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BY Prince Golez, Manila Reporter
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MANILA – Senate President Aquilino Pimentel III has filed a measure seeking to prohibit the Bureau of Customs (BOC) from opening balikbayan boxes.
Senate Bill No. (SBN) 1168 proposes that balikbayan boxes shall only be subjected to X-ray inspection.
“Relatives and loved-ones of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in the Philippines receive 400,000 balikbayan boxes every month on the average. For OFWs, the balikbayan box is an enduring testament of their sacrifice and hard work abroad in order to secure a better future for their families back home,” Pimentel said.
Pimentel’s bill also exempts from taxes and duties one balikbayan box per month.
According to the senator, balikbayan boxes can only be opened when the consignor’s export declaration and packing list are not attached to the balikbayan box; or when law enforcement and other government agencies alert the BOC that a package contains restricted items.
“In recognirion of the significant contribution of our OFWs to out national economy, this legislation is but a small measure of assistance in view of the tireless efforts of our OFWs, who work selflessly abroad and endure long separation and loneliness from their loved ones,” the Senate leader ended./PN
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