Honest hardware store employee showcases integrity returns money found in the street
Honest minimum wage earner feted
In the heart of Albay province, in the eastern part of Luzon mainland in the Philippines, a modestly compensated worker at a local hardware store became an unexpected hero when he garnered commendation for conscientiously turning in a sum of money he stumbled upon during a leisurely stroll through the vibrant streets of Legazpi City.
A report published in the online edition of the daily, Manila Bulletin said Antonio Bilan was walking along a street in the village of Balading in the town of Malinao last November 22 when he saw a bundle of cash.
“It was around 4 p.m. when he found the money on the road. There were many hundred-peso bills, also P50 bills (approximately $.92) and P20 (approx.$.36). He turned them over to the police,” Police Major Christian Brual, chief of Malinao Municipal Police Station quoted as saying in the report.
According to Brual, Bilan stated that he discovered the money strewn across the road.
“It was as if the money fell from someone's pocket. Bilan picked them all up and turned the money over to us. There were no identification cards that would lead us to the owner.”
In the Philippines, the minimum daily wage is around P570, approximately $10. Informal workers like Bilan often receive compensation below the minimum wage and typically lack welfare benefits.
“We are really proud of him because, despite the fact that he earns a pittance, he was not tempted at all to just keep the money to himself. He told us that he could not, in his conscience, get the money as it might be needed more by the person who lost it. He also told us that maybe the money could be a lifesaver for someone. So on Monday, we will honor his honesty and give him a little help,” said Brual.
Brual commended Bilan's extraordinary honesty and announced that he would be honored and invited to participate in the routine flag-raising ceremonies for municipal workers.
The police officer expressed optimism that Bilan's integrity would serve as a source of inspiration not only for the residents of Malinao and the province of Albay but also for the entire nation.
