OTS chief submits courtesy resignation

MANILA, Philippines — Office for Transportation Security (OTS) Administrator Ma. O Aplasca yesterday submitted his courtesy resignation to President Marcos through Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Jaime Bautista.

“In view of the pronouncement of Congressman Romualdez that he will personally block the approval of the budget of OTS and DOTr, I have come to this decision to officially submit my courtesy resignation for the consideration of SOTr and the President. I am not in any way ready to sacrifice my organization but I consider this as a noble undertaking for a greater interest,” Aplasca stated in his letter, referring to Speaker Martin Romualdez.

“May I however state that as Administrator of OTS, I have done nothing wrong but to wage an honest campaign against corruption in all our airports nationwide. I feel it is a sacred duty of every head of any government agency expressed and solemnized when we take an oath,” Aplasca added.

The beleaguered OTS chief lamented that it is unfortunate that as the agency weeds out scalawags in its ranks, “it will always draw media attention and tarnish the reputation of our country.”

“But I can assure His Excellency that the good men and women of OTS will not falter in their commitment to cleanse its ranks to finally deliver on its promise of a convenient, affordable, safe and secured transportation system,” he said.

In closing his courtesy resignation letter, Aplasca thanked Marcos and Bautista for giving him the opportunity to serve the Filipino people.

Aplasca made the decision after Romualdez, citing “command responsibility,” demanded his resignation last Monday for failing to stop repeated illegal activities by security personnel, specifically alleged theft involving OTS screeners, at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport.

“I am advising the OTS chief: submit your courtesy resignation before the House of Representatives tackles the budget of your office,” Romualdez was quoted as saying.

“Resign. If you don’t submit your resignation, I myself will block the approval of the OTS budget,” he added.

Surprised by Romualdez’s demand for his resignation, Aplasca commented: “I have done nothing wrong but to cleanse our office with corrupt officials. Why am I now being attacked? For going after corrupt officials?  I think it should be the other way around. The corrupt officials should instead be asked to resign. The case involving the stealing of the $300 bills is still being resolved, and they want the investigators gone first. There must be something wrong somewhere.”

“As a leader, I am taking full responsibility for what the OTS does and fails to do. I will discuss this matter with Secretary Bautista and President Marcos. However, I will not allow anyone to humiliate me and allow any wrong information to thrive because of how unjust it is to the good men and women of the OTS who tirelessly dedicate their hard work to serve the public every day. And I stand against this public humiliation for the sake of my family, who, in my more than 40 years of serving this country, is hurting now more than ever over such insensitive, malicious and personal attacks,” he said.

As of yesterday, the OTS had investigated 68 administrative cases for violation of various disciplinary and administrative policies. From these cases, 11 personnel had already been dismissed.

The OTS had also recognized at least 115 honest personnel for returning properties left behind and money ranging from few hundreds of pesos to millions.

It was determined during the OTS’ strategic planning last year that the agency’s problem is systemic and cultural, which calls for both short-term and long-term initiatives, according to Aplasca.