Honest Capitol worker lauded
The Cebu Provincial Board commended a staff worker at the legislative building of the Capitol for returning P10,000 cash he found at an automated teller machine booth.
Provincial Board Member Victoria Corominas-Toribio, through a resolution last August 29, lauded 38-year-old Jon Kristofer de Paula for turning over the cash, which was left by a woman.
The woman, who requested anonymity, withdrew cash from one of the ATMs at the Capitol compound last August 23 but she left to look for another machine when she thought there was no cash available.
De Paula, who was next in line, noticed several bills popping out of the ATM's cash dispenser.
He hurriedly took the cash and handed it over to the security guard on duty.
Asked what had urged him to return the money, de Paula, a local legislative staff officer, said it was out of integrity.
"I returned the money because I don't want to ruin the reputation of the Vice Governor's Office. Integrity is very important to me," said de Paula, who has been working the Vice Governor's Office for 13 years now.
Eventually, he and the security guard were able to catch up with the woman, who was about to leave the area.
The woman told reporters she was happy with de Paula's honesty and thanked him for the good deed.
In a separate interview, Vice Governor Agnes Magpale said she was pleased with what de Paula did, as she has always reminded her staff to value of integrity in the workplace.
"I am so proud that he is one of our staff. During our meetings, I always emphasize the value of integrity and honesty in their work and in everything they do," Magpale said. —