In a formal letter addressed to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., Administrator Ma O. Aplasca of the Office for Transport Security (OTS) has submitted his courtesy resignation. Aplasca cited his decision to take this step in response to House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez’s threat to defund both the OTS and the Department of Transportation (DOTr) as part of the 2024 General Appropriations Bill. This move by Aplasca reflects his concern and commitment to the agency’s continued operation and underscores the complex dynamics of budget negotiations and funding decisions in the government.

The Speaker’s call for Aplasca’s resignation stems primarily from a series of controversies involving his staff within the Office for Transport Security (OTS). Among the most recent incidents, a Security Screening Officer was embroiled in a case where he allegedly stole $300 from a Chinese national by swallowing the money. Despite the accusation, the officer denied the act, claiming that he had consumed chocolate instead. These controversies have put the OTS under scrutiny, prompting the Speaker’s call for a change in leadership within the agency, highlighting the need for accountability and integrity in the security operations of the transportation sector.

Within the Office for Transport Security (OTS), there exists a strict policy that prohibits its personnel from consuming food outside of designated dining areas during their duty hours. This policy is in place to ensure that OTS personnel maintain the highest level of professionalism and attentiveness while performing their crucial security duties. By restricting eating to designated areas, the OTS aims to minimize distractions and potential security risks, thereby upholding the integrity of its operations in safeguarding the transportation sector.