BOC decision to loosen guidelines on balikbayan boxes lauded



A group of forwarders has welcomed the Bureau of Customs' (BOC) decision to suspend its order mandating proof of purchase for items inside balikbayan boxes sent to the Philippines.
A report by GMA News' Ivann Mayrina on 24 Oras on Wednesday said the decision was a timely one considering the expected influx of balikbayan boxes during the holiday season.
Door to Door Consolidators Association of the Philippines general counsel James Ian Dela Vega said the suspension was especially good news for blue collar workers who do not have their passports in their possession.
"Kung ang passport lamang ang valid na document na nagpapatunay na ikaw ay isang Pilipino at wala nang iba, napakahirap nito at mama-marginalize natin ang karamihan sa ating mga OFW na either wala sa kanila 'yung passport o walang passport habang sila ay nasa ibang bansa," he said.
The report said 60 percent of balikbayan boxes sent to the Philippines come from the Middle East where most OFWS are blue collar workers.
Florante Ricarte, chief of Manila International Container Port Bonds Division, said Customs Administrative Order 5-2016 was put on hold as it puts too much strain on OFWs.
"Mahihirapan maka-comply with the requirements 'yung mga kababayan natin," Ricarte said. "Kaya siya nag-utos na i-suspend ang implementation para makatulong, na maiayos kung meron man, 'yung rules and regulations."
Customs Administrative Order 5-2016 and Customs Memorandum Order (CMO) 04-2017 were suspended following a huge backlash from balikbayan boxes senders.
Under both CAO 05-2016 and CMO 04-2017, Filipino citizens who send balikbayan boxes to the Philippines are required to submit a photocopy of their Philippine passport to avail of the government's tax exemption.
They are also required to provide a copy of the invoice, receipt, or proof of payments of the goods contained in the balikbayan box.
Previously, such requirements were not needed for OFWs to qualify for the tax exemption, as long as shipments did not exceed a value of P150,000.
OFWs likewise welcomed the suspension that will last until March 31, 2018. 
"Mas mapapabilis 'yung process po. Magandang balita po iyon para sa katulad po nating mga OFW," said Jasmine Villegas, an OFW in Dubai who is about to send a balikbayan box to his relatives in Cagayan.
An estimated 500,000 balikbayan boxes are shipped to the Philippines every month. This usually doubles during the "ber" months. —Rie Takumi/KBK, GMA News

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