Criticisms coming from PDP-Laban party mates very disheartening — Cusi

Energy Sec. Alfonso Cusi. Screen grab / File photo from the Senate PRIB

MANILA, Philippines — Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi on Thursday admitted he was saddened over criticisms that he is “prioritizing politics over addressing power supply issues” coming from his party mates at the Partido Demokratiko Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban).

In an online Palace briefing, Cusi reiterated he is able to do his job as energy secretary and PDP-Laban vice-chair.

“We’re aware of our responsibilities. Ginagampanan po natin iyan nang sa lubos nating kakayahan,” Cusi said.

(We’re aware of our responsibilities. We are doing these to the best of our ability.)

“Nakakalungkot po na nanggaling pa po ‘yon sa aking party mates, nakakalungkot din po iyon. Anyway, siguro naman makikita po na hindi natin pinapabayaan ang ating panunungkulan,” he admitted.

(It’s sad that these came from my party mates, that’s saddening. Anyway, maybe they will see that we are not being lenient to our responsibilities.)

Cusi also said that being in PDP-Laban’s national assembly in Cebu while there were power outages in Luzon does not mean he is neglecting his job.

“Wala pong relasyon yung pagmemeeting sa Cebu, that is another function. With all the technology that we have today, we can perform more,” Cusi said.

(There’s no relation to the meeting in Cebu, that’s another function. With all the technology that we have today, we can perform more.)

Senator Manny Pacquiao, acting president of PDP-Laban, took a swipe at Cusi for “prioritizing politics” amid electricity issues hounding Luzon.

Pacquiao even said he would replace Cusi if he were the president.

Earlier, Pacquiao discouraged members from attending the PDP-Laban assembly called by Cusi. But later on, it was revealed that President Rodrigo Duterte himself ordered to convene the party members.

JPV