A significant shift is underway in the Philippine energy landscape. Jose Victor Emmanuel “Jocot” De Dios, a veteran of the power and utilities sector, is poised to lead Prime CoreGen, the gas unit of Prime Infrastructure Capital, Inc., beginning January 1, 2026.
De Dios brings decades of experience to the role, culminating in his current position as president and CEO of Manila Water Co., Inc., a role he will conclude on December 31st. His departure from Manila Water marks not an end, but a transition to a new challenge within the expanding Prime Infra organization.
Before shaping Manila Water, De Dios served as a key figure within the Department of Energy from 2001 to 2004, lending his expertise to national energy policy. He further honed his leadership skills chairing the Philippine National Oil Company – Exploration Corp. and steering Australian oil exploration firm Nido Petroleum Ltd.
His corporate acumen extends beyond the energy sector, having previously led GE Philippines, overseeing diverse operations spanning power generation, industrial solutions, and aviation. This broad experience positions him uniquely to navigate the complexities of Prime CoreGen’s growing portfolio.
De Dios’s appointment comes on the heels of Prime Infra’s substantial P50-billion investment in gas assets acquired from First Gen Corp. This acquisition includes significant stakes in pivotal power plants: Santa Rita (1,000 MW), San Lorenzo (500 MW), San Gabriel (450 MW), Avion (97 MW), and the planned Santa Maria (1,200 MW).
Meanwhile, Roberto Jose “Boj” Locsin, currently Prime Infra’s chief administrative officer and head of international business, will succeed De Dios at Manila Water. Locsin will also spearhead the water utility’s ambitious global expansion plans.
Locsin’s background is equally impressive, having previously served as CEO of Philippine Growth Terminals under International Container Terminal Services, Inc., managing critical port operations in Subic and Cagayan de Oro. His experience in logistics and infrastructure will be invaluable to Manila Water’s growth.
These leadership changes, according to Prime Infra President and CEO Guillaume Lucci, are designed to fortify the company’s ability to drive growth across both its water and gas divisions. The overarching goal remains consistent: to deliver essential infrastructure that fuels the nation’s progress.
