Cusi faces criticism for attending PDP-Laban meeting amid power crisis

Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi is facing criticism for attending a PDP-Laban meeting in Cebu while the Luzon grid was under red alert on May 31.

The Luzon grid experienced its first red alert since 2019, leading to rotating blackouts.

Cusi, who is the vice chairman of PDP-Laban, defended his actions by stating that power plant breakdowns were coincidental to the party meeting.

He asserted that he could fulfill both his roles as Energy Secretary and party official, trusting his team at the Department of Energy to manage the crisis.

Critics, including Bayan Muna Representatives Carlos Zarate and Neri Colmenares, and Senator Manny Pacquiao, argued that Cusi should prioritize the power crisis.

Senator Pacquiao called Cusi "incompetent" in a privilege speech.