Amendments to Balikbayan Program Benefits

"Balikbayan": Filipino citizens out of the country continuously for at least one year, overseas Filipino workers, or former Filipino citizens naturalized abroad returning to the Philippines
"Family": Spouse and children of balikbayan traveling with them who are not balikbayan themselves
"Livelihood tools": Instruments essential to trades, vocations, or professions as defined by the OWWA; includes hand/power tools and computer units with accessories

Tax-exempt purchase privilege amounting to US$1,500 at government-operated duty-free shops
Special promotional or incentive programs by all domestic carriers
Visa-free entry for one year for foreign passport holders except restricted nationals
Travel tax exemption under relevant laws
Designated reception areas and accredited transportation for expedient processing and safe travel
Additional tax-exempt purchase of US$2,000 exclusively for livelihood tools (kabuhayan program)
Benefits are cumulative with existing privileges under other laws

Purchases must be made within 15 days of arrival, extended to 30 days during Christmas season (Nov 15-Jan 15)
Shopping privilege limited to one-time per visit and once a year usage
Non-transferable and must generally be made personally by the balikbayan
Senior citizens and handicapped balikbayan may avail privileges within one year of arrival
Kabuhayan shopping can be claimed by immediate family for balikbayan gone abroad within one year
OFWs certified by POEA or related agencies may endorse kabuhayan shopping privilege to immediate family once during contract period
Only majority-age balikbayan can avail privilege; minors may purchase up to the passenger tax-exempt limits
Only one item of non-consumables over US$200 may be purchased per product category

At least 10% of goods sold in government-operated duty-free shops to be Philippine-made
DOT to coordinate with DTI in product selection considering competitiveness, design, marketability, and world-class standards

DOLE with OWWA, TLRC, TESDA, and other agencies to provide entrepreneurial training, skills development, and marketing assistance
Focus on balikbayan and immediate family members utilizing kabuhayan program
For non-OFW balikbayan, DOT coordinates livelihood training arrangements

DOT to submit semi-annual reports on goods sold in duty-free shops to the President, Secretary of Finance, and Congress
Reports to include quantity and value of goods by tariff category
DOT, in coordination with other agencies, to promulgate implementing rules within 30 days of effectivity

Inconsistent laws, decrees, regulations repealed or modified
Act takes effect 15 days after publication in Official Gazette or in two national newspapers, whichever is earlier