Ex-Ateneo president Nebres resigns from PLDT board

MANILA, Philippines – There is one less Ateneo de Manila University alumnus in the board of the country’s largest telecommunications group.

On Tuesday, September 25, Philippine Long Distance Telephone Co. (PLDT) told the local stock exchange that its board has accepted during its meeting the resignation of Fr Bienvenido F. Nebres, S.J., former president of the Ateneo de Manila University.

“Nebres has no disagreement with the Board and there are no matters relating to his resignation that need to be brought to the attention of the shareholders of the company. His resignation is not expected to have any significant impact on the company’s current or future operations,” PLDT told the exchange.

Nebres, 71, has been a director of PLDT since November 24, 1998. He served as independent director and chairman of various board committees, including audit, executive compensation and governance.

“The board expressed their sincerest gratitude to Rev. Fr. Nebres for his long and invaluable service to the board, its committees and the company,” PLDT said.

This resignation followed the recent falling out between PLDT chair Manuel V. Pangilinan — also an Atenean — with the school. Pangilinan has been one of the university’s most generous donors.

Pangilinan recently wrote the current university president, Fr Jett Villarin, that he will no longer support the school.

Pangilinan cited the Jesuit school’s stand on the Reproductive Health bill and mining as reasons. Pangilinan is also chair of Philex Mining Corp, the country’s largest copper and gold producer.

Below are the remaining members of the PLDT board:

• Manuel V. Pangilinan, Chairman of the Board
• Napoleon L. Nazareno, President and CEO
• Helen Y. Dee
• Ray C. Espinosa
• James L. Go
• Setsuya Kimura
• Hideaki Ozaki
• Ma. Lourdes C. Rausa-Chan
• Pedro E. Roxas (Independent Director)
• Juan B. Santos
• Tony Tan Caktiong
• Alfred V. Ty (Independent Director)

– Rappler.com