MANILA, Philippines?Talk about scraping the bottom of the barrel.

With the government cash-strapped, Customs Commissioner Angelito Alvarez Thursday said that the trade in ?ukay-ukay? (second-hand) apparel should be legalized and taxed.

Alvarez said that 18 containers of ?ukay-ukay? goods could generate up to P9 million in revenue for the government.

?It?s about time we revisit the law on this...we need (a new source for tax) collection,? Alvarez said in a meeting with reporters at the Bureau of Customs.

He said that the law currently bans the trade of popular ?ukay-ukay? goods for health and safety considerations.

?Imagine, our country is a dumping ground for second-hand apparel....So, there is a law and I have to implement it,? Alvarez said.

?But why is it that when we have a calamity, here comes a letter from the (Department of Social Welfare and Development) requesting that we give these to typhoon victims?? he said.

?Isn?t it that you are more vulnerable to diseases if there is a calamity or a typhoon?? Alvarez added.

He said that he had talked to a group of congressmen, including House Speaker Feliciano Belmonte, who were once connected with the Bureau of Customs. He said he urged them to review the law and they agreed.

?The good thing is that there are eight congressmen who, one way or another, came from here in the Bureau of Customs,? Alvarez said.