The Bureau of Customs (BOC) conducted a symbolic turnover ceremony of the proceeds from the public auction of luxury vehicles registered to the Discaya family and their companies to the Bureau of the Treasury (BTr), reaffirming the government’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and the restitution of unlawfully acquired assets for the benefit of the Filipino people.
The activity forms part of the administration’s intensified efforts under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to strengthen enforcement against smuggling and other customs violations while ensuring that confiscated assets are properly accounted for and converted into resources that support national development.
Under the leadership of BOC Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno, the Bureau continues to reinforce strict enforcement of customs laws while promoting transparency in the disposition of seized goods.
The Bureau of Customs confiscated the unlawfully imported luxury vehicles for violating the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA).
A total of thirteen high-value vehicles were seized, consisting of a 2022 Toyota Tundra, 2023 Toyota Sequoia, 2023 Rolls-Royce Cullinan, 2022 Mercedes-Benz G63 AMG, 2019 Mercedes-Benz G500 Brabus, 2021 Lincoln Navigator L, 2022 Bentley Bentayga, 2024 Lincoln Navigator, 2022 GMC Yukon Denali, 2021 Cadillac Escalade, 2022 Maserati Levante Modena, 2022 GMC Yukon XL Denali, and a 2022 Cadillac Escalade ESV.
Following the seizure, the Bureau conducted a series of public auctions to ensure transparency and maximize the value recovered for the government. The first public auction was conducted on November 20, 2025, where a 2022 Mercedes-Benz G63 AMG was sold for ₱15,611,710, a 2019 Mercedes-Benz G500 Brabus was likewise purchased for ₱15,500,000, and a 2021 Lincoln Navigator L was acquired for ₱7,100,000, generating a total of ₱38,211,710 in proceeds.
The second public auction took place on December 5, 2025. During this auction, a 2022 Toyota Tundra was purchased for ₱3,480,000, while a 2023 Toyota Sequoia was sold for ₱6,000,000.
The third public auction was conducted on February 11, 2026, where the 2023 Rolls-Royce Cullinan was successfully sold for ₱29,026,000.
The fourth public auction took place on February 25, 2026, where a 2024 Lincoln Navigator was purchased for ₱6,950,000, a 2022 Cadillac Escalade ESV was acquired for ₱6,623,000, and a 2022 Bentley Bentayga was sold for ₱12,178,174.15, generating a total of ₱25,751,174.15.
Nine of the 13 seized vehicles have been successfully sold.
To date, nine of the 13 seized vehicles have been successfully sold through these public auctions, generating total proceeds amounting to ₱102,468,884.15.
These funds will be formally turned over to the Bureau of the Treasury as part of the government’s efforts to ensure that confiscated assets are returned to the state and utilized for programs that benefit the Filipino people.
Four vehicles remain unsold and may be offered in subsequent public auctions. These include the 2022 GMC Yukon Denali, the 2021 Cadillac Escalade, the 2022 Maserati Levante Modena, and the 2022 GMC Yukon XL Denali.
Nepomuceno emphasized that the successful disposition of the seized vehicles demonstrates the Bureau’s continuing commitment to enforcing customs laws while ensuring transparency in the handling of government assets.
“The successful auction and turnover of these proceeds demonstrate the Bureau of Customs’ resolve to enforce the law while ensuring that recovered assets are returned to the Filipino people and utilized to support national development,” the customs chief said.
The symbolic turnover ceremony highlights the agency’s sustained commitment to its flagship Integrity, Accountability and Modernization (IAM) initiatives and underscores the Bureau’s broader mission of strengthening revenue generation, protecting the country’s borders, and upholding the rule of law through effective and transparent customs administration.
The Bureau of the Treasury, represented by Atty. Jerekko Cadorna, on behalf of National Treasurer Sharon Almanza, said the symbolic turnover represents the victory of the rule of law and highlights the strong collaboration between government agencies.
“The successful auction of the nine motor vehicles linked to the Discaya case reflects the culmination of careful legal and administrative processes. Through the disposition of these forfeited assets, resources once tied to a legal dispute are now converted into public funds that will directly support national priorities,” Cadorna said.
“We commend the Bureau of Customs for its diligence and resolve in bringing this matter to its proper conclusion.”
The BTr also commended the Bureau of Customs, stating, “We commend the Bureau of Customs for its diligence and resolve in bringing this matter to its proper conclusion. Every peso remitted to the National Treasury strengthens the government’s capacity to fund vital projects, deliver essential social services, and maintain fiscal stability as we continue to grow the national economy.”
