PH Backs Down, Won't Randomly Open Balikbayan Boxes

President Aquino ordered the Bureau of Customs (BOC) to refrain from opening “balikbayan” boxes, except when the boxes pose a threat to public safety, after overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) sent a storm of online protests, reports Inquirer.net. The BOC initially announced the physical inspection of balikbayan boxes to curb smuggling, but OFWs and their families voiced concern over the possible pilfering of the boxes' contents by customs employees.