ADVERTISEMENT
970x220

Lapid seeks Senate probe into abandoned Balikbayan boxes

Published Mar 10, 2024 07:48 am  |  Updated Mar 10, 2024 07:48 am

Senator Manuel “Lito” Lapid has filed a resolution, seeking a Senate inquiry into the thousands of Balikbayan boxes of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) that failed to reach the intended claimants and have been abandoned in different warehouses.

 

In filing Senate Resolution No. 950, Lapid said it is imperative to identify the companies responsible for abanding their duty of delivering these boxes to the families here in the Philippines and to hold them accountable. 

 

The resolution also seeks solutions and possible sanctions to prevent further damage to the OFW community. 

 

“The reported abandonment of balikbayan boxes not only undermines the sacrifices of our OFWs but also poses a threat to the well-being of their families, who eagerly anticipate the arrival of these boxes as a connection to their loved ones abroad,” Lapid said in the explanatory note of the resolution. 

 

Earlier, the Bureau of Customs (BOC) identified the alleged unscrupulous foreign and local forwarding companies who facilitated the non-delivery of these Balikbayan boxes. 

 

According to the BOC, these companies have derogatory records.

 

Identified foreign forwarding firms or consolidators were the Kabayan Island Express Cargo, Allwin Cargo, Manila Cargo, Mediacom Express Cargo, Pinoy Network Cargo, GM Multi Services Cargo, Sel Air Cargo, Sky Freight and CMS General Services.

 

Named local forwarders or deconsolidators,  on the other hand, were the Luzon Cargo, FBV Forwarders and Logistics, Cargoflex Haulers, Rensworld Freight Logistics, CMG International Movers, ETMAR International Logistics, KC Door to Door Delivery Services and FGTI Forwarding Services, Cebu Cargo, Pinas Cargo, Goldwings Cargo, Cotabato Cargo, Phil Pacific Cargo, Manila Express,  Al Delta Cargo and others.

 

Last year, the BOC filed a total of 11 cases against 10 companies for their failure to deliver the packages. Within these warehouses, there were hundreds of balikbayan boxes languishing in the warehouses for seven (7) months up to two (2) years.

 

Reports said some of these undelivered balikbayan boxes are allegedly being sold online. 

 

“The Senate (should) endeavor to determine the causes and extent of the reported abandonment of balikbayan boxes, identify the companies involved, and recommend measures to address and prevent such incidents in the future,” Lapid said. 

 

Related Tags

Overseas Fililpino Workers (OFWs) balikbayan boxes Bureau of Customs (BoC) lito lapid
ADVERTISEMENT
300x250

Sign up by email to receive news.