We’re talking about Ramoncito “Mon” Fernandez, the longtime Manuel V. Pangilinan (MVP) Group lieutenant who joined the group in the early 1990s before helping to lead and build up two of its biggest growth engines: Metro Pacific Tollways and Maynilad Water Services.
With over a decade at the helm of Maynilad and its hugely successful stock market debut in 2025, there’s now talk of Fernandez—who was 69-years-old as of the company’s latest report—giving way to new leadership.
InsiderPH learned that Ramon “Dondi” Alikpala, who chaired the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) during the administration of Benigno Aquino III, is expected to be named successor.
He will work closely with Maynilad chief operating officer Christopher Jaime T. Lichauco, keeping an experienced hand in place.
Alikpala is an interesting choice since he chaired the MWSS board when it rejected Maynilad’s proposed rate increase in 2013, partly over the practice of passing corporate income taxes on to consumers.
According to an insider, his selection was strongly backed by Victorico “Ricky” P. Vargas, the president of Maynilad during that time and also one of the most prominent members within MVP’s inner circle.
His deep experience in water regulation could prove valuable as Maynilad pursues further growth while preparing for the impact of El Niño.
Alikpala will inherit one of Southeast Asia’s largest water concessionaires, although getting there came with its own set of challenges.
Fernandez steered Maynilad’s strong growth and sharply reduced water losses despite a bruising confrontation with former President Rodrigo Duterte, who threatened water concessionaires and demanded changes to contracts he deemed disadvantageous to the government.
Maynilad, whose shareholders also include the Consunji Group and Japan’s Marubeni, weathered the dispute and kept its major investors intact.
Before Maynilad, Fernandez played a key role in building one of the country’s biggest toll road groups.
Those expressways, such as the North Luzon Expressway, Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway, Manila-Cavite Expressway and Cavite-Laguna Expressway are being used by millions of motorists annually.
Outside of his business achievements, Fernandez is known across the MVP Group for his firm but fair leadership style. It’s one thing finding another Ramon and another thing entirely filling his shoes.
Miguel R. Camus has been a reporter covering various domestic business topics since 2009.
