Smuggling raps filed vs 7 ‘ukay-ukay’ importers
The Bureau of Customs (BOC) on Thursday filed smuggling charges at the Department of Justice against the seven importers and brokers of illegal shipment of used clothing (ukay-ukay) worth P30 million that were seized by customs operatives during the Christmas season.
Named respondents were Ildefonso B. Malagonio, owner/proprietor of Heritage Asia-International Products Trading, a Tondo-based importer and its broker Nanneth Pacia; Marilyn Anunciacion, owner/proprietor of Global Welltrade of Dau, Mabalacat, Pampanga, together with the company’s representative Carlos Torres and its broker Janneth Pacia; Ed Marvin de la Merced, owner of Javeson Trading, also of Tondo, and its broker, Eugenio Gardiola.
According to Customs Commissioner Ruffy Biazon, the importers will be charged with violation of Section 2503 of the Tariffs and Customs Code of the Philippines and Republic Act No. 4653, which prohibits the importation of textiles commonly known as used clothing, as well as the Revised Penal Code.
Collapse
Biazon reiterated his warning against the illegal importation of used clothing which, aside from the health hazard they pose, has been seen as one of the causes of the collapse of the local textile industry resulting in loss of jobs and livelihood opportunities to thousands of Filipinos.
“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 ukay-ukay, especially if these are not properly sanitized before use,” he added.
Deputy Commissioner Peter Manzaon, concurrent head of the BOC’s Run After the Smugglers group, explained that the filing of charges against suspected smugglers was fast-tracked by the bureau in compliance with Biazon’s call to get convictions at the soonest possible time.
