MANILA – The Bureau of Customs (BOC) has given contractors Pacifico “Curlee” Discaya II and Cezarah “Sarah” Discaya, along with the importers of 29 luxury vehicles, until the end of September to prove the cars were legally brought into the country.
BOC Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno said during a press conference on Wednesday that the car owners must submit official import documents, including import entries and Certificates of Payment (COP), to avoid further legal action.
“As part of due process, we’re giving them 15 days or until the end of the month to provide the required paperwork,” Nepomuceno said.
The BOC noted that 15 of the 29 vehicles are missing some or all of the necessary documents. Eight cars—including a Rolls Royce Cullinan, a Mercedes Benz G63 AMG, a Bentley Bentayga, and a Toyota Sequoia—have neither import entries nor payment certificates. These are at risk of being seized permanently by the government.
Seven other vehicles, such as a Cadillac Escalade and Maserati Levante, have import entries but no proof of payment. Only 14 vehicles were found to have complete and proper documentation and were imported by authorized dealers.
The vehicles entered the Philippines through ports in Batangas, Cebu, Manila, and the Manila International Container Port. The BOC is also looking into the possible involvement of Customs personnel, identifying over 10 individuals as persons of interest.
In addition, the agency is conducting lifestyle checks on vehicles linked to four former officials from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), who are being investigated for questionable flood control projects.| – Balikas.net
