Filipinos in Hong Kong were able to donate more tan 50 boxes of relief goods as donation to victims of typhoon Ondoy that killed more than 240 people, destroyed billions worth of properties, created a stir online on insensivity and prompted international aid from agencies and various country (US, Japan, China, Australia and Czech Republic to name a few).However, despite the good intention of the Hong Kong group to create awareness, gather clothes, cash and food, and even successfully convince air forwarders to waive their costs, it's the Philippine government that sometimes plays hard to get when it comes to accommodating help from non-government groups.
I read with great dismay a story at The Standard that a levy of 120,000 Philippine pesos (HK$19,770) was being asked by the Philippine customs in order for the 50 plus boxes to reach their intended recipients.
Also, deputy consul general Kira Danganan-Azucena at the Philippine consulate said that if the intended beneficiary is the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), an agency that mainly handles the relief operation for typhoon victims, then the donations will be given free pass without the levy.
It makes me wonder why we should pick a government agency that probably has a lot of things to do already over the very eager volunteers of Ayala Foundation, Red Cross, Kapuso Foundation and others. Does the government through DSWD want to get the credit from efforts of others that is why it imposes this donation tax to other donors? Why make it hard for Hong Kong donations to pass through?
The election is coming next year and this case of typhoon Ondoy may well give everyone a hint at who are the leaders we should choose. With the goods in DSWD's hands, it's possible that it will be repacked under one label that says it comes from a politician's name or from the government. It's sad that even at these unfortunate events, government bureaucracy still exist. People are willing to help but some government agencies (or outdated laws) promote their trademark snail-paced service. The government should streamline handling of aid to facilitate efficient and effective delivery of help to those who need them.
The need is urgent. What matters most is that help reaches the victims properly and in timely fashion regardless of who gives it to them. Someone above sees who is helping and who is pretending to do so.
Photo credit: Sir Mervs
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