Special treatment

There were no Chinese nationals escorted by airport officials that passed ahead of ACTS-OFW Representative Aniceto Bertiz at the security inspection. In fact, after viewing the CCTV for around 20 minutes, no one matching the description or Bertiz passed before him, according to MIAA General Manager Ed Monreal. This was the argument made by Bertiz, to sort of justify his actions, or rather his attitude. Let’s just say it, his arrogance. The video that made the internet showed him arguing with a screening officer, showing his MIAA access pass inches from the officer’s face, then snatching the latter’s ID and walking away. The reason for the incident? He did not want to remove his shoes as required at the inspection area. Since the video was all over the internet, Bertiz issued an apology while at the same time complaining that the tape was spliced. He’s only human, he explains, and even blames a “monthly period” for the outburst. Thousands of “humans” and even women with their “monthly period” pass through security checks at the airport every day, but do we see attitude like Bertiz’?

How hard is it to take off shoes and place them on the conveyor for screening? And why argue with airport security officials, if the security check is for the benefit and safety of everyone? Why not just get it over with, and pass through? Or is it because the lawmaker feels entitled and above everyone else, therefore some form of “special treatment” or consideration must be offered, especially since he is an ally of the administration? Or is it plain arrogance? Monreal has stated that if a passenger was escorted by NAIA officials, it would have been a violation of protocol and would be investigated. But as the CCTV has shown, there was none. So much for his defense. The House ethics committee is planning a probe on Bertiz for the airport incident. Really? Did I mention he is an ally of the administration? Another probe that amounts to nothing?

The MIAA also wants to know who released the video of the incident to the public. I do not know what Monreal would do if ever he finds out. I can understand there are protocols on releasing airport incidents to the public. But wasn’t releasing the video good, since it exposed the attitude of the entitled congressman who is now profusely apologizing? Video seems the last method in exposing wrongdoing. And it seems the last method for ordinary citizens to expose, even fight government abuse. If the public did not see what Bertiz did at the airport, would he have apologized?

The Palace, specifically the Special Assistant to the President has advised him not to ask for "special treatment" but to emulate President Duterte. I’ll take that with a grain of salt.

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