Philippines ‘official dump site’ of Southeast Asia — Lacson

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines has become Southeast Asia’s “official dump site” in Southeast Asia as garbage from other countries are being shipped to the country illegally.

This is what Senator Panfilo Lacson said Wednesday, citing the entry of over 100 containers of waste from Canada in 2013 and 2014.

READ: Tons of garbage to be shipped back to Canada on May 30

“Sad but true, there is already a bandwagon of nations that designate our country as the official dumpsite of Southeast Asia,” Lacson said in a privilege speech.

He noted that the country has also become a destination of garbage from other places such as Hong Kong, Australia, and South Korea.

READ: Duterte urged to also return garbage to HK, Australia

The Senator said the country is “still one hell of a mess” despite spending “a great deal of taxpayers’ money” for an automated processing system, x-ray scanners, brokers’ accreditation, and salaries of Customs officials.

“To say that our country is treated like trash appears to be true, as in literally, amid news reports of tons of waste being illegally shipped into our lands, no thanks to local and foreign smugglers, unscrupulous Customs brokers and corrupt Customs officials,” he said.

He slammed the BOC for being “constantly blindsided and remiss” in its mandate as “gatekeeper of our borders.” (Editor: Eden Estopace)