Meralco PowerGen Corp. (MGEN), Meralco’s power generation arm, has announced a leadership reshuffle across its generation business, appointing new executives to lead its thermal power platform while assigning outgoing thermal chief Felino “Lino” Bernardo to oversee major energy transition and growth projects.

Effective July 1, Arnel L. Santos, currently MGEN’s SVP-chief operating officer, will become president and chief executive officer of MGEN Thermal Energy, Inc., succeeding Bernardo. MGEN named Sam Manlosa as the new COO of the thermal generation company.

The appointments coincide with the Securities and Exchange Commission’s approval of the corporate name change of Global Business Power Corp. (GBP) to MGEN Thermal Energy, Inc., formally positioning the company as MGEN’s dedicated thermal power generation platform.

MGEN said Santos and Manlosa will lead the next phase of MGEN Thermal’s operations, focusing on operational excellence, asset reliability, and the adoption of best-in-class thermal power generation practices.

Santos brings more than three decades of experience across the energy, refining, petrochemicals, and industrial technology sectors. He earned a degree in chemical engineering, cum laude, from the University of the Philippines.

Bernardo takes on a new role as head of strategic energy transition under a two-year engagement from July 1, 2026 to June 30, 2028.

In his new position, Bernardo will lead the strategic development and management of MGEN’s power generation project pipeline, including project identification, feasibility studies, execution strategies, and growth initiatives covering key developments such as Atimonan One Energy, the Toledo expansion project, and other long-term investments.

He will also oversee projects from development and construction through commissioning and operational handover, while leading nuclear energy development studies and serving as strategic adviser on liquefied natural gas (LNG) and indigenous gas initiatives.

The move places Bernardo at the center of several projects expected to support MGEN’s long-term growth strategy as the company expands its portfolio across conventional and emerging energy technologies.

“This leadership transition positions us strongly for both today’s operational priorities and tomorrow’s growth opportunities,” said MGEN President and CEO Emmanuel V. Rubio.

“Arnel will lead MGEN Thermal with a focus on reliability, operational excellence, and sustainable performance, while Lino’s expanded mandate at MGEN enables us to accelerate strategic initiatives that will shape the future of our portfolio and the country’s energy sector,” he added.

MGEN is one of the country’s largest power generation companies, with interests spanning thermal power, LNG, renewable energy, battery energy storage systems, and future nuclear opportunities. As of May 2026, the company reported a combined net saleable capacity of 5,069.7 megawatts.

How do you see MGEN’s leadership changes influencing the development of major power projects and the country’s evolving energy mix? Join the discussion.

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