year, 18 percent in the second year and 21 percent in the third year, with their money guaranteed to be returned after the contract ends.
The SEC said its investigation found that the business was registered with the Department of Trade and Industry under the name Puerta Café, with a business address in Barangay Pakiad, Oton, Iloilo, and registered to Ronald Caspillo De Juan as sole proprietor.
However, the SEC said its records show that Puerta Farm Café or Puerta Café was not registered with the commission as a corporation or partnership and is not authorized to solicit investments from the public.
“The investment scheme appears to be engaged in the offer and/or sale of investment contracts or securities to the public without the requisite registration of such securities and without the necessary authority from the commission,” the SEC said.
The commission said the scheme may constitute violations of Sections 8 and 28 of Republic Act 8799, or the Securities Regulation Code (SRC).
Under the SRC, an investment contract is considered a security when money is invested in a common enterprise with an expectation of profits to be derived primarily from the efforts of others.
The SEC also cited Republic Act 11765, or the Financial Products and Services Consumer Protection Act (FCPA), which prohibits investment fraud, including deceptive solicitation of investments and the offering or selling of investment schemes to the public without the required license or permit.
The commission said the Facebook page “Puerta Farm Café” had been changed to “Puerta Café” on July 23, 2026.
The SEC urged the public not to patronize any investment scheme being offered by persons allegedly representing Puerta Farm Café or Puerta Café.
It also warned individuals acting as salesmen, brokers, dealers, agents, representatives, promoters, operators, recruiters, uplines, influencers, endorsers, abettors or enablers of the scheme that they may face criminal liability for soliciting or convincing people to invest.
Violations of the SRC and FCPA may carry separate penalties of up to P5 million in fines or imprisonment of up to 21 years or both.
The commission encouraged the public to report any recruitment or securities solicitation activities allegedly being conducted on behalf of Puerta Farm Café or Puerta Café to the SEC Iloilo Extension Office or the Enforcement and Investor Protection Department.