Over a few months, tycoon Manuel V. Pangilinan-led Metro Pacific Tollways (MPTC) has seen its second shake-up at the top, with Jose Ma. “Joey” K. Lim, the former longtime CEO of Metro Pacific Investments Corp., being pulled from retirement to lead the toll road giant as president and CEO.
Lim, who stepped away from most executive duties in 2022 but retained several directorships, takes over March 1, 2025, as chief executive of one of the country’s biggest expressway operators, whose portfolio includes the North Luzon Expressway, Subic Clark Tarlac Expressway, and Cavite Laguna Expressway.
Lim says he's ready to start at MPTC
"Immediate targets are to improve traffic flow at the toll gates and to achieve real-time toll balance updating," Lim said in a message to InsiderPH.
Sudden leadership shift
His appointment came as a surprise, given that tycoon Pangilinan had just taken over as interim CEO alongside Arrey Perez, who was named MPTC president after leaving his job as Clark International Airport Corp. president.
They both started on Nov. 20, 2024, meaning their tenure lasted just 100 days. During this period, other key executives at MPTC were also changed in a major leadership reshuffle.
Before Pangilinan and Perez took over, the title of president and CEO was held by longtime MVP Group executive and former cabinet secretary Rogelio “Babes” Singson.
Even before Perez took over, there were early questions about the succession process at MPTC, as reported by InsiderPH's Insider Info column.
Where will Perez go?
Lim’s appointment was announced on the Facebook page of Metro Pacific Investments.
There was no mention of Perez’s new assignment, but an insider said he was being considered as head of regulatory affairs of MPTC.
Big picture
Lim is stepping in to ease the load from Pangilinan, whose other responsibilities include chair and CEO positions at some of the country’s largest companies, such as Metro Pacific Investments, PLDT Inc., and Manila Electric Co.
He also returns as MPTC engages in talks with potential investors to raise at least P30 billion before moving forward with merging toll road operations with San Miguel Corp. (SMC), led by tycoon Ramon S. Ang.
Lim welcomed to MPTC
“Joey [Lim] possesses extensive experience in infrastructure and utilities, as well as in financing and risk management, and regulatory matters,” Metro Pacific Investments said in the post.
“He will be able to lead MPTC to address the challenges of the business while maintaining excellence in the service that we provide our stakeholders,” the company added.
Lim was president and CEO of Metro Pacific Investments for 16 years and director of MPTC since 2008.
He also serves as director of Meralco, Maynilad, Metro Pacific Tollways, and Light Rail Manila and several hospitals owned by the group.
Miguel R. Camus has been a reporter covering various domestic business topics since 2009.
