MANILA, Philippines – The Management Association of the Philippines (MAP) has elected Alfredo “Al” Panlilio as its president for 2025 after Emmanuel “Noel” Bonoan dropped the presidency for next year over a controversy that erupted recently.

Bonoan withdrew after being initially elected as the business group’s president for 2025, as cases related to his “former wife” came to light.

Panlilio is currently the chairman of Maya Bank and director of PLDT Inc., where he previously served as president and chief executive officer from June 2021 to December 2023.

“With PLDT as a long-time supporter of the Philippines’ digital transformation, Al is among the founding members under the Digital Infrastructure pillar of the Private Sector Advisory Council, which was formed in July 2022,” MAP said in a statement on Monday, December 16.

He also took the helm of Smart Communications from September 2010 to 2019 and held several positions in Meralco and its subsidiaries.

Aside from his top business positions, Panlilio is also serving the world of sports — being a member of the FIBA Central Board, the second vice president of the FIBA Asia Board, the president of the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas, and the MVP Sports Foundation. He also previously headed the Philippine Olympic Committee and the National Golf Association of the Philippines.

Panlilio graduated from San Francisco State University with a degree in computer information systems and a Master of Business Administration from JL Kellogg School of Management of Northwestern University and the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology.

MAP, one of the country’s most reputable organizations of business executives, holds its elections every end of the year.

Bonoan’s election as the supposed 77th MAP president was made public on November 26, 2024.

However, his election came under fire after it was revealed that he faces allegations of violating the anti-violence against women and their children (VAWC) law. This prompted women civic leaders to call out MAP to “recognize that accusations against one of [their] leaders could undermine [their] reputation and the integrity [they have] built over the years.”

Bonoan in a letter dated December 12 noted that he “[acknowledges] the distress these allegations have caused” and decided against assuming the presidency.

“He placed our organization’s best interests above personal considerations and, for this, we should all be grateful,” 2024 MAP president Rene Almendras said.

Despite this, Bonoan would still serve as a member of the MAP 2025 Board, along with Almendras, Rex Drilon of the Center for Excellence in Governance, and Maan Hontiveros of CEO Advisors.

Meanwhile, the MAP 2025 Board of Governors is composed of Metro Pacific Investments Corporation’s Mike Toledo as vice president, SGV & Co’s Wilson Tan as treasurer, AC Health’s Paolo Borromeo as assistant treasurer, and GT Capital Holdings’ Gil Genio as the secretary. – Rappler.com