Panlilio takes helm of PLDT

MANILA, Philippines — PLDT chairman and business titan Manuel V. Pangilinan has officially relinquished his position as PLDT president and chief executive officer to Alfredo Panlilio.

“This decision is made less difficult by the knowledge that Al (Panlilio), with his long experience with PLDT and his competent qualities, would be able to take my place forthwith without interruption or detriment to the progress that PLDT has made,” Pangilinan said during the company’s annual stockholders’ meeting yesterday.

“Indeed, there are moments in the lives of corporations and even in our own lives where change becomes appropriate, even inevitable. I now lay down my charge,” Pangilinan said, noting that he would continue to follow the affairs and fortune of the company as he remains as its chairman.

Pangilinan, who was named PLDT president for the first time in 1999, said a lot of things have changed in the company since then, especially given the rapid technological advancements that have taken place.

Pangilinan, however, said PLDT is now a stronger company.

“In the past 23 years, I’ve seen first-hand the ordeals and trials of this company. We’ve seen them all and we have prevailed. It has been an unparalleled privilege to have served you and this company as your CEO. It has indeed been a remarkable walk with destiny,” he said.

Panlilio is the sixth Filipino chief executive officer of PLDT.

“I wish to extend my sincere respect and appreciation to all the leaders and employees of the company for their strong support. I must confess I have big shoes to fill as you have set the bar so high and I am honored to follow the most remarkable leader,” Panlilio said.

Panlilio said Pangilinan’s leadership has made PLDT what it is today.

“You, chairman MVP have wisely guided our company into the 21st century. You thought us to pivot, or else we would perish. You’ve defined an ambitious agenda and held us all together as we attained each goal one after another. You have strengthened PLDT as a heritage brand and made us truly indispensable in every aspect in the life of Filipinos around the world,” he said.

As the company’s new president and CEO, Panlilio vowed to work diligently to realize PLDT’s vision as a true customer-centric and leading edge technology company.

“As your new CEO, I am far from perfect. I will need unsparing support, cooperation and trust from everyone. But I pledged to serve you well with all my heart and to do the best of my abilities. I will seek excellence and humility. I will lead by example,” he said.