The Bureau of Customs (BOC), in direct compliance with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to intensify the fight against smuggling and corruption, has issued a Warrant of Seizure and Detention (WSD) against 13 high-end luxury vehicles linked to the Discaya family. This decisive action follows the establishment of probable cause and confirmation of significant violations of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA).
The seized vehicles, which include models like a Rolls-Royce Cullinan, Bentley Bentayga, and Mercedes-Benz AMG G63 SUV, were taken into BOC custody as part of the agency’s commitment to hold violators accountable and ensure the proper collection of government revenues.
These vehicles are among 30 units discovered in September during a search operation at the premises of St. Gerrard Construction General Contractor & Development Corp. in Pasig City, owned by the Discaya family. The initial search and subsequent investigation were prompted, in part, by an ongoing investigation by the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee concerning alleged anomalous flood control projects.
Following the directive of Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno, Port of Manila District Collector Alexander Gerard E. Alviar issued the WSD covering the 13 vehicles. Verification by the Management Information Systems and Technology Group (MISTG) confirmed widespread irregularities:
- Seven (7) vehicles (including Toyota Tundra, Toyota Sequoia, Rolls Royce Cullinan, Mercedes Benz AMG G63 SUV, Mercedes Benz G 500, Lincoln Navigator 2021, and Bentley Bentayga) lack import entries entirely and were found to have either lacking or fraudulent Certificates of Payment (CPs).
- Six (6) vehicles (including Lincoln Navigator 2024, GMC Yukon Denali, Cadillac Escalade 2021, Maserati Levante Modena, GMC Yukon XL Denali, and Cadillac Escalade ESV) have import entries but possess lacking or fraudulent CPs.
The remaining vehicles are now subject to a transaction audit by the Post-Clearance Audit Group (PCAG).
“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,” said Commissioner Nepomuceno.
The issuance of the WSD is a critical step that marks the commencement of forfeiture proceedings in accordance with the CMTA, reinforcing the agency’s commitment to accountability and the robust fight against all forms of smuggling, consistent with the President’s directive.
