Manila: The Bureau of Customs (BOC) has suspended the accreditation of a cargo forwarding company for a period of 60 days for failure to comply with a show cause order. The order was issued in connection with the company's unsettled duties and taxes resulting in non-delivery of several containers of "balikbayan" boxes.

According to Philippines News Agency, the accreditation of Makati Express Cargo, Inc. (MECI) as a deconsolidator or consignee has been temporarily suspended for two months. It noted that the suspension is part of its continuing commitment to protect the welfare of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and ensure accountability among freight forwarding companies.

The suspension was imposed following MECI's failure to comply with the directives contained in the show cause order issued on Oct. 23, which required the company to settle its outstanding duties and taxes and to explain within three days why its accreditation should not be revoked and its transactions with the bureau prohibited. 'The Bureau of Customs will continue to enforce accountability and protect the welfare of our OFWs,' Customs Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno said in the statement. 'We remain committed to ensuring that all forwarding companies comply with customs laws and that our kababayans (fellow citizens) can trust that their hard-earned shipments reach their families safely and without delay,' he added.

Prior to the suspension, reports have surfaced indicating that MECI had numerous containers of "balikbayan" boxes left unclaimed and unpaid across several ports, including Cebu, Manila International Container Port, and Davao. Some of these containers were found to have been overstaying for an extended period, with several already declared abandoned. Balikbayan boxes are large corrugated boxes which OFWs fill with various items, usually clothes, shoes, and bottles of perfume, and sent to their families in the Philippines.

The BOC also said it will explore avenues to endorse the matter to the Department of Trade and Industry for appropriate action on MECI's accreditation with the said agency. In coordination with the Department of Migrant Workers, the BOC continues to monitor and take appropriate measures to ensure that the affected balikbayan boxes are properly accounted for and delivered to their intended recipients.