CHEAP CLOTHES. Buying used or surplus clothing commonly known as “ukay-ukay” has become popular, not only among the poor people, but even among the middle class. It’s the most popular mode of fashion not only among young people working in call centers who need jackets, sweaters and the like, but also among the corporate working class who have to report to the office wearing business attire. One office clerk said, “Sa akong P200 daghan na kong masul-ob nga pang office. Mas maayo kay sa palit ko sa department store.”
NO TO TAX. But these cheap clothes might soon become more expensive with the government’s plan to impose taxes on these “ukay-ukay” clothes. An “ukay-ukay” seller in the downtown area commented, “Na, momahal na ning ukay-ukay unya. Kalooy pud sa mga pobre. Mo mantinir na lang gani og ukay-ukay, ila pa jud tax-an.”