Logistics firm owner joins PAL board

Alberto Lina, who owns a private logistics company that has its own professional basketball team, has joined the 15-member Philippine Airlines (PAL) board as its independent director. The Philippine flag carrier announced this during its board’s organizational meeting that followed its shareholders’ meeting. "Bert Lina's experience in air travel and logistics solutions will hopefully provide a fresh perspective at how we can address current challenges," said PAL President Jaime Bautista, in a statement issued Thursday. The 62-year-old Lina, a graduate of the Philippine School of Business Administration, currently heads his own conglomerate. Firms under the Lina Group of Companies include among others Airfreight 2100 Inc., U-Freight, Cargohaus, LGC Logistics, Mail & More, etc. The Lina Group also owns the Air 21 Express basketball team in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA). During the board meeting at the Century Park Hotel, Dr. Lucio Tan was reelected chairman and chief executive officer while Harry Tan remained vice-chairman and treasurer. Jaime J. Bautista was also reappointed PAL president and chief operating officer. The other board members are Harry Tan, Antonio Alindogan, Jr., Charles Chante, Enrique Cheng, Joseph Chua, Gloria Tan-Climaco, Estelito Mendoza, Cesar Santos, Henry So Uy, Washington SyCip, Lucio Tan, Jr. and Michael Tan. –Robert JA Basilio/ VVP, GMANews.TV