Treñas recognizes honest Taxi driver for returning ₱2.4M

In a world where stories of honesty can sometimes feel rare, one taxi driver from Iloilo City has restored faith in integrity and goodwill. Anthony Barredo Aguirre, a 52-year-old taxi driver from Pavia, Iloilo, became the talk of the town after returning a backpack containing PHP2.4 million in cash that a passenger had accidentally left behind in his cab.

Aguirre transported the passenger on January 17 from a hotel to the Lapuz roll-on, roll-off wharf, where the passenger was bound for Palawan. It wasn’t until the following day that Aguirre’s operator received a call from the Iloilo City Police Office-Lapuz Police Station regarding the missing bag.

Upon checking his vehicle, Aguirre discovered the bag under the passenger seat, completely untouched. Without hesitation, he turned it over to the authorities, ensuring that it was safely returned to its rightful owner. His remarkable display of honesty did not go unnoticed.

The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) commended Aguirre for his exemplary integrity, describing him as a “model for everyone in the transport sector.”

LTFRB Chair Teofilo Guadiz III praised Aguirre’s actions, emphasizing that his honesty is proof that good and honorable Filipinos still exist, prioritizing integrity over personal gain.

Recognizing Aguirre’s selfless act, Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas conferred upon him the esteemed title of Honorary Citizen of Iloilo City and awarded him PHP20,000 as a token of appreciation.

“His actions reflect the integrity and compassion of Ilonggos,” Treñas stated. “Tony’s story is an inspiration, reminding us that honesty builds trust, pride, and hope within our community.”

This recognition underscores the values that Ilonggos hold dear—honor, trust, and community spirit.

Aguirre’s decision to return the money, despite the potential personal benefit, serves as a shining example of how integrity should always prevail.

His story is a testament to the power of good deeds. It is a reminder that acts of honesty, no matter how big or small, strengthen the foundation of a trustworthy society.

As Mayor Treñas aptly put it, “Thank you, Tony, for bringing honor to Iloilo. Let us all strive to live by these values every day.”