Balikbayan boxes to undergo X-ray, K9 checks

MANILA, Philippines — The Bureau of Customs (BOC) on Tuesday assured the public that it will immediately stop conducting random physical inspection of balikbayan boxes, as directed by President Benigno Aquino III.

Customs Commissioner Alberto Lina said containers of consolidated shipments and balikbayan boxes will undergo a mandatory x-ray examination instead of going through random physical inspections.

Lina added that the agency would seek the assistance of freight forwarder companies to install X-ray machines in their warehouses.

"We are already looking into ways of acquiring K9 units and additional CCTV cameras for our ports through emergency procurement," Lina said.

The Customs chief also called on lawmakers to prioritize the passage of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act which would modernize and simplify the procedures of the BOC.

"Under the same Act, it is important to note that we have been pushing for the increase of the de minimis value, or the threshold value for taxable imported goods, from the current P10 in duties, taxes and charges for the benefit of our OFW kababayans," the Customs chief added.

Aquino on Monday met with Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima and Lina to clarify the issue on balikbayan boxes.

Sen. Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. earlier called on the BOC to justify its plan of conducting random inspections on balikbayan boxes.

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