MANILA, Philippines – Amid the growing concern of OFWs over the Bureau of Customs’ (BOC) plan of implementing stricter rules on the inspection of balikbayan boxes being brought to the country, Senator Paolo Benigno “Bam” Aquino IV called on his fellow lawmakers to update the current minimum fee threshold for balikbayan boxes.
According to his website, the senator said in a statement released on Sunday, August 23: “Now that the spotlight is focused on the issue, we call on fellow lawmakers to hasten the passage of the measure to make it cheaper and hassle-free for 10 million OFWs to send their packages to their loved ones in the Philippines.”
Last year, Sen. Bam, who is the chairman of the Senate Committee on Trade, Commerce and Entrepreneurship filed Senate Bill No. 2373, which seeks to update the current minimal volume of declaration of goods in the customs for consignments, balikbayan boxes and other low-value and low-risk packages.
ABS-CBN News reported that the senator understands that random inspection is part of the efforts to stop entry of illegal goods. However, he emphasized that the OFWs should not be burdened by subjecting their packages, which they’ve worked hard for, to searches that may result in damages and loss of goods.
“In addition to this reform, let’s continue to modernize our Customs systems to make our inspections more transparent and efficient, and supportive to our OFW families,” he added.
On the other hand, BOC Chief Bert Lina said OFWs should not be worried if their boxes would be inspected if they are not hiding anything. He reiterated that the random inspection is a part of the BOC’s s anti-smuggling campaign.
“I have to implement the law,” he said.