BOC Intensifies Probe on Discaya Family’s Luxury Cars
The Bureau of Customs (BOC) has declared its commitment to continue pursuing the luxury cars owned by contractor Sarah Discaya and her family amid an ongoing investigation, officials reported on Wednesday. This move follows the recent discovery of numerous vehicles linked to the family, emphasizing the agency’s focus on uncovering possible irregularities.
Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno announced that the bureau has taken control of 14 luxury cars associated with the Discaya family. Initially, a search warrant covered 12 vehicles, but during the operation, two additional cars not originally included were found and secured by the BOC. “The search warrant was applied for 12 [cars] but when we went there yesterday, two were included in the search warrant while two were not included, that’s why it’s 14 [cars] under our control,” Nepomuceno shared in a dzMM Teleradyo interview.
Continuous Efforts to Seize More Vehicles
When asked about the possibility of pursuing more vehicles, Nepomuceno affirmed the bureau’s ongoing efforts. “There will be more because it’s continuous… Our intelligence gathering is continuous,” he said, signaling that the investigation remains active and expanding.
Last Monday, during a Senate blue ribbon committee hearing on alleged anomalies involving flood control projects, Sarah Discaya admitted to owning 28 luxury cars. However, the BOC clarified that it will not immediately confiscate all 28 vehicles. The family has been given a 10-day window to present proof that these cars were legitimately purchased and that all taxes and duties have been properly paid.
Legal Procedures and Possible Confiscation
Nepomuceno explained that only vehicles with unpaid taxes exceeding the 20 percent threshold stipulated by law will be subject to seizure. “Now, when it’s less than the 20 percent of the law’s threshold, that is seizurable, and will be confiscated by the government, the BOC,” he added.
He also clarified that once confiscated, the vehicles will become government property, managed under the BOC’s disposition authority. The commissioner emphasized that the search warrant was lawfully obtained, granting the bureau the authority to conduct the operation and seize the vehicles in question.
Accountability and Investigation Integrity
Regarding potential responsibility within the BOC if any of the vehicles are confirmed to be smuggled, Nepomuceno stated, “That’s right. It will only happen if there is collusion in the BOC and the LTO [Land Transportation Office], because it’s one loop.” He assured that vehicle purchases can be traced effectively and pledged the bureau’s continued vigilance in the investigation.
Background on Government Contracts
Documents reviewed by investigative sources revealed that companies founded by the Discaya family secured government flood control project contracts worth approximately P31 billion between 2022 and 2025. This information adds context to the ongoing probe and highlights the scale of the contracts involved.
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