Publicly listed telecommunications firm Philippine Telegraph and Telephone Corp. (PT&T) announced key changes to its executive leadership, effective 11 April 2025 as part of a broader realignment aimed at strengthening operational focus and strategic execution.
Roberto B. Ortiz stepped down as chairman of the board, while James G. Velasquez resigned as president and chief executive officer. Both will continue to serve as directors of the company, maintaining their oversight roles.
To fill the chairman vacancy, the board elected James G. Velasquez as the new chairman of the board, where he will serve the unexpired term of Ortiz. Velasquez’s shift to the chairmanship will enable him to focus on PT&T’s strategic initiatives, including the operations of SecureLink, its joint venture with Netlinkz that is expected to play a key role in the company’s future growth.
Meanwhile, the board appointed Angel S. Mercado, currently the senior vice president and chief revenue officer, as acting president. Mercado will hold both roles concurrently until a permanent president and CEO is appointed.
In addition, the board approved the appointment of Kristine Bitanga-Cuenca as treasurer, further strengthening PT&T’s financial leadership team.
These executive movements signal PT&T’s effort to realign leadership roles in support of evolving business priorities and expansion plans, particularly in enterprise connectivity and digital transformation. The company’s continued engagement of its senior executives in new capacities suggests a strategy of continuity with a sharpened operational focus.
