P-Noy names 3 top entrepreneurs to Asean Business Council

MANILA, Philippines - President Aquino has appointed three prominent businessmen to the ASEAN Business Advisory Council (ABAC).

Presidential deputy spokesperson Abigail Valte said the three have been chosen based on the “recommendations” from the business industry and from advisers: SM Group’s Teresita “Tessie” Sy-Coson, Philippine Long Distance Telephone Company’s Manuel “Manny” Pangilinan and Cebuano entrepreneur Jay Yuvallos.

The ABAC is the primary venue for private sector feedback. This was established by ASEAN Heads of Government in an effort to creating an integrated and competitive ASEAN economy.

Malacanang announced earlier that former US ambassador Albert Del Rosario, the newest member of President Aquino’s cabinet, will be serving as foreign affairs secretary and presidential adviser for international relations in a “concurrent capacity.”

In a statement, Executive Secretary Paquito “Jojo” Ochoa Jr. said the swearing in of del Rosario last Thursday by the President was for his post as presidential adviser for international relations.