LTFRB-7 recognizes honest taxi driver

The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB)-7 yesterday recognized taxi driver Antonio Tundag, Jr. and gave him a “Certificate of Commendation” for his exemplary deed of honesty and professionalism as a Public Utility Vehicle (PUV) driver.

Tundag returned the P260,000 that was left in his taxi last January 18. The passenger’s wallet has 38 pieces of $100 and 18 pieces of P1,000.

In an interview with The FREEMAN, Tundag said the money belongs to a Filipino, who is now an American citizen and is vacationing in Cebu at that time.

Tundag, 43, who hails from Liloan, Cebu, said that his passenger asked for his number after boarding, a reason why the latter was able to call him after sensing that the latter lost his wallet.

“Pagsakay niya sa taxi, iyahang gipangayo akong cel number. Mao to nga iyaha kong natawgan og gipahibalo ko niya nga basin natagak ang iyang pitaka. Akong gitan-aw ug nakita gyud nako ang pitaka naa sa salog,” Tundag said.

Since he already has another passenger at the time the wallet owner called him, he suggested to his American citizen passenger that they will meet at the local radio station DYHP, as he wants a witness during the turnover.

The latter agreed.

“Mao to lipay kaayo siya nga nabalik iyang kwarta nga walay kulang,” said Tundag, adding that the passenger calls him every now and then whenever he needs a transportation.

“Sa hotel sa Cebu City ra siya nag-stay kay up to three months man iyang vacation diri. Bag-o ra gani to siya nako gihatod sa pier kay moadto siya sa Mindanao,” Tundag said.

Tundag, a father of two, has been driving at Sun Taxi since 2011. He encouraged his fellow drivers to be honest and return all items that are left in their unit, as he still considered that “honesty is still the best policy.”

“Sun Taxi, (who is) owned by Michael Lee, would like to recognize our driver Antonio Tundag for an excellent job, customer service and honesty. Keep up the good work,” said Florence Orquiza, Sun Taxi Liaison Officer.

“Ipadayon ang maayong binuhatan ug maoy sulundon nga makita sa iyang mga anak ug pamilya. Ang among dako nga pasalamat kang Antonio. My snappiest salute,” said LTFRB-7 Regional Director Eduardo Montealto, Jr., who gave the certificate to Tundag.

A Certificate of Appreciation was also given to SUN Taxi, as recognition for the continuous support to the agency as to keeping the trust of the riding public by hiring meritorious drivers.