07 Securities Law
07 Securities Law
Securities Law
CHAPTER I
Title and Definitions
SECTION 1. Title. — This shall be known as "The Securities Regulation Code".
SECTION 2. Declaration of State Policy. — The State shall establish a socially conscious,
free market that regulates itself, encourage the widest participation of ownership in enterprises,
enhance the democratization of wealth, promote the development of the capital market, protect
investors, ensure full and fair disclosure about securities, minimize if not totally eliminate insider
trading and other fraudulent or manipulative devices and practices which create distortions in the free
market.
To achieve these ends, this Securities Regulation Code is hereby enacted.
SECTION 3. Definition of Terms. —
3.1. "Securities" are shares, participation or interests in a corporation or in a commercial
enterprise or profit-making venture and evidenced by a certificate, contract, instrument, whether
written or electronic in character. It includes:
(a) Shares of stock, bonds, debentures, notes, evidences of indebtedness, asset-
backed securities;
(b) Investment contracts, certificates of interest or participation in a profit sharing agreement,
certificates of deposit for a future subscription;
(c) Fractional undivided interests in oil, gas or other mineral rights;
(d) Derivatives like option and warrants; DHEACI
(e) Certificates of assignments, certificates of participation, trust certificates, voting trust
certificates or similar instruments;
(f) Proprietary or nonproprietary membership certificates in corporations; and
(g) Other instruments as may in the future be determined by the Commission.
3.2. "Issuer" is the originator, maker, obligor, or creator of the security.
3.3. "Broker" is a person engaged in the business of buying and selling securities for the
account of others.
3.4. "Dealer" means any person who buys and sells securities for his/her own account in the
ordinary course of business.
3.5. "Associated person of a broker or dealer" is an employee thereof who, directly exercises
control of supervisory authority, but does not include a salesman, or an agent or a person whose
functions are solely clerical or ministerial.
3.6. "Clearing agency" is any person who acts as intermediary in making deliveries upon
payment to effect settlement in securities transactions.
3.7. "Exchange" is an organized marketplace or facility that brings together buyers and sellers
and executes trades of securities and/or commodities.
3.8. "Insider" means: (a) the issuer; (b) a director or officer (or person performing similar
functions) of, or a person controlling the issuer; (c) a person whose relationship or former relationship
to the issuer gives or gave him access to material information about the issuer or the security that is
not generally available to the public; (d) a government employee, or director, or officer of an exchange,
clearing agency and/or self-regulatory organization who has access to material information about an
issuer or a security that is not generally available to the public; or (e) a person who learns such
information by a communication from any of the foregoing insiders. aCTADI
3.9. "Pre-need plans" are contracts which provide for the performance of future services or the
payment of future monetary considerations at the time of actual need, for which planholders pay in
cash or installment at stated prices, with or without interest or insurance coverage and includes life,
pension, education, interment, and other plans which the Commission may from time to time approve.
3.10. "Promoter" is a person who, acting alone or with others, takes initiative in founding and
organizing the business or enterprise of the issuer and receives consideration therefor.
3.11. "Prospectus" is the document made by or on behalf of an issuer, underwriter or dealer to
sell or offer securities for sale to the public through a registration statement filed with the Commission.
3.12. "Registration statement" is the application for the registration of securities required to be
filed with the Commission.
3.13. "Salesman" is a natural person, employed as such or as an agent, by a dealer, issuer or
broker to buy and sell securities.
3.14. "Uncertificated security" is a security evidenced by electronic or similar records. ITHADC
3.15. "Underwriter" is a person who guarantees on a firm commitment and/or declared best
effort basis the distribution and sale of securities of any kind by another company.
CHAPTER II
Securities and Exchange Commission
SECTION 4. Administrative Agency. —
4.1. This Code shall be administered by the Securities and Exchange Commission (hereinafter
referred to as the "Commission") as a collegial body, composed of a Chairperson and four (4)
Commissioners, appointed by the President for a term of seven (7) years each and who shall serve
as such until their successor shall have been appointed and qualified. A Commissioner appointed to
fill a vacancy occurring prior to the expiration of the term for which his/her predecessor was appointed,
shall serve only for the unexpired portion of such term. The incumbent Chairperson and
Commissioners at the effectivity of this Code, shall serve the unexpired portion of their terms under
Presidential Decree No. 902-A. Unless the context indicates otherwise, the term "Commissioner"
includes the Chairperson.
4.2. The Commissioners must be natural-born citizens of the Philippines, at least forty (40)
years of age for the Chairperson and at least thirty-five (35) years of age for the Commissioners, of
good moral character, of unquestionable integrity, of known probity and patriotism, and with
recognized competence in social and economic disciplines: Provided, That the majority of
Commissioners, including the Chairperson, shall be members of the Philippine Bar.
4.3. The Chairperson is chief executive officer of the Commission. The Chairperson shall
execute and administer the policies, decisions, orders and resolutions approved by the Commission
and shall have the general executive direction and supervision of the work and operation of the
Commission and of its members, bodies, boards, offices, personnel and all its administrative
business. aEHASI
4.4. The salary of the Chairperson and the Commissioners shall be fixed by the President of
the Philippines based on an objective classification system, at a sum comparable to the members of
the Monetary Board and commensurate to the importance and responsibilities attached to the position.
4.5. The Commission shall hold meetings at least once a week for the conduct of business or
as often as may be necessary upon call of the Chairperson or upon the request of three (3)
Commissioners. The notice of the meeting shall be given to all Commissioners and the presence of
three (3) Commissioners shall constitute a quorum. In the absence of the Chairperson, the most senior
Commissioner shall act as presiding officer of the meeting.
4.6. The Commission may, for purposes of efficiency, delegate any of its functions to any
department or office of the Commission, an individual Commissioner or staff member of the
Commission except its review or appellate authority and its power to adopt, alter and supplement any
rule or regulation.
The Commission may review upon its own initiative or upon the petition of any interested party
any action of any department or office, individual Commissioner, or staff member of the
Commission. aACEID
SECTION 5. Powers and Functions of the Commission. —
5.1. The Commission shall act with transparency and shall have the powers and functions
provided by this Code, Presidential Decree No. 902-A, the Corporation Code, the Investment Houses
Law, the Financing Company Act and other existing laws. Pursuant thereto the Commission shall
have, among others, the following powers and functions:
(a) Have jurisdiction and supervision over all corporations, partnerships or associations who
are the grantees of primary franchises and/or a license or permit issued by the Government;
(b) Formulate policies and recommendations on issues concerning the securities market,
advise Congress and other government agencies on all aspects of the securities market and
propose legislation and amendments thereto;
(c) Approve, reject, suspend, revoke or require amendments to registration statements, and
registration and licensing applications;
(d) Regulate, investigate or supervise the activities of persons to ensure compliance;
(e) Supervise, monitor, suspend or take over the activities of exchanges, clearing agencies and
other SROs;
(f) Impose sanctions for the violation of laws and the rules, regulations and orders issued
pursuant thereto;
(g) Prepare, approve, amend or repeal rules, regulations and orders, and issue opinions and
provide guidance on and supervise compliance with such rules, regulations and orders;
(h) Enlist the aid and support of and/or deputize any and all enforcement agencies of the
Government, civil or military as well as any private institution, corporation, firm, association
or person in the implementation of its powers and functions under this Code; TEcADS
(i) Issue cease and desist orders to prevent fraud or injury to the investing public;
(j) Punish for contempt of the Commission, both direct and indirect, in accordance with the
pertinent provisions of and penalties prescribed by the Rules of Court;
(k) Compel the officers of any registered corporation or association to call meetings of
stockholders or members thereof under its supervision;
(l) Issue subpoena duces tecum and summon witnesses to appear in any proceedings of the
Commission and in appropriate cases, order the examination, search and seizure of all
documents, papers, files and records, tax returns, and books of accounts of any entity or
person under investigation as may be necessary for the proper disposition of the cases
before it, subject to the provisions of existing laws;
(m) Suspend, or revoke, after proper notice and hearing the franchise or certificate of
registration of corporations, partnerships or associations, upon any of the grounds provided
by law; and
(n) Exercise such other powers as may be provided by law as well as those which may be
implied from, or which are necessary or incidental to the carrying out of, the express powers
granted the Commission to achieve the objectives and purposes of these laws. ICTacD
5.2. The Commission's jurisdiction over all cases enumerated under Section 5 of Presidential
Decree No. 902-A is hereby transferred to the Courts of general jurisdiction or the appropriate
Regional Trial Court: Provided, That the Supreme Court in the exercise of its authority may designate
the Regional Trial Court branches that shall exercise jurisdiction over these cases. The Commission
shall retain jurisdiction over pending cases involving intra-corporate disputes submitted for final
resolution which should be resolved within one (1) year from the enactment of this Code. The
Commission shall retain jurisdiction over pending suspension of payments/rehabilitation cases filed
as of 30 June 2000 until finally disposed.
SECTION 6. Indemnification and Responsibilities of Commissioners. —
6.1. The Commission shall indemnify each Commissioner and other officials of the
Commission, including personnel performing supervision and examination functions for all costs and
expenses reasonably incurred by such persons in connection with any civil or criminal actions, suits
or proceedings to which they may be or made a party by reason of the performance of their functions
or duties, unless they are finally adjudged in such actions or proceedings to be liable for gross
negligence or misconduct.
In the event of settlement or compromise, indemnification shall be provided only in connection
with such matters covered by the settlement as to which the Commission is advised by external
counsel that the persons to be indemnified did not commit any gross negligence or misconduct.
The costs and expenses incurred in defending the aforementioned action, suit or proceeding
may be paid by the Commission in advance of the final disposition of such action, suit or proceeding
upon receipt of an undertaking by or on behalf of the Commissioner, officer or employee to repay the
amount advanced should it ultimately be determined by the Commission that he/she is not entitled to
be indemnified as provided in this subsection.
6.2. The Commissioners, officers and employees of the Commission who willfully violate this
Code or who are guilty of negligence, abuse or acts of malfeasance or fail to exercise extraordinary
diligence in the performance of their duties shall be held liable for any loss or injury suffered by the
Commission or other institutions as a result of such violation, negligence, abuse, malfeasance, or
failure to exercise extraordinary diligence.
Similar responsibility shall apply to the Commissioners, officers and employees of the
Commission for (1) the disclosure of any information, discussion or resolution of the Commission of a
confidential nature, or about the confidential operations of the Commission, unless the disclosure is in
connection with the performance of official functions with the Commission or with prior authorization
of the Commissioners; or (2) the use of such information for personal gain or to the detriment of the
government, the Commission or third parties: Provided, however, That any data or information
required to be submitted to the President and/or Congress or its appropriate committee, or to be
published under the provisions of this Code shall not be considered confidential. HACaSc
SECTION 7. Reorganization. —
7.1. To achieve the goals of this Code, consistent with Civil Service laws, the Commission is
hereby authorized to provide for its reorganization, to streamline its structure and operations, upgrade
its human resource component and enable it to more efficiently and effectively perform its functions
and exercise its powers under this Code.
7.2. All positions of the Commission shall be governed by a compensation and position
classification systems and qualification standards approved by the Commission based on a
comprehensive job analysis and audit of actual duties and responsibilities. The compensation plan
shall be comparable with the prevailing compensation plan in the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas and
other government financial institutions and shall be subject to periodic review by the Commission no
more than once every two (2) years without prejudice to yearly merit reviews or increases based on
productivity and efficiency. The Commission shall, therefore, be exempt from laws, rules, and
regulations on compensation, position classification and qualification standards. The Commission
shall, however, endeavor to make its system conform as closely as possible with the principles under
the Compensation and Position Classification Act of 1989 (Republic Act No. 6758, as amended).
CHAPTER III
Registration of Securities
SECTION 8. Requirement of Registration of Securities. —
8.1. Securities shall not be sold or offered for sale or distribution within the Philippines, without
a registration statement duly filed with and approved by the Commission. Prior to such sale,
information on the securities, in such form and with such substance as the Commission may prescribe,
shall be made available to each prospective purchaser. DCTSEA
8.2. The Commission may conditionally approve the registration statement under such terms
as it may deem necessary.
8.3. The Commission may specify the terms and conditions under which any written
communication, including any summary prospectus, shall be deemed not to constitute an offer for sale
under this Section.
8.4. A record of the registration of securities shall be kept in a Register of Securities in which
shall be recorded orders entered by the Commission with respect to such securities. Such register
and all documents or information with respect to the securities registered therein shall be open to
public inspection at reasonable hours on business days.
8.5. The Commission may audit the financial statements, assets and other information of a firm
applying for registration of its securities whenever it deems the same necessary to insure full
disclosure or to protect the interest of the investors and the public in general.
SECTION 9. Exempt Securities. —
9.1. The requirement of registration under Subsection 8.1 shall not as a general rule apply to
any of the following classes of securities:
(a) Any security issued or guaranteed by the Government of the Philippines, or by any political
subdivision or agency thereof, or by any person controlled or supervised by, and acting as
an instrumentality of said Government.
(b) Any security issued or guaranteed by the government of any country with which the
Philippines maintains diplomatic relations, or by any state, province or political subdivision
thereof on the basis of reciprocity: Provided, That the Commission may require compliance
with the form and content of disclosures the Commission may prescribe.
(c) Certificates issued by a receiver or by a trustee in bankruptcy duly approved by the proper
adjudicatory body.
(d) Any security or its derivatives the sale or transfer of which, by law, is under the supervision
and regulation of the Office of the Insurance Commission, Housing and Land Use
Regulatory Board, or the Bureau of Internal Revenue.
(e) Any security issued by a bank except its own shares of stock.
9.2. The Commission may, by rule or regulation after public hearing, add to the foregoing any
class of securities if it finds that the enforcement of this Code with respect to such securities is not
necessary in the public interest and for the protection of investors. ATcaID
SECTION 10. Exempt Transactions. —
10.1. The requirement of registration under Subsection 8.1 shall not apply to the sale of any
security in any of the following transactions:
(a) At any judicial sale, or sale by an executor, administrator, guardian or receiver or trustee in
insolvency or bankruptcy.
(b) By or for the account of a pledge holder, or mortgagee or any other similar lien holder selling
or offering for sale or delivery in the ordinary course of business and not for the purpose of
avoiding the provisions of this Code, to liquidate a bona fide debt, a security pledged in good
faith as security for such debt.
(c) An isolated transaction in which any security is sold, offered for sale, subscription or delivery
by the owner thereof, or by his representative for the owner's account, such sale or offer for
sale, subscription or delivery not being made in the course of repeated and successive
transactions of a like character by such owner, or on his account by such representative
and such owner or representative not being the underwriter of such security.
(d) The distribution by a corporation, actively engaged in the business authorized by its articles
of incorporation, of securities to its stockholders or other security holders as a stock
dividend or other distribution out of surplus.
(e) The sale of capital stock of a corporation to its own stockholders exclusively, where no
commission or other remuneration is paid or given directly or indirectly in connection with
the sale of such capital stock. TCEaDI
(f) The issuance of bonds or notes secured by mortgage upon real estate or tangible personal
property, where the entire mortgage together with all the bonds or notes secured thereby
are sold to a single purchaser at a single sale.
(g) The issue and delivery of any security in exchange for any other security of the same issuer
pursuant to a right of conversion entitling the holder of the security surrendered in exchange
to make such conversion: Provided, That the security so surrendered has been registered
under this Code or was, when sold, exempt from the provisions of this Code, and that the
security issued and delivered in exchange, if sold at the conversion price, would at the time
of such conversion fall within the class of securities entitled to registration under this Code.
Upon such conversion the par value of the security surrendered in such exchange shall be
deemed the price at which the securities issued and delivered in such exchange are sold.
(h) Broker's transactions, executed upon customer's orders, on any registered Exchange or
other trading market.
(i) Subscriptions for shares of the capital stock of a corporation prior to the incorporation thereof
or in pursuance of an increase in its authorized capital stock under the Corporation Code,
when no expense is incurred, or no commission, compensation or remuneration is paid or
given in connection with the sale or disposition of such securities, and only when the
purpose for soliciting, giving or taking of such subscriptions is to comply with the
requirements of such law as to the percentage of the capital stock of a corporation which
should be subscribed before it can be registered and duly incorporated, or its authorized
capital increased.
(j) The exchange of securities by the issuer with its existing security holders exclusively, where
no commission or other remuneration is paid or given directly or indirectly for soliciting such
exchange. ETIcHa
(k) The sale of securities by an issuer to fewer than twenty (20) persons in the Philippines
during any twelve-month period.
(l) The sale of securities to any number of the following qualified buyers:
(i) Bank;
(ii) Registered investment house;
(iii) Insurance company;
(iv) Pension fund or retirement plan maintained by the Government of the Philippines or any
political subdivision thereof or managed by a bank or other persons authorized by the
Bangko Sentral to engage in trust functions; DHIaTS
(v) Investment company; or
(vi) Such other person as the Commission may by rule determine as qualified buyers, on
the basis of such factors as financial sophistication, net worth, knowledge, and
experience in financial and business matters, or amount of assets under management.
10.2. The Commission may exempt other transactions, if it finds that the requirements of
registration under this Code is not necessary in the public interest or for the protection of the investors
such as by reason of the small amount involved or the limited character of the public offering.
10.3. Any person applying for an exemption under this Section, shall file with the Commission
a notice identifying the exemption relied upon on such form and at such time as the Commission by
rule may prescribe and with such notice shall pay to the Commission a fee equivalent to one-tenth
(1/10) of one percent (1%) of the maximum aggregate price or issued value of the securities.
SECTION 11. Commodity Futures Contracts. — No person shall offer, sell or enter into
commodity futures contracts except in accordance with rules, regulations and orders the Commission
may prescribe in the public interest. The Commission shall promulgate rules and regulations involving
commodity futures contracts to protect investors to ensure the development of a fair and transparent
commodities market.
SECTION 12. Procedure for Registration of Securities. —
12.1. All securities required to be registered under Subsection 8.1 shall be registered through
the filing by the issuer in the main office of the Commission, of a sworn registration statement with
respect to such securities, in such form and containing such information and documents as the
Commission shall prescribe. The registration statement shall include any prospectus required or
permitted to be delivered under Subsections 8.2, 8.3 and 8.4.
12.2. In promulgating rules governing the content of any registration statement (including any
prospectus made a part thereof or annexed thereto), the Commission may require the registration
statement to contain such information or documents as it may, by rule, prescribe. It may dispense with
any such requirement, or may require additional information or documents, including written
information from an expert, depending on the necessity thereof or their applicability to the class
of securities sought to be registered.
12.3. The information required for the registration of any kind, and all securities, shall include,
among others, the effect of the securities issue on ownership, on the mix of ownership, especially
foreign and local ownership.
12.4. The registration statement shall be signed by the issuer's executive officer, its principal
operating officer, its principal financial officer, its comptroller, its principal accounting officer, its
corporate secretary or persons performing similar functions accompanied by a duly verified resolution
of the board of directors of the issuer corporation. The written consent of the expert named as having
certified any part of the registration statement or any document used in connection therewith shall also
be filed. Where the registration statement includes shares to be sold by selling shareholders, a written
certification by such selling shareholders as to the accuracy of any part of the registration statement
contributed to by such selling shareholders shall also be filed. ATCEIc
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Commercial Law – Securities Law
12.5.
(a) Upon filing of the registration statement, the issuer shall pay to the Commission a fee of not
more than one-tenth (1/10) of one per centum (1%) of the maximum aggregate price at which
such securities are proposed to be offered. The Commission shall prescribe by rule diminishing fees
in inverse proportion the value of the aggregate price of the offering.
(b) Notice of the filing of the registration statement shall be immediately published by the issuer,
at its own expense, in two (2) newspapers of general circulation in the Philippines, once a week for
two (2) consecutive weeks, or in such other manner as the Commission by rule shall prescribe, reciting
that a registration statement for the sale of such security has been filed, and that the aforesaid
registration statement, as well as the papers attached thereto are open to inspection at the
Commission during business hours, and copies thereof, photostatic or otherwise, shall be furnished
to interested parties at such reasonable charge as the Commission may prescribe.
12.6. Within forty-five (45) days after the date of filing of the registration statement, or by such
later date to which the issuer has consented, the Commission shall declare the registration statement
effective or rejected, unless the applicant is allowed to amend the registration statement as provided
in Section 14 hereof. The Commission shall enter an order declaring the registration statement to be
effective if it finds that the registration statement together with all the other papers and documents
attached thereto, is on its face complete and that the requirements have been complied with. The
Commission may impose such terms and conditions as may be necessary or appropriate for the
protection of the investors. CaATDE
12.7. Upon effectivity of the registration statement, the issuer shall state under oath in every
prospectus that all registration requirements have been met and that all information are true and
correct as represented by the issuer or the one making the statement. Any untrue statement of fact or
omission to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statement
therein not misleading shall constitute fraud.
SECTION 13. Rejection and Revocation of Registration of Securities. —
13.1. The Commission may reject a registration statement and refuse registration of the security
thereunder, or revoke the effectivity of a registration statement and the registration of the security
thereunder after due notice and hearing by issuing an order to such effect, setting forth its findings in
respect thereto, if it finds that:
(a) The issuer:
(i) Has been judicially declared insolvent;
(ii) Has violated any of the provisions of this Code, the rules promulgated pursuant
thereto, or any order of the Commission of which the issuer has notice in connection
with the offering for which the registration statement has been filed;
(iii) Has been or is engaged or is about to engage in fraudulent transactions; HcDSaT
(iv) Has made any false or misleading representation of material facts in any prospectus
concerning the issuer or its securities;
(v) Has failed to comply with any requirement that the Commission may impose as a
condition for registration of the security for which the registration statement has been
filed; or
(b) The registration statement is on its face incomplete or inaccurate in any material respect or
includes any untrue statement of a material fact or omits to state a material fact required to
be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading; or
(c) The issuer, any officer, director or controlling person of the issuer, or person performing
similar functions, or any underwriter has been convicted, by a competent judicial or
administrative body, upon plea of guilty, or otherwise, of an offense involving moral turpitude
15.2. The refusal to furnish information required by the Commission may be a ground for the
issuance of an order of suspension pursuant to Subsection 15.1. Upon the issuance of any such order
and notification to the issuer, underwriter, dealer or broker known as participating in such offering, no
further offer or sale of any such security shall be made until the same is lifted or set aside by the
Commission. Otherwise, such sale shall be void. IEaHSD
15.3. Upon issuance of an order of suspension, the Commission shall conduct a hearing. If the
Commission determines that the sale of any security should be revoked, it shall issue an order
prohibiting sale of such security.
Until the issuance of a final order, the suspension of the right to sell, though binding upon the
persons notified thereof, shall be deemed confidential, and shall not be published, unless it shall
appear that the order of suspension has been violated after notice. If, however, the Commission finds
that the sale of the security will neither be fraudulent nor result in fraud, it shall forthwith issue an order
revoking the order of suspension, and such security shall be restored to its status as a registered
security as of the date of such order of suspension.
CHAPTER IV
Regulation of Pre-Need Plans
SECTION 16. Pre-Need Plans. — No person shall sell or offer for sale to the public any pre-
need plan except in accordance with rules and regulations which the Commission shall prescribe.
Such rules shall regulate the sale of pre-need plans by, among other things, requiring the registration
of pre-need plans, licensing persons involved in the sale of pre-need plans, requiring disclosures to
prospective plan holders, prescribing advertising guidelines, providing for uniform accounting system,
reports and record keeping with respect to such plans, imposing capital, bonding and other financial
responsibility, and establishing trust funds for the payment of benefits under such plans. aSTAcH
CHAPTER V
Reportorial Requirements
SECTION 17. Periodic and Other Reports of Issuers. —
17.1. Every issuer satisfying the requirements in Subsection 17.2 hereof shall file with the
Commission:
(a) Within one hundred thirty-five (135) days, after the end of the issuer's fiscal year, or such
other time as the Commission may prescribe, an annual report which shall include, among
others, a balance sheet, profit and loss statement and statement of cash flows, for such last
fiscal year, certified by an independent certified public accountant, and a management
discussion and analysis of results of operations; and
(b) Such other periodical reports for interim fiscal periods and current reports on significant
developments of the issuer as the Commission may prescribe as necessary to keep current
information on the operation of the business and financial condition of the issuer.
17.2. The reportorial requirements of Subsection 17.1 shall apply to the following:
(a) An issuer which has sold a class of its securities pursuant to a registration under Section 12
hereof: Provided, however, That the obligation of such issuer to file reports shall be
suspended for any fiscal year after the year such registration became effective if such
issuer, as of the first day of any such fiscal year, has less than one hundred (100) holders
of such class of securities or such other number as the Commission shall prescribe and it
notifies the Commission of such; cTACIa
(b) An issuer with a class of securities listed for trading on an Exchange; and
(c) An issuer with assets of at least Fifty million pesos (P50,000,000.00) or such other amount
as the Commission shall prescribe, and having two hundred (200) or more holders each
holding at least one hundred (100) shares of a class of its
equity securities: Provided, however, That the obligation of such issuer to file reports shall
be terminated ninety (90) days after notification to the Commission by the issuer that the
number of its holders holding at least one hundred (100) shares is reduced to less than one
hundred (100).
17.3. Every issuer of a security listed for trading on an Exchange shall file with the Exchange a
copy of any report filed with the Commission under Subsection 17.1 hereof.
17.4. All reports (including financial statements) required to be filed with the Commission
pursuant to Subsection 17.1 hereof shall be in such form, contain such information and be filed at
such times as the Commission shall prescribe, and shall be in lieu of any periodical or current reports
or financial statements otherwise required to be filed under the Corporation Code.
17.5. Every issuer which has a class of equity securities satisfying any of the requirements in
Subsection 17.2 shall furnish to each holder of such equity security an annual report in such form and
containing such information as the Commission shall prescribe. DcaECT
17.6. Within such period as the Commission may prescribe preceding the annual meeting of
the holders of any equity security of a class entitled to vote at such meeting, the issuer shall transmit
to such holders an annual report in conformity with Subsection 17.5.
SECTION 18. Reports by Five per centum (5%) Holders of Equity Securities. —
18.1. In every case in which an issuer satisfies the requirements of Subsection 17.2 hereof,
any person who acquires directly or indirectly the beneficial ownership of more than five per
centum (5%) of such class or in excess of such lesser per centum as the Commission by rule may
prescribe, shall, within ten (10) days after such acquisition or such reasonable time as fixed by the
Commission, submit to the issuer of the security, to the Exchange where the security is traded, and to
the Commission a sworn statement containing the following information and such other information as
the Commission may require in the public interest or for the protection of investors:
(a) The personal background, identity, residence, and citizenship of, and the nature of such
beneficial ownership by, such person and all other persons by whom or on whose behalf
the purchases are effected; in the event the beneficial owner is a juridical person, the lines
of business of the beneficial owner shall also be reported;
(b) If the purpose of the purchases or prospective purchases is to acquire control of the
business of the issuer of the securities, any plans or proposals which such persons may
have that will effect a major change in its business or corporate structure;
(c) The number of shares of such security which are beneficially owned, and the number of
shares concerning which there is a right to acquire, directly or indirectly, by: (i) such person,
and (ii) each associate of such person, giving the background, identity, residence, and
citizenship of each such associate; and
(d) Information as to any contracts, arrangements, or understanding with any person with
respect to any securities of the issuer including but not limited to transfer, joint ventures,
loan or option arrangements, puts or calls, guarantees or division of losses or profits, or
proxies naming the persons with whom such contracts, arrangements, or understanding
have been entered into, and giving the details thereof. SaCDTA
18.2. If any change occurs in the facts set forth in the statements, an amendment shall be
transmitted to the issuer, the Exchange and the Commission.
18.3. The Commission, may permit any person to file in lieu of the statement required by
Subsection 17.1 hereof, a notice stating the name of such person, the shares of any
equity securities subject to Subsection 17.1 which are owned by him, the date of their acquisition and
such other information as the Commission may specify, if it appears to the Commission that
such securities were acquired by such person in the ordinary course of his business and were not
acquired for the purpose of and do not have the effect of changing or influencing the control of the
issuer nor in connection with any transaction having such purpose or effect.
CHAPTER VI
Protection of Shareholder Interests
SECTION 19. Tender Offers. —
19.1.
(a) Any person or group of persons acting in concert who intends to acquire at least fifteen
percent (15%) of any class of any equity security of a listed corporation or of any class of any equity
security of a corporation with assets of at least Fifty million pesos (P50,000,000.00) and having two
hundred (200) or more stockholders with at least one hundred (100) shares each or who intends to
acquire at least thirty percent (30%) of such equity over a period of twelve (12) months shall make a
tender offer to stockholders by filing with the Commission a declaration to that effect; and furnish the
issuer, a statement containing such of the information required in Section 17 of this Code as the
Commission may prescribe. Such person or group of persons shall publish all requests or invitations
for tender, or materials making a tender offer or requesting or inviting letters of such a security. Copies
of any additional material soliciting or requesting such tender offers subsequent to the initial solicitation
or request shall contain such information as the Commission may prescribe, and shall be filed with the
Commission and sent to the issuer not later than the time copies of such materials are first published
or sent or given to security holders.
(b) Any solicitation or recommendation to the holders of such a security to accept or reject a
tender offer or request or invitation for tenders shall be made in accordance with such rules and
regulations as the Commission may prescribe. cEaTHD
(c) Securities deposited pursuant to a tender offer or request or invitation for tenders may be
withdrawn by or on behalf of the depositor at any time throughout the period that the tender offer
remains open and if the securities deposited have not been previously accepted for payment, and at
any time after sixty (60) days from the date of the original tender offer or request or invitation, except
as the Commission may otherwise prescribe.
(d) Where the securities offered exceed that which a person or group of persons is bound or
willing to take up and pay for, the securities that are subject of the tender offer shall be taken up as
nearly as may be pro rata, disregarding fractions, according to the number of securities deposited by
each depositor. The provisions of this subsection shall also apply to securities deposited within ten
(10) days after notice of an increase in the consideration offered to security holders, as described in
paragraph (e) of this subsection, is first published or sent or given to security holders.
(e) Where any person varies the terms of a tender offer or request or invitation for tenders
before the expiration thereof by increasing the consideration offered to holders of such securities, such
person shall pay the increased consideration to each security holder whose securities are taken up
and paid for whether or not such securities have been taken up by such person before the variation
of the tender offer or request or invitation.
19.2. It shall be unlawful for any person to make any untrue statement of a material fact or omit
to state any material fact necessary in order to make the statements made, in the light of the
circumstances under which they are made, not misleading, or to engage in any fraudulent, deceptive,
or manipulative acts or practices, in connection with any tender offer or request or invitation for
tenders, or any solicitation of security holders in opposition to or in favor of any such offer, request, or
invitation. The Commission shall, for the purposes of this subsection, define and prescribe means
reasonably designed to prevent, such acts and practices as are fraudulent, deceptive, or
manipulative. IEDaAc
SECTION 20. Proxy Solicitations. —
20.1. Proxies must be issued and proxy solicitation must be made in accordance with rules and
regulations to be issued by the Commission.
20.2. Proxies must be in writing, signed by the stockholder or his duly authorized representative
and filed before the scheduled meeting with the corporate secretary.
20.3. Unless otherwise provided in the proxy, it shall be valid only for the meeting for which it
is intended. No proxy shall be valid and effective for a period longer than five (5) years at one time.
20.4. No broker or dealer shall give any proxy, consent or authorization, in respect of any
security carried for the account of a customer, to a person other than the customer, without the express
written authorization of such customer.
20.5. A broker or dealer who holds or acquires the proxy for at least ten per centum (10%) or
such percentage as the Commission may prescribe of the outstanding share of the issuer, shall submit
a report identifying the beneficial owner within ten (10) days after such acquisition, for its own account
or customer, to the issuer of the security, to the Exchange where the security is traded and to the
Commission. EHTIcD
SECTION 21. Fees for Tender Offers and Certain Proxy Solicitations. — At the time of filing
with the Commission of any statement required under Section 19 for any tender offer or Section 72.2
for issuer repurchases, or Section 20 for proxy or consent solicitation, the Commission may require
that the person making such filing pay a fee of not more than one-tenth (1/10) of one percentum (1%)
of:
21.1. The proposed aggregate purchase price in the case of a transaction under Sections 20
or 72.2; or
21.2. The proposed payment in cash, and the value of any securities or property to be
transferred in the acquisition, merger or consolidation, or the cash and value of
any securities proposed to be received upon the sale or disposition of such assets in the case of a
solicitation under Section 20. The Commission shall prescribe by rule diminishing fees in inverse
proportion to the value of the aggregate price of the offering.
SECTION 22. Internal Record Keeping and Accounting Controls. — Every issuer which
has a class of securities that satisfies the requirements of Subsection 17.2 shall:
22.1. Make and keep books, records, and accounts which, in reasonable detail accurately and
fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of assets of the issuer;
22.2. Devise and maintain a system of internal accounting controls sufficient to provide
reasonable assurances that:
(a) Transactions and access to assets are pursuant to management authorization;
(b) Financial statements are prepared in conformity with generally accepted accounting
principles that are adopted by the Accounting Standards Council and the rules promulgated by the
Commission with regard to the preparation of financial statements; and
(c) Recorded assets are compared with existing assets at reasonable intervals and differences
are reconciled. aEHIDT
SECTION 23. Transactions of Directors, Officers and Principal Stockholders. —
23.1. Every person who is directly or indirectly the beneficial owner of more than ten per
centum (10%) of any class of any equity security which satisfies the requirements of Subsection 17.2,
or who is a director or an officer of the issuer of such security, shall file, at the time either such
requirement is first satisfied or within ten days after he becomes such a beneficial owner, director, or
officer, a statement with the Commission and, if such security is listed for trading on an Exchange,
also with the Exchange, of the amount of all equity securities of such issuer of which he is the
beneficial owner, and within ten (10) days after the close of each calendar month thereafter, if there
has been a change in such ownership during such month, shall file with the Commission, and if such
security is listed for trading on an Exchange, shall also file with the Exchange, a statement indicating
his ownership at the close of the calendar month and such changes in his ownership as have occurred
during such calendar month.
23.2. For the purpose of preventing the unfair use of information which may have been obtained
by such beneficial owner, director, or officer by reason of his relationship to the issuer, any profit
realized by him from any purchase and sale, or any sale and purchase, of any equity security of such
issuer within any period of less than six (6) months, unless such security was acquired in good faith
in connection with a debt previously contracted, shall inure to and be recoverable by the issuer,
irrespective of any intention of holding the security purchased or of not repurchasing the security sold
for a period exceeding six (6) months. Suit to recover such profit may be instituted before the Regional
Trial Court by the issuer, or by the owner of any security of the issuer in the name and in behalf of the
issuer if the issuer shall fail or refuse to bring such suit within sixty (60) days after request or shall fail
diligently to prosecute the same thereafter, but no such suit shall be brought more than two (2) years
after the date such profit was realized. This subsection shall not be construed to cover any transaction
where such beneficial owner was not such both at the time of the purchase and sale, or the sale and
purchase, of the security involved, or any transaction or transactions which the Commission by rules
and regulations may exempt as not comprehended within the purpose of this subsection. CcaDHT
23.3. It shall be unlawful for any such beneficial owner, director, or officer, directly or indirectly,
to sell any equity security of such issuer if the person selling the security or his principal:
(a) Does not own the security sold; or
(b) If owning the security, does not deliver it against such sale within twenty (20) days thereafter,
or does not within five (5) days after such sale deposit it in the mails or other usual channels of
transportation; but no person shall be deemed to have violated this subsection if he proves that
notwithstanding the exercise of good faith he was unable to make such delivery or deposit within such
time, or that to do so would cause undue inconvenience or expense.
23.4. The provisions of Subsection 23.2 shall not apply to any purchase and sale, or sale and
purchase, and the provisions of Subsection 23.3 shall not apply to any sale, of an equity security not
then or thereafter held by him in an investment account, by a dealer in the ordinary course of his
business and incident to the establishment or maintenance by him of a primary or secondary market,
otherwise than on an Exchange, for such security. The Commission may, by such rules and
regulations as it deems necessary or appropriate in the public interest, define and prescribe terms and
conditions with respect to securities held in an investment account and transactions made in the
ordinary course of business and incident to the establishment or maintenance of a primary or
secondary market.
CHAPTER VII
Prohibitions on Fraud, Manipulation and Insider Trading
SECTION 24. Manipulation of Security Prices; Devices and Practices. —
24.1 It shall be unlawful for any person acting for himself or through a dealer or broker, directly
or indirectly:
(a) To create a false or misleading appearance of active trading in any listed security traded in
an Exchange or any other trading market (hereafter referred to purposes of this Chapter
as "Exchange"):
(i) By effecting any transaction in such security which involves no change in the
beneficial ownership thereof;
(ii) By entering an order or orders for the purchase or sale of such security with the
knowledge that a simultaneous order or orders of substantially the same size, time
and price, for the sale or purchase of any such security, has or will be entered by or
for the same or different parties; or
(iii) By performing similar act where there is no change in beneficial ownership. CAcDTI
(b) If the other party selling to or buying from the insider (or his agent) is identified, the insider
proves:
(i) that he disclosed the information to the other party, or
(ii) that he had reason to believe that the other party otherwise is also in possession of
the information.
A purchase or sale of a security of the issuer made by an insider defined in Subsection 3.8, or
such insider's spouse or relatives by affinity or consanguinity within the second degree, legitimate or
common-law, shall be presumed to have been effected while in possession of material nonpublic
information if transacted after such information came into existence but prior to dissemination of such
information to the public and the lapse of a reasonable time for the market to absorb such
information: Provided, however, That this presumption shall be rebutted upon a showing by the
purchaser or seller that he was not aware of the material nonpublic information at the time of the
purchase or sale. HTCAED
27.2. For purposes of this Section, information is "material nonpublic" if:
(a) It has not been generally disclosed to the public and would likely affect the market price of
the security after being disseminated to the public and the lapse of a reasonable time for the market
to absorb the information; or
(b) would be considered by a reasonable person important under the circumstances in
determining his course of action whether to buy, sell or hold a security.
27.3. It shall be unlawful for any insider to communicate material nonpublic information about
the issuer or the security to any person who, by virtue of the communication, becomes an insider as
defined in Subsection 3.8, where the insider communicating the information knows or has reason to
believe that such person will likely buy or sell a security of the issuer while in possession of such
information.
27.4.
a) It shall be unlawful where a tender offer has commenced or is about to commence for:
(i) Any person (other than the tender offeror) who is in possession of material nonpublic
information relating to such tender offer, to buy or sell the securities of the issuer that
are sought or to be sought by such tender offer if such person knows or has reason to
believe that the information is nonpublic and has been acquired directly or indirectly from
the tender offeror, those acting on its behalf, the issuer of the securities sought or to be
sought by such tender offer, or any insider of such issuer; and
(ii) Any tender offeror, those acting on its behalf, the issuer of the securities sought or to be
sought by such tender offer, and any insider of such issuer to communicate material
nonpublic information relating to the tender offer to any other person where such
communication is likely to result in a violation of Subsection 27.4 (a)(i). SCEHaD
(b) For purposes of this subsection the term "securities of the issuer sought or to be sought by
such tender offer" shall include any securities convertible or exchangeable into such securities or any
options or rights in any of the foregoing securities.
CHAPTER VIII
Regulation of Securities Market Professionals
SECTION 28. Registration of Brokers, Dealers, Salesmen and Associated Persons. —
28.1. No person shall engage in the business of buying or selling securities in the Philippines
as a broker or dealer, or act as a salesman, or an associated person of any broker or dealer unless
registered as such with the Commission.
28.2. No registered broker or dealer shall employ any salesman or any associated person, and
no issuer shall employ any salesman, who is not registered as such with the Commission.
28.3. The Commission, by rule or order, may conditionally or unconditionally exempt from
Subsections 28.1 and 28.2 any broker, dealer, salesman, associated person of any broker or dealer,
or any class of the foregoing, as it deems consistent with the public interest and the protection of
investors.
28.4. The Commission shall promulgate rules and regulations prescribing the qualifications for
registration of each category of applicant, which shall, among other things, require as a condition for
registration that:
(a) If a natural person, the applicant satisfactorily pass a written examination as to his
proficiency and knowledge in the area of activity for which registration is sought;
(b) In the case of a broker or dealer, the applicant satisfy a minimum net capital as prescribed
by the Commission, and provide a bond or other security as the Commission may prescribe
to secure compliance with the provisions of this Code; and
(c) If located outside of the Philippines, the applicant files a written consent to service of process
upon the Commission pursuant to Section 65 hereof. DSTCIa
28.5. A broker or dealer may apply for registration by filing with the Commission a written
application in such form and containing such information and documents concerning such broker or
dealer as the Commission by rule shall prescribe.
28.6. Registration of a salesman or of an associated person of a registered broker or dealer
may be made upon written application filed with the Commission by such salesman or associated
person. The application shall be separately signed and certified by the registered broker or dealer to
which such salesman or associated person is to become affiliated, or by the issuer in the case of a
salesman employed, appointed or authorized solely by such issuer. The application shall be in such
form and contain such information and documents concerning the salesman or associated person as
the Commission by rule shall prescribe. For purposes of this Section, a salesman shall not include
any employee of an issuer whose compensation is not determined directly or indirectly on sales
of securities of the issuer.
28.7. Applications filed pursuant to Subsections 28.5 and 28.6 shall be accompanied by a
registration fee in such reasonable amount prescribed by the Commission.
28.8. Within thirty (30) days after the filing of any application under this Section, the
Commission shall by order:
(a) Grant registration if it determines that the requirements of this Section and the qualifications
for registration set forth in its rules and regulations have been satisfied; or
(b) Deny said registration. TAIaHE
28.9. The names and addresses of all persons approved for registration as brokers, dealers,
associated persons or salesmen and all orders of the Commission with respect thereto shall be
recorded in a Register of Securities Market Professionals kept in the office of the Commission which
shall be open to public inspection.
28.10. Every person registered pursuant to this Section shall file with the Commission, in such
form as the Commission shall prescribe, information necessary to keep the application for registration
current and accurate, including in the case of a broker or dealer changes in salesmen, associated
persons and owners thereof.
28.11. Every person registered pursuant to this Section shall pay to the Commission an annual
fee at such time and in such reasonable amount as the Commission shall prescribe. Upon notice by
the Commission that such annual fee has not been paid as required, the registration of such person
shall be suspended until payment has been made.
29.3. The order of the Commission refusing, revoking, suspending or placing limitations on a
registration as herein above provided, together with its findings, shall be entered in the Register
of Securities Market Professionals. The suspension or revocation of the registration of a dealer or
broker shall also automatically suspend the registration of all salesmen and associated persons
affiliated with such broker or dealer.
29.4. It shall be sufficient cause for refusal, revocation or suspension of a broker's or dealer's
registration, if any associated person thereof or any juridical entity controlled by such associated
person has committed any act or omission or is subject to any disability enumerated in paragraphs (a)
through (i) of Subsection 29.1 hereof. ECSHAD
SECTION 30. Transactions and Responsibility of Brokers and Dealers. —
30.1. No broker or dealer shall deal in or otherwise buy or sell, for its own account or for the
account of customers, securities listed on an Exchange issued by any corporation where any
stockholder, director, associated person or salesman, or authorized clerk of said broker or dealer and
all the relatives of the foregoing within the fourth civil degree of consanguinity or affinity, is at the time
holding office in said issuer corporation as a director, president, vice-president, manager, treasurer,
comptroller, secretary or any office of trust and responsibility, or is a controlling person of the issuer.
30.2. No broker or dealer shall effect any transaction in securities or induce or attempt to induce
the purchase or sale of any security except in compliance with such rules and regulations as the
Commission shall prescribe to ensure fair and honest dealings in securities and provide financial
safeguards and other standards for the operation of brokers and dealers, including the establishment
of minimum net capital requirements, the acceptance of custody and use of securities of customers,
and the carrying and use of deposits and credit balances of customers.
SECTION 31. Development of Securities Market Professionals. — The Commission, in joint
undertaking with self regulatory organizations, organizations and associations of finance professionals
as well as private educational and research institutions shall undertake or facilitate/organize continuing
training, conferences/seminars, updating programs, research and development as well as technology
transfer at the latest and advanced trends in issuance and trading of securities, derivatives, commodity
trades and other financial instruments, as well as securities markets of other countries.
CHAPTER IX
Exchanges and Other Securities Trading Markets
SECTION 32. Prohibition on Use of Unregistered Exchange; Regulation of Over-the-
Counter Markets. —
32.1. No broker, dealer, salesman, associated person of a broker or dealer, or Exchange,
directly or indirectly, shall make use of any facility of an Exchange in the Philippines to effect any
transaction in a security, or to report such transaction, unless such Exchange is registered as such
under Section 33 of this Code. aSDCIE
32.2.
(a) No broker, dealer, salesman or associated person of a broker or dealer, singly or in concert
with any other person, shall make, create or operate, or enable another to make, create or operate,
any trading market, otherwise than on a registered Exchange, for the buying and selling of any
security, except in accordance with rules and regulations the Commission may prescribe.
(b) The Commission may promulgate rules and regulations governing transactions by brokers,
dealers, salesmen or associated persons of a broker or dealer, over any facilities of such trading
market and may require such market to be administered by a self-regulatory organization determined
by the Commission as capable of insuring the protection of investors comparable to that provided in
the case of a registered Exchange. Such self-regulatory organization must provide a centralized
marketplace for trading and must satisfy requirements comparable to those prescribed for registration
of Exchanges in Section 33 of this Code.
SECTION 34. Segregation and Limitation of Functions of Members, Brokers and Dealers.
—
34.1. It shall be unlawful for any member-broker of an Exchange to effect any transaction on
such Exchange for its own account, the account of an associated person, or an account with respect
to which it or an associated person thereof exercises investment discretion: Provided, however, That
this Section shall not make unlawful —
(a) Any transaction by a member-broker acting in the capacity of a market maker; ETDSAc
(b) Any transaction reasonably necessary to carry on an odd-lot transactions;
(c) Any transaction to offset a transaction made in error; and
(d) Any other transaction of a similar nature as may be defined by the Commission.
34.2. In all instances where the member-broker effects a transaction on an Exchange for its
own account or the account of an associated person or an account with respect to which it exercises
investment discretion, it shall disclose to such customer at or before the completion of the transaction
it is acting for its own account: Provided, further, That this fact shall be reflected in the order ticket and
the confirmation slip.
34.3. Any member-broker who violates the provisions of this Section shall be subject to the
administrative sanctions provided in Section 54 of this Code. AScHCD
SECTION 35. Additional Fees of Exchanges. — In addition to the registration fee prescribed
in Section 33 of this Code, every Exchange shall pay to the Commission, on a semestral basis on or
before the tenth day of the end of every semester of the calendar year, a fee in such an amount as
the Commission shall prescribe, but not more than one-hundredth of one per centum (1%) of the
aggregate amount of the sales of securities transacted on such Exchange during the preceding
calendar year, for the privilege of doing business, during the preceding calendar year or any part
thereof.
SECTION 36. Powers with Respect to Exchanges and Other Trading Market. —
36.1. The Commission is authorized, if in its opinion such action is necessary or appropriate for
the protection of investors and the public interest so requires, summarily to suspend trading in any
listed security on any Exchange or other trading market for a period not exceeding thirty (30) days or,
with the approval of the President of the Philippines, summarily to suspend all trading on any securities
Exchange or other trading market for a period of more than thirty (30) but not exceeding ninety (90)
days: Provided, however, That the Commission, promptly following the issuance of the order of
suspension, shall notify the affected issuer of the reasons for such suspension and provide such issuer
with an opportunity for hearing to determine whether the suspension should be lifted.
36.2. Wherever two (2) or more Exchanges or other trading markets exist, the Commission may
require and enforce uniformity of trading regulations in and/or between or among said Exchanges or
other trading markets.
36.3. In addition to the existing Philippine Stock Exchange, the Commission shall have the
authority to determine the number, size and location of stock Exchanges, other trading markets and
commodity Exchanges and other similar organizations in the light of national or regional requirements
for such activities with the view to promote, enhance, protect, conserve or rationalize
investment. IcHTAa
36.4. The Commission, having due regard to the public interest, the protection of investors, the
safeguarding of securities and funds, and maintenance of fair competition among brokers, dealers,
clearing agencies, and transfer agents, shall promulgate rules and regulations for the prompt and
accurate clearance and settlement of securities transactions.
36.5.
(a) The Commission may establish or facilitate the establishment of trust funds which shall be
contributed by Exchanges, brokers, dealers, underwriters, transfer agents, salesmen and other
persons transacting in securities, as the Commission may require, for the purpose of compensating
investors for the extraordinary losses or damage they may suffer due to business failure or fraud or
mismanagement of the persons with whom they transact, under such rules and regulations as the
Commission may from time to time prescribe or approve in the public interest.
(b) The Commission may, having due regard to the public interest or the protection of investors,
regulate, supervise, examine, suspend or otherwise discontinue such and other similar funds under
such rules and regulations which the Commission may promulgate, and which may include taking
custody and management of the fund itself as well as investments in and disbursements from the
funds under such forms of control and supervision by the Commission as it may from time to time
require. The authority granted to the Commission under this subsection shall also apply to all funds
established for the protection of investors, whether established by the Commission or otherwise.
SECTION 37. Registration of Innovative and Other Trading Markets. — The Commission,
having due regard for national economic development, shall encourage competitiveness in the market
by promulgating within six (6) months upon the enactment of this Code, rules for the registration and
licensing of innovative and other trading markets or Exchanges covering, but not limited to, the
issuance and trading of innovative securities, securities of small, medium, growth and venture
enterprises, and technology-based ventures pursuant to Section 33 of this Code.
SECTION 38. Independent Directors. — Any corporation with a class of
equity securities listed for trading on an Exchange or with assets in excess of Fifty million pesos
(P50,000,000.00) and having two hundred (200) or more holders, at least of two hundred (200) of
which are holding at least one hundred (100) shares of a class of its equity securities or which has
sold a class of equity securities to the public pursuant to an effective registration statement in
compliance with Section 12 hereof shall have at least two (2) independent directors or such
independent directors shall constitute at least twenty percent (20%) of the members of such board,
whichever is the lesser. For this purpose, an "independent director" shall mean a person other than
an officer or employee of the corporation, its parent or subsidiaries, or any other individual having a
relationship with the corporation, which would interfere with the exercise of independent judgment in
carrying out the responsibilities of a director. HCaIDS
CHAPTER X
Registration, Responsibilities and Oversight of Self-Regulatory Organizations
SECTION 39. Associations of Securities Brokers, and Dealers, and
Other Securities Related Organizations. —
39.1. The Commission shall have the power to register as a self-regulatory organization, or
otherwise grant licenses, and to regulate, supervise, examine, suspend or otherwise discontinue, as
a condition for the operation of organizations whose operations are related to or connected with
the securities market such as but not limited to associations of brokers and dealers, transfer agents,
custodians, fiscal and paying agents, computer services, news disseminating services, proxy
solicitors, statistical agencies, securities rating agencies, and securities information processors which
are engaged in the business of:
(a) Collecting, processing, or preparing for distribution or publication, or assisting, participating
in, or coordinating the distribution or publication of, information with respect to transactions in or
quotations for any security; or
(b) Distributing or publishing, whether by means of a ticker tape, a communications network, a
terminal display device, or otherwise, on a current and continuing basis, information with respect to
such transactions or quotations. The Commission may prescribe rules and regulations which are
necessary or appropriate in the public interest or for the protection of investors to govern self-
regulatory organizations and other organizations licensed or regulated pursuant to the authority
granted in Subsection 39.1 including the requirement of cooperation within and among, and electronic
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integration of the records of, all participants in the securities market to ensure transparency and
facilitate exchange of information. cCAaHD
39.2. An association of brokers and dealers may be registered as a securities association
pursuant to Subsection 39.3 by filing with the Commission an application for registration in such form
as the Commission, by rule, may prescribe containing the rules of the association and such other
information and documents as the Commission, by rule, may prescribe as necessary or appropriate
in the public interest or for the protection of investors.
39.3. An association of brokers and dealers shall not be registered as a securities association
unless the Commission determines that:
(a) The association is so organized and has the capacity to be able to carry out the purposes
of this Code and to comply with, and to enforce compliance by its members and persons
associated with its members, with the provisions of this Code, the rules and regulations
thereunder, and the rules of the association.
(b) The rules of the association, notwithstanding anything in the Corporation Code to the
contrary, provide that:
(i) Any registered broker or dealer may become a member of the association;
(ii) There exist a fair representation of its members to serve on the Board of Directors of
the association and in the administration of its affairs, and that any natural person
associated with a juridical entity that is a member shall himself be deemed to be a
member for this purpose; AIaSTE
(iii) The Board of Directors of the association includes in its composition: (a) The
president of the association and (b) Persons who represent the interests of issuers
and public investors and are not associated with any broker or dealer or member of
the association; that the president and other management of the association not be
a member or associated with any broker, dealer or member of the association;
(iv) For the equitable allocation of reasonable dues, fees, and other charges among
members and issuers and other persons using any facility or system which the
association operates or controls;
(v) For the prevention of fraudulent and manipulative acts and practices, the promotion
of just and equitable principles of trade, and, in general, the protection of investors
and the public interest;
(vi) That its members and persons associated with its members shall be appropriately
disciplined for violation of any provision of this Code, the rules or regulations
thereunder, or the rules of the association;
(vii) That a fair procedure for the disciplining of members and persons associated with
members, the denial of membership to any person seeking membership therein, the
barring of any person from becoming associated with a member thereof, and the
prohibition or limitation by the association of any person with respect to access to
services offered by the association or a member thereof. aICcHA
39.4.
(a) A registered securities association shall deny membership to any person who is not a
registered broker or dealer.
(b) A registered securities association may deny membership to, or condition the membership
of, a registered broker or dealer if such broker or dealer:
(i) Does not meet the standards of financial responsibility, operational capability, training,
experience, or competence that are prescribed by the rules of the association; or
(ii) Has engaged, and there is a reasonable likelihood it will again engage, in acts or practices
inconsistent with just and equitable principles of fair trade.
(c) A registered securities association may deny membership to a registered broker or dealer
not engaged in a type of business in which the rules of the association require members to be
engaged: Provided, however, That no registered securities association may deny membership to a
registered broker or dealer by reason of the amount of business done by the broker or dealer.
A registered securities association may examine and verify the qualifications of an applicant to
become a member in accordance with procedures established by the rules of the
association. HAEDCT
(d) A registered securities association may bar a salesman or person associated with a broker
or dealer from being employed by a member or set conditions for the employment of a salesman or
associated if such person:
(i) Does not meet the standards of training, experience, or competence that are prescribed
by the rules of the association; or
(ii) Has engaged, and there is a reasonable likelihood he will again engage, in acts or
practices inconsistent with just and equitable principles of fair trade.
A registered securities association may examine and verify the qualifications of an applicant to
become a salesman or associated person employed by a member in accordance with procedures
established by the rules of the association. A registered association also may require a salesman or
associated person employed by a member to be registered with the association in accordance with
procedures prescribed in the rules of the association.
39.5. In any proceeding by a registered securities association to determine whether a person
shall be denied membership, or barred from association with a member, the association shall provide
notice to the person under review of the specific grounds being considered for denial, afford him an
opportunity to defend against the allegations, and keep a record of the proceedings. A determination
by the association to deny membership shall be supported by a statement setting forth the specific
grounds on which the denial is based.
SECTION 40. Powers with Respect to Self-Regulatory Organizations. —
40.1. Upon the filing of an application for registration as an Exchange under Section 33, a
registered securities association under Section 39, a registered clearing agency under Section 42, or
other self-regulatory organization under this Section, the Commission shall have ninety (90) days
within which to either grant registration or institute a proceeding to determine whether registration
should be denied. In the event proceedings are instituted, the Commission shall have two hundred
seventy (270) days within which to conclude such proceedings at which time it shall, by order, grant
or deny such registration.
40.2. Every self-regulatory organization shall comply with the provisions of this Code, the rules
and regulations thereunder, and its own rules, and enforce compliance therewith, notwithstanding any
provision of the Corporation Code to the contrary, by its members, persons associated with its
members or its participants. CHDAaS
40.3. (a) Each self-regulatory organization shall submit to the Commission for prior approval
any proposed rule or amendment thereto, together with a concise statement of the reason and effect
of the proposed amendment.
(b) Within sixty (60) days after submission of a proposed amendment, the Commission shall,
by order, approve the proposed amendment. Otherwise, the same may be made effective by the self-
regulatory organization.
(c) In the event of an emergency requiring action for the protection of investors, the
maintenance of fair and orderly markets, or the safeguarding of securities and funds, a self-regulatory
organization may put a proposed amendment into effect summarily: Provided, however, That a copy
of the same shall be immediately submitted to the Commission.
40.4. The Commission is further authorized, if after making appropriate request in writing to a
self-regulatory organization that such organization effect on its own behalf specified changes in its
rules and practices and, after due notice and hearing it determines that such changes have not been
effected, and that such changes are necessary, by rule or regulation or by order, may alter, abrogate
or supplement the rules of such self-regulatory organization in so far as necessary or appropriate to
effect such changes in respect of such matters as:
(a) Safeguards in respect of the financial responsibility of members and adequate provision
against the evasion of financial responsibility through the use of corporate forms or special
partnerships; TSaEcH
(b) The supervision of trading practices;
(c) The listing or striking from listing of any security;
(d) Hours of trading;
(e) The manner, method, and place of soliciting business;
(f) Fictitious accounts;
(g) The time and method of making settlements, payments, and deliveries, and of closing
accounts;
(h) The transparency of securities transactions and prices;
(i) The fixing of reasonable rates of fees, interest, listing and other charges, but not rates of
commission;
(j) Minimum units of trading;
(k) Odd-lot purchases and sales; DIETHS
(l) Minimum deposits on margin accounts; and
(m) The supervision, auditing and disciplining of members or participants.
40.5. The Commission, after due notice and hearing, is authorized, in the public interest and to
protect investors:
(a) To suspend for a period not exceeding twelve (12) months or to revoke the registration of a
self-regulatory organization, or to censure or impose limitations on the activities, functions,
and operations of such self-regulatory organization, if the Commission finds that such a
self-regulatory organization has willfully violated or is unable to comply with any provision
of this Code or of the rules and regulations thereunder, or its own rules, or has failed to
enforce compliance therewith by a member of, person associated with a member, or a
participant in such self-regulatory organization;
(b) To expel from a self-regulatory organization any member thereof or any participant therein
who is subject to an order of the Commission under Section 29 of this Code or is found to
have willfully violated any provision of this Code or suspend for a period not exceeding
twelve (12) months for violation of any provision of this Code or any other laws administered
by the Commission, or the rules and regulations thereunder, or effected, directly or
indirectly, any transaction for any person who, such member or participant had reason to
believe, was violating in respect of such transaction any of such provisions; and
(c) To remove from office or censure any officer or director of a self-regulatory organization if it
finds that such officer or director has violated any provision of this Code, any other law
administered by the Commission, the rules or regulations thereunder, or the rules of such
self-regulatory organization, abused his authority, or without reasonable justification or
excuse has failed to enforce compliance with any of such provisions. EAaHTI
40.6.
(a) A self-regulatory organization is authorized to discipline a member of or participant in such
self-regulatory organization, or any person associated with a member, including the suspension or
expulsion of such member or participant, and the suspension or bar from being associated with a
member, if such person has engaged in acts or practices inconsistent with just and equitable principles
of fair trade or in willful violation of any provision of the Code, any other law administered by the
Commission, the rules or regulations thereunder, or the rules of the self-regulatory organization. In
any disciplinary proceeding by a self-regulatory organization (other than a summary proceeding
pursuant to paragraph (b) of this subsection) the self-regulatory organization shall bring specific
charges, provide notice to the person charged, afford the person charged with an opportunity to defend
against the charges, and keep a record of the proceedings. A determination to impose a disciplinary
sanction shall be supported by a written statement of the offense, a summary of the evidence
presented and a statement of the sanction imposed.
(b) A self-regulatory organization may summarily:
(i) Suspend a member, participant or person associated with a member who has been or is
expelled or suspended from any other self-regulatory organization; or
(ii) Suspend a member who the self-regulatory organization finds to be in such financial or
operating difficulty that the member or participant cannot be permitted to continue to do business as
a member with safety to investors, creditors, other members, participants or the self-regulatory
organization:
Provided, That the self-regulatory organization immediately notifies the Commission of the
action taken. Any person aggrieved by a summary action pursuant to this paragraph shall be promptly
afforded an opportunity for a hearing by the association in accordance with the provisions of paragraph
(a) of this subsection. The Commission, by order, may stay a summary action on its own motion or
upon application by any person aggrieved thereby, if the Commission determines summarily or after
due notice and hearing (which hearing may consist solely of the submission of affidavits or
presentation of oral arguments) that a stay is consistent with the public interest and the protection of
investors. cSaATC
40.7. A self-regulatory organization shall promptly notify the Commission of any disciplinary
sanction on any member thereof or participant therein, any denial of membership or participation in
such organization, or the imposition of any disciplinary sanction on a person associated with a member
or a bar of such person from becoming so associated. Within thirty (30) days after such notice, any
aggrieved person may appeal to the Commission from, or the Commission on its own motion within
such period, may institute review of, the decision of the self-regulatory organization, at the conclusion
of which, after due notice and hearing (which may consist solely of review of the record before the
self-regulatory organization), the Commission shall affirm, modify or set aside the sanction. In such
proceeding the Commission shall determine whether the aggrieved person has engaged or omitted to
engage in the acts and practices as found by the self-regulatory organization, whether such acts and
practices constitute willful violations of this Code, any other law administered by the Commission, the
rules or regulations thereunder, or the rules of the self-regulatory organization as specified by such
organization, whether such provisions were applied in a manner consistent with the purposes of this
Code, and whether, with due regard for the public interest and the protection of investors the sanction
is excessive or oppressive.
40.8. The powers of the Commission under this section shall apply to organized exchanges
and registered clearing agencies.
CHAPTER XI
Acquisition and Transfer of Securities and Settlement of Transactions in Securities
SECTION 41. Prohibition on Use of Unregistered Clearing Agency. — It shall be unlawful
for any broker, dealer, salesman, associated person of a broker or dealer, or clearing agency, directly
or indirectly, to make use of any facility of a clearing agency in the Philippines to make deliveries in
connection with transactions in securities or to reduce the number of settlements
of securities transactions or to allocate securities settlement responsibilities or to provide for the
central handling of securities so that transfers, loans and pledges and similar transactions can be
made by bookkeeping entry or otherwise to facilitate the settlement of securities transactions without
physical delivery of securities certificates, unless such clearing agency is registered as such under
Section 42 of this Code or is exempted from such registration upon application by the clearing agency
because, in the opinion of the Commission, by reason of the limited volume of transactions which are
settled using the clearing agency, it is not practicable and not necessary or appropriate in the public
interest or for the protection of investors to require such registration. aESIHT
SECTION 42. Registration of Clearing Agencies. —
42.1. Any clearing agency may be registered as such with the Commission under the terms
and conditions hereinafter provided in this Section, by filing an application for registration in such form
and containing such information and supporting documents as the Commission by rule shall prescribe,
including the following:
(a) An undertaking to comply and enforce compliance by its participants with the provisions of
this Code, and any amendment thereto, and the implementing rules or regulations made or
to be made thereunder, and the clearing agency's rules;
(b) The organizational charts of the Exchange, its rules of procedure, and a list of its officers
and participants;
(c) Copies of the clearing agency's rules.
42.2. No registration of a clearing agency shall be granted unless the rules of the clearing
agency include provision for:
(a) The expulsion, suspension, or disciplining of a participant for violations of this Code, or any
other Act administered by the Commission, the rules, regulations, and orders thereunder,
or the clearing agency's rules; HCacTI
(b) A fair procedure for the disciplining of participants, the denial of participation rights to any
person seeking to be a participant, and the prohibition or limitation of any person from
access to services offered by the clearing agency;
(c) The equitable allocation of reasonable dues, fees, and other charges among participants;
(d) Prevention of fraudulent and manipulative acts and practices, promotion of just and
equitable principles of trade, and, in general, protection of investors and the public interest;
(e) The transparent, prompt and accurate clearance and settlement of transactions
in securities handled by the clearing agency; and
(f) The establishment and oversight of a fund to guarantee the prompt and accurate clearance
and settlement of transactions executed on an exchange, including a requirement that
members each contribute an amount based on their volume and a relevant percentage of
the daily exposure of the four (4) largest trading brokers which adequately reflects trading
risks undertaken or pursuant to another formula set forth in Commission rules or regulations
or order, upon application: Provided, however, That a clearing agency engaged in the
business of a securities depository shall be exempt from this requirement.
42.3. In the case of an application filed pursuant to this Section, the Commission shall grant
registration if it finds that the requirements of this Code and the rules and regulations thereunder with
respect to the applicant have been satisfied, and shall deny registration if it does not make such
finding.
42.4. Upon appropriate application in accordance with the rules and regulations of the
Commission and upon such terms as the Commission may deem necessary for the protection of
investors, a clearing agency may withdraw its registration or suspend its operation or resume the
same.
42.5. Section 32 of this Code shall apply to every registered clearing agency. cDTaSH
SECTION 43. Uncertificated Securities. — Notwithstanding Section 63 of the Corporation
Code of the Philippines: 43.1. A corporation whose securities are registered pursuant to this Code or
listed on a securities Exchange may:
(a) If so resolved by its Board of Directors and agreed by a shareholder, investor
or securities intermediary, issue shares to, or record the transfer of some or all of its
shares into the name of said shareholders, investors or, securities intermediary in the
form of uncertificated securities. The use of uncertificated securities in these
circumstances shall be without prejudice to the rights of the securities intermediary
subsequently to require the corporation to issue a certificate in respect of any shares
recorded in its name; and
(b) If so provided in its articles of incorporation and by-laws, issue all of the shares of a particular
class in the form of uncertificated securities and subject to a condition that investors may
not require the corporation to issue a certificate in respect of any shares recorded in their
name.
43.2. The Commission by rule may allow other corporations to provide in their articles of
incorporation and by-laws for the use of uncertificated securities. DHcSIT
43.3. Transfers of securities, including an uncertificated securities, may be validly made and
consummated by appropriate book-entries in the securities accounts maintained
by securities intermediaries, or in the stock and transfer book held by the corporation or the stock
transfer agent and such bookkeeping entries shall be binding on the parties to the transfer. A transfer
under this subsection has the effect of the delivery of a security in bearer form or duly indorsed in
blank representing the quantity or amount of security or right transferred, including the unrestricted
negotiability of that security by reason of such delivery. However, transfer of uncertificated shares
shall only be valid, so far as the corporation is concerned, when a transfer is recorded in the books of
the corporation so as to show the names of the parties to the transfer and the number of shares
transferred.
However, nothing in this Code shall preclude compliance by banking and other institutions
under the supervision of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas and their stockholders with the applicable
ceilings on shareholdings prescribed under pertinent banking laws and regulations.
SECTION 44. Evidentiary Value of Clearing Agency Record. — The official records and
book entries of a clearing agency shall constitute the best evidence of such transactions between
clearing agency and its participants and members, without prejudice to the right of participants' or
members' clients to prove their rights, title and entitlement with respect to the book-entry security
holdings of the participants or members held on behalf of the clients. However, the corporation shall
not be bound by the foregoing transactions unless the corporate secretary is duly notified in such
manner as the Commission may provide.
However, the Monetary Board may increase or decrease the above percentages, in order to
achieve the objectives of the Government with due regard for promotion of the economy and
prevention of the use of excessive credit.
Such rules and regulations may make appropriate provision with respect to the carrying of
undermargined accounts for limited periods and under specified conditions; the withdrawal of funds
or securities; the transfer of accounts from one lender to another; special or different margin
requirements for delayed deliveries, short sales, arbitrage transactions, and securities to which letter
(b) of the second paragraph of this subsection does not apply; the bases and the methods to be used
in calculating loans, and margins and market prices; and similar administrative adjustments and
details.
48.2. No member of an Exchange or broker or dealer shall, directly or indirectly, extend or
maintain credit or arrange for the extension or maintenance of credit to or for any customer:
(a) On any security unless such credit is extended and maintained in accordance with the rules
and regulations which the Commission shall prescribe under this Section including rules
setting credit in relation to net capital of such member, broker or dealer; and
(b) Without collateral or on any collateral other than securities, except (i) to maintain a credit
initially extended in conformity with the rules and regulations of the Commission and (ii) in
cases where the extension or maintenance of credit is not for the purpose of purchasing or
carrying securities or of evading or circumventing the provisions of paragraph (a) of this
subsection. cDCaTH
48.3. Any person not subject to Subsection 48.2 hereof shall extend or maintain credit or
arrange for the extension or maintenance of credit for the purpose of purchasing or carrying any
security, only in accordance with such rules and regulations as the Commission shall prescribe to
prevent the excessive use of credit for the purchasing or carrying of or trading in securities in
circumvention of the other provisions of this Section. Such rules and regulations may impose upon all
loans made for the purpose of purchasing or carrying securities limitations similar to those imposed
upon members, brokers, or dealers by Subsection 48.2 and the rules and regulations thereunder. This
subsection and the rules and regulations thereunder shall not apply:
(a) To a credit extension made by a person not in the ordinary course of business;
(b) To a loan to a dealer to aid in the financing of the distribution of securities to customers not
through the medium of an Exchange; or
(c) To such other credit extension as the Commission shall exempt from the operation of this
subsection and the rules and regulations thereunder upon specified terms and conditions
or for stated period. cDTCIA
SECTION 49. Restrictions on Borrowings by Members, Brokers, and Dealers. — It shall
be unlawful for any registered broker or dealer, or member of an Exchange, directly or indirectly:
49.1. To permit in the ordinary course of business as a broker or dealer his aggregate
indebtedness including customers' credit balances, to exceed such percentage of the net capital
(exclusive of fixed assets and value of Exchange membership) employed in the business, but not
exceeding in any case two thousand percentum (2,000%), as the Commission may by rules and
regulations prescribe as necessary or appropriate in the public interest or for the protection of
investors.
49.2. To pledge, mortgage, or otherwise encumber or arrange for the pledge, mortgage or
encumbrance of any security carried for the account of any customer under circumstances:
(a) That will permit the commingling of his securities, without his written consent, with
the securities of any customer;
(b) That will permit such securities to be commingled with the securities of any person other
than a bona fide customer; or
(c) That will permit such securities to be pledged, mortgaged or encumbered, or subjected to
any lien or claim of the pledgee, for a sum in excess of the aggregate indebtedness of such customers
in respect of such securities. However, the Commission, having due regard to the protection of
investors, may, by rules and regulations, allow certain transactions that may otherwise be prohibited
under this subsection.
49.3. To lend or arrange for the lending of any security carried for the account of any customer
without the written consent of such customer or in contravention of such rules and regulations as the
Commission shall prescribe.
SECTION 50. Enforcement of Margin Requirements and Restrictions on Borrowing. —
To prevent indirect violations of the margin requirements under Section 48, the broker or dealer shall
require the customer in non-margin transactions to pay the price of the security purchased for his
account within such period as the Commission may prescribe, which shall in no case exceed the
prescribed settlement date. Otherwise, the broker shall sell the security purchased starting on the next
trading day but not beyond ten (10) trading days following the last day for the customer to pay such
purchase price, unless such sale cannot be effected within said period for justifiable reasons. The sale
shall be without prejudice to the right of the broker or dealer to recover any deficiency from the
customer. To prevent indirect violation of the restrictions on borrowings under Section 49, the broker
shall, unless otherwise directed by the customer, pay the net sales price of the securities sold for a
customer within the same period as above prescribed by the Commission: Provided, That the
customer shall be required to deliver the instruments evidencing the securities as a condition for such
payment upon demand by the broker. STIEHc
CHAPTER XIII
General Provisions
SECTION 51. Liabilities of Controlling Persons, Aider and Abettor and Other Secondary
Liability. —
51.1. Every person who, by or through stock ownership, agency, or otherwise, or in connection
with an agreement or understanding with one or more other persons, controls any person liable under
this Code or the rules or regulations of the Commission thereunder, shall also be liable jointly and
severally with and to the same extent as such controlled persons to any person to whom such
controlled person is liable, unless the controlling person proves that, despite the exercise of due
diligence on his part, he has no knowledge of the existence of the facts by reason of which the liability
of the controlled person is alleged to exist.
51.2. It shall be unlawful for any person, directly or indirectly, to do any act or thing which it
would be unlawful for such person to do under the provisions of this Code or any rule
or regulation thereunder.
51.3. It shall be unlawful for any director or officer of, or any owner of any securities issued by,
any issuer required to file any document, report or other information under this Code or any rule
or regulation of the Commission thereunder, without just cause, to hinder, delay or obstruct the making
or filing of any such document, report, or information.
51.4. It shall be unlawful for any person to aid, abet, counsel, command, induce or procure any
violation of this Code, or any rule, regulation or order of the Commission thereunder. SEHDIC
51.5. Every person who substantially assists the act or omission of any person primarily liable
under Sections 57, 58, 59 and 60 of this Code, with knowledge or in reckless disregard that such act
or omission is wrongful, shall be jointly and severally liable as an aider and abettor for damages
resulting from the conduct of the person primarily liable: Provided, however, That an aider and abettor
shall be liable only to the extent of his relative contribution in causing such damages in comparison to
that of the person primarily liable, or the extent to which the aider and abettor was unjustly enriched
thereby, whichever is greater.
SECTION 52. Accounts and Records, Reports, Examination of
Exchanges, Members, and Others. —
52.1. Every registered Exchange, broker or dealer, transfer agent, clearing
agency, securities association, and other self-regulatory organization, and every other person
required to register under this Code, shall make, keep and preserve for such periods, records, furnish
such copies thereof, and make such reports, as the Commission by its rules and regulations may
prescribe. Such accounts, correspondence, memoranda, papers, books, and other records shall be
subject at any time to such reasonable periodic, special or other examinations by representatives of
the Commission as the Commission may deem necessary or appropriate in the public interest or for
the protection of investors.
52.2. Any broker, dealer or other person extending credit, who is subject to the rules and
regulations prescribed by the Commission pursuant to this Code, shall make such reports to the
Commission as may be necessary or appropriate to enable it to perform the functions conferred upon
it by this Code.
52.3. For purposes of this Section, the term "records" refers to accounts, correspondence,
memoranda, tapes, discs, papers, books and other documents or transcribed information of any type,
whether written or electronic in character. IDaEHS
SECTION 53. Investigations, Injunctions and Prosecution of Offenses. —
53.1. The Commission may, in its discretion, make such investigations as it deems necessary
to determine whether any person has violated or is about to violate any provision of this Code, any
rule, regulation or order thereunder, or any rule of an Exchange, registered securities association,
clearing agency, other self-regulatory organization, and may require or permit any person to file with
it a statement in writing, under oath or otherwise, as the Commission shall determine, as to all facts
and circumstances concerning the matter to be investigated. The Commission may publish information
concerning any such violations, and to investigate any fact, condition, practice or matter which it may
deem necessary or proper to aid in the enforcement of the provisions of this Code, in the prescribing
of rules and regulations thereunder, or in securing information to serve as a basis for recommending
further legislation concerning the matters to which this Code relates: Provided, however, That any
person requested or subpoenaed to produce documents or testify in any investigation shall
simultaneously be notified in writing of the purpose of such investigation: Provided, further, That all
criminal complaints for violations of this Code, and the implementing rules and regulations enforced
or administered by the Commission shall be referred to the Department of Justice for preliminary
investigation and prosecution before the proper court: Provided, furthermore, That in instances where
the law allows independent civil or criminal proceedings of violations arising from the same act, the
Commission shall take appropriate action to implement the same: Provided, finally, That the
investigation, prosecution, and trial of such cases shall be given priority.
53.2. For the purpose of any such investigation, or any other proceeding under this Code, the
Commission or any officer designated by it is empowered to administer oaths and
affirmations, subpoena witnesses, compel attendance, take evidence, require the production of any
book, paper, correspondence, memorandum, or other record which the Commission deems relevant
or material to the inquiry, and to perform such other acts necessary in the conduct of such investigation
or proceedings.
53.3. Whenever it shall appear to the Commission that any person has engaged or is about to
engage in any act or practice constituting a violation of any provision of this Code, any
rule, regulation or order thereunder, or any rule of an Exchange, registered securities association,
clearing agency or other self-regulatory organization, it may issue an order to such person to desist
from committing such act or practice: Provided, however, That the Commission shall not charge any
person with violation of the rules of an Exchange or other self-regulatory organization unless it appears
to the Commission that such Exchange or other self-regulatory organization is unable or unwilling to
take action against such person. After finding that such person has engaged in any such act or practice
and that there is a reasonable likelihood of continuing, further or future violations by such person, the
Commission may issue ex-parte a cease and desist order for a maximum period of ten (10) days,
enjoining the violation and compelling compliance with such provision. The Commission may transmit
such evidence as may be available concerning any violation of any provision of this Code, or any
rule, regulation or order thereunder, to the Department of Justice, which may institute the appropriate
criminal proceedings under this Code. aHDTAI
53.4. Any person who, within his power but without cause, fails or refuses to comply with any
lawful order, decision or subpoena issued by the Commission under Subsection 53.2 or Subsection
53.3 or Section 64 of this Code, shall after due notice and hearing, be guilty of contempt of the
Commission. Such person shall be fined in such reasonable amount as the Commission may
determine, or when such failure or refusal is a clear and open defiance of the Commission's order,
decision or subpoena, shall be detained under an arrest order issued by the Commission, until such
order, decision or subpoena is complied with.
SECTION 54. Administrative Sanctions. —
54.1. If, after due notice and hearing, the Commission finds that:
(a) There is a violation of this Code, its rules, or its orders;
(b) Any registered broker or dealer, associated person thereof has failed reasonably to
supervise, with a view to preventing violations, another person subject to supervision who commits
any such violation;
(c) Any registrant or other person has, in a registration statement or in other reports,
applications, accounts, records or documents required by law or rules to be filed with the Commission,
made any untrue statement of a material fact, or omitted to state any material fact required to be stated
therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading; or, in the case of an underwriter,
has failed to conduct an inquiry with reasonable diligence to insure that a registration statement is
accurate and complete in all material respects; or
(d) Any person has refused to permit any lawful examinations into its affairs, it shall, in its
discretion, and subject only to the limitations hereinafter prescribed, impose any or all of the following
sanctions as may be appropriate in light of the facts and circumstances:
(i) Suspension, or revocation of any registration for the offering of securities;
(ii) A fine of no less than Ten thousand pesos (P10,000.00) nor more than One million pesos
(P1,000,000.00) plus not more than Two thousand pesos (P2,000.00) for each day of
continuing violation;
(iii) In the case of a violation of Sections 19.2, 20, 24, 26 and 27, disqualification from being an
officer, member of the Board of Directors, or person performing similar functions, of an issuer
required to file reports under Section 17 of this Code or any other act, rule
or regulation administered by the Commission; HcSDIE
(iv) In the case of a violation of Section 34, a fine of no more than three (3) times the profit
gained or loss avoided as a result of the purchase, sale or communication proscribed by
such Section; and
(v) Other penalties within the power of the Commission to impose.
54.2. The imposition of the foregoing administrative sanctions shall be without prejudice to the
filing of criminal charges against the individuals responsible for the violation.
54.3. The Commission shall have the power to issue writs of execution to enforce the provisions
of this Section and to enforce payment of the fees and other dues collectible under this Code.
SECTION 55. Settlement Offers. —
55.1. At any time, during an investigation or proceeding under this Code, parties being
investigated and/or charged may propose in writing an offer of settlement with the Commission.
55.2. Upon receipt of such offer of settlement, the Commission may consider the offer based
on timing, the nature of the investigation or proceeding, and the public interest. IaAScD
55.3. The Commission may only agree to a settlement offer based on its findings that such
settlement is in the public interest. Any agreement to settle shall have no legal effect until publicly
disclosed. Such decision may be made without a determination of guilt on the part of the person
making the offer.
55.4. The Commission shall adopt rules and procedures governing the filing, review,
withdrawal, form of rejection and acceptance of such offers.
SECTION 56. Civil Liabilities on Account of False Registration Statement. —
56.1. Any person acquiring a security, the registration statement of which or any part thereof
contains on its effectivity an untrue statement of a material fact or omits to state a material fact required
to be stated therein or necessary to make such statements not misleading, and who suffers damage,
may sue and recover damages from the following enumerated persons, unless it is proved that at the
time of such acquisition he knew of such untrue statement or omission:
(a) The issuer and every person who signed the registration statement;
(b) Every person who was a director of, or any other person performing similar functions, or a
partner in, the issuer at the time of the filing of the registration statement or any part,
supplement or amendment thereof with respect to which his liability is asserted;
(c) Every person who is named in the registration statement as being or about to become a
director of, or a person performing similar functions, or a partner in, the issuer and whose
written consent thereto is filed with the registration statement;
(d) Every auditor or auditing firm named as having certified any financial statements used in
connection with the registration statement or prospectus. HCacTI
(e) Every person who, with his written consent, which shall be filed with the registration
statement, has been named as having prepared or certified any part of the registration
statement, or as having prepared or certified any report or valuation which is used in
connection with the registration statement, with respect to the statement, report, or
valuation, which purports to have been prepared or certified by him.
(f) Every selling shareholder who contributed to and certified as to the accuracy of a portion of
the registration statement, with respect to that portion of the registration statement which
purports to have been contributed by him.
(g) Every underwriter with respect to such security.
56.2. If the person who acquired the security did so after the issuer has made generally
available to its security holders an income statement covering a period of at least twelve (12) months
beginning from the effective date of the registration statement, then the right of recovery under this
subsection shall be conditioned on proof that such person acquired the security relying upon such
untrue statement in the registration statement or relying upon the registration statement and not
knowing of such income statement, but such reliance may be established without proof of the
reading of the registration statement by such person. DcITHE
partnership, association or entity responsible for the violation, and if such officer is an alien, he shall
in addition to the penalties prescribed, be deported without further proceedings after service of
sentence. DcSACE
SECTION 74. Transitory Provisions. — The Commission, as organized under existing laws,
shall continue to exist and exercise its powers, functions and duties under such laws and this
Code: Provided, That until otherwise mandated by a subsequent law, the Commission shall continue
to regulate and supervise commodity futures contracts as provided in Section 11 and pre-need plans
and the pre-need industry as provided in Section 16 of this Code.
All further requirements herein shall be complied with upon approval of this
Code: Provided, however, That compliance may be deferred for such reasonable time as the
Commission may determine but not to exceed one (1) year from approval of this
Code: Provided, further, That securities which are being offered at the time of effectivity of this Code
pursuant to an effective registration and permit, may continue to be offered and sold in accordance
with the provisions of the Revised Securities Act in effect immediately prior to approval of this Code.
All unexpended funds for the calendar year, properties, equipment and records of
the Securities and Exchange Commission are hereby retained by the Commission as reorganized
under this Code and the amount of Two hundred million pesos (P200,000,000.00) or such amount
necessary to carry out the reorganization provided in this Code is hereby appropriated.
All employees of the Commission who voluntarily retire or are separated from the service with
the Commission and whose retirement or separation has been approved by the Commission, shall be
paid retirement or separation benefits and other entitlements granted under existing laws.
SECTION 75. Partial Use of Income. — To carry out the purposes of this Code, the
Commission is hereby authorized, in addition to its annual budget, to retain and utilize an amount
equal to One hundred million pesos (P100,000,000.00) from its income. EDATSI
The use of such additional amount shall be subject to the auditing requirements, standards and
procedures under existing laws.
SECTION 76. Repealing Clause. — The Revised Securities Act (Batas Pambansa Blg. 178),
as amended, in its entirety, and Sections 2, 4 and 8 of Presidential Decree 902-A, as amended, are
hereby repealed. All other laws, orders, rules and regulations, or parts thereof, inconsistent with any
provision of this Code are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.
SECTION 77. Separability Clause. — If any portion or provision of this Code is declared
unconstitutional or invalid, the other portions or provisions hereof, which are not affected thereby shall
continue in full force and effect.
SECTION 78. Effectivity. — This Code shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication
in the Official Gazette or in two (2) newspapers of general circulation. ISTDAH
Approved: July 19, 2000
Published in The Daily Tribune and Today on July 24, 2000. Published in the Official Gazette,
Vol. 97 No. 1, 182 Supp., on January 1, 2001.
||| (The Securities Regulation Code, Republic Act No. 8799, [July 19, 2000])