ACTS-OFW party-list Rep. Aniceto “John” Bertiz III is being criticized on social media today after Manila International Airport Authority-Airport Police Department (MIAA-APD) uploaded a video showing the lawmaker skipped the screening procedures at the departure area of Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) terminal 2.
In the video, it showed that Ilocos Norte Governor Imee Marcos was also there during the incident, but she followed the security procedures and removed her shoes at the final security checkpoint respectively.
However, when Bertiz entered the airport security video showed that the lawmaker refused to removed his shoes and even shoved his identification card to a security personnel to introduce himself as a congressman.
Bertiz also forcefully took the security officer’s ID, put it in his pocket then immediately left the area.
According to the report, the incident happened at around 6:45 A.M Sept. 29, 2018.
The source of the video also said that Bertiz allegedly called MIAA General Manager Eddie V. Monreal asking a request to terminate the officer who screened him.
APD said that the lawmaker violated “a lot of security protocols” during the incident.
Netizens couldn’t hide their frustration from Bertiz, a known supporter of President Rodrigo Duterte.
“No one is above the law….sad that certain congressman feels that one is above the law Bec they are part of making the law….wrong deduction for certain lawmakers.” Michael Macalag said.
Another netizen reminded Bertiz that even President Rodrigo Duterte is following airport screening procedures.
Bertiz is not yet giving a statement on the incident.
This is not the first time that Congressman Bertiz faced controversy, just three days ago, the lawmaker’s statement during an oath-taking ceremony received criticisms.
Speaking to the oath takers, he asked, “Kilala niyo ba kung sino yung sinasabi ko (Bong Go?).
When someone from the crowd replied with “hindi,” Bertiz suggested not to push the oath-taking ceremony anymore.
“Wag na nating ituloy to. Yung mga hindi nakakakilala kay Secretary Bong Go, walang PRC license mamaya,” the party-list representative said.
In an interview, Bertiz apologized for his statements and explained that his remarks were “meant to be a joke.”
This article has been originally published in 2018.