Reps wants BOC, LTO execs summoned over smuggled luxury cars

Bicol Saro party-list Rep. Terry Ridon urged 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.

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 luxury vehicles owned by the Discayas under its custody for possible violations of customs law.

BOC Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno has submitted documents to the ICI pertaining to the Discaya's luxury vehicles, including search warrants, certificates of payments, and car registrations.

Nepomuceno stated that 30 luxury vehicles and two ATVs/UTVs are under BOC custody, with 13 of the luxury vehicles having seizure orders.

These vehicles, if not properly documented, will be forfeited in favor of the government and may be auctioned to fund government programs.