While the Philippines are located in the vicinity of many of the "Asian Tigers," its development has followed a unique path. The country suffered for years under a dictatorial political regime and protectionist economic policies. Remittances were the largest source of hard currency and the industrial sector was marked by significant concentration and rent seeking. Recent economic reforms have shaken up many sectors of the economy and stimulated rapid economic growth. Conglomerates, which account for a substantial portion of large, organized business activity, need to decide how to adapt to this new environment. Ayala Corporation is one of the largest and most important conglomerates in the Philippines and has been controlled by the Zobel de Ayala family for seven generations. Company leadership must decide whether to alter their strategy in the wake of an election that could dramatically transform the political and business climate of the Philippines in a positive way.