Customs accounts for 28 Discaya luxury cars

Metro Manila, Philippines - The government is now in custody of 28 luxury vehicles owned by a controversial contractor at the front and center of the flood control controversy.

The Bureau of Customs (BOC) said the Discaya family surrendered 16 more high-end cars to authorities on Thursday, Sept. 4, two days after the agency secured 12 vehicles through a search warrant. 

“The 16 vehicles are now undergoing processing by the BOC for sealing and documentation and will be guarded by Customs personnel, pending verification of importation records and assessment of duties and taxes,” the agency said.

“With the help of the Land Transportation Office, the BOC will continue its thorough investigation,” it said.

Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada said the family owns 80 vehicles, half of which were high-end. 

Cornelio Samaniego III, the Discaya couple’s lawyer, told a news briefing on Wednesday that they will double check Estrada’s information.

In a Senate blue ribbon committee hearing on Monday, Sarah Discaya said her family owns 28 luxury vehicles, while their companies collectively have 12 others.

The car collection did not sit well with senators as the Discaya family emerged as among the top contractors of government projects, including billions for flood control.

Sarah defended their accumulated wealth for 23 years in the construction business.