Customs backtracks on random Balikbayan box checks

The Bureau of Customs (BOC) said Tuesday, August 25, it will follow the orders of President Benigno Aquino III to stop the physical inspection of balikbayan boxes and instead subject all boxes to x-ray scans and K-9 examination. Aquino issued the directive on August 24 in response to public outrage and criticism of the government’s seemingly arbitrary approach to taxing the contents of balikbayan boxes. In a statement on Tuesday, Customs Commissioner Alberto “Bert” Lina said the BOC will ensure the “necessary checks, balances, and [make sure] witnesses are present in the event that a physical inspection is made.” Lina earlier appealed to the public to honestly declare the content of boxes and parcels so the government could levy the correct taxes. But the public has hit back saying that customs and postal officials routinely open balikbayan boxes and even pilfer items inside. 

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