BOC probes luxury cars linked to 28 construction firms

MANILA, Philippines — The Bureau of Customs (BOC) is currently investigating luxury vehicles reportedly connected to 28 other construction firms amid concerns over possible tax evasion and illicit imports.

“We are looking into construction companies that may own luxury vehicles which possibly did not pay the proper taxes. It’s not just about the Discayas, so this investigation is still ongoing,” BOC Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno yesterday said in a radio interview.

He noted that the luxury cars confiscated from contractors Sarah and Curlee Discaya were prioritized due to their high-profile nature.

When asked to identify the individuals involved in the vehicle smuggling, Nepomuceno declined, saying that disclosure could compromise the investigation, as the owners might attempt to hide their luxury vehicles.

He added that the bureau’s primary goal is to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of its collection.

The government earned P38 million from the recent Discaya luxury cars auction, falling short of the BOC’s expected P103 million from all seven vehicles.

The BOC previously stated that the second auction may be held by December for another set of luxury vehicles from the Discaya couple.

Possible Cabinet post

Nepomuceno said that he will decline a promotion to the Department of Transportation (DOTr) if the post is offered to him, amid reports that he is set to assume a Cabinet post.

“That’s not my area of expertise, but of course, if I am instructed, I will study it. However, it’s not my specialty, and what’s important is that the leader already knows what to do from day one,” he said.

Nepomuceno said he had contacted the current DOTr acting Secretary Giovanni Lopez to reassure him that, as a gesture of respect, he would not accept the position.