My Brother-in-law & other stories
By Johnny Novera

It is not good to tell a lie

As Consultant of the rural bank, one afternoon I went  with the loan officer to visit one of the borrowers. As we were leaving, the President of the bank told the officer to introduce me as "from the Central Bank," probably to scare the borrower into paying.  I did not think of it seriously as there is no more Central Bank anyway.  It has been replaced by Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas.

When we arrived at the place, the borrower was not at home.  We met there an ederly lady, a cousin of the borrower, who, when she came to learn that we are from the rural bank, invited us to go meanwhile to her house across the street.  She would like to show us her title to a property which she would like to mortgage to the bank.  We agreed as we were waiting for our borrower to arrive.

"Meet Mr. Johnny Novera of the 'Central Bank', "I was introduced to the husband of the lady of the house.

"Pleased to meet you, Mr. Novera," the man greeted me as we shook hands.  "So you are from the Central Bank.  Do you know Mr. Buenaventura?  He is my relative.  ( Buenaventura is Bangko Sentral Governor).  From what Department are you?:"

The man simultaneously asked me questions.  I replied that I have no department because I am on "special assignment" only.

Good, it was my turn to ask him too.  I asked what he is doing now.  He said that he is retired.  He worked with the Manila Police Department for 27 years.  He was a special police investigator!

So I asked him about his career in the police.  He said he is very proud of the fact that he never sullied his name, unlike some of his colleagues who became rich.  I can see by the modest house they have.

I am glad that the borrower we intended to see arrived as we saw a car come into the driveway across the street. We immediately excused ourselves to leave; otherwise, he might ask more questions.  I told  the Loan Officer not to introduce me again in the next as "from the Central Bank”.  I don't like to meet another police investigator.