Manuel V. Pangilinan’s reappointment comes just over two years after he passed the baton to Al Panlilio 

Just over two years after passing the baton to Al Panlilio, Manny Pangilinan is once again PLDT CEO and president. His reappointment is a result of Panlilio’s resignation due to health reasons. 

Panlilio likewise resigned as CEO and president of Smart. His resignation will be effective on December 31, which means Pangilinan’s reappointment will take effect on January 1, 2024. 

According to a report by GMA News, Pangilinan will hold both positions until a new president and CEO is appointed. 

PLDT Leadership Under Al Panlilio

Rappler notes in its report that Al Panlilio began to cement his reputation as one of the best business leaders in the country back in 1997. That year, he became vice president at the Lopez Group of Companies. 

During his stay with the company, he took charge of the business development for ABS-CBN Broadcasting, BayanTel, and SkyCable.

He then moved to PLDT, where he became PLDT Global Corporation’s senior vice president from 1999 to 2004. He was named as president and CEO, and held those positions until 2010. 

Panlilio likewise served as senior vice president of Meralco and was the head of customer retail services and corporate communications.

Manuel V. Pangilinan Reacts to Panlilio’s Resignation

Al Panlilio has had a storied career as a business executive, and he has spent a number of years with PLDT. This has been acknowledged by Manny Pangilinan in his statement regarding Panlilio’s resignation. 

“I would like to thank Al profusely for his service and his loyalty, and wish him the very best,” says Pangilinan. “I also enjoin everyone to support a smooth transition within the PLDT Group at this critical juncture of its corporate life.” 

As PLDT goes through another transition, the business world eagerly anticipates who the next PLDT CEO and president will be.