Nograles trims security detail

Taking the first step to improve the image of the House of Representatives,  Speaker Prospero Nograles has decided to do without motorcycle-riding police escorts.

At the same time, Nograles said he is contemplating on reducing the number of his security escorts, which sometimes affect traffic.

“These are things I can live without. Besides, it doesn’t look good for the rest of the public who must bear with the traffic.”

He also instructed his staff not to install blinkers on the vehicle of his security escorts, explaining that these devices should be only for marked police vehicles and those assigned to escort the President, who, under the law, is the only government official allowed to use such, including ambulances.

“I also don’t want those blinkers because I used to complain about convoys of politicians with all their blinkers, violating our traffic rules. As far as I’m concerned, these are unnecessary privileges that only give politicians a bad name,” Nograles said.

The House official reiterated, however, that he has nothing against those who insist on having their motorcycle escorts and security escorts equipped with blinkers, but stressed he is just not comfortable using them.

“I’m not very comfortable with so many armed men all over me. I still prefer the simple life where I can move around without all these people around me, but I guess I have no choice. It goes with my new job description,” he said.

Nograles said he was forced to augment his security aides a few months ago only because of the intelligence report he received from the National Bureau of Investigation on threats to his life.

“Otherwise I would prefer to have a lean security detail because these guys are better off helping to keep our street safe from lawless elements,” he pointed out.

“We are putting these minor reforms in place and I will implement reforms starting from the Office of the Speaker. I hope that this will convey the message that I mean business in pushing reforms that will improve the image the House of Representatives,” he said.