The Bureau of Customs on Thursday announced the seizure of 51 luxury vehicles stored and displayed at a showroom in Pasig City.
The seizure came after owners of those vehicles failed to submit corresponding evidence of payment of correct duties and taxes.
Of the 51 cars, 28 have already been transferred to the Port of Manila, while the remaining 23 vehicles are scheduled for transfer.
“Without proper documents and permits, these motor vehicles’ presence on Philippine soil means they are either stolen or smuggled. Crimes don’t just happen in dark corners. It happens in brightly-lit showrooms like where our operation happened,” said Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service (CIIS) Director Verne Enciso.
Pursuant to CAO 10-2020, during the conduct of the seizure and forfeiture proceedings against the subject 51 units of high-end motor vehicles, the registered owners will be accorded further opportunity to submit corresponding evidence of payment of correct duties and taxes; proof of exemption from payment of duties and taxes; offer voluntary payment of correct duties and taxes; and/or offer of settlement or redemption, subject, however, to specified conditions under the rules.
Customs Commissioner Bien Rubio emphasized the agency’s commitment to enforcing the law and ensuring compliance with customs requirements.
He stated, “Our primary goal is to protect the interests of the Filipino people, safeguarding the nation’s revenue, and maintaining a fair and transparent trade environment.”
Intelligence Group Deputy Commissioner Juvymax Uy said that the seizure of the 51 units of high-end motor vehicles “reminder to all importers and dealerships to adhere to customs regulations and fulfill their duties and obligations promptly and responsibly.”
“The Customs Bureau remains vigilant and dedicated to preventing any unlawful activities that may undermine the country’s economic and financial stability,” he added.
On July 4, a composite team from the Bureau of Customs and Philippine Coast Guard implemented a Letter of Authority to check on the car showroom located along Ortigas Avenue that allegedly carried a mix of luxury imported and locally sourced vehicles without proper documentation.
Upon arrival at the dealership, the team found some 197 imported and locally sourced vehicles, but 87 of these were placed under investigation due to questionable documents.
Included in the 87 vehicles investigated because of questionable documents are several units of Lexus, Mercedes Benz, Porsche Macan, Jaguar, GMC Savana, McLaren, Ferrari, Lamborghini, Audi, and Land Rover.