World · Philippines Bureau
Former Energy Secretary Cusi Seeks Court Approval for China, Japan Trip
Former Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi has petitioned the Sandiganbayan Third Division for permission to travel to China and Japan beginning October 31. The motion, filed through the Office of the Special Prosecutor, did not specify the duration of the trip or his expected return date.
LSN Philippines ·
MANILA — Former Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi has requested judicial authorization to travel abroad, submitting a motion to the Sandiganbayan Third Division on Monday seeking permission to visit China and Japan starting October 31.
According to Jezreel Zapanta of the Office of the Special Prosecutor, Cusi's application lacks crucial details regarding the length of his intended stay and when he plans to return to the Philippines. The omissions raise procedural questions as the court typically requires comprehensive travel itineraries from those subject to its jurisdiction.
The motion comes as Cusi faces pending cases before the anti-graft court. Travel requests from individuals with ongoing legal matters must be approved by the court to ensure their availability for proceedings and to prevent potential flight risks.
The Sandiganbayan Third Division is expected to deliberate on Cusi's petition in the coming days. Court approval of foreign travel by defendants or persons of interest is conditional upon demonstrated need and assurance of return.
Photo: Alfonso Cusi (left), then Philippine Energy Secretary, with IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi in Vienna, March 2022. IAEA Imagebank via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 2.0).