OFW's Expressing Their Anger Against Spot Check of Balikbayan Boxes

Photo From: OFW Guide

Bureau of Customs announced recently that they will begin implementing random checking on Balikbayan boxes.

On August 17, Agaton Uvero (Customs Deputy Commissioner) advised that they have discovered that technical smugglers have been using Balikbayan boxes to avoid paying taxes. He also added that the government loses around P50 million pesos a month due to this problem.

Many Filipinos, OFWs and non-OFWs alike, did not hold back in expressing their anger and frustration over social media sites regarding the matter.

Philippine Expats/OFW Blog Awards or PEBA, Inc., is one of the organizations openly voicing out their dismay over the issue of opening the Balikbayan boxes. The organization is even encouraging Filipinos to spread the news and fight back--mentioning that OFWs are being taken advantage of.

Photo From: PEBA, Inc

Bureau of Customs has stated that Balikbayan boxes are meant to be used by OFWs in sending gifts to their families. Additionally, Customs Commissioner Alberto Lina gave a reminder that these packages still has limitations. Items sent through Balikbayan boxes should not exceed $500 in value. There are also set limitations on the number of grocery items, goods, household items and apparels that can be sent, both used and unused.

“Home appliances are not allowed unless these are consigned to returning Filipino residents and overseas contract workers. We will seize these prohibited shipments and revoke registrations of forwarders or consolidators if we find any violations,” Lina added.

Some OFWs’ main concern is the possibility of the contents of Balikbayan boxes to be stolen. However, Agaton Uvero said that every spot check will be conducted in the presence of a consolidator as well as a customs representative and will be done in an area with security cameras.

In relation to this, Alberto Lina also stated that the shipments may be further inspected by the receiver and, if some of the contents of the box are missing, it can be reported to proper authorities.

Still, OFWs and netizens are unconvinced and unhappy. Cases of contents from Balikbayan boxes going missing are not uncommon even before the implementation of random spot checks on the boxes. This is possibly what bothers most of the OFWs; some even demanding that the previous cases of missing Balikbayan boxes’ contents be resolved first.

Photo From: PEBA, Inc.

Balikbayan boxes which will exceed the value limit set by Bureau of Customs will incur taxes. If the said tax won’t be paid, the government will take hold of the Balikbayan box in question.

This move made by the Bureau of Customs has garnered an overwhelming response and reaction from angry Filipinos overseas. Some are suggesting stopping to send packages altogether; they recommend to their fellow OFWs to send money to their families instead to prevent Bureau of Customs from getting their hands on what the OFWs want to give their loved ones in the Philippines.

With the tremendous effort exerted by every OFW just to provide for their families, it’s easy to understand their predicament over the issue. The Bureau of Customs has to provide not only enough assurance, but concrete proof that what OFWs send to their families through Balikbayan boxes will not be tampered with.

OFWs already sacrifice a great deal by choosing to work far from their loved ones; they deserve to be reassured that the contents of the Balikbayan box are still complete and undamaged when it reaches its destination.

Photo From: PEBA, Inc.