The Bureau of Customs (BOC) has intensified its crackdown on smuggling by issuing a Warrant of Seizure and Detention (WSD) against 13 luxury vehicles linked to the Discaya family, after securing probable cause and confirming violations of customs laws.
In line with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to fight smuggling and corruption, these vehicles were hauled into BOC custody as part of ongoing efforts to hold violators accountable and safeguard government revenues.
These vehicles were among the subjects of an ongoing investigation by the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee in connection with alleged anomalous flood control projects.
We want the public to know that we are serious in pursuing actions that will help resolve longstanding anomalies which continue to burden our people.”
“Our job at the BOC never stops with just seizures. We want the public to know that we are serious about the responsibilities entrusted to us, not only in our routine operations but also in pursuing actions that will help resolve longstanding anomalies which continue to burden our people,” Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno said.
Earlier in September, the BOC conducted a search operation at the premises of St. Gerrard Construction General Contractor & Development Corp. in Pasig City, owned by the Discaya family, which led to the discovery of 30 vehicles now under BOC custody.
Following the directive of Nepomuceno and pursuant to Sections 1400, 1401, and 1430 in connection with Section 1113 of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA), Port of Manila District Collector Alexander Gerard Alviar issued a Warrant of Seizure and Detention (WSD) covering 13 of the 30 vehicles, after establishing sufficient grounds for seizure due to irregularities in their importation and documentation.
“The issuance of the WSD is not the end of the measures being undertaken by the BOC. It marks the beginning of more decisive steps toward forfeiture proceedings.”
“The issuance of the WSD is not the end of the measures being undertaken by the BOC. It marks the beginning of more decisive steps toward forfeiture proceedings in accordance with the CMTA, consistent with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to uphold accountability and combat smuggling in all forms,” the customs chief stressed.
Verification with the Management Information Systems and Technology Group of the BOC revealed that 7 vehicles (Toyota Tundra, Toyota Sequoia, Rolls-Royce Cullinan, Mercedes-Benz AMG G63 AMG SUV, Mercedes-Benz G 500, Lincoln Navigator 2021, and Bentley Bentayga) out of the 13 do not have import entries or have lack/fraudulent Certificates of Payment (COPs).
Meanwhile, the 6 other vehicles (Lincoln Navigator 2024, GMC Yukon Denali, Cadillac Escalade 2021, Maserati Levante Modena, GMC Yukon XL Denali, and Cadillac Escalade ESV) have import entries but with lack/fraudulent COPs.
The remaining vehicles in BOC custody are subject to transaction audit by the Post-Clearance Audit Group (PCAG).
“This demonstrates the BOC’s dedication to assisting in the investigation and, more importantly, ensuring that those who attempt to evade the law are held accountable and that all revenues due to the government are properly collected,” Nepomuceno concluded.
