Finance Secretary Frederick D. Go led the distribution of the first batch of the final wave of abandoned balikbayan boxes at the Bureau of Customs (BOC) Port of Manila, ensuring that overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and their families finally receive their long-awaited packages — free of charge.
“We heard you, and the President has approved the door-to-door delivery of all your boxes. Ang ibig sabihin po nito ay matatanggap nang walang dagdag gastos ang inyong mga padala, diretso sa bahay mismo ng inyong mga mahal sa buhay,” Secretary Go said.
“I am very happy to join you today as we distribute the first batch of the final wave of balikbayan boxes. Those present will receive their packages directly, while the rest will be delivered straight to their doorstep, as promised,” he added.
The Finance Chief spearheaded efforts to resolve the long-standing backlog in the delivery of balikbayan boxes. Immediately following consultations with the BOC, Secretary Go secured the President’s approval to expedite the release process and without charges to facilitate immediate distribution.
“Nagpapasalamat ako kay Secretary Frederick Go para sa suportang binigay niya sa amin noong kami ay humingi ng tulong sa kanya upang ma-deliver natin ang balikbayan boxes,” Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno said.
The persistent backlog has largely been caused by foreign-based freight consolidators who entice OFWs with unusually low shipping fees and promises of fast, door-to-door delivery.
These consolidators collect payments abroad and ship the boxes in bulk, but upon arrival, fail to complete the required processing or settle charges —including shipping line, port, storage, and handling fees. As a result, shipments remain unprocessed, unpaid, and are eventually deemed abandoned at customs, despite OFWs having already paid in full.
Secretary Go expressed his gratitude to the BOC for their dedicated efforts in supporting the country’s modern-day heroes––the OFWs.
He also reminded OFWs and their families to transact only with BOC-accredited freight forwarders and remain vigilant.
“Sikapin natin na hindi na ito maulit. Kapag too good to be true ang alok ng freight forwarder o consolidator, red flag po iyan. Maging maingat po tayo,” he said, urging the public to prioritize accredited and reputable freight forwarders.
