Airport Porter Returns Over Half a Million in Cash, MIAA
(SPOT.ph) Airport porter Victor Perez turned over to authorities U.S. $10,000 in cash that he had found while working, an honest move that has earned him praise from the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA).
Honest workers lauded by MIAA
Perez was commended by the airport’s general manager, Eric Ines, for his honesty when he turned over $10,000 in cash to their offices on April 13.
The 52-year-old porter was walking along the east bridge of the NAIA Terminal 1 arrival extension to retrieve used pushcarts when he spotted bundles of cash amounting to over half a million pesos on the pavement. Perez immediately turned it over to the lost and found office. Perez has been with MIAA for 32 years, working as a porter for the past decade.
A Korean national retrieved the money later that same afternoon, explaining that the money had fallen from his pocket as he was going down the ramp. The MIAA shared that security camera footage confirmed the Korean national as the owner.
PHOTO BY FACEBOOK/ NINOY AQUINO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
PHOTO BY Facebook/ Ninoy Aquino International Airport
Ines also acknowledged security guard Albert Bautista, who found a backpack containing a laptop, smartphone, and a gold necklace at the airport’s Bay 7. Bautista immediately surrendered the bag to Terminal 3’s lost and found office, which was claimed on Tuesday, April 16.
“We extend our sincerest appreciation to Victor Perez and Albert Bautista for their exemplary honesty,” said the MIAA general manager. “Let us cultivate a culture of honesty that transcends the temptations we encounter daily,” he added.
Both Perez and Bautista will be recognized for their integrity during MIAA’s flag-raising ceremony scheduled for May.
How much currency can you bring in and out of the Philippines?
The U.S. $10,000 brought in by the Korean national is the maximum amount allowed by the Philippine government that need not be declared. You are allowed to bring currency in excess of U.S. $10,000, but this must be declared at the Bureao of Customs Desk. You will be asked to fill up a Declaration Form with the amount you’re bringing in, as well as the source of your money.
For those heading out, there is a maximum limit of P50,000 in Philippine currency. If you must bring out more than that, you must get authorization from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Cash Division.
There is no need for a permit from the BSP if you are bringing in or out foreign currency.