I recently bought some supplements in the US and shipped via DHL. Now my problem is my shipment is being held by customs. According to DHL I should pay P1,700 for the duties and taxes. Here's the details of my shipment:

vitamins/supplements - $24.72
shipping - 16.06
Total $38.23

Ganito ba talga ang babayaran? mas mahal pa yung tax kaysa yung face value ng binili ko. 2 months ago, I shipped same items via USPS thru post office pero nasa $16 lang ang value, P35 lang binayaran ko. The officer at the post office told me that items below $50 are not covered by taxes. Please help fellow tsikoteers, I really don't have that amount to shell out. The supplements are for my sick in-law, and we are really into a tight budget.