Kris Aquino bashed over airport 'laglag-bala' scheme

MANILA, Philippines — Kris Aquino became the target of netizens frustrated over the alleged "laglag-bala" or bullet-planting scheme at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport.

On Monday, the TV host-actress posted about her flight back to Manila from Hawaii, commending an airline for her "comfortable" trip on her Instagram account.

 

I don't endorse @flypal but I want to commend them via this post- we flew the A330 going to Hawaii & the A340 on our way home. Both times the flights were so comfortable & the planes smelled fresh & clean, the crew both in the airport (NAIA & HNL) & on the plane were so pleasant, and most of all the special PAL Arroz Caldo was Pinoy comfort food at its BEST! Keep up the good work to all those working for our flag carrier! #Mabuhay

A photo posted by Kris Aquino (@withlovekrisaquino) on

Nov 1, 2015 at 1:32am PST

But her followers criticized Kris's post, with some netizens reminding her that she probably received preferential treatment because she is President Benigno Aquino III's sister.

One of the comments on Kris's Instagram post read: "Bakit kapag mga celebrities at politician eh hindi ninanakawan ang baggage at hindi nabibiktima ng tanim bala? Anong klaseng gobyerno meron ang Pilipinas? Ito ba ang definition ng demokrasya?"

A number of netizens also commented about the "laglag-bala" scam, saying Kris's post is "insensitive" given the recent news about the Manila airport.

"Wrong timing lang kasi ang pag-post mo," a netizen told Kris.

Another netizen said: "The president has the capacity to handle such situation if he really is capable. Such an insensitive post and very timely with the current events. Thumbs down."

Yet another commenter said: "Paano hindi magiging good service eh kapatid ka ng presidente! Di na kayo nahiya sa nangyayari sa airport. 'Di na kayo naawa sa OFW @withlovekrisaquino Hinuhuthutan pa ng pera sa airport. Grabe naman! Lahat takot na umuwi dahil sa tanim-bala! ikaw kaya maging biktima?"

The ABS-CBN star posted another photo on her Instagram account following her earlier post about her flight: a picture of Olivia Pope (played by actress Kerry Washington) from the US TV series "Scandal" with text, "It's handled."

 

A photo posted by Kris Aquino (@withlovekrisaquino) on

Nov 1, 2015 at 3:59am PST

Olivia Pope plays a crisis manager in the hit TV series. The caption on post reads: "I spoke to my brother... I love my brother. I support my brother. I trust my brother. I believe in my brother. And by tomorrow you can start looking for a new issue to bully me about."

This prompted netizens to speculate if Kris has spoken to the president about the "laglag-bala" scam.

READ: 'PNP says syndicate unlikely behind bullet scam'

On Monday, the Philippine National Police Aviation Security Group said it is unlikely a syndicate is involved in the alleged scam, claiming Filipinos still carry bullets as amulets believed to be good luck charms. The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board will also conduct a hearing regarding a taxi driver allegedly involved in the alleged "laglag-bala" scheme. — Chuck Smith