Title
Establishing Maharlika Investment Fund Act
Law
Republic Act No. 11954
Decision Date
Jul 18, 2023
The Revised Implementing Rules and Regulations of the Maharlika Investment Fund Act of 2023 (Republic Act No. 11954) establishes the guidelines and procedures for the establishment and management of the Maharlika Investment Corporation, including its capitalization, investments, and governance structure.

Definitions

  • Advisory Board: Body providing guidance to the Maharlika Investment Corporation (MIC) Board of Directors.
  • Board of Directors: Governing body of MIC.
  • Divestment: Transfer or disposal of property title excluding relatives within the fourth degree.
  • Founding GFIs: Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP) and Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP).
  • Independent Director: Director free from conflicts, independent of management and controlling shareholders.
  • MIC: Government-owned corporation managing the MIF.
  • MIF: The fund created to promote economic growth.
  • Regular Director: President-appointed full-time director without other public office.
  • Santiago Principles: International best practice standards for Sovereign Wealth Funds (SWFs).

Establishment and Corporate Powers of MIC

  • MIC established as a GOCC to manage and invest the MIF for optimal returns and economic growth.
  • Principal place of business in Metro Manila; may establish branches.
  • Authorized capital stock of P500 billion with common and preferred shares.
  • Capitalization funded by National Government, LBP, DBP, BSP dividends, PAGCOR income, DOF Privatization proceeds, and others.
  • MIC authorized to enter contracts, own/sell property, sue/be sued, issue bonds (not government guaranteed), and perform necessary functions.

Functions and Management of MIC

  • Diversify investments locally and globally.
  • Manage initial and future funds according to law and international standards.
  • Foster capacity building in finance, risk mitigation, governance.
  • Adhere to transparency and Santiago Principles.
  • Administrative expenses capped at 2% of funds managed, with target reductions.

Maharlika Investment Fund (MIF)

  • Created to support socioeconomic development through strategic and profitable investments.
  • Fund sourced from MIC capitalization, selected GFIs, National Government contributions, excluding certain social security and insurance agencies.
  • Investments limited to 25% of GFIs' net worth.
  • Use for strategic government infrastructure and development projects.

Allowable and Prohibited Investments

  • Allowed: Cash, securities, equities, bonds, joint ventures, real estate, infrastructure aligned with national priorities, health, education, research projects, loans and guarantees.
  • Joint ventures and co-investments must be transparent and mutually beneficial.
  • Prohibited investments are those banned under existing laws and international conventions.

Investment Policies and Limitations

  • Board to formulate policies balancing risk and return, including Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles.
  • Risk management standards to avoid concentration and undue exposure.
  • Regular disclosure and transparency of investment activities.
  • No financial liability guaranteed by the government for MIC actions without proper authorization.

Governance Structure

  • Board of Directors: 9 members including Finance Secretary (Chair), MIC CEO, LBP and DBP Presidents, 2 Regular Directors, and 3 Independent Directors.
  • Regular Directors serve 3 years, full-time, exclude conflicts of interest; Independent Directors serve 1-year terms with max 9-year tenure.
  • Disqualifications include criminal convictions, fraudulent acts, pending fraud-related cases.
  • Board members bonded with a P10 million fidelity bond.
  • Board powers include policy approval, asset management, appointment of key officials, dividend declarations, audit oversight.

Officers and Committees

  • President and CEO (PCEO): Oversees MIC operations with significant corporate and financial experience, appointed for 3 years.
  • Chief Investment and Operations Officer (CIOO): Manages investment operations, appointed by Board.
  • Risk Management Committee: 5 members including independent director chair, monitors risk-reward balance.

Reporting and Transparency

  • MIC subject to Government-Owned and Controlled Corporations (GOCC) Governance Act, Government Procurement Reform Act, and other relevant laws.
  • Internal and external audits by appointed firms and Commission on Audit.
  • Special audit every 5 years.
  • Quarterly and annual reports submitted to a Joint Congressional Oversight Committee (MIF-JCOC).
  • Public access rights to MIC documents, disclosures, and reports.

Offenses and Penalties

  • Penalties for directors/officers holding disqualifications include fines (P5M-P15M) and perpetual disqualification.
  • Auditors certifying inaccurate financials face fines, imprisonment, and disqualification.
  • Liability for graft, corruption, and fraudulent acts includes fines, imprisonment, and disqualification.
  • Protection for whistleblowers with penalties for retaliation.
  • Offense prescription period of 10 years, except for property recovery rights.

Miscellaneous Provisions

  • Appropriations for capitalization from BSP dividends, PAGCOR revenues, privatization proceeds, and other sources.
  • Legal affairs handled by Office of Government Corporate Counsel.
  • MIC corporate term of 35 years.
  • Implementing rules to be promulgated within 90 days.
  • Supplentary application of Revised Corporation Code.
  • Separability clause and repeal of inconsistent laws.
  • Immediate effectivity upon publication; also promulgated in Filipino.

Analyze Cases Smarter, Faster
Jur helps you analyze cases smarter to comprehend faster, building context before diving into full texts. AI-powered analysis, always verify critical details.