Statement of Deputy Speaker and Batangas Rep. Ralph G. Recto

3 March 2023

The DOTR should consider purchasing body cameras for OTS personnel manning X-ray machines and other airport security checkpoints that put them in close contact with passengers.

This simple device would deter pickpockets in uniform and at the same time ward off rude passengers who harass airport personnel who are just doing their duty.

A bodycam protects the checker and the checked.

May footage habang binubuksan ang isang bag na may kadudadudang laman. At may resibo kung ang bag naman na iyon ay inatake ng salisi gang na naka-uniporme.

The DOTR and the Office for Transportation Security cannot plead poverty in not buying bodycams, a device even food riders have, made affordable in this age of livestreaming. 

Ang X-ray machines ay parang toll gate. Bawat pasaherong dumadaan ay bayad ng P60 na Airport Security Fee kung sasakay ng international flights at P15 kung domestic.

Dahil ang ASF ay naka-tuck-in sa ticket ng eroplano, kaya walang malay ang mga pasahero na bayad na sila sa takilya ng OTS. 

Kaya naman ang gross allotment or budget ng OTS ay lampas P1 bilyon bawat taon. In 2021, P331 million ang appropriated ng Congress, may konting automatic appropriations, at ang pinakamalaki ay ang P693 million mula sa ASF at ibang port usage fees.

In 2021, batay sa isang official report, may balance na P207 million ang balon ng ASF “dividends” ng OTS.

Pwede itong pambili ng bodycam, marami nang mapapakyaw – huwag lang ipadaan sa Pharmally.