I've always wanted to buy things online and have them shipped here, but I'm worried about the astronomical fees that some people say i have to pay at the Bureau of Customs. Is this true?

My husband has ordered once from Alibaba last year. Shipping was free as long you reach a certain amount for your orders however, we were asked to pay the tax upon claiming the items. I remember the total amount we paid was around P1, 300 for order costing P9, 000++.