Bertiz: NAIA security ID issued to solons, senators, other high execs

ACTS OFW party-list Representative John Bertiz III said the security ID he showed to the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) personnel is also issued to congressmen, senators and other high officials.

Bertiz made the remark after he drew flak from netizens for supposedly refusing to remove his shoes as part of security protocol at the airport.

In a text message to GMA News Online on Sunday, Bertiz said he uses this security ID if there are issues in the airport need to be resolved such as those involving Overseas Filipino Workers and victims of illegal recruitment or trafficking so that he does not need to request an access pass every time.

"I want all my dealings and activities, if official, I wear ID po para ma identify and not to hide my identity, hindi tulad ng iba, ultimo mo mga airport police or personnel walang [official] ID na nakasabit sa kanila para hindi ma-identify," Bertiz said.

"Isa pa, it’s being issued to congressmen, senators and other high officials," he added.

LOOK: NAIA security ID that ACTS OFW party-list Rep. Bertiz showed to personnel at the airport. @gmanews pic.twitter.com/UPLYbwxo4Z

— Erwin Colcol (@erwincolcol) October 1, 2018

Bertiz has said that the video that circulated online was twisted.

He said he called out the security checker in the video for supposedly allowing some "Chinese-looking" individuals escorted by NAIA staff to skirt security check.

Bertiz also said in a separate interview on GMA News' Unang Balita on Monday that he only showed his ID to the security checker to indicate that he has an all access pass.

The lawmaker has already apologized for the incident.

“I offer no excuse. I am sincerely sorry for my actions,” Bertiz said.

Manila International Airport Authority General Manager Ed Monreal said Sunday they are already looking into the incident.  — RSJ, GMA News