Donations Intended For Super Typhoon Yolanda Victims Destroyed By BOC
Here are some photos of the Bureau of Customs (BOC) destroying the donations intended for the victims of the devastating Super Typhoon Yolanda.
Super Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) was one of the strongest cyclones to hit the Philippines, which was recorded in November 2013.
The powerful cyclone took numerous lives and severely affected thousands of Filipino people and also destroyed properties.
Several nations have extended their support to the Philippines by sending financial aid and donations to the typhoon-affected resident.
Recently, the Facebook page “Freeman” has uploaded the photos of the donations intended for Yolanda victims being destroyed by the Bureau of Customs.
According to the page, the donations were given in 2014 but declared as abandoned in June 2017 since consignees and donors did not get an exemption from the taxes from the Department of Finance.
The donations contain medical supplies, diapers, and used clothing but most of them are now expired.
Here is the full post:
“LOOK: Donations intended for super typhoon Yolanda victims were destroyed by the Bureau of Customs. These were donated in 2014 and declared as abandoned in June 2017 since the donors and consignees did not get an exemption from the payment of taxes and duties from the Department of Finance which is needed before the shipment will be released. Some of the donations from Belgium, U.S., and London include used clothing, diapers and medical supplies. Most of them have already expired. “
The social media users have also expressed their reactions on the post:
Aaron Poginghari: “Stupid stupid stupid Aquino Administration with all your red tape and politicking!!!! Halos mamatay kami dito, tapos mga donations pinabayaan nyo lang!!!! Mga hayop kayo lahat!”
Jeffrey Bbdong Ferigura: “I don’t understand why tax has to be imposed on donations. Perhaps, the authorities should explain about this.”
Dondon B. Ralleba: “Yan ang disenteng kawatan…yellowtae.kahit donation, pagbabayarin pa rin ng tax”
Cai Squared: “why does it require an exemption for it to be released if these were intended for the victims of the super typhoon… why waste the time for those requirements if the purpose of those shipment was to help fellow Filipinos, I just don’t understand this system.”
Enrico Rodriguez: “Pardon my ignorance… but these donations could not be released because these were taxable? And did the said consignees plan to sell them if they were exempted? We are officially a nation of thieves, given these circumstances. No wonder countries are thinking twice about helping us out… we can’t help each other out without taking aomethibg first. This makes me ashamed of our country more…..”
Sunny Kalaw: “Stupid, why force the donors to pay taxes, the government should make an exemption or else no one will donate to us in the future.”
John Rowley: ‘I will be sure to contact the US that there are Tax and duty fees of items sent as Donations, I will be informing the US local news of this.’
Michelle Zeta: “Donations are exempted from tax right? Charitable pa, yet need nga ata duty-free certification for incoming donations from overseas.”
What can you say about this? Just feel free to leave your comments and reactions to this article.