With the recent implementation of the Bureau of Customs regarding new rules on the sending of Balikbayan Boxes, the OFW Community found another figure to share their sentiments. Senator Cynthia Villar has declared her support in giving 100 Tax Free privilege to Balikbayan Boxes sent by OFWs.
While the current system do provide the tax free privilege to OFWs, it has some conditions and limitations that drew the ire of OFWs around the world. Among the issues facing the migrant workers are the need to list every single item inside each box - adding the requirement to put a nominal value to each item. Also drawing flak, the need to provide receipt for more expensive items. Others argue, the cap of P150,000 for a year's worth of Balikbayan Boxes is also too little, especially for OFWs who are going for final exit.
While the current system do provide the tax free privilege to OFWs, it has some conditions and limitations that drew the ire of OFWs around the world. Among the issues facing the migrant workers are the need to list every single item inside each box - adding the requirement to put a nominal value to each item. Also drawing flak, the need to provide receipt for more expensive items. Others argue, the cap of P150,000 for a year's worth of Balikbayan Boxes is also too little, especially for OFWs who are going for final exit.
Senator Villar recently questioned government officials regarding the tax program and tax reform agenda of the Finance Department. Here, she reiterated the fact that OFWs are modern day heroes because of the massive amount of remittance they send monthly, which helps the Philippine economy to remain afloat.
The senator believes that the new BOC rules on Balikbayan Boxes are unclear and confusing. She further said the BOC can tax a lot of other things, as well as focus on other issues within the bureau, like smuggling and drugs coming in - with money going to the pockets of customs officials.
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| A Pinoy family, packing a Balikbayan Box full of essentials and groceries. |
Senator Villar believes that OFWs should have the privilege of tax free balikbayan boxes with no conditions since these are just one of a very few things that gives them joy, and acts as a therapy to home sickness - seeing their loved ones happy upon receiving their Balikbayan Boxes.
source: 8TriMedia, Sen. Villar FB Page
source: 8TriMedia, Sen. Villar FB Page
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