Tax exemption for OFWs’ ‘balikbayan’ box sought

(Photo courtesy of BOC)

By Gabriela Baron

Cagayan de Oro City Rep. Rufus Rodriguez filed on Monday, Jan. 30, a bill that seeks to exempt from all duties and taxes thousands of “balikbayan” boxes from millions of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).

The proposed bill would also require the Bureau of Customs (BOC) to use “non-intrusive” methods in inspecting arriving “balikbayan” boxes and the boxes could be opened only under certain circumstances.

According to Rodriguez, OFWs and other Filipinos abroad send an average of 400,000 “balikbayan” boxes every month.

“These balikbayan boxes serve as the enduring testament of their sacrifice and hard work in order to secure a better future for their families back home,” Rodriguez said.

“They represent their love and care for their families, who have to endure months or even years of separation from each other,” he added.

Rodriguez said his proposal is a “way for the state and the government to give back” to OFWs and other Filipinos abroad who send home billions of dollars and other foreign currencies yearly.

“Their remittances contribute significantly to our nation’s economic growth. Some economists even say the funds our overseas workers sent home keep our economy afloat,” the lawmaker said.

In 2022, OFWs alone sent an estimated $30 billion to their families and relatives, he noted.

Popular

PBBM pushes for MSME empowerment, digital trade at APEC

By Darryl John Esguerra | Philippine News Agency President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. urged Asia-Pacific economies to empower micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and...

‘Tumba’: Honoring the dead through the lens of Paoay

By Brian Campued Every All Saints’ Day (Nov. 1) in the small town of Paoay in Ilocos Norte, residents not only visit the graves of...

PBBM to OFWs: Gov’t working to reach you wherever you are in the world

By Darryl John Esguerra | Philippine News Agency President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Thursday assured overseas Filipinos that his administration is working to make...

First Couple graces ‘Thrilla in Manila’ 2

By Brian Campued Underscoring the administration’s commitment to supporting sports development and inspiring the next generation of Filipino athletes, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and...