WOULD you return P1 million you found to its owner?
Despite the financial constraints brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic, Bantayan municipal worker Rowena Panique, 54, proved that there are still honest people out there.
Panique, who works for Bantayan town’s human resources department, returned P1 million worth of cash placed inside a brown envelope she found in the ladies’ comfort room of the town hall on Monday, May 24, 2021.
Due to her honest deed, Panique was personally recognized by Bantayan Mayor Arthur Despi on Friday, May 28 with a Certificate of Appreciation.
According to Bantayan’s official Facebook page, Panique immediately brought the envelope to the office and informed her colleagues about it.
A few minutes later, Panique returned to the ladies’ comfort room and found a woman, the owner of the envelope, talking to the town hall’s janitress.
The woman, whose name was withheld upon her request, was asking if the janitress had found a brown envelope at the comfort room.
Panique immediately approached the woman and asked her what was inside the envelope.
The woman told Panique that it contained documents.
But Panique didn’t believe the woman. She, however, was able to convince her to disclose that the envelope contained money.
Panique immediately gave the woman the envelope.
The woman was filled with relief and joy after seeing that Panique had the envelope.
Panique also advised the woman to be careful when carrying big amounts of cash in public places.
She later found out from the woman that the money was to be used to buy construction materials.
For Despi, Panique’s actions should serve as an example, especially for the young. (REV / JKV)