Palace defers comment on Bertiz tantrum

Embattled ACTS-OFW Rep. Aniceto “John” Bertiz answers questions from the media regarding issues hounding him over a NAIA incident. Bertiz held a press conference at the House of Representatives on Monday, October 2, 2018. INQUIRER/ Pathricia Ann V. Roxas

Malacañang on Monday reminded government officials to follow President Rodrigo Duterte’s example and abide by security protocols in airports.

“Let’s learn by way of example from what the President is doing. The President does not seek or ask for any special treatment,” said presidential spokesperson Harry Roque.

Roque made the remarks in the wake of a controversial video that caught ACTS-OFW Rep. Aniceto “John” Bertiz accosting a security guard at Ninoy Aquino International Airport after the congressman refused to remove his shoes during a security check.

‘President behaves’

While Malacañang declined to comment on the incident, Roque pointed out that even the President himself abides by the country’s laws, including security protocols and traffic rules.

“The President really insists, even if he is in a convoy, to follow traffic rules and traffic lights. So if the President behaves this way, we hope that all government officials follow this example,” Roque said.

He noted that at the airport, the President complies with the required security checks, such as subjecting his luggage to the X-ray machine and other security procedures like other passengers.

Malacañang said it was deferring comment on the incident involving Bertiz until Naia had concluded its probe.

Influence on allies

Roque rejected criticisms that the incident was a reflection of the President’s leadership, and his influence on his allies.

“That’s ridiculous. I’m an ally of the President, I’m at the airport almost every day. But I comply with the security requirements,” he said.

For his part, the president’s special assistant, Christopher “Bong” Go, reminded government officials to serve as good examples to Filipinos.

“We are in government to serve the public and not to be served, or accorded special treatment,” Go said.

“May this serve as a lesson to all those in government. Discipline is needed for progress, so discipline and proper behavior should begin with us,” he said.

Senate President Vicente Sotto III agreed, saying public officials should remember that they are here to serve the people and must not seek special treatment.

Sense of entitlement

“I don’t mean to disrespect anyone, but … public officials are servants. We should not be bosses. Our bosses are the people. We should follow the same policies that they follow,” Sotto said.

But Sen. JV Ejercito expressed displeasure at Bertiz’s actions on his Twitter account, saying the lawmaker displayed arrogance and a sense of entitlement.

Bertiz has already apologized to the security guard whom he had confronted.