Filipino businessman, civil servant and politician
Alfonso "Al" Gaba Cusi (; born December 5, 1949) is a Filipino businessman from Naujan, Oriental Mindoro who served as the 14th Secretary of Energy under the Duterte administration from 2016 to 2022. He also served in the Arroyo Administration as head of government air and sea transportation agencies from 2001 to 2010. He is the Vice Chairman of Partido Demokratiko Pilipino, after becoming president of the party then known as PDP–Laban in 2021.
Cusi and other Department of Energy officials face graft charges, neglect of duty, and grave misconduct before the Office of the Ombudsman over the buyout of Malampaya Philippines Pte. of 45% Chevron Philippines' stake in the Malampaya gas field in Palawan.
Early life and education.
Cusi was born in the municipality of Roxas, Oriental Mindoro. He graduated at the University of St. La Salle in Bacolod (then known as La Salle College Bacolod), earning a Bachelor of Science degree in 1972. He also attended the University of the Philippines in Cebu City and received a Master of Business Administration in 1976.
Career and businesses.
Alfonso joined Aboitiz Shipping Corp., and while working there, he simultaneously obtained his Master’s degree in Business from the University of the Philippines. Eventually, he struck out on his own, venturing into entrepreneurship in 1991.
Cusi’s commitment to public service unfolded in 2001 when he assumed a key position at the Philippine Ports Authority. Here, he introduced passenger terminals across ports for public safety, played a pivotal role in the Strong Republic Nautical Highway Project, and established a cruise ship terminal in Manila. His leadership continued at the Manila International Airport Authority in 2004, addressing terminal issues and elevating standards. His sweeping achievements in both the public and private sectors at this point were quickly recognized, earning him a Doctorate of Philosophy in Business from the Polytechnic University of the Philippines in 2007.
In 2010, Cusi took on the role of CAAP Director General, preventing the downgrade of Philippine aviation. Returning to private business after GMA’s term, he initiated the fleet modernization of Starlite Ferries in 2011, setting industry standards.
Controversies.
Complaints against media outlets.
In 2021, Cusi filed libel and cyberlibel complaints against seven news organizations over their stories on the Malampaya deal, which detailing the graft charges filed against him and businessman Dennis Uy. On June 24, 2022, before his term as Energy Secretary ended, Cusi, through an affidavit of desistance filed in the Taguig City's Prosecutor Office, withdrew these complaints.
References.
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