Aquino to BOC: Stop random inspections of balikbayan boxes

To ensure that inspection of balikbayan boxes are being done maximizing public safety while assuring the broader public that their boxes are not subject to unauthorized tampering, President Aquino instructed the Customs not to randomly or arbitrarily inspect balikbayan boxes.

He emphasized that OFW families view the balikbayan box as an integral part of the family relationship to nurture loved ones at home and as a tangible sign of their love and concern for their family members.

Speaking on state radio, Valte was asked if the Palace was in favor of the BOC random check of balikbayan boxes, which was meant to check smuggling of goods. “For example, gun parts, ammunition and gun accessories were found in seven balikbayan boxes, 81,529 tablets of anti-anxiety drugs were mis-declared as food supplements in November 2014, 413 Casio G-Shock watches, and even a custom Harley Davidson Chopper motorcycle of a Hollywood scriptwriter in 2011, among other high end vehicle parts, were also delivered through balikbayan boxes”, the Finance chief noted.

Lina said items sent through a balikbayan box would be assessed for duties and value-added tax and Customs inspectors will open the boxes to check the items unless there is a packing list and invoice attached to the box.

“Let us know so we can properly help you”, it said.

“We are not after the OFWs or their pasalubong [gift] to families”. They also cited vehement reactions on social media against the new scheme, which might open the door to more corruption in the bureau. “We are after the smugglers who have resorted to using the balikbayan boxes and consolidated shipments to smuggle contraband in the country through fake consignees or insertion of smuggled boxes or goods, otherwise known as riders, in consolidated shipments”, it said.

“If you are a balikbayan with the intention of coming back to our country, with your passport and everything, like people who have studied overseas or returning OFWs, these are the only people given the privilege to bring in goods and that will not be taxed if the value of the goods is P10,000 and below”, he said.

“No such statement on tax increase has been made”, it said.

“But there have been instances when unscrupulous individuals have used balikbayan boxes to break the law, and placed the greater community at risk”.

Stricter compliance to the law was necessary because the provisions on consolidated shipments have been abused, it explained.

The BOC issued the statement after several lawmakers lambasted its plan to clamp down on balikbayan boxes on suspicion that these were being used as a smuggling channel while huge containers and smuggled luxury cars continued to enter the country right under the noses of customs personnel. “Thus, the discretion largely rests upon them and the DOF (Department of Finance) under Secretary Purisima”, De Lima said in a text message.

In Congress, the leftist Makabayan bloc filed a resolution calling for a congressional investigation on the bureau’s new policy.

The petition, aimed at gathering 75,000 signatures, would to be presented by Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago before the Senate to justify the removal of the tight rules on Balikbayan boxes.

“It is one thing to inspect balikbayan boxes, another to desecrate them. The inspection is counter-productive because this would worsen the already congested ports”, Romualdez said.