Filipinos abroad sending donations to help the victims of tropical storm Sendong (Washi) have been reminded not to send used clothing. The Philippine Embassy in the United Arab Emirates issued this reminder even as it thanked those who are already contributing to the relief efforts. “In case of sending relief goods, please note that used clothing is prohibited,” it said in an article on its website. For its part, the Philippine Embassy in Riyadh (Saudi Arabia) also said donations in kind are not encouraged “due to logistical requirements in the cost of shipment and distribution and to safeguard the health of the people.” “However, those who wish to donate in kinds may themselves arrange for the shipment to the intended beneficiaries,” it said. The Department of Trade and Industry noted existing laws consider used clothing as falling under the category of “prohibited or banned items” for importation. Under the category “Absolutely Prohibited” are: Used clothing and rags, under Republic Act (RA) 4653 dated June 6, 1966 Toy guns, under LOI 1264 dated July 31, 1982 Right-hand drive vehicles, under RA 8506 dated February 13, 1998 Laundry and industrial detergents containing hard surfactants, under RA 8970 dated October 31, 2000 Republic Act 4653 is an act “to safeguard the health of the people and maintain the dignity of the nation” by making it a national policy to prohibit the “commercial importation” of used clothing and rags. Violators face a fine of P200 to P20,000 and imprisonment of two to five years. Meanwhile, Philippine Consul General Benito Valeriano thanked Filipinos and friends for their contribution to the relief efforts. The Consulate General said those requiring information on relatives and friends in affected areas may contact the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council at (632) 912-0441 or 912-5947 or send an email to [email protected]. This is what I found
Posted on: Tue, 12 Nov 2013 08:14:54 +0000
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