Section 176. Stock Ownership in Corporations.— Pursuant to the duties specified by Article XIV of the Constitution, the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) shall, from time to time, determine if the corporate vehicle has been used by any corporation, business, or industry to frustrate the provisions of this Code or applicable laws, and shall submit to Congress, whenever deemed necessary, a report of its findings, including recommendations for their prevention or correction.

The Congress of the Philippines may set maximum limits for stock ownership of individuals or groups of individuals related to each other by consanguinity, affinity, or by close business interests, in corporations declared to be vested with public interest pursuant to the provisions of this section, or whenever necessary to prevent anti-competitive practices as provided in Republic Act No. 10667, otherwise known as the “Philippine Competition Act”, or to implement national economic policies designed to promote general welfare and economic development, as declared in laws, rules and regulations.

In recommending to the Congress which corporations, businesses and industries will be declared as vested with public interest, and in formulating proposals for limitations on stock ownership, the NEDA shall consider the type and nature of the industry, size of the enterprise, economies of scale, geographic location, extent of Filipino ownership, labor intensity of the activity, export potential, as well as other factors which are germane to the realization and promotion of business and industry.