Reputation risk: Business org’s new president accused of violence vs women

The newly-elected president of one of the country’s most reputable organizations of business executives is involved in a case of violence against women, so a number of women civic leaders aren’t having it.

The nine civic leaders have urged the organization’s board to reassess the election of its new president, who faces allegations of violating the anti-violence against women and their children (VAWC) law. He was also in a civil petition for a declaration of nullity of marriage.

In a letter dated December 5 obtained by Rappler, the leaders said they were “disturbed” to hear of his election as the organization’s president for 2025.

“We are cognizant of the fact that a formal conviction under the VAWC law is not a prerequisite…to conduct a review of this election. We deem it important, however, for [the organization] to recognize that accusations against one of your leaders could undermine [its] reputation and the integrity it has built over the years,” they said.

The signatories of the letter were former senator Nikki Coseteng, former social welfare secretary Judy Taguiwalo, activist nun Sister Mary John Mananzan, performance activist Mae Paner, actress Monique Wilson, multi-awarded journalist Inday Espina-Varona, former Gabriela representative Emmi de Jesus, and human rights activists Zena Bernardo and Edna Aquino.

The leaders said that this issue transcended legal outcomes, and struck at the heart of the business organization’s “commitment to ethical leadership, social responsibility, and respect for integrity and human dignity.”

They said that since the organization’s leaders wield significant influence within and beyond the business community, having someone with such charges as their president may risk eroding public trust in its leadership, along with its role as a champion of fairness and accountability.

“We urge the [organization’s leadership] to initiate an impartial and thorough reassessment of [accused’s] election based on these facts. Such a step would demonstrate…unwavering commitment to upholding its principles, safeguarding its reputation, and ensuring that its leaders reflect the highest ethical and moral standards,” they said.

A Rappler source said the organization has received a copy of the letter and that it was looking into the matter. We have also reached out to the incoming leader for comment, but we have yet to get a response.

The decades-old organization has a membership comprised of chief executive officers, chief operating officers, and top management practitioners from big local and multinational companies operating in the the Philippines. – Rappler.com