In the first half of 2025, Filipino CEOs were portrayed in the media as more than corporate leaders—they were cast as nation-builders. CARMA’s CEO Media Index, which analyzed 775 articles across 150 mainstream outlets, revealed that leaders like Manuel V. Pangilinan (Meralco) and Ramon S. Ang (San Miguel and Petron) dominated coverage for their strategic initiatives tied to national development.

Pangilinan’s push for nuclear energy and franchise renewal for Meralco positioned him as a forward-thinker in the country’s energy transition, while Ang drew headlines for spearheading the construction of the New Manila International Airport, touted as a game-changer for infrastructure.

Media narratives also highlighted sustainability, with nearly half (43%) of coverage tying CEOs to ESG commitments. LandBank’s Lynette Ortiz and Globe Telecom’s Carl Raymond Cruz emerged as champions of digital transformation, leading conversations on financial inclusion and AI adoption.

While financial performance remained the core trigger of coverage, CARMA’s findings showed that CEOs who paired profit reports with visionary communication were rated most favorably. Average favourability scores ranged from 57 to 63, but headline mentions boosted ratings by as much as 22 points.

“CEOs who connected company performance to broader social and economic goals stood out,” the report concluded, underscoring that corporate reputation in the Philippines is now inseparable from public trust and nation-building.