Philippines: House of Representatives supports the practice of CSR

The House of Representatives is not only an amalgam of zealous individuals working toward a more productive 17th Congress. The working house is also a caring house. This shows in various measures supporting the practice of corporate social responsibility in the Philippines.

It also shows in the push from Speaker Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo for the urgent rehabilitation of Marawi City and for a renewed focus on the plight of the urban poor, which she has championed throughout her career.

Supporting CSR

CSR is how companies manage their business processes to produce an overall positive impact on society. It is the commitment of business to contribute to sustainable economic development, working with employees, their families, the local community and society at large to improve quality of life, in ways that are both good for business and good for development.

As a corporate body, the House of Representatives, led by Speaker Arroyo, believes in CSR and puts a premium on serving the people with purpose. In fact, the House has approved a bill institutionalizing corporate social responsibility. The measure, known as the Corporate Social Responsibility Act of 2011, provides that all local government units shall extend whatever assistance is necessary for business establishments in the exercise of CSR in their areas of jurisdiction.

This bill was co-authored by Speaker Arroyo. In 2016, the Speaker then introduced House Bill 698 to ratify the call to institutionalize CSR. As principal author, Arroyo pushed for the act encouraging corporate social responsibility, providing incentives for it, and for other purposes. This updated version was to be called the “Corporate Social Responsibility Act of 2016.”

The bill seeks to foster economic and environmental development and protection, among other things, by institutionalizing corporate social responsibility in corporations, whether domestic or foreign, partnership and other establishments performing business in the Philippines.

They are mandated to take into consideration the interest of society by taking responsibility for the impact of their activities on customers, employees, shareholders, communities, and environment. The House Committee on Trade and Industry is currently tackling the measure for plenary approval.

Source: Manila Standard