Manila: A Philippine lawmaker has drawn widespread criticism after refusing to remove his shoes during a mandatory security check at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 2.
Footage has surfaced showing Aniceto John Bertiz III berating an airport security officer who asked him to remove his shoes.
ACTS OFW Party-list Rep. Bertiz is also seen in the video shoving his security identification card in the security officer’s face.
According to Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) general manager Ed Monreal, airport staff were simply observing security protocol when they asked that Bertiz remove his footwear.
“The airport was just following internationally recognised security protocols when Rep. Bertiz was told to remove his shoes. This is required at airports all over the world as per requirements of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO),” he said in a press briefing on Monday.
The ICAO is a UN specialised agency that sets standards and recommended practices and policies in support of a safe, efficient, secure, economically sustainable and environmentally responsible civil aviation sector.
Office of Transportation Security (OTS) administrator Art Evangelista said the security of all passengers is paramount.
“If you do not want to be subjected to a check then you are considered a threat,” he said.
Airport manager Monreal said showing a government security ID at the airport did not exempt officials from checks.
“Only the president is given VIP treatment,” he said.
The presidential palace for its part, chided Bertiz for not setting a good example as an official, saying that even Present Rodrigo Duterte subjects himself to mandatory screening at the airports every time he boards a commercial flight.
“Even the president complies with the security checks at the airport. He goes through the X-ray machine and he does not ask for any special treatment,” presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said.
“Let’s learn by way of example by what the president is doing. The president does not ask for special treatment,” he added.
On social media many overseas Filipino workers who endure tight security procedures every time they leave the country, criticised Bertiz.
They said the Congressman should not be treated any differently from any other person who exits the Philippines or passes through the airports.
President Duterte has repeatedly told government officials not to seek for special treatment since they are civil servants working for the benefit of the people.
