This is the first blog entry of ABS-CBN's Maiki Oreta who covers business issues in the Philippines. Her blog, titled Business Banter, is her platform to share viewpoints, insights and intelligent rumors culled in between her formal coverages, as well as from coffee shop talks, boardroom buzz, and other sources.

The elections are just around the corner, and I’m not just talking about the national polls here.

On May 1st, the board members of the Philippine Stock Exchange will come together for their annual stockholders meeting. And on that day, a new board and hopefully new PSE president will be announced.

For the most part, people expect to see the same faces on the board give or take a few “newbies.”

But, as for the president post… well, it remains to be seen whether or not that position will even be filled by the said date.

For the most part, people have been tight lipped about who the top contenders are, but one known candidate is Romulo Neri, the president of the Social Security System and a good friend of PSE chairman Hans Sicat.

Word, though, is that Neri’s acceptance of the job, is hinged on who the next head of state will be. So, at best, his yay or nay won’t come until at least another few weeks.

In any case, the new man for the job will be replacing Atty. Francis Lim, who resigned from his post last February 16, just two months before his term was to expire.

Though Lim did say that he was leaving for health reasons, it was no secret that all was not well at work. Lim had a tough time striking a balance between managing the regulatory and business aspects of the PSE.

Stories are abound that he faced the possibility of being axed for his failure to keep certain people in line, and for his failure to resolve key issues between the PSE board and its management.

Undoubtedly, the new PSE president faces a tough task at hand.

The Philippines may have the smallest bourse in the region but its definitely got the biggest and most interesting characters overseeing it.