Taxi Driver Earns Praise for Returning Lost Bag with P2.4M Cash
ILOILO – A taxi driver showed honesty by returning a bag left by a passenger, which contained P2.4 million in cash.
Despite the large amount that could have significantly changed his life, the driver chose to do the right thing.
The driver, identified as Anthony Barredo Aguirre, a resident of Barangay Amparo in Pavia, Iloilo, recounted that he had already returned home when his taxi operator called, asking if a passenger might have left a bag in his vehicle.
Upon checking the passenger side of his taxi, Aguirre found the bag under the seat. Without hesitation, he brought it to Police Station 8 to ensure it was returned to its rightful owner.
The bag belonged to a man named Rudy from Palawan, who had been traveling with his wife and grandchildren when it was accidentally left behind.
Authorities commended Aguirre’s honesty, noting that such actions are rare and admirable, especially during tough financial times. Aguirre explained that he always returns items left in his taxi because he empathizes with those who lose valuables.
Even without expecting a reward, Aguirre expressed gratitude for being able to return the money to its owner. His wife, Ma. Elna, shared how proud she is of her husband’s integrity.
“Happy ako sa aking asawa. Nakatagpo siya ng pera tapos ibinalik nya kasi hindi naman dahil totoong nangangailangan rin kami, kundi dahil hindi sa amin yon,” said Elna.
Despite their financial needs, she emphasized that the money didn’t belong to them, and that doing the right thing was their priority.
The local government of Iloilo City praised Aguirre for his actions, announcing that he would be given P20,000 as a token of appreciation and recognized as an “honorary citizen” of the city.
In a similar post, an honest airport cleaner turns in socks stuffed w/ nearly P1 million in cash
The social media users expressed their reactions to the taxi driver’s honesty:
