Sitoy: Ukay-ukay Not Donated Goods

Cordova Mayor Adelino Sitoy denied allegations that the heaps of relief clothing or “ukay-ukay” in his town were donated items supposedly for the victims of super typhoon Yolanda.

“No. Dili na for Yolanda. Sa tag-iya gyud na,” said Sitoy.

Sitoy explained the “mountain” of ukay-ukay is owned by Virgilio Pongase, who also owned the construction yard where these items were dumped like useless garbage.

Cris Roldan, cashier of the ukay-ukay business, said many may not believe how his boss got those heaps of assorted used clothing, but they were inside the two warehouses bought in Mactan Export Processing Zone (MEPZ).

Roldan said they even donated 1,000 bundles of them, while the rest are now displayed in the construction yard, where people come to buy. These used clothing are sold at P5 to P30 each.

The ukay-ukay business in this part of Cordova started in December and may end this month or until their supplies last, said Roldan.

Sitoy and Roldan’s statement came after some groups criticized the business as the items sold there were believed to be donations intended for the victims of typhoon Yolanda but were sold to the public for profit.