A fuel station employee in Quezon City is set to lose a portion of his earnings after a motorist drove off without settling a diesel bill worth more than ₱5,000, leaving the attendant financially liable for the unpaid amount.
The worker confirmed in an interview that he was made to sign a deduction letter, meaning the outstanding sum will be withheld from his wages in installments. The situation is compounded by the fact that his employment contract runs only until April, giving him little time to recover the loss before he leaves the job.
Security footage from the station captured the moment a white vehicle sped away after being filled up, with the attendant seen running after it before the car disappeared into traffic. Investigators later determined the vehicle had taken the northbound lane of EDSA following the incident.
Authorities believe the drive-off was not accidental. The suspect’s license plate was found to have been covered — a detail that suggests the escape was premeditated, as it would have delayed identification.
Quezon City Police District 1 Station Commander Jose Luis Aguirre said police are coordinating with the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority and the Land Transportation Office to trace the vehicle’s registered owner. He added that the suspect, if apprehended, could face license revocation and vehicle impoundment.
Despite the financial strain, a number of individuals have reportedly extended assistance to the attendant to help ease his situation.
In a separate case in Cebu, a driver who fled a filling station without paying for approximately ₱500 worth of fuel later claimed the non-payment was an oversight — that he simply forgot. Station management pursued the matter with authorities, the driver was identified, and he was ultimately required to settle the bill.
