The Bureau of Customs (BOC) has so far successfully released and distributed over 11,000 balikbayan boxes to their rightful owners since 2022.
In a statement, the BOC yesterday said it is currently processing the donation of more than 4,000 abandoned balikbayan boxes to the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), which will oversee their distribution to overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).
This initiative is part of the BOC’s commitment in safeguarding the interests of overseas Filipinos and ensure that they receive their packages without undue delay.
The BOC said it participated in a meeting convened by OFW Party List Representative Marissa Magsino to address the urgent issue of abandoned balikbayan boxes due to unscrupulous consolidators and deconsolidators.
During the meeting, the BOC outlined its actions, including legal measures, regulatory reforms and ongoing partnerships to ensure that OFWs and their families receive their balikbayan boxes without delay.
A key development in the BOC’s regulatory framework is the draft Customs Administrative Order (CAO), which outlines clear guidelines for deconsolidators and consolidators handling balikbayan boxes.
This draft aims to benefit OFWs by defining the roles and responsibilities of Sea Cargo Deconsolidators and Consolidators to ensure the proper handling, shipping and timely release of packages.
The draft CAO has been submitted to the Department of Finance (DOF) and is currently undergoing review and revisions by the BOC’s Legal Service based on the DOF’s feedback.
The BOC has also taken legal actions against unscrupulous deconsolidators, filing 11 criminal complaints before the Department of Justice.
Additionally, several other cases are under investigation for potential legal action.
The bureau said it remains vigilant in pursuing legal remedies to hold these deconsolidators accountable.
