Philippines Inc.'s power night
MANILA, Philippines - The chic address of 6750 Ayala Avenue was buzzing with intrigue when, as though choreographed, a silent queue of limousines started unloading VVVIPs (very, very, very important people) in front of the luxurious dining enclave of Lolo Dad’s Brasserie. Curious onlookers were awed by the intermittent procession of sharply dressed guests entering what was obviously a high-status event.
Arriving at 7 p.m. were the board members of Philippines Inc. (See? Good Filipinos do arrive on time) and other special guests including former AIG Asia Financial head Cesar Zalamea and Sycip Gorres & Velayo founder Washington Sycip. They were cordially welcomed by Lolo Dad’s Brasserie owner and Philippines Inc. chairman Antonio O. Cojuangco.
After a few minutes, US Ambassador to the Philippines Harry Thomas arrived accompanied by US-ASEAN Center for Strategic International Studies commissioners: Former AIG chairman & CEO Maurice “Hank” Greenberg, Chevron Asia-Pacific president Jim Blackwell, Boeing South East Asia president Skip Boyce, Former United States SEC chairman Rod Hills, and former USAID administrator and US deputy Secretary of State Henrietta Fore.
Cocktails started with what I would call “high-end” champagne and appetizers to accompany the chatter produced a white noise that might be described as excitingly relaxing. It was a space full of powerful people with a strong but pleasant presence.
At 8 p.m., the Philippines and US delegation sat down, then the program started with a welcoming speech by Philippines Inc. chairman Antonio “Tonyboy” O. Cojuangco. In his talk he declared the full commitment of Philippines Inc. as an alliance of industry leaders who will be a sustaining force in nation building. He also encouraged the US delegation to help them attract investments and assured them of President P-Noy’s dedication to implement an anti-corruption crusade as never before seen in modern government.
US-ASEAN Center for Strategic International Studies Commission chairman Hank Greenberg reported about their meeting with P-Noy and members of the Cabinet. He responded to Cojuangco’s speech with a promise to make recommendations for the development of a long-term US strategy for the Philippines.
At 9 p.m., Vice President Jejomar Binay arrived as the microphone was passed to former US SEC chairman Rod Hills who then courteously greeted the vice president. Binay, with his humble charm, spoke of the current leadership’s focus on “the straight path” or “daang matuwid” policy of governance. He urged support for the Aquino government, especially since we have a president who he described as “a public servant who has no corruption case or has any plan to be affiliated with corruption.”
Members of the Philippines Inc. in attendance were Philippines Inc. vice chairman Susing Pineda, Philippines Inc. president Tony Lopa, Philippines Inc. EVP Babes Romualdez, ICTSI chairman/CEO Ricky Razon, Jollibee chairman and CEO Tony Tan Caktiong, Unionbank chairman Tito Ortiz, Transunion Corporation president Mike Varela, PCCI chairman Sergio Ortiz Luis, Concepcion Industries chairman Raul Concepcion, Basic Energy chairman/ CEO Oscar de Venecia, Philippines Inc. corporate secretary Atty. Opap Villonco and Philippines Inc. treasurer and Mazda Makati president Annie Tan-Yee.
The objective of Philippines Inc. is to align the many pillars of industry in a united course towards a robust and globally competitive economic system founded in the principles of fair trade, responsible entrepreneurship, good governance and inclusive growth. The group will initially launch a private sector-led roadshow to support PPP in the US, Japan, China and ASEAN countries.
