BOC initiates litigation process vs 22 luxury vehicles

Customs Commissioner Isidro Lapeña shows a 2012 Lamborghini Gallardo, which is among the luxury cars intercepted by the BOC from container vans that originated from China, Australia and the United Arab Emirates. INQUIRER file photo / EARVIN PERIAS

Twenty-two luxury vehicles, including several high-end “supercars” at the Manila International Container Port (MICP) are the subjects of ongoing litigation at the Bureau of Customs (BOC).

BOC Commissioner Isidro Lapeña said the alerted luxury vehicles include a McLaren, a Ferrari and a Lamborghini, as well as a Chevrolet Camaro.

In a statement, Lapeña assured that the agency will be steadfast in facilitating the disposition of the said litigation cases involving the 22 luxury vehicles.

“There are still a few who do illicit activities at the BOC. This has to stop. We will not allow smugglers to blatantly disregard our laws, rules, and regulations on importation. The BOC will be drastic in its efforts to combat smuggling and all forms of corruption,” he said.

READ: Duterte leads wrecking of P61M smuggled luxury cars

The MICP’s law division is in charge of the legal proceedings involving a brand new McLaren, two brand new 2017 Chevrolet Camaro supercars, two brand new 2017 Range Rovers, one brand new 2017 Land Rover Evoque and 12 brand new Toyota Land Cruisers.

The 18 luxury vehicles are all consigned to Gamma Gray Marketing, the BOC said.

On the other hand, a 2005 Ferrari F430 2006 and a Lamborghini Murcielago, also considered supercars and consigned to two separate importers, were declared by the MICP as forfeited in favor of the government.

The BOC said the case is undergoing appeal proceedings after the two importers filed an appeal.

Two other supercars, a Lamborghini Gallardo and a Rolls Royce consigned to two other importers, were alerted by the BOC this month, with its import documents under examination and verification.

“A warrant of seizure and detention will be issued once the BOC finds a probable cause to issue the same,” the agency said in its statement.

MICP district collector Balmyrson Valdez explained that “resolving the instant cases necessitates that due process is observed by giving the parties involved the opportunity to present their case.”

These luxury vehicles and supercars were not included in the condemnation and destruction of 20 smuggled luxury vehicles at the Port Area, led by President Rodrigo Duterte himself last Tuesday.

That same day, 10 other smuggled vehicles were simultaneously destroyed at the Ports of Davao and Cebu.

“These cases involving all remaining luxury vehicles will be resolved speedily while following the legal procedures,” Lapeña assured the public. /jpv