Corporate Governance Policies
The Manual on Corporate Governance institutionalizes the principles of good corporate governance, defines the Company’s compliance system and identifies the responsibilities of the Board of Directors in relation to good corporate governance. It also states the Company’s policies on disclosure and transparency and mandates the conduct of communication and training programs on corporate governance. The Manual further provides for the rights of all shareholders and the protection of the interests of minority stockholders.
Manual on Corporate Governance
Code of Ethics
The Code of Ethics states the principles that guide SM’s Directors, officers and employees in the performance of their duties and responsibilities, and in their transactions with investors, creditors, customers, contractors, suppliers, regulators and the general public. The Code underlines the importance of integrity in the relationships and dealings with business partners, and highlights the Company’s duties regarding employee welfare, the rights of shareholders, the protection of material company information and the importance of corporate social responsibility.
Employee Welfare
In line with its mission and vision, SMIC strives to be an employer of choice and provides for the health, safety and welfare of its employees. The Company has established policies and programs that promote a safe and healthy work environment that caters to all cultures and creeds and encourages employee development and growth.
Orientations and Training
SMIC remains committed to providing its directors, officers and employees opportunities for growth and development through its various training and orientation activities.
Other Policies
To keep pace with the latest in corporate governance practices, SMIC periodically reviews and enhances its Manual on Corporate Governance, Code of Ethics and other corporate governance related policies. Use links to view the full policies.
| CG Related Policies | Brief Descriptions |
|---|---|
| Insider Trading Policy | Directors, officers and employees are prohibited from trading in the Company’s shares, five (5) trading days before and two (2) trading days after the disclosure of any material, stock price-sensitive information. SMIC issues reminders of the “trading ban”, before the release of financial reports or the disclosure of other material information to ensure compliance with the policy. Trading done by directors and officers are reported within three (3) days of the transaction. |
| Related Party Transactions | SMIC discloses in the nature, extent and information on transactions with related parties in the Company's financial statements and quarterly and annual reports. The newly created Related Party Transactions Committee is tasked to review all related party transactions and ensure that these are conducted at arm’s length. |
| Conflict of Interest Policy | SMIC’s Conflict of Interest policy defines a conflict as a situation wherein a director, officer or employee has or appears to have a direct or indirect personal interest in any transaction, which may deter or influence him from acting in the best interests of the Company. Any director, officer or employee involved in an actual or potential conflict of interest is required to immediately disclose said conflict to the Company. |
| Guidelines on Acceptance of Gifts and Travel Sponsored by Business Partners | Based on the provisions of the Code of Ethics, SMIC’s directors, officers and employees are prohibited from soliciting or accepting gifts, hospitality, and/or entertainment in any form from any business partner. The term gift covers anything of value, such as but not limited to cash or cash equivalent. The guidelines provide exceptions such as corporate giveaways, tokens or promotional items of nominal value. In the same manner, travel sponsored by any current or prospective business partner is prohibited. |
| Guidelines on Placement of Advertisments | SMIC issued a policy to prohibit the placement of advertisements in publications that solicit for such ad placement prior to the release of the official results of an awarding process conducted by the publication and where an SM company or director, officer or employee is one of the nominees vying for the award. SM may consider placing advertisements in such publications as part of its over-all marketing strategy, but only after the release of the results of the awarding process and where it will not create reasonable doubt that such ad placement influenced in any way an award given to an SM company or director, officer or employee. |
| Policy on Accountability, Integrity and Vigilance (Whistleblowing Policy) | SMIC’s whistleblowing policy, referred to as the Policy on Accountability, Integrity and Vigilance (PAIV), was adopted to create an environment where concerns and issues, made in good faith, may be raised freely within the organization. Under the policy, any SMIC director, officer or employee may accomplish an incident report on suspected or actual violations of the Code of Ethics, the Company’s Code of Conduct or any other applicable law or regulation. Upon receipt of an incident report, Management conducts an investigation on its merit, subject to due process and applicable penalties and sanctions thereafter. |
| Policy for Vendor Selection and Purchase of Goods and Services | Existing and potential vendors and suppliers are required to conform to the Company’s Code of Ethics as a pre-requisite for the accreditation process. |
| Upholding Creditor’s Rights | SM upholds the rights of creditors thru the timely and accurate disclosure of all material information, such as but not limited to earning results and risk exposures, relating but not limited to loans and loan covenant agreements. |
| Alternative Dispute Resolution System | Ensures that the Company maintains an alternative dispute resolution system to settle conflicts between the Company and its stockholders or other third parties, including regulatory authorities. |
