THE House of Representatives has reprimanded ACTS OFW Representative Aniceto Bertiz III after the latter violated the security protocol at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) and confronted the airport screener who called him out over his supposed misconduct.
With 159 affirmative votes, one negative vote and 3 abstention, the plenary approved Minority Leader Danilo Suarez’s motion to reprimand Bertiz.
The move of the House of Representatives is pursuant to Section 140 of the House Rules which states that “the House may censure or reprimand an erring member with the concurrence of the majority of all its members. It may suspend or expel an erring member with the concurrence of two-thirds of all its members: provided that the penalty of suspension shall not exceed 60 days."
Suarez, during the plenary session said Bertiz should only be reprimanded by the House of Representatives as suspension is “severe and inappropriate” considering this is Bertiz’s first offense and the latter has already admitted his misconduct.
Suarez’s motion was made after Bertiz apologized to the plenary in a privilege speech.
“Hindi lingid sa inyong kaalaman na may kumalat na video sa social media tungkol sa insidenteng nangyari sa pagitan ko at ni Mr. (Hamilton) Abdul na isang empleyado sa Naia. Dahil po dito kabi-kabilang batikos ang aking natanggap,” he said.
(I am certain that you are aware of the video circulated on social media about what happened between me and Mr. Abdul, an employee at the Naia. I was bashed because of that.)
“Naiintindihan ko po, at buong puso ko pong tinatanggap ang aking mga pagkakamali. Patawarin po ninyo ako. Patawad po dahil bilang dahil bilang isang lingkod-bayan, hindi ako naging ehemplo ng tuwid at magandang asal,” Bertiz said.
(I understand and I sincerely admit my mistake. Please forgive me. I am sorry because as a public servant, I have not served as a model for good manners and right conduct.)
Bertiz drew the ire of the public after he refused to comply with the security protocol to take off his shoes at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Naia) and berated the airport employee who called his attention.
Before the Naia video of Bertiz’s misdemeanor went viral last September 29, Bertiz drew crticisms online after he told passers of the agriculture and the biosystems engineering exams who were about to take oath that they will not receive their PRC identification card if they do not know Secretary Bong Go.
Bertiz has repeatedly apologized for his actions and statements. (SunStar Philippines)