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Who We Are

Our group is composed of a team of highly competent professionals from both the private and public sectors, dedicated to harmonizing corporate and government objectives through strategic collaboration and expertise.

Our Organization

Founding Board
Key Officers
Counsels

Founding Board

Members of our Board of Directors have been major players in the private sector and have contributed to the growth of the country’s major firms.

Ambassador Jose C. Ibazeta

Founding Chairman

Ambassador Antonio I. Basilio

Member

Ambassador Antonio O. Cojuangco

Member

Mr. Octavio V. Espiritu

Member

Mr. Ernest Fritz E. Server

Member

Ambassador Albert F. Del Rosario †

Former Chairman

Atty. Enrique D. Perez †

Member

Atty. Rosito C. Manhit †

Member

Key Officers

Since he founded The Stratbase Group and the Stratbase Institute for Strategic and International Studies in 2004, Victor Andres “Dindo” C. Manhit has provided top-level strategic analysis and thought leadership on global issues in the Philippines. He has identified investment and business opportunities, gathered critical intelligence to overcome regulatory challenges, and developed deep relationships in key departments and agencies. With his extensive experience, he continues to advise the private sector and the diplomatic community on the interplay between business and government and the impact of legislative, regulatory, and geopolitics on their strategies.

As a public policy analyst and strategist, Professor Manhit thinks beyond politics for his political risk assessments, and draws on a combination of backward- looking, fact-based, data-driven analytics with forward-looking thinking, and strategic policy options. He believes that policy research and analysis should be undertaken in an independent, strategic, and pragmatic manner in order to contribute to the geopolitical debate and, in the process, effectively influence domestic and regional policy. He has provided strategic analysis at this time of great global challenges and the importance of the influence of a globalized society in nation- states.

Concurrently, he is the Philippine Country Head of BowerGroupAsia (BGA), a leading strategic advisory firm specializing in the Asia-Pacific. He was a former Chair and retired Associate Professor of the Political Science Department of De La Salle University, Manila, and has authored numerous commentaries and papers on geopolitical issues, governance, and political reforms. He specializes in Strategic Studies and Management, International Politics, and Public Policy Analysis. He also regularly contributes articles and columns to leading newspapers in the Philippines, such as Philippine Daily Inquirer and BusinessWorld.

He is a member of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Multi-Sector Governance Council and was appointed to be the Chair of the Cybersecurity Committee. In the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), he serves as the Chair of the Committee on Investment Policy and Promotion.

His field of specialization has led him to pursue active involvement in legislation, bureaucratic work, and civil society advocacy. Among the government positions he has held include Undersecretary for External Affairs and Special Concerns of the Department of Education, Culture and Sports and Deputy Secretary for Administration and Financial Services of the Philippine Senate. Meanwhile, his legislative experience encompasses the 8th, the 9th, 10th, and the 12th Congress as Chief of Staff of the late Senate President Edgardo J. Angara and senior policy research adviser in key Senate Committees, such as Education, Agriculture, Economic Affairs, Social Justice and Electoral Reforms, and Constitutional Amendments and Revision of Laws.

After his stint in government, he became involved with different consortia and networks of civil society groups. His civil society initiatives range from governance reform to environmental stewardship, as Lead Convenor of citizen-led initiative, Democracy Watch Philippines, and Convenor of pro-industry group, Philippine Business for Environmental Stewardship (PBEST).

Internationally, he sits as Vice-Chair of the Advisory Board to the international non-government organization We Protect our Seas – WPS. The trans-Pacific effort underlines the critical linkage of economic ties between the U.S. and the Philippines as a foundation for enduring security relations through research and programs. He is also a Board Member of the Global Advisory Board of the European Values Center for Security Policy.

He is also an advisor to the Board of Asia Society Philippines, which aims to strengthen relationships, deepen understanding, and bridge differences across the Philippines, Asia, and the United States. He was appointed as one of the ASEAN Regional Forum Experts and Eminent Persons (ARF-EEP) by the Department of Foreign Affairs.

He is a Fellow of the Foundation for Economic Freedom (FEF), an organization dedicated to advancing economic and political liberty and other market-oriented reforms, and a member of both the Management Association of the Philippines (MAP), the Philippines’ leading organization committed to promoting management excellence for nation-building and the Institute of Corporate Directors (ICD), dedicated to the professionalization of Philippine corporate directorship and an active member of its Strategy Execution Pathway (StEP) Committee. As a member and adviser of the Board of the Philippine Trade Foundation (Phils, Inc.), Professor Manhit contributes to the crafting of initiatives geared to attract investments and promoting balanced trade.

Professor Manhit obtained his master’s degree in Public Administration and Bachelor’s Degree in Philippine Studies (Major in Political Science and History) from the University of the Philippines. He is also a member of Phi Gamma Mu International Honors’ Society Beta Chapter.

Rupert Paul “RP” Manhit is the Chief Operating Officer of the Stratbase Group. He started off his career at Stratbase in 2010 as Business Development Director. As part of developing new business for the firm, he became one of the youngest members of the Philippine business delegation during the Foreign Trade and Investment Roadshows of President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III. Mr. Manhit joined investment missions to the United States, China, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, and Taiwan. These investment missions helped him develop new business and government networks for the firm.
To keep the pace of Stratbase Group’s continuous growth, Mr. Manhit has played a key role in the group’s strategic initiatives and day-to-day operations. He continues to develop and implement strategic campaigns around complex regulatory issues and provide strategic public affairs advice to the Stratbase Group’s corporate clients. His considerable networks and high-level relationships in both the private and public sectors benefit both the firm and its clients as he provides them with valuable advice on how specific public policies are created, shaped, and decided.

In his leadership capacity, he has consistently advanced conversations at the intersection of business, governance, and technology. He believes that regulatory frameworks must evolve alongside technological innovation to ensure that policies remain enabling, inclusive, and forward-looking.

Through the years of client and government engagement, he has expanded his expertise in the sectors of Infrastructure, Transportation, Power, and Energy, especially in the field of renewable energy, Cybersecurity, Healthcare, Consumer and Retail, Trade and Investment, and Agribusiness through new technologies. He is currently the lead and point person of the abovementioned sectors for the Stratbase group. He has been an active participant as well in Trade and Security Dialogues as early as 2014 between the United States, Japan, Australia, and the Philippines.

Mr. Manhit has also been engaged in exploring how innovation and entrepreneurship intersect with governance, competitiveness, and sustainable growth in the Indo-Pacific, with the growing role of artificial intelligence and digital technologies in shaping business and policy.

Mr. Manhit was one of the key influencers of landmark legislations in the country, namely the National Integrated Cancer Control Act, Public Service Act, Public Private Partnership Law, Foreign Direct Investments Act, Retail Trade Liberalization Act, and other most recent tax measures. At present, he is active in advocating priority legislation of the President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. government, specifically Amendments to the Electric Power Industry Reform Act, Department of Water Resources, Create MORE Act, and Reforms to Capital Markets, and promoting the development of the Philippine downstream natural gas industry.

He is a strong believer that economic security leads to national security, thus he takes promoting new partnerships and investments between foreign and Philippine companies and the rightful Public and Private Partnership project seriously. He views entrepreneurship and innovation as drivers of economic activity, and cooperation can create ecosystems where small businesses can thrive amidst disruption.

Aside from his duties at Stratbase, he is also the Executive Director of the Philippine Trade Foundation Inc., an alliance of the top 60 CEOs and corporate owners in the Philippines.

RP Manhit studied in Ateneo de Manila University from his grade school years until his postgraduate years.

Orlando O. Oxales is currently a co-convenor of consumer advocate group “Citizen Watch” and a co-convenor of environmental CSO “Philippine Business for Environmental Stewardship”, a network of multi-sectoral advocates for developmental environment policies for the responsible practices for industries. He has over 30 years of experience as a communications professional and serves as a consultant in both the government and private sector. His multi-sectoral experience offers a multi-dimensional perspective in the context of advocating developmental thinking that sees beyond the political noise.

Trained as a Speech Communications major in the University of the Philippines. He started his career in television and eventually became an assistant director and producer for public affairs and various productions in PTV 4. 

In 1999, he was appointed to the Department of Education as the Director for Technical Services. As a pioneering IT champion of the Department, he steered the Education Department’s computerization program and the nationwide roll-out of the award-winning Partners-In-Learning Program in partnership with Microsoft. In 2000, he received a scholarship from the Asian Institute of Management’s Senior Management Program for the Department of Education.

Orly is one of the founders of the Character Building Foundation Inc. (CBFI), an ongoing advocacy for Filipino character formation which later on launched the Gawin and Tama (GAT) Movement, a non-sectarian, non-political movement that seeks to promote values such as integrity, honesty, and hard work in society.

 When Orly joined Stratbase in 2007, he headed Stratbase Research Institute (SRI) and served as the project manager of the Stratbase Electron, a cloud based, communications and management system now used as the core Management and Information System of the Philippine Red Cross. The group has now evolved into the Stratbase Research Intel where Orly serves as president.

In 2013, he helped conceptualize and convene two organizations; Democracy Watch.ph, a non-profit NGO that is active in Philippine electoral reforms and anti-corruption advocacies.

He is the lead in the mining, power and energy, health, edication, and ICT sectors, and handles the public affairs and communications activities of Stratbase and its clients.

Orly is the Stratbase Group’s PR and strategic communication expert. He specializes in communication initiatives and tactics and in crafting narratives as well as message development to frame and shape policy debates. He has a deep understanding of issue based advocacy campaigns and plays a key role in executing media strategy in multiple communication campaigns platforms.

“Open Thoughts” is his column in the Manila Standard.

Julie Ann B. Domino, a double degree holder in Accountancy and Applied Economics, graduated from De La Salle University. A year after she passed the CPA Board exams, she pursued her Juris Doctor degree in Law at the Ateneo de Manila University. She earned both degrees with honors.

In 2009, she was admitted and sworn in as a duly licensed attorney in the Philippines and in the State of New York, U.S.A. She also passed the licensure Examination on Non-life Insurance in the Philippines. She recently received her L.L.M. Wharton Business and Law Program at the University of Pennsylvania Law School. She is a Consultant of the office of the General Counsel of the Asian Development Bank or ADB.

At a very young age, she has served both in the public and private sectors. She began her career as an Associate Auditor at the renowned Sycip, Gorres, Velayo & Company, then consecutively apprenticed at the Siguion Reyna, Montecillo Ongsiako Law Office and at the Revenue and Legal Operations Group of the Department of Finance. She eventually joined the notable firm of Picazo Buyco Tan Fider Santos Law also as an Associate. She also ventured into the academe, teaching at De La Salle University under the College of Business, Commercial Law Department and De La Salle – College of St. Benilde.

With her notable achievements in the financial and legal arena, she eventually became the Chief of Staff of the Office of the President and CEO of the Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management (PSALM) Corporation and acted concurrently as the Manager for Corporate Planning. 

All through her professional career, Atty. Domino has always been an associate of Stratbase in varying capacities. She is now the company’s CFO and Deputy Managing Director of its investment arm – Stratbase Equity Ventures Inc. (SEV).

Maria Claudette Guevara-Hizon is the Executive Director of the Stratbase Institute, where she is responsible for overseeing the administrative operations and contributing to the strategic planning and execution of the organization’s objectives. She is in charge of approving project timelines, plans, and implementation, as well as reviewing contracts and partnership agreements for compliance. She was the Deputy Executive Director for Programs of the Institute since 2014 where she was in charge of the implementation of the Institute’s projects and activities. She executed the Institute’s programs and administration, and maintained relationships with associates and networks. She coordinated with third-party authors and non-resident fellows for publications, and contributed articles on elections and governance.

Claudette also serves as the Senior Director of Accounts and Administration of the Stratbase Group, where she is in charge of identifying areas for process improvement and implementing efficiency measures to enhance overall operations. Before this, she was the Director of Accounts for Stratbase, where she ensured the delivery of work for clients. She managed strategic grassroots campaigns for Stratbase clients, identified opportunities, built teams, and engaged in strategic planning and execution of public affairs projects.

She was the Secretary-General of ADRi’s advocacy group, Democracy Watch Philippines, a citizen-led initiative that advocates for honest, fair and free elections, reforms to strengthen political party systems, and institutionalizing governance reforms through the principles of accountable government and transparency of decision-making.

She received her bachelor’s degree major in Political Science from De La Salle University – Manila in 2011. She took a course on Leadership of Change for Development Managers at the Asian Institute of Management in May 2017 and a course on Project Management from Ateneo De Manila University Continuing Center for Education in 2015. She was a delegate at the Southeast Asian Young Leaders Program of the International Institute for Strategic Studies’ Shangri-La Dialogue 2018.

In school, she was elected as a two-time Batch President of the College of Liberal Arts at De La Salle University – Manila from 2008 to 2010 and Sangguniang Kabataan Chairperson in Pasay City, Metro Manila. She was also the High School Student Council President from 2007-2008 at St. Scholastica’s College-Manila.

Lloyd Ian Zaragoza earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science from De La Salle University. As a student government leader, he was exposed early on political management.  Upon the completion of his degree, he became a youth leader and organizer and actively advocated for youth involvement in societal issues.  His keen interest in politics has led him to be involved in several national elections, working for different political parties and candidates.

Prior to his stint in Stratbase, LIZ worked for notable members of the House of Representatives and the Senate, thus establishing a wide network in the Philippine legislature.  He currently serves as Stratbase Group’s Senior Director for Public Affairs.   

LIZ also became involved in socio-civic advocacy groups, Democracy Watch Philippines and Citizen Watch.  Both organizations aim to educate the public on issues concerning the Philippine polity through citizen empowerment.  In addition, he serves as one of Stratbase Group’s principal liaison to key members of the Philippine legislature and key government agencies.

With a decade of experience in the Philippine Legislature, LIZ possesses an invaluable combination of legislative expertise and networks in both Houses of Congress.  He has a proven track record of advancing legislation and finding solutions to complex political issues.

Alvin M. Manalansan serves as Senior Director for Health at the Stratbase Group, focusing on health systems strengthening and evidence-based policy advocacy.

 He is a recognized advocate for health, education, and consumer welfare. He currently holds key positions in several influential organizations, including Healthcare and Education Convenor of CitizenWatch Philippines and Co-Convenor of UHCWatch— both advocacy groups championing Filipinos’ right to health. 

In addition, he is the Vice-President of the Philippine Stakeholders for Nutrition and Dietetics, working with professionals and institutions to promote better nutrition. Mr. Manalansan regularly contributes health commentaries to major publications such as The Philippine Star and BusinessWorld.

 He is also an independent health, nutrition and food safety consultant. He previously consulted for the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) where he worked with different international and national agencies, including local government units in various health and nutrition programs such as nutrition in emergencies, management of severe acute malnutrition, and water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH). Prior to his consultancy engagements, he served as senior Food-Drug Regulation Officer in the Philippine Food and Drug Administration.

He attained his Bachelor of Science in Community Nutrition, including postgraduate courses in the same field, from the University of the Philippines. He also obtained international certifications in managing public health programs, food and nutrition safety, global health response, and evaluation of social programs.

Francis Reiner F. Palanca earned his Bachelor’s Degree from the Ateneo de Manila University and his Juris Doctor Degree from the University of the Philippines College of Law. Prior to joining Stratbase, Bones, as he is more commonly known, served in the Office of the President-Presidential Management Staff for more than a decade in the administrations of President Benigno Simeon Aquino III, President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, and President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr., where his expertise lies in the crafting of policy studies and recommendations for the President. His public service also involved the monitoring and facilitation of Presidential directives and government programs and projects, where he regularly engaged with the different government offices and officials. 

Bones currently serves as the Stratbase Director for Legislative and Regulatory Affairs, where he uses his training and experience in tracking, analyzing, and providing advice on the possible effects of proposed legislative and policy changes across all sectors.

In addition, Bones is a life-long health advocate. He is a convenor of the Universal Healthcare Watch and an Honorary Board Member of Kidney Alliance Philippines Inc.

Jaime M. Jimenez, Ph.D, is the Deputy Executive Director for Programs and Research and Head of the Editorial Board of the Stratbase Institute. He received his Bachelor’s degree in Political Science at De La Salle University in 1994, graduating with a Gold Medal for Academic Excellence.

In 1998, he received his MA in Philippine Studies at De La Salle University – Manila and earned his Doctorate degree in Southeast Asia Studies at the National University of Singapore in 2003.

He is a former Vice Chair of the Political Science department at De La Salle University – Manila and is former Associate Professor II of the Faculty of Arts and Letters at the University of Sto. Tomas.

Venice Isabelle T. Rañosa is Research Director and member of the editorial board at Stratbase Institute, where she oversees research engagements across the institute’s various programs. She also leads in the writing of the Economic Snapshots, the institute’s quarterly review of the Philippine economy, and develops content for its flagship conferences that cover all major areas of focus.

In her larger role at the Stratbase Group, she heads research on global and local developments in political economy affecting the company’s clientele. She also concurrently serves as Director at BowerGroupAsia, a US-based strategic advisory firm that specializes in the Indo-Pacific, where she supports the Managing Director in overseeing the Philippine team’s operations.

With a focus on political economy in the Philippines, trade and investment, and sustainable development, she has authored articles and commentaries featured in the country’s major broadsheets.

Prior to joining Stratbase, she was a researcher at De La Salle University-Manila, where she undertook research on tax reform, infrastructure development, public financial management, governance reforms, and the circular economy. She co-authored a special study on crafting an extended producer responsibility (EPR) policy in the Philippines, published by the Stratbase Institute in 2018.

She received her master’s degree in Development Policy (2019) and her bachelor’s degree in International Studies major in European Studies (2017), with honors, from De La Salle University-Manila, and has a diploma in Spanish awarded by the Instituto Cervantes in Madrid, Spain. She obtained her high school education, with distinction, at St. Scholastica’s College-Manila. She earned her Career Service Professional government eligibility from the Civil Service Commission of the Philippines in 2017.

Counsels

Legal and Regulatory Counsels

Atty. Teofilo Abejo III

(Corporate Secretary)

Atty. Lysander N. Castillo

Atty. Christopher “Kit” Belmonte 

Palad Jaro Palad Law Office

Senior Advisers

Robert A. Salapantan

(Senior Adviser for Public Affairs) 

Dindo Danao

(Senior Adviser for Media Relations)

Carmelo Bayarcal

(Senior Adviser for Social Media)