Incoming energy chief sets top priorities

MANILA, Philippines – Incoming energy secretary Alfonso Cusi will continue to work on securing reliable power supply and aim to achieve lower power rates “in the eyes of the consumers.”

In a chance interview with reporters yesterday, Cusi said he will resume all the programs his predecessor, outgoing Energy Secretary Zenaida Monsada, started.

He said “continuity of programs, securing reliable power” are the top priorities of the new administration in the energy sector.

In terms of bringing down electricity rates, he said “we’re looking at it from the perspective of the consumer.”

Cusi said he is still in the process of organizing his team, assessing the officials under his predecessor.

“We’re still assessing, but no surprises. I have my own team, but just like in basketball, you’ll see first if you don’t need to replace people,” he said.

A day before assuming his post, Cusi was briefed by the National Electrification Administration, the National Power Corp., the Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management (PSALM) Corp. and the Philippine Electricity Market Corp. on updates in the sector.

Since he was named by incoming president Rodrigo Duterte has his energy secretary, Cusi has been meeting with Monsada and the rest of the Department of Energy family.

In their meetings, Monsada said they have given Cusi an overview of the energy sector, with more focus on the electricity sector since it has the most issues and concerns.

“We are preparing a transition report to guide him. We hope to be able to guide him through a smooth transition. Hopefully, he will appreciate and continue those the programs that were started,” she said earlier.

Cusi was formerly a general manager of Manila International Airport Authority and Philippine Ports Authority during the Arroyo administration.

He was implicated on numerous occasions by former Shari’a judge Nagamura Moner as his handler in the rigging of the 2004 presidential elections in favor of former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.