Pasay city: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. announced on Tuesday that an estimated 130,000 balikbayan boxes will be returned to their rightful owners before Christmas. During the inauguration of the new facilities at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3, Marcos stated that the Bureau of Customs (BOC) is currently processing the immediate release of around 130 container vans containing balikbayan boxes sent by overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) but left unattended for nearly a year.

According to Philippines News Agency, the delay occurred because the companies responsible for shipping these boxes to the Philippines failed to pay the necessary fees. As a result, the balikbayan boxes were left at the Bureau of Customs for almost a year. President Marcos emphasized the government's commitment to facilitating the speedy distribution of these long-delayed balikbayan boxes to their rightful owners, noting that some boxes have already been delivered.

Marcos highlighted the importance of returning the boxes, stressing that they belong to the OFWs and not to the government. He announced that the release of the boxes has already begun and will continue to ensure that all boxes are returned to their owners.