Title
Amendments to SEC Rules 34.1 and 38
Law
Sec Memorandum Circular No. 13, S. 2004
Decision Date
Oct 21, 2004
The SEC has amended Rules 34.1 and 38 of the Securities Regulation Code to enhance the segregation of broker and dealer functions and establish stricter criteria for the nomination and election of independent directors, effective 15 days post-publication.
A

Key Provision on Order Priority and Fluctuations

  • The provision safeguards the priority rights of the customer's unexecuted orders.
  • Brokers must place orders that either match or better the customer's offer by a minimum fluctuation increment.
  • Helps prevent unfair precedence of broker orders over existing customer orders.

Amendments to SRC Rule 38 on Independent Directors' Qualifications

  • Focus on paragraphs 2(E) and 2(F) of SRC Rule 38 concerning independent directors' eligibility.
  • An independent director must not have been employed in any executive capacity by the covered company, its related companies, or substantial shareholders within the last two years.
  • Additionally, the independent director must not have been retained as a professional adviser, personally or through his firm or similar entity, by the covered company, its related companies, or substantial shareholders within the last two years.

Definition and Role of Independent Directors

  • Ensures independence from the company and major shareholders to avoid conflicts of interest.
  • Employment or advisory relationships within two years disqualify nominees from being independent directors.
  • Enhances corporate governance by reinforcing true independence of board members.

Effectivity and Implementation

  • The amendments take effect fifteen days after publication in a newspaper of general circulation in the Philippines.
  • This provides notice to market participants for compliance.

Legal Significance

  • These amendments clarify and strengthen rules on market fairness and corporate governance.
  • They are aimed at protecting investors and enhancing transparency in securities trading and board governance.
  • Reflect the Commission's ongoing regulatory oversight and ability to adjust rules for market integrity and good corporate practice.

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