MANILA, Philippines (The Adobo Chronicles, Manila Bureau) –Starting Christmas Day this year, balikbayan boxes being sent by expatriate or overseas Filipinos to their relatives back home will be tax-free, thanks to a new Philippine government regulation.

But in order to avail of the duty-free benefits, senders of balikbayans boxes must affix a special sticker to their packages.

The sticker will indicate that their boxes are tax-free and will not be opened by Customs or any other government agency or personnel.

And just in case, the sticker also indicates that their boxes are not to be stolen by unscrupulous or corrupt officials or employees.

Senders can make their own stickers or request them from the balikbayan box forwarding company.

Better safe than sorry.