Lawmaker criticised for not removing his shoes

APhilippine lawmaker has drawn widespread criticism after refusing to remove his shoes during a mandatory security check at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 2. Footage has surfaced showing Aniceto John Bertiz III berating an airport security officer who asked him to remove his shoes.

ACTS OFW Party-list Rep. Bertiz is also seen in the video shoving his security identification card in the security officer’s face.

According to Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) general manager Ed Monreal, airport staff were simply observing security protocol when they asked that Bertiz remove his footwear. “The airport was just following internationally recognised security protocols when Rep. Bertiz was told to remove his shoes. This is required at airports all over the world as per requirements of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO),” he said in a press briefing yesterday.

The ICAO is a UN specialised agency that sets standards and recommended practices and policies in support of a safe, efficient, secure, economically sustainable and environmentally responsible civil aviation sector.