Netizens: Balikbayan box is every OFW's 'love box'
MANILA, Philippines — For most of the Filipino children who grew up with their parents living abroad, a balikbayan box is not just a box stuffed with small trinkets, hardly earned money and stylish clothes. A balikbayan box is a love box sent by a longing parent as a way of fulfilling parental duties amid the distance.
There's something intimate about having the first hand in these big brown packages. Smelling the sweet-scented perfume and shampoo bottles somehow gives a whiff that reminds you of the last time your OFW parent came home to celebrate Christmas with the whole family. Seeing the clothes carefully folded alongside the chocolates symbolize sacrifice and value that others put before their selves.
For most of the Filipino children who haven't seen their parents in a long time, a balikbayan box is an intimate box where they connect with distant loved ones.
In 1987, then-President Corazon Aquino was commended for issuing an executive order that waived taxes on items brought back from overseas. In recent news however, the Bureau of Customs (BOC) has drawn flak for its stricter inspection of balikbayan boxes sent by OFWs due to the rampant smuggling of firearms and other illegal items.
Following our fellowmen's outrage and disappointment, #BalikBayanbox has been a trending topic in social media with netizens sharing their thoughts on the issue.
My God Customs.mga mukhang pera.laht llgyn ng tax?patay gutom lng?ung mga #BalikbayanBox babawasan niu?wala kayo pambili?
— Samuel melencio (@sammelencio) August 24, 2015
Nakakahiya naman sa mga OFW. Nakakahiya ang BOC. #BalikbayanBox @anajane009 @mikaelayieks @iamsilvermilo
— Draph Dabbit (@vinryanescano) August 24, 2015
10% #Pinoypopulation living overseas have a voice #iftheymakesense about #BalikbayanBox .#Philgovt should allow them to express their views.
— Joshua Formentera (@joshuaformen) August 24, 2015
What simple Filipino citizens want are those who are true, true in serving the country w/o any eklavosh! #BalikbayanBox #PeraPakainsaBuwaya
— Shiela Vertudazo (@shielavertudazo) August 24, 2015
Conscience people... conscience! How could you live with yourselves by making your family enjoy things that are stolen ? #BalikbayanBox
— Just Believe (@itsme_MrB) August 24, 2015
Not entirely against BoC checking each #BalikbayanBox. No need to open them. Invest on hi-tech scanners that can efficiently do the job.
— Carlos Brodit (@cbrodit) August 24, 2015
#BalikbayanBox is a box full of love from our family and relatives abroad..it is not smuggle goods. so bureau of customs stop stealing them.
— Khaye (@imkhaye028) August 23, 2015
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