Senator Win Gatchalian has accepted the apology of former Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi over his alleged defamatory remarks against the lawmaker during his time as head of the Department of Energy.

Cusi's apology was published in two newspapers today.

"I accept the apology extended to me by former Secretary Alfonso Cusi in the spirit of magnanimity," Gatchalian told reporters on Monday.

"This underscores the need for all government officials to exercise care in their words, recognizing the impact they have on the public," he added.

Gatchalian filed a civil lawsuit against former Cusi on 20 February, seeking up to P16 million in damages with P10 million in moral damages, P5 million in exemplary damages and P1 million in attorney's fees.

The civil case was raffled off to Branch 282 of the Regional Trial Court of Valenzuela City.

"I believe that this episode serves as a reminder to all of us in government that our words and deeds should align with the principles of honesty, transparency, and commitment to the welfare of the public," said Gatchalian.

"As government officials, it is our responsibility to maintain the highest standards of integrity and accountability," he added.

In his public apology Monday, Cusi retracted the following statements against Gatchalian originally posted on the DOE's website on 4 February: "It is unfortunate that, in the course of the Committee hearings, Senator Gatchalian had chosen to lend his ear to those adversarial business interests. It was obvious in these hearings that Senator Gatchalian sought to undermine the DOE's ability to evaluate the proposal covering the said sale of shares comprehensively."

This was after Gatchalian filed Senate Resolution 137 recommending  the filing of appropriate criminal and administrative cases against Cusi and several others over complaints in connection with the approval of the sale of a majority stake in the Malampaya gas field.

Gatchalian, chair of Senate  committee on energy, had led the probe of the Malampaya deal, particularly the transfer of the 45-percent participating interest of Chevron Philippines in Chevron Malampaya to UC Malampaya, formerly owned by businessman Dennis Uy.

Cusi said he had no intention of accusing Gatchalian "of any crime, vice or defect, or of dishonoring his reputation."

"I regret any negative insinuations that may arise from this particular post and apologize to Senator Gatchalian for whatever pain and humiliation that the published statement may have caused him," he stressed.