MANILA — Bureau of Customs (BOC) Commissioner Alberto Lina leaves to Congress a proposal to increase the allowable value of contents of balikbayan boxes from Php 10,000 to Php 100,000.
“Mahirap magcomment ako dyan we’ll leave it to Congress to set those limits or delimits, mahirap magsalita kasi kami magiimplement,” he said.
On Friday, Rep. Roy Seneres, OFW Family Party List said he would propose to expand the limit set on the contents of balikbayan boxes.
“Dahil under review ang Tariff and Customs Code sa Congress. I would propose ang gawin limit ay Php 100,000,” he said.
The lawmaker noted that there is a need to expand the allowable limit as prices of goods have increased.
“For example, ang isang laptop ay nagkakahalaga ng Php 64,000, wala na yung Php 10,000. Kung ikaw, halimbawa, padre de familia, ang magpapadala ayaw mo na ng second hand para sa anak mo. Dapat kung pwede brand new,” he said.
The sending of balikbayan boxes started in 1980s. The boxes are duty and tax free packages of personal effects or pasalubongs sent by Filipinos residing or working abroad to their families in the Philippines for purposes of preserving strong family ties.
According to the law, the contains of balikbayan boxes must not exceed Php 10,000 in value.