“Cusi’s No-Show: Sandiganbayan Defers Malampaya Graft Arraignment, Demands Explanation”

The Sandiganbayan’s Third Division has deferred the arraignment of former Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi and several ex-officials of the Department of Energy in connection with the controversial Malampaya gas project.

Cusi and ten other former DOE executives are facing graft charges for allegedly fast-tracking the sale of a 45% Chevron Malampaya stake to UC Malampaya Philippines Pte. Ltd., owned by businessman Dennis Uy.

During Friday’s hearing, the anti-graft court ordered the prosecution to respond within ten days to the defense’s consolidated motions to quash the charges.

But the spotlight turned on Cusi’s absence.
Justice Ronald Moreno demanded an explanation within five days, noting that the former secretary is required by law to personally attend his arraignment. The judge warned of a possible contempt citation — or worse, a warrant of arrest.

The arraignment has been reset to January 16, 2026.

While the courtroom waits, the public wonders: Why are powerful names often absent when it’s time to face the truth?

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