BOC SECURES 12 LUXURY VEHICLES LINKED TO DISCAYA FAMILY

THE Bureau of Customs on Tuesday has secured the 12 luxury cars linked to the Discaya family

The operation was based on a court-ordered search operation conducted at the headquarters of St. Gerrard Construction General Contractor and Development Corp. in Pasig City.

Earlier in the day, 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 F. Nepomuceno to forewarn the Discaya family that the BOC will ensure all vehicles are located without delay.

He underscored that any discrepancies uncovered will lead to the full collection of duties and taxes, and that “those hiding or abetting the concealment of these cars will be punished to the fullest extent of the law.”

By evening, the BOC 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.

The Commissioner 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).

Commissioner 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 Bgy. 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.

Nepomuceno said that 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 R. Marcos Jr. to intensify enforcement against smuggling, safeguard government revenues, and uphold transparency and accountability.

During a Senate Blue Ribbon Committee hearing on Monday, contractor Sara Discaya admitted she owns 28 luxury vehicles.

Discaya also told the committee that she purchased a luxury car for simply liking its built-in umbrella.