Review of Customs policy on balikbayan boxes sought

MANILA, Philippines —  A group specializing in labor migration issues on Tuesday called on for the comprehensive review of a memorandum circular issued by the Bureau of Customs (BoC) in 1990 that sets guidelines on the use of "balikbayan" boxes.

Susan Ople, founding president of the Blas F. Ople Policy Center, said costs of goods in the Philippines and overseas have since gone up, and overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) usually buy commodities that are affordable yet relevant to the needs of family members.

The $500 per balikbayan box was determined in 1990, 25 years ago when the foreign currency rates were much different, and costs of goods were not as high, Ople said.

"We welcome the direction set by President Aquino in relation to balikbayan boxes, but with that guidance comes a distinct responsibility for continuing reforms by the BoC but this time in partnership with all stakeholders," she said.

Ople said that there may be a need to look at how the BoC valuation system works, considering that some items found in balikbayan boxes were used gadgets, clothing and other articles provided for by their foreign employers.

"When does an OFW cross the line in sending food and other items home, from household consumption to commercial use? Very clear guidance must be set in keeping with the times because contrary to the perception created by this fiasco, the great majority of OFWs keep to the limit and are very honest with their declarations," she said.

"We look forward to the dialogue with Bureau of Customs officials on Monday so that we can clarify some unresolved issues and come up with a clearer process flow in relation to the integrity of balikbayan boxes," said Ople, a former labor undersecretary.

She said she hopes the BoC would take advantage of the dialogue to brief various OFW groups and advocates about previous cases involving smuggling via balikbayan boxes.

"Certainly our modern-day heroes would not tolerate such syndicated crime because their own families may fall prey to illegal substances smuggled through 'balikbayan' boxes," she said.

Ople said it is now up to the BoC to file charges against unscrupulous companies that insert smuggled goods in balikbayan box shipments.

The BoC should also inform the OFW sector about the names of these companies, and the modus operandi that they employ.

However, she said that the BoC must always be fair and circumspect in its statements and desist from linking drug and firearms smuggling with legitimate migrant workers.

Earlier, the BoC triggered a public outcry when it announced that it would be conducting physical inspection of the balikbayan boxes.