MANILA – Starting December 25, balikbayan boxes with values not exceeding Php 150,000 will be exempted from paying duties and taxes.
Bureau of Customs Administrative Order 05-2016 lifts taxes on balikbayan boxes for qualified Filipinos while abroad, including Filipino citizens who are residing abroad and Filipinos who are holders of a student, investors, and tourist visas.
To be covered by this ruling, balikbayan boxes must include personal and household effects only, and content should not be in business quantities or intended for sale.
Also, the availing of this privilege is limited to a maximum of three times per calendar year.
At the same press briefing, Estrella also announced the Bureau’s heightened alert against smuggling of goods in the country.
“Customs Commissioner Nicanor Faeldon has issued a memorandum to remind all officials and personnel to keep a tight watch on the entry of illegal finished firecrackers, fireworks, and other pyrotechnic devices in the country,” said Estrella.
The only exemption which is allowed by law is the importation of ingredients used in manufacturing fireworks.
At the same press briefing, Presidential spokesperson Ernesto Abella said the President is very clear when it comes to the state of his health.
“The President’s health is very transparent. You know, like people ask should we have a medical bulletin? But I think he’s so transparent about himself,” Abella said.
The President’s Spokesperson also said that despite his busy schedule and long working hours, the President is in good health.
(PNA)
LGI/PND/EDS
