By: Nelljay Kahlil Tuppal
Intern, Research and Development
Institute of Corporate Directors
On March 6, 2025, the Institute of Corporate Directors (ICD) convened with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for a strategic meeting held at the SEC Headquarters located at Salcedo Village, 7907 Makati Avenue, Makati. This gathering served as a pivotal forum for in-depth discussions on critical aspects of corporate governance performance, particularly concerning publicly listed companies (PLCs) and the advancement of regulatory initiatives.
The ICD delegation comprised distinguished members and key personnel, reflecting the institute's commitment to fostering robust corporate governance practices. Attendees from the ICD included: Chairperson Atty. Benedicta "Dick" Du-Baladad, FICD; President Senen "Bing" Matoto, FICD; Directors: Ms. Maria "Maricelle" Celeste Narciso, FICD; Mr. Donald Patrick Lim, FICD; Mr. Jose Tomas "Tom" Syquia, FICD; and Mr. Vaughn "Bong" Montes, FICD. Representing the ICD team were Executive Director Ms. Catherine Jalandoni, PEBDM Director, Ms. Carla Ronquillo-Solis, and CGA Manager, Ms. Thea Angara.
The SEC was represented by Chairman Mr. Emilio Aquino and SEC Director of Corporate Governance and Finance Department, Atty. Rachel Gumantang-Remalante, underscoring the high-level engagement and importance of the meeting.
A central topic of discussion was the ASEAN Corporate Governance Scorecard (ACGS), a regional initiative designed to elevate the corporate governance standards of PLCs. The dialogue focused on strategies to enhance the corporate governance performance of Philippine PLCs, aligning them with regional best practices.
Furthermore, the implementation of the Sustainability Report (SuRe form), scheduled for the following year, was thoroughly addressed. This initiative signifies a significant step towards integrating sustainability into corporate reporting, reflecting the growing emphasis on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors.
The meeting also highlighted the SEC's Communication Advocacy and Network (CAN) initiatives, which aim to strengthen corporate governance performance through enhanced communication and collaboration. These initiatives play a crucial role in disseminating information and fostering dialogue among stakeholders.
The meeting, conducted at the SEC Headquarters, provided an ideal setting for these strategic discussions. The collaboration between the ICD and SEC underscores a shared commitment to equipping leaders with the necessary tools and knowledge to uphold the highest standards of corporate governance.
Building on the foundation of previous engagements, such as the courtesy visit on January 22, 2025, the discussions aimed to further explore collaborative opportunities. The ongoing
partnership between the ICD and SEC is vital for navigating the evolving landscape of corporate governance, ensuring regulatory compliance, and strengthening business relationships.
This meeting reinforces the dedication of both organizations to championing effective corporate governance practices, ultimately contributing to a more transparent and accountable business environment in the Philippines.
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