The Vice President Undercover: The Heir Who Rode the Streets to Find the Truth
Part 1: The Scion’s Demand
The air-conditioned penthouse office of Velazco Logistics Corp. in Makati provided a cool shield from the city’s heat, but tensions were high between Chairman Don Ricardo and his son, Lance. At 25, Lance had just returned with a Master’s degree in Business Administration and was the sole heir to the multi-billion-peso logistics empire. Don Ricardo wanted him to immediately assume the role of Vice President. Lance, however, had a different plan.
“Dad, let me do this for one month,” Lance pleaded. “I want to apply as a regular delivery rider at the main warehouse. I need to see how the business truly runs. I need to know why our resignation and complaint rates are so high, despite the glowing reports from our managers.” Don Ricardo, though hesitant, admired his son’s dedication. They struck a secret deal: Lance would go undercover, and only the HR Director would know his true identity.
Part 2: Lando of the Warehouse
The next day, Lance transformed. He shed his designer clothes and sports car for faded shirts, worn jeans, and sneakers. He smudged dirt on his face, messed up his hair, and adopted the identity of “Lando Cruz,” a high school graduate from Tondo.
At the Pasig warehouse, he was immediately greeted by the tyrannical Supervisor, Mr. Gozon—known as the “King of the Sun” for his hot temper and absolute authority. “Hey, you new applicant! Why are you walking so slow?!” Gozon roared. “Remember, Lando! In my territory, no slackers. If you don’t meet the quota, you’re fired!”
Lance quickly realized his job was pure hell. The packages were heavy, the industrial fans were broken, and the delivery motorcycles were old and dangerous. But the worst was Gozon’s constant abuse: “You idiots! You’re lazy! That’s why you’re poor!”
Part 3: Betrayal and Brotherhood
Lance found solace and instruction in Tatay Bert, a 50-year-old rider whose skin was sunburnt but whose spirit was kind. Tatay Bert, who ate only dried fish and rice for lunch, advised him, “Just ignore Sir Gozon. Endure it for your family. I do this for my son in college.”
Lance’s heart ached. Their company made billions, yet the people who made them rich starved. Tatay Bert confirmed Lance’s suspicions: Gozon was systematically blocking maintenance funds and welfare allowances intended for the riders, funneling the money into “ghost expenses.” Fear kept the riders silent.
Part 4: The Breaking Point
One sweltering afternoon, Tatay Bert collapsed from exhaustion while carrying a large box, shattering the fragile vases inside. Gozon rushed over, furious.
“You moron, Bert! You’re so clumsy! I’ll deduct that from your salary, and you’re fired! Get out!” Gozon screamed, pointing a vicious finger at the old man lying on the floor.
Lance snapped. He rushed to help Tatay Bert and faced Gozon. “Sir, that is enough! Tatay Bert collapsed from the heat. There is no proper ventilation! This was an accident, and you cannot fire him without due process!”
Gozon swelled with rage, unable to believe a “commoner” was defying him. “Who do you think you are?! You’re just a delivery boy! A mere servant! You have no right to complain or lecture me! If you don’t like it, get out! I’m firing you too!”
“Sir, we are human beings,” Lance insisted. “We have rights.”
“Your only right is to obey me! Security! Drag these two pieces of garbage out!”
Part 5: The Revelation
As the guards approached, a booming voice echoed from the entrance: “WHAT IS GOING ON HERE?!”
The entire warehouse froze. Chairman Don Ricardo stood in the doorway, flanked by lawyers and bodyguards.
Gozon instantly transformed into a subservient sheep. “S-Sir Ricardo! Nothing, just a couple of unruly employees causing trouble. I was just dealing with them.”
Don Ricardo walked up to the scene, looking at Gozon, then at the trembling Tatay Bert, and finally, at the sweat-stained “Lando.”
“Unruly?” Don Ricardo asked.
Lance smiled. He removed his dirty cap and wiped the grime from his face, standing straight with the undeniable authority of an heir.
“No, Dad,” Lance said.
Gozon’s eyes widened. Dad?
Lance stepped up to the paralyzed supervisor. “Mr. Gozon, allow me to introduce myself properly. I am Lance Velazco. The ‘Delivery Boy’ you called garbage and a servant. And I am the new Vice President of this company.”
Gozon collapsed to his knees.
Don Ricardo took charge. “Mr. Gozon, you are fired. Effective immediately. Furthermore, we will be filing charges for Qualified Theft and Labor Code violations. You will pay for every cent you stole from these hardworking people.”
Gozon was dragged out, just as he had ordered Lance to be dragged out minutes earlier. The riders erupted in cheers.
Lance embraced Tatay Bert. “You, Tatay, are the true wealth of this company. You taught me the meaning of dignity and hard work.”
Lance immediately launched massive reforms: new equipment, higher wages, and a fully renovated, cool warehouse. Tatay Bert was promoted to Head of Rider Welfare, becoming the voice of the riders in management. Lance proved that true leadership is measured not by the height of an office, but by the willingness to get dirty to lift up those below you.