In an era marked by technology-driven disruption, from AI to cybersecurity threats, the country’s industry leaders are calling for stronger collaboration and more strategic risk-taking, supported by robust audit controls and checks-and-balances.
To mark this year’s International Internal Audit Awareness Month, the Internal Audit Group of PLDT Inc and its wireless arm Smart Communications, Inc (Smart) in collaboration with JG Summit Holdings Internal Audit, hosted a high-level forum and panel and discussion themed “Thriving in an Era of Disruption.” The event, which was organized for the MVP Group and Gokongwei Group of Companies, brought together leaders from telco, fintech, transport and agriculture to explore the evolving role of Internal Audit as a strategic ally in today’s volatile landscape.
PLDT Chief Operating Officer Butch Jimenez, in his opening message, urged leaders to advocate for their respective Internal Audit teams. “As leaders, we must champion Internal Audit — not as fault-finders, but as strategic partners. When we value and empower them, the rest of the organization will follow. Internal Audit is not a monster with a whip, but a mentor that keeps us on the straight and narrow path of our corporate life, guiding the company to success.”
PLDT Chief Operating Officer Butch Jimenez urges leaders to advocate for their respective Internal Audit teams, and to collaborate with them as strategic partners.
Jimenez was joined by Metro Pacific Agro Ventures CEO Jovy Hernandez, Maya Bank President Gelo Madrid, and Cebu Air and GoTyme Independent Director Brian Cu in the panel, who shared how strong internal audit partnerships have also helped their organizations navigate market shifts, regulatory changes, and rapid tech evolution.
Madrid credited Maya’s resilience to its strong partnership with auditors. “Beyond improving operations, internal audit is a critical partner in leading organizations to the right path,” he said.
The panel, moderated by PLDT and Smart Head of Public Engagement and Corporate Communications Roby Alampay, also delved into the dual promise and peril of AI, the growing importance of cybersecurity, and why internal auditors must be deeply embedded in the business to provide real value.
“AI is the biggest disruptor in our generation. It will redefine how we work, as well as how our kids will work,” said Cu, adding that our interactions with AI today will likely shape its future. “But the question is: Who audits AI? How much oversight is needed? This is a once-in-a-generation challenge, and Internal Audit must shape how AI is understood, governed and integrated into our organizations.”
On cybersecurity, Jimenez shared that the PLDT Group is significantly strengthening its cybersecurity efforts by investing in advanced technologies and collaborating with leading global cybersecurity experts. “We recognize the critical importance of protecting our customers from increasingly sophisticated cyber threats. As threat actors evolve, so must we,” he said. “Beyond securing our own network, we’re also committed to sharing our knowledge and expertise with other organizations.”
Jimenez added that as an active member of the Presidential Private Sector Advisory Council, PLDT is working closely with the government to help develop a robust national cybersecurity framework. “That’s how serious we are about protecting not just our business, but the entire digital ecosystem,” he emphasized.
However, for Hernandez, the key to withstanding disruption lies in clarity of purpose. “Whether in telco, banking or agriculture, we all face disruption. The answer is clear purpose that transcends profit,” he said, emphasizing the importance of having a deep understanding of business. “Internal Audit must understand the core of the business to provide relevant, forward-looking guidance.”
Ultimately, Jimenez says, it all comes down to a strong brand. “Build your brand. If the market trusts and believes in you, it will be much harder for a disruptor to just wipe you out. Your brand becomes your shield,” he said.
PLDT Group’s support for International IA Awareness Month is aligned with the company’s long-standing commitment to deliver elevated customer experience, boosted by operational excellence.
