The Bureau of Customs seized a container van of used clothing, also known as ‘ukay-ukay,’ worth P2.1 million at the Manila International Container Port.
“A shipment from Hong Kong, declared as personal effects and household goods, yielded bales of ukay-ukay after x-ray scanning,” Customs Commissioner Isidro Lapeña said.
This prompted Customs examiners to conduct a physical examination on the said container.
The shipment was consigned to Proline Logistics Phils. Inc. with office address in Binondo, Manila.
“We will be filing charges against the importer and broker involved in the illegal importation of prohibited goods. And if warranted, we will suspend their Customs accreditation,” Lapeña said.
Importation of used clothing is banned under Republic Act No. 4653 to safeguard the health of the People and Maintain the Dignity of the Nation by Declaring it a National Policy to Prohibit Commercial Importation of Textile Articles, commonly known as Used Clothing and Rags.
Meanwhile, Lapeña lauded 12 of the 17 BoC district collectors who have exceeded the March collection target.
The Customs chief reiterated his directive to all the customs officials and personnel to stop corruption. “Stopping corruption will remain a priority for the agency.
“We are not just after the target but more so in addressing corruption within the bureau. Even if you hit the target, but you do corrupt practices, you will also be subjected to one-strike policy,” Lapeña said.
“All that we are doing here are based on the marching order of the President which is stop corruption and increase revenue collection,” Lapeña added.