Customs Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno announced the latest developments in its investigation into the thirty (30) motor vehicles linked to the Discayas.
The announcement follows intensified efforts by the Bureau of Customs (BOC) to address irregularities in the importation of high-value goods.
The investigation revealed that eight (8) motor vehicles were imported without any corresponding entry, classifying them as smuggled and subject to the issuance of Warrants of Seizure and Detention.
Another seven (7) vehicles, although covered by import entries, were found to lack Certificates of Payment and showed deficiencies in duties and taxes. These are now subject to a transaction audit by the Post Clearance Audit Group (PCAG).
Meanwhile, 14 vehicles with filed import entries and supported by Certificates of Payment will also undergo verification under PCAG’s transaction audit. On the other hand, the one additional vehicle is now under verification.
The findings also identified the ports of entry in Batangas, Cebu, Manila, and the Manila International Container Port, along with certain BOC officials and personnel as persons of interest, who are now under further scrutiny as part of the investigation.
Records showed that duties and taxes assessed and collected for vehicles with filed entries across various ports amounted to P33,056,705.45.
However, eight vehicles were found with no entries filed, while seven vehicles reflected discrepancies in declared values as determined by the Import Assessment Service.
The estimated total duties and taxes that should have been collected therefore amount to P104,716,704.38, leaving a deficit of P71,659,998.94.
The estimated total duties and taxes that should have been collected therefore amount to P104,716,704.38, leaving a deficit of P71,659,998.94.
Nepomuceno underscored the agency’s firm stance on the matter.
“The BOC will not allow any attempt to evade the payment of lawful duties and taxes. The deliberate evasion of customs laws, particularly involving high-value goods, undermines government revenue and erodes public trust,” the customs chief said.
“Under my leadership, no one is exempt from the rule of law, and no one will be shielded from accountability.”
“We will ensure that the law is applied fairly and consistently, regardless of who is involved. If the findings point to the accountability of individuals outside the agency or within our own ranks, we will act with the same resolve. Under my leadership, no one is exempt from the rule of law, and no one will be shielded from accountability,” the customs head added.
The BOC reaffirmed its commitment to good governance, strict enforcement of customs laws, and ensuring accountability in order to protect government revenues and uphold public trust.
