RELIEF GOODS. Two years or so ago a Cebuano balikbayan from the US brought home some boxes of slightly used clothing as relief goods. But the intention was questioned by Customs in Manila. “Tungod sa kadaghang kuskos-balungos ako nalang gipasagdan ang relief goods didto sa Manila,” the balikbayan said. “Never mind if I have spent good money for freight. Samok na kaayo,” he was quoted as saying by our informer.
STORAGE. But it was not all over. He was billed a big sum for the accumulated unpaid storage fee for the boxes of the used clothing he had left behind. He said many US Pinoys are eager to send home used clothing for their poor former neighbors but are discouraged by the strict rules imposed by the government, so they donate them "na lang" to other needy people in other countries like those in South America.