MANILA, Philippines?The Manila City Regional Trial Court has turned down a bid to cite Energy Secretary Angelo Reyes in contempt for his failure to attend last week?s court hearing on the alleged conspiracy of oil firms to jack up petroleum prices.

in connection with a case filed against oil companies for allegedly conspiring to manipulate prices of petroleum products.

Manila RTC Branch 26 Judge Silvino Pampilo Jr. said Reyes had explained that he attended a Cabinet meeting in Pampanga last October 27, the same day he was expected to testify in court.

Reyes added that the Solicitor-General, who serves as his counsel, had submitted a motion to quash the subpoena.

But Pampilo said the motion to quash was already moot since he already withdrew the subpoena. Reyes has been invited by the court to stand as amicus curiae or friend of the court to shed light on the issue of oil monopoly and cartelization.

Reyes was set to appear before the Manila Court next Tuesday.