Alfonso Cusi
Cusi in 2022
14th Secretary of Energy
In office June 30, 2016 – June 30, 2022
President	Rodrigo Duterte
Preceded by	Zenaida Monsada
Succeeded by	Raphael P. M. Lotilla
Director-General of the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines
In office March 2010 – December 2010
President	Gloria Macapagal Arroyo Benigno Aquino III
General Manager of the Manila International Airport Authority
In office August 2004 – March 2010
President	Gloria Macapagal Arroyo
General Manager of the Philippine Ports Authority
In office February 2001 – July 2004
President	Gloria Macapagal Arroyo
Personal details
Born	Alfonso Gaba Cusi (1949-12-05) December 5, 1949 (age 74) Roxas, Oriental Mindoro, Philippines
Political party	PDP
Spouse	Maria Angeles S. Cusi
Alma mater	University of St. La Salle ( BS) University of the Philippines ( MBA)
Profession	Businessman, government administrator

Alfonso "Al" Gaba Cusi (Tagalog pronunciation: [ˈkusɪ]; born December 5, 1949) ^{[1] [2]} 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. ^[3] He is the Vice Chairman of Partido Demokratiko Pilipino, ^[4] 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. ^[5]

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. ^[2]

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.

Beyond his entrepreneurial and executive successes, Cusi’s contributions extended to serving as the Secretary of Energy, propelling advancements in the sector. Despite never seeking elective positions, his harmonious blend of entrepreneurship and impactful public service earned him admiration, exemplifying a positive influence on both business and government fronts.

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. ^[6]

References