A few minutes ago, a credit investigator from China Bank dropped by the office. He explained that he will conduct a background check. An ex-colleague applied for a car loan. Instructors were already given days before by the said employee and a spiel has been made. If I'm not mistaken, the ex-colleague didn't speak to me directly. Being the only officer who meets with the director to discuss company policies, I should have been informed of these things.
But I decided to play along since word has managed to reach my ears. I told the credit investigator that he could talk to me since I'm the one running the shift. But before he could start his interview, I excused myself and left the floor. Outside, I called the ex-colleague to tell him that the bank officer has arrived. I asked him instructions just to make sure I know what to say.
"Tell him, I'm the supervisor."
"Say I've been with the company for 8 years."
"And I earn 56 thousand a month."
While he was saying these things, I can't help but shake my head and feel sorry for myself. I felt duped because I could never lie about my job - much more, my salary. I was kind of disappointed because after all these years of being with the company, I've learned that some officers - who have been given leadership and management training in the past could resort to something like this.
"Alam ito ni Nenita ha?" Nenita is our admin manager.
"Uu, alam niya yan."
I started walking back to the office, and was a little disturbed with what I have to say. I might have some leverage as an officer, but I'd be putting the company at risk, should the former colleague run away from his obligations. Besides, does the director know about this?
Does he have the owner's approval?
So I did what an officer - a caretaker - should do, and for the first time, became more open to the boss about the little whispers happening behind his back. I called his number and he dropped it as a habit. (since my phone is not subsidized) The moment I opened the door and meet the credit investigator, the land line was already ringing.
It was the director.
"Sandali lang ha? Let me answer the phone first." I told the credit investigator. I went to the director's quarters and closed the door.
"Sir, someone from the bank is here."
"Bakit daw?"
"Car loan for Mr. Almendras." This is not the former colleague's real name, of course.
I told the boss the situation, including the exact figures the ex-employee told me to say. It didn't take long for me to realize that he was unaware of this transaction, and that, had someone from the office managed to speak to the officer, the loan would be approved with the company backing up an officer who is not connected with it anymore.
"Tell the credit investigator to return tomorrow." The director instructed. "You are not authorized to speak for the company."
"And I'd tell Nenita that this is not allowed." I felt my chest ease.
"Thank you for letting me know." He said before ending his call.
I left the room assured of my next move. In front of the team, I told the bank officer that I am not authorized to speak
"Balik ka na lang tomorrow."
"Hindi po ba puwedeng kahit kaunting information na lang. For approval na po kasi today itong loan eh."
"I'm really sorry but I've been given strict instructions eh."
"Kahit malaman ko lang po yung tenure nitong si Mr. Almendras."
"Ask that question to the HR." I smiled.
"Okay sir, could I just ask for your name na lang."
"Sure, its Mugen." I gave my real name.
"And you are..."
"I'm the supervisor."
Epilogue:
In a text message:
"Ok naman ang CI? Sinabi mo matagal na ako employee jan?"
"He was asked to return to speak with Ms. Nenita. Instruction from the boss. =)"
"Pero okay naman, hindi naman negative?"
"Hindi naman. =)"
"Sige thanks. Sana makalusot."
I didn't text back.