Importers, brokers of 3 illegal shipments face smuggling raps

Customs Commissioner Ruffy Biazon. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — The Bureau of Customs has filed a smuggling complaint against importers and brokers of three illegal shipments of “ukay-ukay” or used clothing worth P30 million seized last December.

Included in the complaint were Ildefonso B. Malagonio, owner/proprietor of Heritage, a Tondo based importer and its broker Nanneth M. Pacia; Marilyn T. Anunciation, owner/proprietor of Global of Dao, Mabalacat, Pampanga together with the company’s representative Carlos A. Torres and its broker Janneth M. Pacia; Ed Marvin M. Dela Merced, owner of Javeson Trading of Moriones, Tondo and its broker Eugenio B. Gardiola.

Customs Commissioner Ruffy Biazon said the importers were slapped with a complaint for violation of Section 2503 of the Tariffs and Customs Code of the Philippines (TCCP) and Republic 4653 or the law prohibiting the importation of textiles commonly known as “ukay-ukay” or used clothing.

“We have to ensure the protection of local jobs, just as much as we would like to collect revenues. Allowing therefore the entry of “ukay-ukay” into the Philippine market could result in the job displacement of many Filipinos,” Biazon said.

“Moreover, the Department of Health had made an earlier warning to consumers about the possible health risks posed by used clothing especially if these are not properly sanitized before use,” he added.

Heritage declared its shipment in one 40-footer container as “assorted garments” but was found to have used clothing, bags and shoes while Global declared its shipment in four 40-footer container vans as “assorted garments” but, upon inspection, had used clothing, bags and toys. Javeson trading declared its cargo as home and office furniture and assorted lamps but was found to contain apparel.