Ex-DOTr chief named SMFB director

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February 8, 2026 | 12:00am

MANILA, Philippines — The country’s former transport chief Jaime Bautista has been named an independent director of a food giant, marking yet another role for him in the business sector following his exit from public service.

San Miguel Food and Beverage Inc. (SMFB) yesterday announced the election of Bautista as one of its independent directors, adding a new private sector role for the former secretary.

Bautista is joining a company riding high on the success of its food products, with profit surging by 11 percent to P33.7 billion in the nine months to September 2025.

In exchange, Bautista brings to SMFB a portfolio of corporate expertise, albeit outside his usual role which is in the airline industry. Bautista was tapped by President Marcos to be his transport chief, until he resigned in February 2025.

During his stint at the Department of Transportation, Bautista completed the private turnover of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport to a consortium led by San Miguel Corp. He also handed over the management of two regional airports to the Aboitiz Group.

However, Bautista was faced with multiple challenges as transport chief, particularly in advancing big-ticket projects.

In his three years as Transportation Secretary, the government faced construction delays in the North-South Commuter Railway and the Metro Manila Subway Project.

On top of this, the government was unable to find an alternative financier for railway projects that were supposed to be funded by China, particularly the Philippine National Railways South Long Haul.

Following his government exit, Bautista returned to the private sector in various roles. Recently, he joined the board of the Philippine Stock Exchange, taking the seat left by Andrew Gan.

Similarly, SMFB announced the appointment of Ramon Ang’s daughter Monica Ang-Mercado as treasurer of the company. She will still keep her roles as its chief finance and risk officer.

SMFB is booking higher profit and revenue on the back of stable demand, pricing efficiency and marketing initiatives to overcome demand risks brought about by economic challenges.