The Bureau of Customs (BOC) said it has secured the locations of 12 luxury vehicles linked to the Discaya family as part of a compliance audit into the family’s questionable assets.
The BOC said in a report posted on its website late Tuesday, September 2, the bureau initially “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.
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 2023, Bentley Bentayga, Mercedes Benz G-Class (Brabus G-Wagon), Mercedes AMG G 63 SUV 2022, Toyota Tundra 2022, Toyota Sequoia, and Cadillac Escalade ESV 2021.
The BOC later confirmed the locations of the remaining three vehicles: a 2019 Mercedes-Benz G 500 SUV, a 2022 GMC Yukon Denali SUV (Gas), and a 2024 Lincoln Navigator L, which are currently undergoing repair at third-party service centers. They “will subsequently be surrendered to the BOC,” the report said.
“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),” it added.
BOC Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno had forewarned the Discaya family that the BOC would ensure all vehicles were located without delay, and that “any discrepancies uncovered will lead to the full collection of duties and taxes,” adding that “those hiding or abetting the concealment of these cars will be punished to the fullest extent of the law.”
Nepomuceno said “the Discaya family heeded his warning” and he reiterated the Bureau’s resolve to pursue accountability.
With all 12 vehicles now accounted for, the Bureau said it continues to verify their import documentation and compliance with customs laws. Nepomuceno said any identified discrepancies in duties or taxes will lead to immediate legal action under the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA).
The BOC said its action “is consistent with the directive of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to intensify enforcement against smuggling, safeguard government revenues and uphold transparency and accountability.” — Marlon C. Magtira
