By Lane Afable, News Editor
The Bureau of Customs (BOC) has turned over to the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) the custody of the nineteen (19) motor vehicles, including two (2) utility task vehicles (UTVs), linked to the Discaya family, following the completion of Customs enforcement actions and in accordance with established procedures.
The 19 units form part of a total of thirty‑two (32) motor vehicles placed under BOC control for investigation in September 2025. These actions stemmed from a Search Warrant issued by the Regional Trial Court (RTC), Manila, which resulted in the seizure of twelve (12) vehicles during the court‑authorized operation.
Subsequently, the spouses voluntarily surrendered an additional seventeen (17) vehicles and two (2) UTVs to the BOC. In total, all 32 vehicles underwent Customs investigation for possible smuggling and tax deficiencies, consistent with the Bureau’s enforcement mandate.
Following investigation and evaluation, the BOC determined that thirteen (13) vehicles committed violations of customs laws.
These units were issued Warrants of Seizure and Detention (WSD) and were subsequently subjected to forfeiture proceedings in accordance with law. In 2026, the forfeited 13 vehicles were disposed of through public auction conducted by the BOC, generating over ₱102 million in auction proceeds, which were restituted to the government.
Meanwhile, the remaining nineteen (19) units were subjected to a transaction audit, which the Bureau of Customs (BOC) completed in October, one month after the operation.
The audit confirmed full compliance with applicable importation requirements, including the submission and validation of documents, payment of correct duties and taxes, and post-clearance verification, with no discrepancies noted.
Within the same month, the Bureau of Customs received a Notice of Constructive Distraint from the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) directing the BOC, as custodian, to place the subject vehicles under its responsibility for safekeeping and preservation, and to refrain from removing or disposing of the same without BIR authority, pending the resolution of the tax investigation.
On April 29, 2026, the BOC subsequently received instructions from the BIR to release the remaining 19 Discaya vehicles from BOC custody and turnover it to BIR for tax investigation and collection proceedings.
Of these, fifteen (15) vehicles were placed under constructive distraint, while four (4) vehicles were subjected to constructive seizure in relation to an existing tax assessment involving St. Gerrard Construction General Contractor & Development Corporation.
“Our responsibility as the Bureau of Customs is to act within our mandate and to ensure that enforcement does not end where our jurisdiction stops,” said Customs Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno.
“With Customs proceedings concluded, the release of these vehicles allows the BIR to immediately carry forward its investigation.” he added.
Likewise, BIR Commissioner Charlito Martin R. Mendoza expressed appreciation for the Bureau of Customs’ cooperation, noting the importance of coordinated government action.
“The BIR thanks the BOC, under the leadership of Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno, for proper inter-agency coordination, ensuring that today’s activity was conducted in coordination with the concerned offices and in the presence of authorized representatives, and that proper documentation, inventory, and acknowledgment procedures were observed throughout the process,” said BIR Commissioner Mendoza.
These enforcement efforts are aligned with the BOC’s commitment to Integrity, Accountability, and Modernization (IAM). Under IAM, the Bureau continues to strengthen institutional integrity, promote transparency and accountability, and pursue modernization initiatives to ensure fair, efficient, and evidence‑based customs enforcement, while working closely with partner agencies to ensure continuity of lawful government action.
