THE Bureau of Customs (BOC) announced that individuals interested in bidding for the luxury cars seized from government contractors Sarah and Curlee Discaya will undergo a thorough vetting process to prevent any involvement from parties linked to smuggling.
Atty. Chris Bendijo, Deputy Chief of Staff at the BOC Office of the Commissioner, said the agency will impose an accreditation process to ensure that no relatives or associates of those responsible for the unlawful importation of the vehicles will benefit from the auction.
“Although open to the public, magkakaroon pa rin po tayo ng parang accreditation process upang matiyak na hindi makikinabang ang mga responsable sa smuggling ng mga sasakyang ito,” Bendijo said in an interview with one media source.
According to Bendijo, 13 of the Discayas’ 30 luxury vehicles were issued warrants of seizure and detention for lacking import entry and certificate of payment.
The remaining 17 vehicles, while having proper documents, were ordered to undergo a post-clearance audit.
The BOC is set to hold formal seizure proceedings on October 9, where the Discayas may still present proof of payment of duties and taxes.
If they fail to do so, Bendijo said, the vehicles will be forfeited in favor of the government.
Once the Finance Secretary approves, the seized luxury cars will be auctioned publicly to generate government revenue.
The bidding will be livestreamed and fully recorded to ensure transparency and fairness.
When asked whether government officials and employees can join the bidding, Bendijo noted that while technically allowed, most public servants are expected to refrain due to lifestyle check implications.
“Kapag tayo ay magpa-participate sa luxury vehicles bidding, kaakibat nito ang pagsilip sa purchasing power. So kahit buksan natin ito, siguradong magdadalawang isip ang mga kawani ng pamahalaan,” he said.
Bendijo added that BOC Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno has ordered the suspension of temporary release of imported items pending clearance from the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR).
“Wala na po ‘yung temporary release. Lahat po dapat dumaan muna sa BIR bago ma-release ang mga ganitong items mula sa poder ng BOC,” he said.