Manila: The Bureau of Customs (BOC) announced plans to donate over 4,000 abandoned balikbayan boxes to the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW). The DMW will oversee the distribution of these boxes to Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) affected by the issue of abandoned packages, attributed to unscrupulous consolidators and deconsolidators.
According to Philippines News Agency, the donation was a key topic during a meeting convened by OFW Party-List Representative Marissa “Del Mar” Magsino on October 22. The meeting addressed the urgent issue of abandoned balikbayan boxes. Since 2022, the BOC has released and distributed over 11,000 balikbayan boxes to their rightful owners. Legal actions have been taken against fraudulent deconsolidators, leading to the filing of 11 criminal complaints with the Department of Justice. Additional cases are under investigation for potential legal action.
The BOC outlined its initiatives, including legal measures, regulatory reforms, and partnerships, to ensure the timely deliver
y of balikbayan boxes to OFWs and their families. A key development is the draft Customs Administrative Order (CAO), which provides guidelines for deconsolidators and consolidators handling these packages. The draft CAO aims to define the roles and responsibilities of sea cargo handlers to ensure proper handling and timely release of packages. It has been submitted to the Department of Finance for review and is undergoing revisions based on feedback from the BOC’s Legal Service.
Representative Magsino praised the BOC’s efforts in assisting OFWs to receive their balikbayan boxes. She also highlighted a House resolution calling for an investigation into fraudulent practices by fake and unscrupulous freight forwarders, both internationally and locally. The resolution seeks to address delays, loss, or theft of balikbayan boxes and examine importation practices to identify erring parties. It also aims to determine whether remedial legislation is necessary to prevent these illegal activities.