In compliance with the requirements of the law, the Company’s Manual, and the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), the Company has four (4) independent directors as members of the Board.
Under the Charter of the Board, Independence is defined as, with respect to any person, the absence of any restrictions or limitations or freedom from any interests or relationships that would interfere with the exercise of impartial and objective judgment in carrying out the responsibilities of that person.
Under the Manual, Independence is defined as, with respect to any person, the absence of any restrictions or limitations or freedom from any interests or relationships that would interfere with the exercise of impartial and objective judgment in carrying out the responsibilities of that person.
Thus, Independent directors shall hold no interests or relationships with the Company that may hinder their independence from the Company or its management, which would interfere with the exercise of independent judgment in carrying out the responsibilities of a director.
An Independent Director shall, within thirty (30) days from his election or appointment, including any re-election or re-appointment, submit to the Corporate Secretary a letter of confirmation stating that he holds no interests affiliated with the Company, its management or controlling shareholder.
Finally, the Company also subscribes to the requirements of independence under existing laws, rules and regulations, in particular, the SEC Memorandum Circular No. 16 Series of 2002. Hence, the Company ensures that its independent directors have all the qualifications and none of the disqualifications specified in the said SEC Memorandum Circular.
Among the Independent Directors, the Board should designate a lead director if the Chairman of the Board is not independent, or if the positions of the Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer are held by one person. The functions of the lead independent director include, among others, the following: serves as an intermediary between the Chairman and the other directors when necessary; convenes and chairs meetings of the non-executive directors; and contributes to the performance evaluation of the Chairman, as required.