OFW Party List Representative Marissa “Del Mar” Magsino has issued a forceful call for immediate and decisive action to end the rampant mishandling, delays, and loss of Balikbayan Boxes – a persistent issue that continues to undermine the sacrifices of millions of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and their families.
Speaking during a committee hearing on House Resolution No. 299, Magsino under
scored the critical need to safeguard the integrity of this deeply cherished tradition, which symbolizes the love and labor of OFWs for their loved ones back home.
Magsino laid bare the systemic failures plaguing the ‘Balikbayan Box’ delivery process, particularly the fraudulent practices of freight forwarders who pocket customs fees, leaving shipments abandoned. She also denounced alleged irregularities in the auctioning of unclaimed boxes, which raise questions about transparency and accountability.
“The ‘Balikbayan Box’ is more than just a package; it is the hopes, dreams, and sacrifices of our OFWs. To see this tradition tainted by theft, mismanagement, and fraud is unacceptable. It is an insult to their hard work and their families’ trust,” Rep. Magsino declared.
During the hearing, Magsino demanded clear answers and accountability from relevant agencies. She sought updates on criminal complaints against erring freight forwarders and urged stronger enforcement of regulations to prevent further abuse. She also questioned the Bureau of Customs’ (BOC) plan to donate unclaimed boxes to the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), calling for transparency on its legal basis and ensuring that rightful OFW consignees are prioritized.
“Ang masakit, maraming balikbayan boxes ang hindi nakakarating sa oras o tuluyang nawawala. Kung nakarating man, kulang-kulang na dahil sa pagnanakaw. Ang ganitong mga pangyayari ay hindi lamang nakakagalit kundi nakakasakit sa damdamin ng ating mga OFWs at kanilang pamilya,” she said, highlighting the emotional and financial toll these failures impose on OFWs.
Several OFWs also shared their balikbayan box mishaps with the Committee during the hearing.
“Napakasakit lang isipin na ang regalo kong laman ng cargo box ay hindi pa rin dumarating. Masakit din ang mga alaala—ang pagkawala ng nanay ko, tatay, at kapatid—nang hindi ko sila muling nasilayan at hindi man lang sila nakapagbukas ng box na ito. Sa loob ng walong taon kong pagtatrabaho sa abroad, maliliit na bagay tulad ng kapirasong tsokolate ang nakakapagpasaya sa mga OFW tulad ko. Ngunit ngayon, sa kabila ng pagtatapos ng anak ko (sa pag-aaral) at ng pag-abot sa mga pangarap, nananatili pa rin ang sakit dahil ang pinaghirapan kong mga pasalubong ay hindi pa rin natatanggap ng aking pamilya. Lubos ang pasasalamat ko kay Ma’am Marissa sa kanyang malasakit sa aming mga OFW. Subalit, kumakatok pa rin ako sa puso ng ating mga kongresista na sana ay maayos at maibalik na ang aming mga kahon bago mag-Pasko.” said Estrella Aseo, a former OFW from Oman.
Rep. Magsino demanded comprehensive reforms, including stricter regulations, penalties for violators, and mechanisms for compensating OFWs whose Balikbayan Boxes are mishandled.
She urged the BOC and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) to propose legislative measures to eliminate predatory practices and ensure timely, secure delivery.
“Our OFWs deserve better. Their sacrifices must not be tainted by inefficiencies, corruption, or exploitation. Every balikbayan box must reach its destination intact, on time, and without question. This is not just a logistical issue – it is a matter of justice and respect for our OFWs,” she asserted.
The Committee on Overseas Workers Affairs will conduct another hearing on the issue further discuss the concerns and allegations raised by the OFW-resource persons.
