TWO councilors filed separate proposals seeking the local ukay-ukay traders' exemption from the Bureau of Customs (BOC) crackdown against smuggled goods and urged Congress to initiate the repeal of the national law prohibiting the commercial importation of used clothing.
Councilor Leandro Yangot Jr. said the city must call on President Benigno Aquino III to spare the local ukay business citing it has been "compliant with city ordinances including business permit applications and payment of local taxes and fees."
"While the City Government does not tolerate the entry of smuggled clothing into the city, there is also no law that prohibits the operation of 'ukay-ukay' shops and garage sales that have proliferated not only in the city but the entire country as well," he said.
"Further, local 'ukay-ukay' traders are regularly advised to keep their proof of purchase of secondhand clothes from importers based in Freeport zones for presentation during inspection by the BOC and they are instructed to coordinate with the BOC in pinpointing the sources of these alleged smuggled clothes," he added.
Yangot said the crackdown will result to the loss of livelihood of the retailers and their numerous employees.
Councilor Betty Lourdes Tabanda, for her part, wants the Congress through Representative Nicasio Aliping Jr. to initiate the repeal of the Republic Act 4653 or "An Act to Safeguard the Health of the People and Maintain Dignity of the Nation by Declaring it a National Policy to Prohibit the Commercial Importation of Textile Articles Commonly Known as Used Clothing and Rags."
She said the ukay-ukay business has become a source of livelihood and has become a tourist attraction and economic boon for the city government.
"While the City Government is aware of the initiative of the national government to track down and apprehend illegal importations of used clothings, however, it has apprehensions that these moves may have a negative effect on the livelihood and tourism activities of not only the City of Baguio but by other LGUs which support the 'ukay-ukay' trade," she said.
"Since up to the present, there is no conclusive evidence that would show that imported used clothing are contaminated and may cause illnesses to the user, it is proper that Congress repeal RA 4653, and allow a free exercise of trade."
"Because ukay-ukay trade is now accepted even in international markets, it is no longer degrading for the Filipino to patronize these imported items."
Yangot’s proposal was referred to the council committee on market for study while Tabanda’s measure will be discussed by the body soon. (Aileen Refuerzo)