ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines – Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano urged Friday the Ombudsman for a speedy resolution on its complaint filed against Transportation Secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya and airport officials to address the “laglag-bala” (bullet planting) scheme which put the country to shame.
Cayetano also said there is no need for the Congress to amend Republic Act 10591, or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Law as solution to the extortion scheme at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA).
Camarines Sur Rep. Leni Robredo and Sen. Paolo Benigno Aquino IV have filed bills that would decriminalize possession of not more than three bullets.
According to Cayetano, it is impossible that airport employees will find a passenger trying to slip in a bullet at the NAIA everyday.
“So bottom line we cannot have a government that is helpless,” Cayetano said.
The administrative complaint filed by Cayetano before the Office of the Ombudsman urged to have involved officials dismissed from office if proven negligent of their duties citing command responsibility under Executive Order 226.
READ: DOTC, MIAA chiefs face complaint over bullet scam
“So, kung ‘yung Ombudsman ay kikilos dito at sususpendihin si Sec. Jun Abaya (DOTC), si (NAIA) General Manager (Angel) Honrado, magigising ‘yung ibang mga ahente,” Cayetano added.