Dear Philippine Government / Senator Raffy Tulfo,

 

I hope this petition finds you well. I am writing to bring to your attention a pressing issue that has been affecting a significant number of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and their families.

As you may be aware, in March 2024, several balikbayan boxes originating from Thailand were apprehended at the Port of Manila due to the discovery of marijuana in some of the shipments.Following this incident, all cargo shipments from Thailand have been subjected to rigorous 100% inspections by the Bureau of Customs.

While many shipping companies have been cleared of any illegal items in their shipments, there remains a considerable number of balikbayan boxes that have yet to be released by the Bureau of Customs, despite being cleared of any illicit substances. This delay in releasing the cleared containers is causing undue hardship for OFWs and their families, who are eagerly awaiting the arrival of these essential goods and gifts from abroad.

We, the OFWs, respectfully request your assistance in addressing this matter. We kindly ask for your intervention to question and approach the office of the Bureau of Customs to expedite the release of all pending balikbayan boxes from Thailand. Our families depend on these shipments, and the prolonged delay is causing significant distress and inconvenience.

Your advocacy and support in resolving this issue would be immensely appreciated by the OFW community. We trust in your commitment to championing the rights and welfare of Filipinos both at home and abroad.

Thank you for your attention to this urgent matter. We look forward to a swift resolution and the prompt release of the balikbayan boxes.

 

 

Sincerely,

OFWs Thailand