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The Bureau of Customs served warrants to seize 51 luxury cars stored at a showroom in Pasig City
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28 cars were transferred to BOC-Port of Manila; 23 others awaiting transfer
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Car owners failed to provide evidence of duty and tax payments
The Bureau of Customs (BOC) served warrants to seize 51 “luxury cars” stored at a showroom in Pasig City Wednesday, July 26, the agency said in a statement.
The owners of the 51 high-end vehicles were subjected to Warrants of Seizure and Detention by the BOC.
This was after the BOC discovered the various imported cars during the issuance of a Letter of Authority on July 4, 2023.
The car owners with questionable documents were notified and given 15 days to submit evidence of ownership and payment of correct duties and taxes for the subject motor vehicles.
While the owners submitted the documents, they failed to provide documents for duty and tax payments within the required timeframe, the bureau said.
This prompted the BOC to order the seizure pursuant to Section 224 of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act. Out of the 51 vehicles, 28 have already been transferred to the BOC-Port of Manila, while the remaining 23 vehicles are still awaiting transfer.
Pursuant to Customs Administrative Order 10-2020, the vehicle owners will be allowed 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 to specified conditions under the rules.
Customs Commissioner Bienvenido Rubio emphasized the agency’s commitment to enforcing the law and ensuring compliance with customs requirements.
“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,” said Rubio.
