Policies and Protocols

The Code of Ethics and Business Conduct (Code), adopted by the Company in 2002 and updated in 2016, outlines how Executive Management, team leaders, and team members are expected to uphold ethical standards in the Company’s day-to-day operations. It also summarizes the Company’s fundamental policies and directives.  

Since the approval of the Amended Code, the Board of Directors, Team Leaders, and Members have received training and affirmed their commitment by signing the Personal Commitment Form.

As a publicly listed company, the Company is subject to numerous stringent laws and regulations. All Company employees are made aware of their responsibility to know and understand the laws applicable to their respective job responsibilities and are directed to comply with both the letter and the spirit of these laws. All employees are expected to behave properly within the bounds of law and are also cautioned to avoid any appearance of impropriety. The Company ensures that all stakeholders are aware of these various laws operating within its own environment, and adopts policies to encourage participation and prevent any violation of these laws. One such policy is the non-acceptance of gifts from persons who have a beneficial relationship with the Company. The Company makes it a point that employees know that gifts and special favors may create an inappropriate expectation or feeling of obligation. It is a policy of the Company that business gifts to, and entertainment of, non-government employees in connection with business discussions or the development of business relationships are only appropriate if they are in the ordinary course of business and their value is modest. (See Code of Ethics and Business Conduct).

In dealings with suppliers and other business partners, the Company likewise ensures that they are compliant with the laws, for example, requiring appropriate registration from the Bureau of Internal Revenue, the local government units, the ERC, SEC and PSE, and other regulatory bodies. Another example is the withdrawal of the members of the Board, management and employees from transactions with potential conflict of interests as mandated. All directors are prohibited from participating in any Board discussion or decision affecting their personal, business or professional interests. All employees, officers and directors have an obligation to act in the best interests of the Company.

The Company’s Code of Ethics and Business Conduct, as well as internal policies not only require a disclosure of conflict of interest but also require a behavior to refrain from entering into transactions of the Company. At the Board level, directors are encouraged to disclose and refrain from participating or voting matters that affect their personal, business or professional interests that are likely to give rise to conflicts of interest situation. All employees, officers and directors have an obligation to act in the best interests of the Company. 

In dealings with its customers, suppliers and business partners, the Company abides by the Fair Dealing Policy found in its Code of Ethics and Business Conduct. The basis of the policy is the Company’s objective to out-perform its competition fairly and honestly through superior performance. Every employee, officer and director therefore always prioritizes the best interests of the Company’s clients and endeavours to deal fairly with suppliers, competitors, the public and one another. No one should take unfair advantage of anyone through manipulation, abuse of privileged information, misrepresentation of facts or any other unfair dealing practice.

In dealings with suppliers and other business partners, the Company likewise ensures that they are compliant with the laws. All directors are prohibited from participating in any Board discussion or decision affecting their personal, business or professional interests in a transaction involving the Company as a party. All employees, officers and directors have an obligation to act in the best interests of the Company. 

The Company’s power generation and distribution operations are subject to stringent safety, health, environmental and other regulatory standards. For the year 2016, the Company, its subsidiaries and affiliates were fully compliant with the legal standards. AboitizPower and all its generation companies and distribution utilities were granted Certificates of Compliance from the relevant governmental agencies and bureaus requiring certification. The business units of the Company are committed to the needed expenditure and compliance requirements on occupational health and a clear demonstration of how the Company values health and safety measures in the work environment. 

Consistent with our core values, including respect for individuals and cultures, the Company is committed to a workplace in which all individuals are treated with dignity and respect. Each individual should have the ability to work in an environment that promotes equal employment opportunities and prohibits discriminatory practices, including harassment. Therefore, the Company expects that all relationships among persons in the workplace will be professional and free of bias, harassment or violence. 

To this end, the Company has adopted, among other initiatives, an Anti-Sexual Harassment Policy, in accordance with the provisions of Republic Act No. 7877 or the Anti-Sexual Harassment Act of 1995.

The Company regards its people as its most significant and valuable asset. Regardless of position, all employees contribute to the Company’s growth as an organization by striving for quality performance. As such, the Company fosters an environment where all team members are encouraged to excel and grow through training, values orientation, and motivation to achieve their aspirations, in line with corporate goals and objectives.   

To encourage team members to develop their leadership behaviors and apply their creative talents in pursuit of excellence, the Company has established a Human Resources (HR) Policy that caters to the diverse needs of employees and serves as a guide to maximize employee contribution.

The Company’s HR Policy is accessible through the Company portal and covers the following: