In a powerful display of accountability and commitment to justice, the Bureau of Customs (BOC) successfully auctioned off seized motor vehicles linked to the Discaya Family, generating a total of ₱38,211,710. The proceeds will be remitted directly to the Bureau of the Treasury, ensuring that assets recovered from unlawful customs activities are returned to benefit the Filipino people.
The sealed-bidding public auction, held on November 20, 2025, saw three of the seven voluntarily forfeited vehicles successfully awarded to a winning bidder. This event marks a significant milestone in the government’s drive to demonstrate that violations of the law carry severe consequences.
Customs Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno underscored the symbolic weight of the auction, stating, “More important than the money or funds we may gain is the symbolism of our commitment that if you do wrong, you will be held accountable, and the nation’s money should benefit our countrymen.” He emphasized that this is just the first step in the full recovery and disposition of assets connected to the case.
The auction followed a week-long public viewing and was livestreamed on the BOC’s official Facebook page to ensure maximum transparency. The activity was facilitated by the Auction and Cargo Disposal Division (ACDD) of the Port of Manila (POM), strictly adhering to the provisions of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA) and relevant regulations.
Newly appointed Department of Finance (DOF) Secretary Frederick D. Go graced the event and led the inspection of the vehicles, joined by key officials, including:
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Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) Chairman Andres B. Reyes Jr.
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Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Vince Dizon
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Land Transportation Office – Philippines (LTO) Assistant Secretary Markus V. Lacanilao
Representatives from the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) and the Commission on Audit (COA) were also present, highlighting the government’s unified approach to upholding the rule of law.
Secretary Dizon reiterated the profound significance of the event, stating that this is the beginning of restitution to the public in the Discaya case. He relayed the President’s directive: “It is not enough for those who did wrong to be jailed; they need to be held accountable for stealing all of our money, but the money of the people also needs to be returned, and this is the beginning.”
Chairman Reyes Jr. noted the broader impact of the auction: “Every successful auction will show that no violation is ignored, that public resources are protected, and that the rules that fortify and shield our economy are enforced with integrity.”
The BOC initially took custody of thirteen motor vehicles linked to the Discaya Family. With seven units voluntarily forfeited and included in this auction, forfeiture proceedings for the remaining six vehicles are currently underway.
For the vehicles that did not receive successful bids, the BOC will reconvene to recompute their floor prices. The revised prices will be published by next week, offering interested bidders another opportunity to participate.
LTO Assistant Secretary Lacanilao assured cooperation for the successful bidders, stating, “To all successful bidders, please be assured that the LTO will provide full assistance in the processing and transfer of ownership of the vehicles you will acquire today.”
Commissioner Nepomuceno extended his gratitude to the bidders, whose participation represents a tangible contribution to the nation’s welfare.
