Legalizing "ukay-ukay": Reckless

Over two years ago (October 11, 2010), I wrote a piece about "ukay-ukay" or used clothes. Entitled "Ukay-ukay": Unavoidable consequence of globalization, I took a dig at some lawmakers for insinuating that the only way to curb smuggling of used clothes is legalizing it. Truth to tell, the sale of "ukay-ukay" is seemingly enjoying a reasonable amount of legitimacy. In fact, local government units are issuing business permits to these stuffs' traders. Though it appeared legitimate, importation of used clothing is illegal by virtue of Republic Act No. 4653, "an act to safeguard the health of the people and maintain the dignity of the nation by declaring it a national policy to prohibit the commercial importation of textile articles commonly known as used clothing or rags". Passed and approved as early as June 17, 1966, it imposes a fine of P200 to P20,000 or imprisonment to violators. Surprisingly, despite its seeming abundance, we haven't heard of anyone fined, or worst, imprisoned. By its (ukay-ukay) sheer volume, it is unthinkable that these will go through the piercing eyes of the men and women of the Bureau of Customs (BOC) unnoticed. Unless one shall opt to go blind, the much ballyhooed state-of-the-art X-ray machines positioned at the international ports could have easily detected them, too. Unfortunately however, Republic Act No. 1937 (in particular, Sec. 105 paragraph V.), allows importation of these stuffs for relief work or for not-for-profit relief organizations. Thus, through this small window of opportunity, some "ukay-ukay" importations have been made legal. Suspiciously, however, through devious means, it went to the mainstream. Thus, the used clothing business flourished. Reportedly, these are items dropped off at charities in wealthy nations but are often sold to third world countries like the Philippines. Every year, over a US$1 billion worth are sent to these countries and are rummaged through by prudent shoppers in search of a bargain. Apparently, with our insatiable desire, coupled with the relative ease in importing, these quality used items have glutted the market like never before. This will irreversibly move on in higher magnitude until we suffocate. Whether good or bad, this is one of the consequences of globalization. No, this is not the kind of globalization that encourages trade among countries like the Philippines. Globalization is not necessary for a flimsy desire of becoming the world's trash bin or receptacle of thrown-out apparels. These tons of used clothing are here because our country has become a party of a circular trade, an unavoidable consequence of globalization. Taken advantage, some businessmen have turned wealthy nations' garbage into gold, well, by selling them for a price of a dime. Indeed, what happens is a very circular trade and China has enormously influenced it. They have supplied a huge market of wealthy nations with their globalization-driven low cost garments. These nations buy more and will dispose more. Simply said, circular trade means China makes it, rich countries buy and dump it and poor countries receive and reuse it. However, before the euphoria each time we rake in heaps of "ukay-ukay" at dole-out prices subsides, let us revisit our garment and shoe manufacturers, especially the home-based ones. These home-based manufacturers are situated in the countryside. They do not just help propel economic activities in their localities, they also help decongest the metropolis by employing their immediate relatives and neighbors. While their contribution to the economy is crystal clear, their businesses' and their employees' future remains blurred. Unabated, this is the best recipe for the home-based garment and footwear industry's demise. Ironically, the government that is harping about employment generation in the countryside and decongestion of the metropolis is the same government that has not, so far, put even a very thin shield enough to protect these home-based small manufacturers from their hand-to-mouth existence. Instead, some lawmakers, just for the sake of curbing smuggling, would like to legalize it. That's downright baloney.