Ilonggo Lauded

Honest cabbie recognized by airport authorities

Nikko Dizon
Inquirer News Service

TAXI driver Reio Lance was recognized on Friday by Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) authorities for his honesty when he returned 150,000 pesos cash left behind by his passengers at the domestic airport.

Lance, 28, appeared mildly embarrassed by the attention given him at the MIAA, as photographers asked him to pose with the agency's officials while being handed his rewards: a plaque of recognition and 10,000 pesos cash.

Lance said he was reluctant to receive any reward because he only did what he believes is the right thing to do.

Last Sunday, Lance returned 150,000 pesos in cash to his passengers--Felixberto Angana and Remigia Acosta--who inadvertently left the money in the taxicab after alighting at the Manila Domestic Airport in Pasay City.

The money was to be used for the operation of Angana's daughter who has brain tumor.

Lance, an Iloilo native who lives in Taguig with his family, drives the taxicab during weekends. On weeknights, he sells balut (boiled duck's egg with embyo), earning a measly 150 pesos a day.

During the day, Lance works on his application to become a seafarer.