Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian debunked the Department of Energy’s (DOE) allegations that the Senate Committee on Energy, which he chairs, is “causing undue delay to the timeline of the Malampaya consortium corporations” in relation to the ongoing review of the shares’ sale in the gas project.
“It is unfair to accuse the Senate of delaying any timeline or work program of the consortium. It is our responsibility to hold departments to account especially on questionable transactions,” Gatchalian said in a statement.
“The work program, with its timeline, is a commitment of the consortium to the government. Needless to say, that it is the responsibility of the consortium to fulfill their commitment and if there’s any ongoing delay in fulfilling their work program, it’s the DOE’s responsibility to hold the consortium accountable. So, why blame the Senate?” he asked.
Gatchalian had said that the DOE’s decision to approve the sale of Chevron’s 45% stake in Malampaya to Dennis Uy’s Udenna Corporation is “defective and invalid.” The lawmaker also raised a “red flag” on Udenna’s purchase of Shell Philippines Exploration B.V.’s 45% share.
Three “concerned citizens” have also filed graft charges against Energy Sec. Alfonso Cusi, Uy, and 24 others before the Office of the Ombudsman in connection with the Davao-based firm’s acquisition of Malampaya.
