Teresita Sy-Coson: Trust is built one truth at a time
MANILA, Philippines — SM Investments Vice Chairperson Teresita Sy-Coson reflects on why trust, integrity, and accountability remain the strongest currencies in business — and why credible journalism continues to shape better decisions for organizations and for the nation.
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'Truth is the foundation of trust in any society.'
Some leaders speak in sweeping philosophies, while others lead through simple principles repeated consistently over decades.
For Teresita Sy-Coson, Vice Chairperson of SM Investments Corporation, trust begins with something remarkably straightforward:
Tell the truth.
It is a belief that has guided one of the country's largest business groups as it grew alongside generations of Filipinos, and one that she believes is equally indispensable to journalism.
In an age where information travels faster than ever before, Sy-Coson says the value of truth has not diminished. If anything, it has become even more essential.
"Truth always matters because it is the foundation of trust in any society," she says.
"It provides clarity, context, and accountability. It helps people and organizations make informed decisions, and credible journalism is crucial to economic progress and nation-building."
As The Philippine STAR celebrates its 40th anniversary under the campaign theme WHERE TRUTH SHINES, Sy-Coson's reflections underscore an enduring reality:
institutions earn public confidence not through size or longevity alone, but through their unwavering commitment to credibility.
Trust begins with integrity
Throughout the conversation, one word surfaces repeatedly: trust.
For Sy-Coson, every lasting institution — whether a corporation, a newspaper, or a public organization — must first establish confidence before it can create impact.
"I think, like in any institution or business, we always have to build trust," she says.
"And to build trust, you have to have credibility and integrity."
To her, integrity is not an abstract corporate value. It is the discipline that allows credibility to exist.
Without it, public confidence quickly erodes.
"Without integrity, there might not be credibility," she explains. "They go hand in hand."
This principle has become increasingly important as digital platforms accelerate the pace of information.
Today, news is often published within minutes, shared instantly, and amplified across countless channels before facts have been fully established.
Sy-Coson believes this environment makes responsible journalism even more valuable.
"In digital media, sometimes information is released too quickly," she observes. "People report even without verifying."
"At least in print, information is verified first before reporting."
For organizations whose decisions affect millions of people, accuracy is not optional.
It is essential.
Shared values that endure
The partnership between SM and The Philippine STAR has endured, not simply because of business, but because of shared principles.
Asked what the newspaper represents to SM beyond being a communications platform, Sy-Coson points to its practical value.
"We depend on credible information to do the right analysis for our business," she says. "Having credible and more accurate information helps us a lot."
Reliable journalism supports informed leadership. It enables organizations to better understand the environment around them and make decisions grounded in fact rather than speculation.
She also credits The Philippine STAR's leadership under Miguel Belmonte for fostering values that closely mirror those of their own organization.
"Miguel has been handling it like it's a family business," she says.
"In a family business, you really have to look into accountability. And with accountability comes credibility, and with credibility comes trust."
Those qualities — credibility, accountability, integrity, and consistency — have allowed both institutions to grow alongside the Filipino public.
"I think so," she says when asked whether both organizations have evolved with the nation.
"Without the news from The Philippine STAR, we wouldn't have a lot of information on hand to make decisions about the environment around us."
Relationship built over generations
Trust is perhaps most visible not in statements, but in everyday experience. Few brands interact with Filipinos as frequently as SM.
Its malls, retail stores, banks, and property developments have become woven into daily life, making public confidence both a privilege and a responsibility.
For Sy-Coson, earning that trust requires continuous work.
"We have been working on accountability and integrity among our people so they can earn the trust of our customers," she says.
"We have been doing this consistently for many years."
Consistency, she believes, ultimately shapes reputation. Customers return because organizations repeatedly demonstrate that they can be relied upon.
This same philosophy extends beyond commerce.
When asked about the common perception of SM malls as a "second home" — places where Filipinos seek comfort during scorching summers or heavy rains — her response is characteristically warm and practical.
"That's good," she says. "For us, SM is supposed to be a second home."
"If we can help people escape the weather, whether heat or rain, that's fine. We want them to feel at home and make us part of their lives."
Trust: A daily commitment
As The Philippine STAR marks four decades of journalism, Sy-Coson's message is concise but deeply aligned with the publication's mission.
"It has built trust," she says. "I hope it continues to have that credibility and accountability in news reporting."
This is both a congratulation and a challenge, because trust is never inherited.
It must be earned again every day.
For 40 years, The Philippine STAR has sought to build that trust through responsible journalism and credible reporting.
For leaders like Teresita Sy-Coson, whose own institution has been built on accountability and consistency, the principles remain unchanged.
Truth creates credibility. Credibility earns trust. Trust is what allows institutions to endure across generations.
