OFW Party List Rep. Marissa “Del Mar” Magsino is advocating for stricter accountability measures against freight forwarders and consolidators involved in missing or undelivered balikbayan boxes, as fraudulent shipping practices continue to victimize Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs).
During a recent Technical Working Group (TWG) meeting, co-chaired by Magsino and Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac, stakeholders discussed legislative and administrative solutions to ensure that balikbayan boxes reach their rightful recipients. The meeting follows two congressional hearings on House Resolution No. 499, authored by Magsino, which seeks to address widespread complaints of mishandled or lost shipments.
Key Issues and Proposed Reforms
Among the major concerns raised:
Holding freight consolidators and de-consolidators accountable through solidary or subsidiary liability for lost or undelivered balikbayan boxes.
Requiring de-consolidators to post a performance bond before accreditation with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the Bureau of Customs (BOC), ensuring financial accountability for lost shipments.
Criminalizing fraudulent shipping practices under either the Revised Penal Code or a special law to deter abuse.
Amending the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA) to strengthen tax exemptions on balikbayan boxes and prevent their wrongful auction.
Revising policies on the “abandoned” status of balikbayan boxes to allow rightful owners to reclaim their shipments.
Joint Administrative Order for Enforcement
To ensure better regulation and enforcement, the DMW, BOC, and DTI will draft a Joint Administrative Order (JAO) establishing clear penalties for erring freight consolidators and de-consolidators who fail to deliver balikbayan boxes. The JAO aims to create a structured mechanism for imposing sanctions and holding all parties accountable.
Magsino’s Call to Action
Determined to put an end to these abuses, Magsino issued a strong call to action:
“We must act now. OFWs work hard to send these ‘Balikbayan Boxes’ to their families, and it is unacceptable that their trust continues to be exploited. We need real accountability, stronger safeguards, and immediate solutions. Let’s ensure that every ‘Balikbayan Box’ reaches its rightful owner—undamaged, untampered, and on time.”
The TWG’s final recommendations will be submitted to the House Committee on Overseas Workers Affairs for possible inclusion in pending legislation or executive action.