Tycoons and the top brass of big Philippine companies not only want what’s best for business — they also share the public’s desire for what is best for the country.
What is good for the country, after all, means a better environment for businesses to thrive.
As 2025 comes to a close, companies reflect on the past year and look forward to a better year ahead.
Following a year marked by challenges, political noise and corruption scandals in the Philippines, optimism still prevails across the business community as it enters 2026.
This Christmas season, executives and business leaders share their wishes — not for themselves, but for the country, the economy and the business sector in general.
“This Christmas, I share my hope for our country and the importance of clear and coherent government policies that build confidence and allow businesses to create jobs,” tycoon Isidro Consunji, chairman of diversified engineering conglomerate DMCI Holdings, said.
“Together with the responsible and transparent use of taxpayers’ money, these help the economy grow through cooperation between government and the private sector,” he said.
Tycoon Kevin Tan, president and CEO of conglomerate Alliance Global Group Inc., is wishing “for the country to finally heal and that we continue to have stability throughout next year and the years to come.”
“In the spirit of the holidays, a time for hope and renewal, Alliance Global Group reaffirms our shared purpose of helping drive national progress,” Tan said.
“We are committed to moving forward, highlighting positive impact and transformative projects we are undertaking across the archipelago. From Megaworld’s vibrant townships, to Emperador’s world-class spirits, to the premier leisure and entertainment offerings of Newport World Resorts, every project we pursue is dedicated to helping build a more progressive nation,” he added.
Also wishing for greater predictability and clarity in the business environment is SM Investments Corp. president and CEO Frederic DyBuncio.
“As long-term partners in the country’s ongoing growth journey, we value stability and consistency in policy direction. These give businesses more confidence to invest, create jobs and contribute meaningfully to broader economic progress,” he said.
In addition, DyBuncio is hoping for continued consumer resilience, supported by policies that safeguard purchasing power, especially for daily essentials.
“Strong and empowered consumers keep our economy moving, and we remain committed to serving their needs across our retail, property and banking businesses,” DyBuncio said.
“Our third wish is for our country to enter 2026 with renewed strength and optimism. With almost 70 years of serving the Filipinos, we remain confident in the Philippines’ long-term prospects and in the momentum we have built together over the past years. We look forward to contributing even more to a brighter and better future for all,” he added.
Tycoon Edgar “Injap” Sia II, chairman of DoubleDragon Corp., for his part, kept it short, saying that his wish “is for the Philippines to be soon able to accelerate the essential steps toward becoming a first-world nation, with a robust, world-class economy that is truly inclusive for all.”
For Cezar Consing, president and CEO of Ayala Corp., he chose to reflect on all the blessings that the country’s oldest conglomerate has received in 2025.
“Foremost of our blessings has been the continued support of the various stakeholders of our many businesses and new initiatives. We repay this trust by striving to build businesses that allow people to thrive. It’s a formula that uplifts all of us,” Consing said.
EJ Qua Hiansen, chief financial officer of the Del Rosario Group’s diversified conglomerate, Phinma Corp., said that his Christmas wish is to see the economy strengthen through collaboration among the government, business, and communities, while ensuring that growth remains inclusive and benefits all Filipinos.
“May this spirit of cooperation restore confidence, encourage long-term investment and create meaningful opportunities for the next generation,” Qua Hiansen, who is also the president of the Financial Executives Institute of the Philippines for 2025, said.
Fruitas Holdings Inc. president and CEO Lester Yu, meanwhile, hopes that the Filipino people will finally awaken to the problems happening in the country, especially corruption, and that they will no longer vote for those who are not deserving.
Yu is also hoping that laws will be implemented appropriately and honestly so that competition in the field of commerce will be fair, such as in the payment and collection of taxes.
“In this way, more people in society will benefit and our government will be able to serve them better,” he said.
Megaworld president and CEO Lourdes Gutierrez-Alfonso, for her part, shared that she wishes that “all of us be able to journey and walk in God’s favor in the midst of this very interesting time. May we not miss the opportunity to do good and to uplift other people’s lives this Christmas season.”
“This year brought its share of challenges for all of us. But this Christmas reminds us that hope always arrives, just as Jesus did, bringing light to even the darkest times. May this season give us the chance to pause, be with our families and loved ones, and remember what matters most,” Cebu Landmasters Inc. chairman and CEO Jose Soberano III said.
