The seized vehicles
BOC seizes 51 motor vehicles in Pasig City
THE Bureau of Customs served warrants of seizure and detention against individual owners of 51 units of high-end vehicles stored at a showroom in Pasig City on Wednesday, 26 July 2023.
After the discovery of warehoused/displayed various imported motor during the service of a Letter of Authority last 04 July 2023, registered individual owners thereof were promptly notified and given 15 days to submit corresponding evidence of ownership and payment of correct duties and taxes for the subject motor vehicles.
Registration documents of the subject motor vehicles were timely submitted, however, the owners of the subject 51 units of high-end motor vehicles failed to submit corresponding evidence of payment of correct duties and taxes within the mandated fifteen (15) day period.
Consequently, the BOC ordered the seizure of 51 units of high-end motor vehicles pursuant to Section 224 of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA). Out of these, 28 have already been transferred to the BOC – 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,” Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service (CIIS) Director Verne Enciso said.
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 identified registered owners thereof 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.
BOC Commissioner Bienvenido Y. Rubio emphasized the BOC’s commitment of 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 BOC remains vigilant and dedicated to preventing any unlawful activities that may undermine the country’s economic and financial stability,” he added.
