Pasig City, July 27, 2023 – 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.

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.”

The seizure of the subject 51 units of high-end motor vehicles shall serve as a reminder to all importers and dealerships to strictly adhere to customs laws, rules and regulations, and faithfully fulfill their duties and obligations promptly and responsibly. The BOC remains vigilant and dedicated in preventing any unlawful activities that may undermine the country’s economic and financial stability.#