Hold liable officials involved in Malampaya share sale, DoE urged

The Department of Energy (DOE) must hold accountable all officials who “illegally approved” the takeover by Udenna Corp. of Chevrons’ share in the Malampaya natural gas project, according to senatorial aspirant Neri Colmenares.

Colmenares in a statement called on the DOE to publish the Malampaya agreement that detailed the duties, obligations and benefits of Dennis A. Uy’s Udenna “to assure the public that no unjust preference was given to him by the Duterte administration.”

“Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian is correct in saying that the Malampaya agreement was rushed and is beset by irregularities,” he said, adding that the Senate should continue its investigation on the deal and subpoena the concession agreements to shed light on whether the DOE favored Uy, a businessman friend of President Duterte.

Questionable

He said the DOE’s claim that Udenna was financially qualified was questionable, noting the lack of proof that due diligence was done.

“The DOE’s rush approval of the Udenna takeover of the Malampaya consortium opens up its officials to graft cases for approving an agreement disadvantageous to the government and the Filipino people,” the Bayan Muna chair said.

“The moment Udenna fails to meet its financial obligations, [Energy] Secretary Alfonso Cusi and his many undersecretaries will find themselves facing charges for having a hand for the takeover’s many irregularities,” he added.