An unboxing video of content creator Alexis Vines has quickly gone viral, but for the wrong reasons. What makes Alexis’ video different, you ask? It’s an unboxing of a balikbayan box — that’s not his. Here’s what went down:

The unboxing

Alexis’ 16-minute-long unboxing features household items, kitchenware, shoes, and clothes from a gigantic “unclaimed” balikbayan box.

But how did he get a hand of this balikbayan package, anyway?

“Habang nagsu-swipe nga ako sa Facebook, meron nga akong nakitang isang post na meron daw mga balikbayan box na hindi na daw nac-claim ng mga pinapadalhan,” Alexis shared. 

Alexis said he looked for places to buy these so-called “unclaimed” balikbayan boxes. He got one for PHP5,500 and picked it up from a warehouse, noting the package was initially bound for Negros Occidental. Other than that, there’s no information on the package’s exact delivery address. Right before the video ended, Alexis also mentioned he’d host a giveaway of the balikbayan box items.

Now, that’s something, huh?

Pinoys voice out their dismay

Many Pinoys who watched the video were disheartened, knowing that being an overseas Filipino worker (OFW) is demanding. Imagine dealing with homesickness while navigating an unfamiliar culture to give your loved ones a more comfortable life.

“Sobrang nakakalungkot na makakita ng mga ganitong sitwasyon na ang pinaghirapan mong maipon ay hindi nakarating sa pamilya mo,” one Facebook user wrote.

Others pointed out there’s no such thing as an “unclaimed balikbayan box” because deliveries run on a door-to-door basis. If anything, they said the logistics company must be held liable.

“Dapat, ma-report ‘yan sa NBI kung sino nagbebenta ng mga ‘yan,” another user commented. 

People also hope the balikbayan box can still be returned to its intended recipients.

What does the Bureau of Customs (BOC) say in such situations?

Although the BOC doesn’t have a specific set of guidelines on so-called “unclaimed” balikbayan packages, its FAQ section says that parcels with unsettled duties/taxes can be considered abandoned, forfeited in favor of the government, sold at auction, or disposed of accordingly. 

It’s unclear if the balikbayan box on Alexis’ video falls under any of these clauses since the BOC holds its own auctions and sales. In 2022, the government agency delivered nearly 2,000 abandoned balikbayan boxes to their intended recipients.  

What are your thoughts on this?