IKINALUGOD ni Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez ang paglagda sa makasaysayang Joint Administrative Order (JAO) para sa makataong pamamahala sa mga balikbayan boxes na matagal nang inaasam ng milyun-milyong overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) at kanilang mga pamilya.

“Today’s milestone reflects what public service should always be—listening to the people, acting on their concerns, and delivering results that uplift lives,” ayon kay Speaker Romualdez.

“The balikbayan box is not just cargo; it is the story of a Filipino working hard abroad for the love of family. It deserves protection, and it has now been secured.”

Ang JAO—na pinirmahan ng Department of Finance, Trade and Industry, Transportation, at Migrant Workers, kasama ang Bureau of Customs, Fair Trade Enforcement Bureau, at Philippine Ports Authority—ay nagtatag ng isang whole-of-government regulatory framework upang maprotektahan ang OFWs at ang kanilang mga padala laban sa panlilinlang, pagnanakaw, at pagkaantala ng delivery.

Kabilang sa mga patakaran nito ang mas mahigpit na pagbabantay sa sea cargo consolidators, malinaw na dokumentasyon, at mabilis na mekanismo ng reklamo laban sa mapang-abusong freight forwarders.

Isang Repormang Malapit sa Tahanan

Ipinaliwanag ni Speaker Romualdez kung paanong makikinabang ang OFWs at ang kanilang pamilya sa bagong patakaran.

“This reform gives OFWs peace of mind. No more sleepless nights wondering where their box went. No more fear of pilfered gifts or weeks of unexplained delays. And for families here in the Philippines—it means receiving those carefully packed items on time, complete, and untouched.”

Binigyang-diin niya na sa bawat balikbayan box ay may kwento ng sakripisyo at pag-asa: “A box filled with canned goods, toys, clothes, and letters may seem ordinary to some—but for millions of Filipino families, it is a hug from afar. It is a mother’s promise, a father’s love, a child’s dream wrapped in tape and cardboard. That is what we are protecting.”

Pagkilala sa mga Tagapagtaguyod ng Reporma

Ipinahatid din ni Romualdez ang kanyang taos-pusong pasasalamat kay OFW Party-list Representative Marissa “Del Mar” Magsino, na siyang may-akda ng House Resolution No. 499—ang naging mitsa ng JAO.

“Rep. Marissa Magsino acted with urgency and heart. She gave voice to the frustrations of our OFWs and worked to build a solution that is now a reality. Her leadership brought this reform from the committee room to the Customs gate—and finally, to every Filipino doorstep,” ani Romualdez.

Pinuri rin ng pinuno ng Kamara si Rep. Jude Acidre, Tagapangulo ng House Committee on Overseas Workers Affairs, sa pamumuno nito sa consensus-building at koordinasyon sa mga ahensya upang maisakatuparan ang polisiya.

“Chairman Jude Acidre worked hand-in-hand with agencies, freight companies, and migrant advocates. His leadership ensured that this reform was not only swift—but substantive and lasting,” dagdag pa ng mambabatas.

Pagtupad sa Bagong Pilipinas

Ayon kay Speaker Romualdez, ang JAO ay bahagi ng pagtupad ng Kamara sa mga prayoridad sa batas ni Pangulong Ferdinand Marcos Jr. sa ilalim ng Bagong Pilipinas agenda.

“This is Bagong Pilipinas in action—responsive governance, efficient systems, and a government that truly cares. The House will continue to fight for the rights of OFWs because they are not just economic contributors; they are the soul of the Filipino spirit across the globe,” aniya.

Binigyang-diin ni Romualdez na may mga nakahandang karagdagang reporma upang mapagaan ang buhay ng mga OFW at palakasin ang kanilang kabuhayan, kabilang ang batas sa financial literacy, digital access sa serbisyo ng pamahalaan, at mga programa para sa kanilang muling pagbangon sa ilalim ng Bagong Balikbayan Act.

“To every OFW: you are not forgotten. You are not just remitters—you are heroes, breadwinners, and nation-builders. In the House of Representatives, you have champions. In the Bagong Pilipinas, you have a home,” pagtatapos ni Romualdez.