PTA cites Leyte hotel; worker for honesty

The Philippine Tourism Authority (PTA) cited for exemplary honesty a male employee of the MacArthur Park Beach Resort in Palo, Leyte who returned a bagful of money left by an American guest.

Armando Movilla, a utility worker of the Leyte hotel, received the PTA’s Honesty Award during the commemoration of the Civil Service Commission’s centennial last Sept. 29.

Movilla reportedly rushed to the airport to hand over a belt bag left by C.C. Motes, a US Air Force soldier, at his hotel room. The bag contained P23,000 and $900 in cash and $1,100 worth of money orders.

Motes subsequently sent an e-mail to PTA general manager Angelito Banayo expressing his gratitude for Movilla’s virtuous deed.

Married with three kids and with a daily wage of P257, Movilla could have been easily tempted to keep the money for himself, but his commitment to work and honesty prevailed. – Robert John Oriondo