Principals

Jose Moises Salonga

Jose Moises "Joy" Salonga stands at the forefront of the industry that is fuelling the transformation of our nation, while at the same time, seeks to protect our environment in the years to come: renewable energy. He has spent his entire career as a lawyer in the energy sector starting at the executive offices of the National Power Corporation (NPC) where he helped marshal the recovery of NPC back to profitability.

Attorney Salonga is well-versed and experienced in the energy sector. He has developed and completed conventional and renewable energy power projects. The whole gamut of power plants whether they be coal, diesel, solar, wind, biomass, etc has all been, once upon a time, on Joy’s table for study and development. Although he has worked on huge megawatt on-grid projects, his true passion lies in providing energy solutions in off-grid sites. Joy is comfortable rucking it out in far and distant project sites in order to bring power to the most impoverished communities. His services are sought after by multinational energy corporations operating in the Philippines. He also lends his expertise as a consultant to the Joint Congressional Power Commission as one of its advisors for energy legislation. Sometimes, he even works with international aid and research organizations like Japan International Cooperation Agency, Asian Development Bank, and Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit.

FCRV, a 10MW solar power plant in Cabanatuan City, was recently commissioned as one of the few FIT-certified renewable power generation companies to pass the exacting standards of the Department of Energy. This achievement showcases Attorney Salonga’s prowess in leading the execution, financing, development and operation of power projects in the country. The whole project was supervised and finished from inception to final commissioning under the guidance of Attorney Salonga.

Jose Moises holds a Juris Doctor from the Ateneo School of Law and a Bachelor degree in Economics from the Ateneo de Manila University. He has served as assistant secretary to the Office of the President, under the Executive Secretary, on matters relating to national power policies. He is also a valued resource and speaker on energy law and business in the ASEAN region. When he is not tinkering with energy development projects, you will find him at the shooting range honing his skills. As a competitive marksman, Attorney Salonga has earned awards from numerous practical shooting competitions. He may be reached at Joy.Salonga@Energence.PH

Paolo Rodriguez

Atty. Paolo Manuel T. Rodriguez, a lawyer by trade, lends his considerable expertise in energy law and regulations, as well as in corporate and commercial transactions, to the Energence collective. Utilizing this unique consolidation of experience, he maintains a firm comprehension of the ever-evolving nature of governmental policy, particularly as it concerns the emerging renewable energy market, complemented with an awareness and appreciation of the business and investment aspects of energy generation and distribution.

Through his involvement with Energence, Paolo endeavors to promote the national vision of clean energy as a means of preserving a healthier environment, as well as solidify and enhance the Philippines’ status as a viable destination for local and foreign investment.

Paolo’s knowledge base in the aforementioned areas was honed through years of practice in both the public and private sectors, specifically as a utilities regulations consultant for the Japanese International Cooperation Agency, a legal and policy officer under the Office of the President of the Philippines, and a practicing corporate attorney with the law firms of Escaño Sarmiento & Partners and Gerodias Suchianco Estrella.

Paolo obtained his Juris Doctor degree from the Ateneo de Manila Law School. He is a member of the Philippine Bar. He likewise holds an undergraduate degree from the University of Westminster (London, United Kingdom) as a Bachelor of Sciences in Psychology, with Upper Second Class Honours.

Paolo prefers to balance his love of good food with his passion for sports and the martial arts. He can be reached at Paolo.Rodriguez@Energence.PH

Karl Cornelio Cruz

Owing to his considerable experience as legal counsel in energy sector, Atty. Karl Cornelio A. Cruz brings a wealth of expertise in energy regulations and purchase and supply procurement to Energence. He has served as Legal Counsel at the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines, where he spearheaded numerous negotiations with private sector entities, as well as dialogues with the Energy Regulatory Commission and other related agencies. His breadth of experience also includes advisory services for renewable energy ventures and public procurement processes.

In addition, Karl’s passion for public service has driven him to counsel for the Department of the Interior and Local Government, where he provided invaluable advisory services in areas concerning proposed legislation and asset procurement at the Office of the Undersecretary for Peace and Order.

Apart from his work in the energy and public sectors, Karl is also a Founding Partner of Custodio Cruz & Puno Law Offices, where he handles various accounts involving civil compulsory processes and criminal litigation, as well as corporate housekeeping and compliance concerns of the firm’s robust clientele.

Karl obtained his Juris Doctor degree from the Ateneo de Manila Law School, and was admitted to the Philippine Bar. He graduated from the Ateneo de Manila University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Philosophy.

Karl can be reached at Karl.Cruz@Energence.PH.

Patrick Michael D. Vargas

An astute businessman and political strategist, Patrick specializes in key components of project development and implementation. With his vast experience in starting companies and driving their exponential growth, he’s often consulted by a wide range of entities, from start ups to multinationals.

At age 25, he was already an official business delegate of the Philippines to the United Nations in New York, tasked to gather strategies in strengthening the Filipino youth’s entrepreneurial culture and established himself as a young, innovative businessman with recognized expertise in water treatment, project implementation, and strategic partnership development.

He also serves as the CEO of Global Supply Solutions, a young and vibrant organization supplying water and sewerage treatment plants to water districts and private concessionaires nationwide, providing access to clean, potable water to numerous communities who have long suffered from inadequate water supply. Patrick forayed into the world of internationally renowned suppliers from the Middle East, Asia, and Europe to establish reliable, pioneering, and premiere water treatment systems in the Philippines. Having serviced three of the top four water concessionaires in the country, his experience alone is a valuable asset for the team.

A graduate of AB Political Science from the Ateneo De Manila University where he also pursued his primary and secondary education, Patrick also serves as the chief adviser of Representative Alfredo Vargas III from the 5th District of Quezon City. Patrick can be reached at Patrick.Vargas@Energence.PH.