Following a court-ordered search operation at the headquarters of St. Gerrard Construction General Contractor and Development Corp. in Pasig City, the Bureau of Customs (BOC) reported further developments on the luxury vehicles linked to the Discaya family.
The BOC uncovered two of the 12 luxury vehicles covered by the search warrant issued by the Regional Trial Court of Manila, Branch 18. The vehicle, a Toyota LC300 3.3 V6 ZX AT SUV 2024 and a Maserati Levante Modena 2022, were found during the operation led by the BOC’s Intelligence and Enforcement units.
The remaining 10 vehicles were initially unaccounted for, prompting Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno to forewarn the Discaya family that the BOC will ensure all vehicles are located without delay.
“Let it be clear: those hiding or abetting the concealment of these cars will be punished to the fullest extent of the law.”
“If discrepancies are uncovered, all taxes and duties will be collected in full. Let it be clear: those hiding or abetting the concealment of these cars will be punished to the fullest extent of the law,” Nepomuceno said.
“The Bureau is committed to decisive action to protect government revenues, enforce accountability, and uphold the trust of the Filipino people,” the customs chief stressed.
The BOC later confirmed that seven of the remaining vehicles have been surrendered to the BOC and are now secured at St. Gerrard Construction General Contractor and Development Corp.’s compound in Pasig City. These include Rolls Royce Cullinan, Bentley Bentayga, Mercedes Benz G-500, Mercedes AMG G 63 AMG, Toyota Tundra, Toyota Sequoia, and Cadillac Escalade.
Nepomuceno added that the last three vehicles — a GMC Yukon Denali SUV and two (2) Lincoln Navigator — are currently in authorized service centers for repair and will subsequently be surrendered to the BOC.
All subject vehicles have been formally sealed by Customs and are under round-the-clock guard by personnel of the BOC and the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG).
“The Discaya family heeded my warning.”
Nepomuceno noted that the Discaya family heeded his warning and reiterated the Bureau’s resolve to pursue accountability.
He also extended his gratitude to the Department of Transportation (DOTr) – Land Transportation Office (LTO), Philippine National Police (PNP) – Eastern Police District (EPD), Highway Patrol Group (HPG), Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), and officials of Barangay Bambang, Pasig City for their assistance leading to the recovery of the vehicles.
With all 12 luxury vehicles now accounted for, the BOC continues to verify their importation records to determine compliance with customs laws. Should discrepancies be established, appropriate enforcement and legal actions will be undertaken pursuant to the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA).
This action is consistent with the directive of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to intensify enforcement against smuggling, safeguard government revenues, and uphold transparency and accountability.
