Customs to locate rest of Discaya luxury cars in search warrant

Metro Manila, Philippines - From 40, to 28, and down to only two — the number of luxury vehicles found by customs authorities parked in a controversial government contractor’s business compound in Pasig City.

The Bureau of Customs (BOC) served a search warrant for 12 luxury cars of the Discaya family at the St. Gerrard Construction headquarters on Tuesday, Sept. 2, and found only two, state media outlet Philippine News Agency reported.

Customs Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno also told reporters the team saw another vehicle parked on the grounds, but it was not covered by the warrant, according to a video posted by government-run IBC-13.

In a statement, he said the BOC takes the “disappearance” of the high-end cars “with utmost seriousness.”

“We will ensure that these vehicles are located without delay, and if discrepancies are uncovered, all taxes and duties will be collected in full,” Nepomuceno said.

“Let it be clear: those hiding or abetting the concealment of these cars will be punished to the fullest extent of the law,” he added.

Nepomuceno said the BOC only has complete information on the 12 high-end cars.

Sarah Discaya said she owned 28 luxury cars during Monday’s Senate blue ribbon committee hearing, which investigated shady government flood control projects

She and her husband, Curlee, previously said in media interviews that they own 40 pricey vehicles

The car collection did not sit well with senators as firms under the Discaya clan have cornered billions of pesos in infrastructure projects through the years.

RELATED: Discaya admits family’s 9 companies bid for same projects

Nepomuceno called on the Discaya family to voluntarily surrender the vehicles to customs.

“Any irregularity in the importation of luxury vehicles, such as misdeclaration or non-payment of duties and taxes, will be subject to enforcement actions under the CMTA (Customs Modernization and Tariff Act),” the agency said.