Bureau of Customs Commissioner Alberto “Bert” Lina apologized to the Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) for the controversial balikbayan box controversy after the agency was slammed by millions of OFW’s who did not like the latest policy of the BOC.
The random inspection of the Bureau of Customs was implemented by the BOC officers to investigate the reports that balikbayan boxes were used by some smugglers to smuggle illegal goods to the country.
During the hearing of the Senate Committee on Ways and Meanws, Sen. Sonny Angara, the committee chairman asked the BOC secretary if he already admitted his mistakes in implementing the random opening of the balikbayan boxes sent by millions of OFWs worldwide.
The BOC chief also stated that his agency had no intention to disappoint the OFWs from different part of the world who cried foul on the random inspection of the OFW boxes and adding more taxes to the controversial balikbayan boxes.
Commissioner Bert Lina also apologized to the OFW if they interpreted his program accusing them of being smugglers due to the controversial balikbayan boxes.
According to the BOC chief, they will implement new procedure that will surely benefits the millions of OFWs and will give them ways to make their balikbayan boxes reach their families faster.