Bureau of Customs Commissioner Isidro Lapeña on Friday defended the bureau from criticisms on why 22 luxury vehicles including high-end sports cars known as supercars were not among those destroyed during the bureau’s 116th anniversary, saying the luxury cars are still subjects of ongoing litigation at the Bureau of Customs.
A brand-new McLaren, two units of brand new 2017 Chevrolet Camaro—both considered supercars; two units of brand new 2017 Range Rover, a brand-new 2017 Land Rover Evoque, 12 units of brand-new Toyota Land Cruisers—all consigned to Gamma Gray Marketing are still undergoing legal proceedings, he said, adding the Manila International Container Port-Law Division is expected to resolve the dispute.
Supercars 2005 Ferrari F430 2006 and Lamborghini Murcielago consigned to Mary Joy Aguanta and Veronica Angeles, were declared forfeited in favor of the government by the MICP. However, the case is under appeal proceedings after the importers filed an appeal, the BOC said.
Other supercars which were not destroyed include a Lamborghini Gallardo and a Rolls Royce consigned to Allan Usman Garcia and Roy Garchitorena, respectively, and are now under examination and verification of import documents. A warrant of seizure and detention will be issued once the customs authorities find a probable cause to issue the same.
Lapeña vowed that the bureau will be steadfast in facilitating the disposition of the said cases.
“Resolving the instant cases necessitates that due process is observed by giving the parties involved the opportunity to present their case,” according to MICP District Collector lawyer Balmyrson Valdez.
On Feb. 6, President Rodrigo Duterte led the condemnation of 20 smuggled luxury vehicles at the Port Area in Manila.
On the same day, 10 other smuggled vehicles were simultaneously destroyed at the Ports of Davao and Cebu.
Lapeña has also dispelled doubts and rumors from the public as to what happened to the supercars such as McLaren and Lamborghini and why they were not included in the condemnation conducted.
The customs chief also vowed that the cases involving all remaining luxury vehicles will be resolved speedily while following the legal procedures.
“There are still a few who do illicit activities at the Bureau of Customs. This has to stop. We will not allow smugglers to blatantly disregard our laws, rules, and regulations on importation. The Bureau of Customs will be drastic in its efforts to combat smuggling and all forms of corruption,” Lapeña added.