After more than a decade of service, former Public Works Secretary Jose P. de Jesus is stepping down from the board of Petron Corporation, the country’s largest oil company. His resignation, effective end of January 2026, was for “personal reasons,” and Petron has yet to name a replacement.
De Jesus joined Petron’s board in May 2014 and played a steady hand as the company navigated a complex energy landscape marked by fluctuating oil prices, increasing regulatory scrutiny, and growing pressure to adopt greener strategies. His departure comes at a critical time as the energy sector continues to evolve rapidly.
With a distinguished career bridging government and the private sector, de Jesus brings a wealth of experience. He served as Secretary of the Department of Public Works and Highways under President Corazon Aquino, and held executive roles in major corporations including Manila North Tollways, MERALCO, and Converge ICT Solutions—where he currently serves as Chairman. His leadership has earned him prestigious awards such as the Philippine Legion of Honor and the Ateneo Lux in Domino award.
Petron now faces the challenge of finding a successor who can match de Jesus’s blend of public sector insight and corporate governance expertise. As the company charts its path forward in a transitioning energy market, fresh perspectives on the board may help guide strategic pivots.
De Jesus’s departure maybe a signal other other changes in Petron as it prepares for the next phase of growth and transformation.
