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BALIKBAYAN BOXES FUROR: Senator Cynthia A. Villar grills Customs Officials led by Commissioner Alberto Lina on its directive in opening the balikbayan boxes of OFWs during the hearing of the Senate ways and means committee on Customs Modernization Act. She maintains that OFW, hailed as the country's modern-day heroes, should be spared this policy. "Sending balikbayan boxes has been the tradition of Filipinos who want to stay connected to their loved ones," says Villar. She also cites their huge contribution to the economy through remittances amounting to almost US$50 billion.