House reprimands solon over airport outburst

The House of Representatives on Wednesday let the axe fall, albeit softly, on ACTS-OFW Rep. Aniceto Bertiz III, who was roundly criticized on social media after he was caught on video berating an airport security officer.

Upon the motion of Minority Leader Danilo Suarez, the House in plenary voted 159-1, with three abstentions, to reprimand Bertiz over the Sept. 29 incident.

“It’s lower than a censure. A reprimand is like a reminder to a fellow lawmaker that he or she should not do his misdeeds again,” Deputy House Speaker Rannie Abu told the Inquirer.

“But this is actually a ‘reprimand’ to all of us that we should abide by the ethical standards set for us lawmakers,” he added.

Before the voting, an emotional Bertiz delivered a privilege speech apologizing to his colleagues.

“I understand and own up to my wrongdoing. I hope you can forgive me. Forgive me because as a public servant, I was not an example of good behavior,” he stressed.

He said his wife and children also came under attack on social media because of the scandal.

“Let me suffer and just spare my family. My wife and our children had nothing to do with this,” Bertiz said, his voice trembling. “You cannot even imagine what I and my family have to go through. Do what you want to me, but please spare my family.”