Gatchalian to withdraw libel raps against ex-Energy chief Cusi

Senator Win Gatchalian during a Senate hearing on August 15, 2022 (Photo from Bibo Nueva España/ Senate PRIB)

MANILA, Philippines — Senator Sherwin Gatchalian will withdraw the criminal and civil cyber libel  cases he filed against former Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi.

“First of all, I accept  his apology, and this will be a lesson for all public servants including myself,” Gatchalian told reporters in a press briefing on Tuesday.

Cusi previously accused Gatchalian of “lend[ing] his ear to those adversarial business interests.”

He had also claimed the senator “sought to undermine the Department of Energy’s ability to evaluate” the proposal covering the sale of a majority stake in the Malampaya gas field.

The former Energy chief had apologized over his remark, saying that he does not intend to accuse Gatchalian of any crime nor does he hope to dishonor the senator’s reputation.

Former Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi (File photo)

At the briefing, when Gatchalian was asked whether or not he would drop the cases against Cusi, he answered yes.

“We will withdraw the libel case. That is the agreement, both criminal and civil libel case,” said the lawmaker.

The senator then commented it is “not right and irresponsible” to accuse a public servant without any basis.

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