WINNING | Filinvest deepens governance across key businesses

Insider Spotlight

• Filinvest strengthens governance across its diversified businesses, emphasizing transparency and accountability
• EastWest leads the group's four listed companies with three Golden Arrows, up from two in 2025
• The conglomerate extends its multiyear governance track record while pursuing sustainable growth
  
  
  
  

Filinvest Group is strengthening corporate governance across its diversified businesses, positioning transparency, accountability, and stakeholder trust as foundations for sustainable growth.

The big picture

Four publicly listed Filinvest companies collectively secured seven Golden Arrows at the 2026 Golden Arrow Awards organized by the Institute of Corporate Directors (ICD).

Filinvest Development Corp. (FDC) received two Golden Arrows, while Filinvest Land, Inc. (FLI) and Filinvest REIT Corp. (FILRT) earned one each. EastWest Banking Corporation secured three, improving from two in 2025.

"Being recognized year after year reflects the importance we place on good governance across the Filinvest Group," said FDC president and CEO Rhoda A. Huang.

"For us, governance is a responsibility we carry every day through the decisions we make, the way we manage our businesses, and the trust we build with our stakeholders."

Why it matters

The distinctions reflect performance under the ASEAN Corporate Governance Scorecard, which evaluates shareholder rights, transparency, accountability, and board responsibilities.

The group's continued recognition highlights its governance commitments across banking, property development, and real estate investment, according to a company release dated Oct. 27.

Banking spotlight 

EastWest's improved standing underscores its focus on responsible banking and customer confidence.

"Trust is especially important in banking, and it is something we must earn through responsible decisions and consistent accountability," said EastWest CEO Jerry Ngo.

Property perspective

Governance also remains central to the real estate businesses' efforts to build stakeholder value.

“At Filinvest Land, good governance begins within. It is deeply ingrained in our people and reflected in how we conduct business, make decisions, and fulfill our commitments to our stakeholders,” said Tristan Las Marias, president and CEO of FLI.

“Good governance is at the core of how we manage our sustainability-focused REIT business and create value for our stakeholders,” said Joseph M. Yap, president and CEO of FILRT.

What's next 

Filinvest intends to sustain governance standards as it expands across real estate, banking, power, hospitality, and other industries.

The latest distinctions extend a track record dating to 2021 for FDC and FLI and 2022 for EastWest and FILRT, reinforcing the group's emphasis on responsible management and long-term stakeholder value. —Princess Daisy C. Ominga | Ed: Corrie S. Narisma