Ma. Cecilia B Jimenez-Rada, or Macel, is the Country Representative for the Philippines at the US-ASEAN Business Council, a role she assumed in December 2025. She also teaches commercial and civil law as a Senior Lecturer at the University of the Philippines College of Law.

Macel previously served as Vice President for Transaction Management – Legal Services at the Maharlika Investment Corporation, the Philippines’ sovereign wealth fund, where she led legal and transactional support for strategic investments from origination through closing.

Before joining the public sector, Macel was Head of Legal and Corporate Secretary at Metro Pacific Water and earlier held key legal roles at Metro Pacific Investments Corporation, focusing on mergers and acquisitions, governance, and public-private partnerships.

She also served in the Office of the Senate President as Director for Legislation during the 16th Congress, helping craft significant policy reforms. She began her legal career at Esguerra & Blanco Law Offices, gaining broad experience in corporate, litigation, and labor matters.

Macel holds a Juris Doctor and a Bachelor’s Degree in Economics, both from the University of the Philippines. She is an active member of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines and the Institute of Corporate Directors.