PCG seizes over ₱268,000 'ukay-ukay' in Sorsogon
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, May 9) — Undeclared and imported used clothes or "ukay-ukay" worth more than ₱268,000 were seized at the Port of Matnog, Sorsogon, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) reported Tuesday.
In an incident report, the PCG said the truck carrying 50 undeclared boxes was en route to Davao City from Matnog, Sorsogon.
It said the driver and two cargo helpers are under the coast guard sub-station Matnog's custody for investigation, while the seized items are under assessment.
Senator Raffy Tulfo earlier filed Senate Bill 1778 seeking to legalize and regulate "ukay-ukay" or imported second-hand garment as it has become part of Filipino culture and generated jobs.
Tulfo said the bill is an offshoot of the failure of the Bureau of Customs to control the influx of "ukay-ukay."
He said small-time sellers are obliged to pay taxes while the importers are not paying duties.
