SM Prime Holdings Inc., the listed property arm of the SM Group, has appointed former Supreme Court Senior Associate Justice Estela M. Perlas-Bernabe as an independent board director, strengthening its commitment to corporate governance and prudent risk oversight.
Her election was approved during a special Board meeting on August 15, following the resignation of Atty. Darlene Marie B. Berberabe, who stepped down after her appointment as Solicitor General of the Philippines.
Justice Perlas-Bernabe brings over two decades of judicial experience, having served at all levels of the Philippine court system with a zero-case backlog throughout her career. In recognition of her exemplary service, the Supreme Court established the Estela Perlas-Bernabe Exemplary Career Jurist Award, the first of its kind in Philippine judicial history.
Her expertise in law, governance, and stakeholder risk management is expected to contribute significantly to Board deliberations.
A magna cum laude graduate of St. Paul College of Manila in Banking and Finance, Justice Perlas-Bernabe earned her law degree from Ateneo de Manila University School of Law as class salutatorian and passed the Bar in 1977. She previously taught at Ateneo Law School.
Her appointment reflects SM Prime’s continued adherence to global governance standards, including its inclusion in the FTSE4Good Index, and its commitment to maintaining a diverse, high-caliber Board.
