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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Gatchalian welcomes Ombudsman's indictment of ex-DOE chief Cusi for graft over Malampaya deal

Gatchalian welcomes Ombudsman's indictment of ex-DOE chief Cusi for graft over Malampaya deal

Published Aug 30, 2025 12:52 pm  |  Updated Aug 30, 2025 01:26 pm

At A Glance

  • Senator Sherwin Gatchalian hailed the Ombudsman's indictment of former DOE Secretary Alfonso Cusi over the 2019 Malampaya deal as a win for accountability, stressing the government's duty to protect critical national infrastructure through responsible governance and transparency.
Senator Sherwin Gatchalian welcomed on Saturday, Aug. 30, the indictment of former Department of Energy (DOE) secretary Alfonso Cusi by the Ombudsman over the controversial 2019 Malampaya deal.
Senator Sherwin Gatchalian (Senate PRIB photo)
Senator Sherwin Gatchalian (Senate PRIB photo)
"I welcome the decision of the Ombudsman to indict former DOE secretary Alfonso Cusi and other officials over the controversial 2019 Malampaya deal, which will now proceed before the Sandiganbayan for trial," he said in a statement.
"This development affirms what we have long raised — that the transaction was marred by serious irregularities and failed to protect the best interests of the Filipino people," he stated.
As the then-chairman of the Senate Energy Committee, Gatchalian pursued a thorough investigation that revealed how due diligence was set aside to favor private interests in taking control of a vital national asset.
Malampaya, which supplies up to 20 percent of Luzon’s electricity, is one of the country’s most critical energy lifelines, according to Gatchalian.
"This development is a victory for accountability," he said.
"Paalala ito na tungkulin ng gobyerno na bantayan at ipaglaban ang mga mahahalaga at kritikal na imprastraktura ng bansa. Responsableng pamamahala at malinaw na pananagutan ang nararapat ngayon at sa susunod pang henerasyon (This is a reminder that it is the government’s duty to safeguard and defend the country’s vital and critical infrastructure. Responsible governance and clear accountability are what's needed now and in future generations)," he added.

Related Tags

Sherwin Gatchalian Malampaya Department of Energy (DOE) Ombudsman
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