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.
