Taxi driver returns P127,000 to businesswoman

Another taxi driver from Taguig has been commended for his honesty after he returned P127,000 in cash left by a businesswoman in his vehicle the other night.

Taguig Mayor Freddie Tinga lauded Roberto Robianes, 33, a resident of Road 1, North Daang Hari, Bagong Tanyag, Taguig as he handed over the money to its owner, Gloriosa Capin, 24, of Makati City at City Hall yesterday.

"We are proud to have people like Roberto, he gives a good impression not only of himself but of Taguig as well," Tinga said.

Capin said that after coming from a bank, she rode the FX taxi driven by Robianes, who took her to the Macro Warehouse in Buendia, Makati yesterday morning.

"Hiningi ko ang cell phone number niya para kung sakaling pauwi na ako matapos makapamili ay sa kanya na rin ako makasakay," Capin said. True enough, after a full day of shopping, she contacted Robianes, who was supposed to call it a day’s work at 8:30 p.m.

Capin said the blue pouch bag containing her money and membership cards was tucked underneath her armpit while she was busy talking over her cell phone during the ride home.

"Pagdating sa amin, bumaba na ako at hinayaan ang mga boy ko na ibaba ang aking pinamili," Capin added.

After about half an hour, she was again about to leave for an appointment when she discovered that the bag with her money was missing. She immediately called up Robianes who was at home and, at that time, did not realize that a bag full of money had been left in his cab.

After the call, the driver immediately checked his vehicle and found the bag on the floor of the passenger seat.

Robianes, accompanied by his brother Alexander, a watchman, went to the barangay hall and turned over the bag and money to barangay captain Erhard Fontanilla for safekeeping.

Capin agreed to meet at City Hall the next day for the turnover of the money since it might be dangerous for her to travel late at night.

"Nagpapasalamat po ako ng marami kay Roberto, napakahirap pong kitain ang pera sa panahon ngayon, lalo pa at nag-uumpisa pa lang akong magnegosyo. Sana dumami pa ang katulad niya na tapat sa kapwa," Capin said.

For his part, Robianes said that he did not think twice in returning the money because he wanted to be a good example to his three kids and show them the value of being honest.

"Gusto ko pong patunayan na hindi puro negatibo ang nangyayari sa ating paligid, na dito po sa Taguig ay maaayos ang mga tao," he said.

Last year, Reio Lance, another cabbie from Taguig, returned the P150,000 left by a passenger in his taxi. The money was intended for the operation of the passenger’s daughter in Cotabato.

Like Lance, Robianes will be awarded with a certificate of recognition during Monday’s flag-raising ceremony at City Hall to serve as an inspiration and role model to government officials and employees.