Rep. Ridon wants Customs, LTO chiefs summoned over smuggled luxury vehicles

Bicol Saro party-list Rep. Terry Ridon is urging the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) to summon the heads of the Bureau of Customs (BOC) and the Land Transportation Office (LTO) to explain the alleged smuggling of luxury vehicles owned by contractor-couple Curlee and Sarah Discaya.

The ICI is considering summoning BOC chief Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno and LTO chief Assistant Secretary Vigor Mendoza II for the probe.

ICI executive director Brian Hosaka stated that if the vehicles were smuggled, there would be a violation of the law and someone should be held accountable.

Ridon wants the ICI to determine the potential liability of both the BOC and LTO in facilitating the entry, registration, and use of these vehicles within the Philippines.

As of October 1, the BOC has 30 vehicles owned by the Discayas under its custody for possible violations of customs law.

The vehicles of Curlee and Sarah Discaya were seized after they were linked to anomalous government flood control projects.