After ex-Department of Finance (DOF) official and lawyer Emmanuel "Noel" P. Bonoan withdrew from assuming the post of Management Association of the Philippines (MAP) president for 2025 amid personal life issues, the big business group has elected Alfredo "Al" S. Panlilio in his stead.
In a statement on Monday, Dec. 16, MAP announced that Panlilio, who chairs the digital Maya Bank Inc. as well as serves as director at telecommunications giants PLDT Inc. and Smart Communications Inc., shall become as the business group's 77th president next year.
MAP noted that the Manuel "Manny" V. Pangilinan (MVP)-led PLDT is a "long-time supporter of the Philippines' digital transformation," such that Panlilio himself was a founding member of the Private Sector Advisory Council's (PSAC) digital infrastructure pillar, put in place by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. when he assumed office in 2022.
Panlilio brings a wealth of experience to his new MAP role, having been president and chief executive officer (CEO) of both PLDT and SMART until last year, as well as holding various leadership positions at also MVP-led Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) and its subsidiaries.
Also, Panlilio is a sports advocate as he's part of several sports organizations, including the international basketball federation FIBA, MVP Sports Foundation, the National Golf Association of the Philippines (NGAP), the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC), and Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP).
In particular, he led the local organizing committee when the Philippines co-hosted the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup.
A graduate of San Francisco State University with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSBA-Computer Information Systems), Panlilio also holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from both Hong Kong University of Science and Technology as well as Northwestern University's Kellogg School of Management.
As Panlilio had earlier been elected as a member of MAP's 2025 board of governors, he just switched positions with Bonoan.
Joining them in next year's board are Metro Pacific Investments Corp.'s (MPIC) Michael T. Toledo (vice president); SGV and Co.'s Wilson P. Tan (treasurer); Ayala Healthcare Holdings Inc.'s (AC Health) Paolo F. Borromeo (assistant treasurer); GT Capital Holdings Inc.'s Gil B. Genio (secretary); current 2024 MAP president and Ayala Corp.'s Jose Rene Gregory D. Almendras; Center for Excellence in Governance's Rex C. Drilon II; and CEO Advisors Inc.'s Marianne "Maan" B. Hontiveros.