The Bureau of Customs (BOC) announced a significant development in its ongoing investigation into 30 motor vehicles linked to the Discayas, revealing a substantial deficit in government revenue due to irregularities and outright smuggling.
During a press conference, BOC Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno detailed the findings, which are the result of intensified efforts to combat the illegal importation of high-value goods. The investigation revealed that eight of the motor vehicles were smuggled into the country without any corresponding import entries. These vehicles have been classified as smuggled and are now subject to the issuance of Warrants of Seizure and Detention.
Furthermore, seven vehicles, although covered by import entries, were found to lack Certificates of Payment and showed significant deficiencies in their declared duties and taxes. These, along with fourteen other vehicles with filed import entries and Certificates of Payment, will undergo a comprehensive transaction audit by the Post Clearance Audit Group (PCAG) for further verification. The status of one additional vehicle is currently under verification.
The investigation also identified specific ports of entry in Batangas, Cebu, Manila, and the Manila International Container Port as key locations in the operation. Additionally, certain BOC officials and personnel have been named as “persons of interest” and are now under further scrutiny as the probe continues.
According to BOC records, the total duties and taxes assessed and collected for the vehicles with filed entries amounted to P33 million. However, the estimated total duties and taxes that should have been collected are P104.7 million, leaving a massive deficit of P71.65 million. This deficit is attributed to the eight smuggled vehicles and the discrepancies in the declared values of the seven vehicles found with deficiencies.
Commissioner Nepomuceno underscored the agency’s firm stance on the matter, emphasizing that the BOC will not tolerate the evasion of lawful duties and taxes. “The deliberate evasion of customs laws, particularly involving high-value goods, undermines government revenue and erodes public trust,” Commissioner Nepomuceno stated.
“We will ensure that the law is applied fairly and consistently, regardless of who is involved. If the findings point to the accountability of individuals outside the agency or within our own ranks, we will act with the same resolve. Under my leadership, no one is exempt from the rule of law, and no one will be shielded from accountability.”
The Bureau of Customs reaffirms its commitment to good governance, strict enforcement of customs laws, and ensuring accountability to protect government revenues and uphold public trust.
