Iloilo honors driver who returned P2.4 million left in taxi

NEGROS OCCIDENTAL, Philippines – The call came early in the morning on Sunday, January 19, jolting Anthony “Tony” Aguirre awake in his modest home in Pavia, Iloilo province. The taxi operator on the line had a question to Aguirre: Was there a bag left behind in his cab?

What followed was a story that captured Iloilo’s attention, a tale of quiet decency in an age of cynicism.

Aguirre, a 52-year-old taxi driver, ferried a couple and their toddler the night before. Hours later, he found out that they’d forgotten something – a bag containing P2.45 million in cash. 

Without hesitation, he did what some people wouldn’t: he handed it over to authorities, untouched.

“I just did what was right,” Aguirre later told Rappler on Wednesday, January 22. “Even though we’re poor, I’d rather sleep with a clear conscience than a full pocket.”

The story, as much about the bag’s owners as it is about Aguirre, soon became a viral narrative of honesty and trustworthiness, and unshakable values of one Ilonggo driver. 

What Aguirre did not foresee was how his act would ripple outward, touching everyone from the mayor of Iloilo City to ordinary residents, all captivated by a man who returned a fortune without asking for anything in return.

“Never mind the reward,” said the driver from the village of Amparo, Pavia, in Hiligaynon. “My whole family is so proud of me. Even though we are poor, it feels good to be praised by so many people, especially my wife and children.”

On Saturday night, January 18, Aguirre picked up the passengers from a hotel in Iloilo City proper and brought them to the Iloilo City International Port in Loboc, Lapuz. They were bound for Palawan.

After dropping them off, Aguirre went straight home, parked his taxi, and rested.

The next morning, the taxi operator called him, asking if there was a bag left in his cab. He found nothing when he checked the trunk, where he had loaded the passengers’ luggage. He searched further and found a bag under the front passenger seat.

Aguirre immediately drove to the operator’s garage, and together they surrendered the bag to the Iloilo City Police Office.

When the bag was claimed by its owners the following day, it was confirmed to contain P2.45 million in cash.

For returning the bag, he received a P1,000 reward from the bag’s owners – an amount many Ilonggos considered paltry.

Aguirre, however, said he didn’t expect anything in return. “What’s important is that I returned the bag with the money still intact,” he said.

Learning about the good deed and moved by it, Iloilo Mayor Jerry Trenas personally gave Aguirre a P20,000 as a reward.

Trenas also issued Executive Order No. 012-25, declaring Aguirre – a resident of a town in Iloilo province – an “adopted son” of the city as a formal recognition of the taxi driver’s contribution to fostering integrity in the community, and providing inspiration.

“His honesty is a true reflection of the values we Ilonggos hold – integrity, trustworthiness, and service to others,” read part of Trenas’ order. “Aguirre’s actions remind us that honesty and kindness remain powerful forces in our society. May his story inspire others to uphold these values in their daily lives.”

Responding to the recognition, Aguirre said the greatest reward is the honor and dignity his actions brought to his family.

“At least my daughter, who is a graduating social work student, and my son, who is in Grade 12, will be proud of me,” he said. – Rappler.com