The Office of the Ombudsman has ordered the dismissal of former Senate sergeant-at-arms Mao Aplasca, according to Ombudsman Jesus Crispin “Boying” Remulla. The resolution, signed on Monday, stems from an administrative offense linked to a shooting incident at the Senate building on May 13. Aplasca, a mistah of Senator Bato dela Rosa, remains at the center of the controversy regarding the discharge of a firearm during an attempted apprehension of the senator.
Background of the Senate Incident
The May 13 incident involved Aplasca firing a warning shot at National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) agents. The agents were at the Senate premises to arrest Senator Dela Rosa, who was suspected of being an International Criminal Court suspect. Hours after the confrontation, Dela Rosa left the building and has not been arrested.
Before the shooting, Aplasca had informed reporters, “They’re going to arrest somebody.” While Alan Peter Cayetano defended the action by claiming agents refused to heed security warnings and raised their guns, the NBI later suggested the shooting might have been staged.
The Office of the Ombudsman previously attempted to issue a suspension order against Aplasca on May 16, but the Senate refused to receive the order.
Implications for the Senate
The primary hurdle facing the Ombudsman is whether the current Senate leadership will enforce the dismissal order. Historically, the implementation of such orders has been inconsistent. When former ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales ordered the dismissal of Senator Joel Villanueva, then-Senate president Tito Sotto declined to implement it; the case was later reversed by Samuel Martires.
The political environment within the Senate has shifted since the May 16 refusal. Senate President Win Gatchalian, who was part of the minority under Cayetano’s presidency, now leads the chamber. Whether this change in leadership will result in a different administrative response remains to be seen.
The conflict between the Ombudsman’s disciplinary authority and the Senate’s internal autonomy highlights a recurring constitutional tension. As seen in the Villanueva precedent, the enforcement of administrative penalties against Senate-affiliated personnel often depends heavily on the political alignment of the presiding Senate leadership at the time of the order.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Mao Aplasca dismissed?
The Office of the Ombudsman ordered his dismissal following an investigation into his alleged involvement in a shooting incident inside the Senate on May 13.
What was the specific action taken by Aplasca on May 13?
According to reports, Aplasca fired a warning shot at NBI agents who were at the Senate building to arrest Senator Bato dela Rosa.
Will the Senate implement the dismissal?
It is currently unclear. While the Ombudsman has issued the order, implementation depends on the Senate leadership, which has previously resisted similar orders in other cases.
How do you believe the Senate should handle administrative orders issued by the Ombudsman?
