Seized Discaya vehicles fetch P102M
The Bureau of Customs (BOC) has collected over P80.3 million in revenues this year from the sale of five seized luxury vehicles, four of these owned by private contractors Pacifico “Curlee” Discaya II and wife, Sarah.
A total of 32 vehicles owned by the Discayas were placed in the BOC’s custody last year after the couple was linked to several allegedly anomalous government projects. Of the total, 13 were found to have been acquired in violation of customs laws and subject to forfeiture proceedings. Nine of the vehicles have been auctioned by the BOC so far—five last year for over P47.7 million and the rest this year for over P54.7 million.
On Wednesday, the remaining 19 Discaya vehicles were turned over by the BOC to the Bureau of Internal Revenue for tax investigation and collection proceedings.
In a public auction held the day before, a Rolls-Royce Phantom was sold to lone bidder Pureblends Corp. for over P25.5 million, including registration fees. The vehicle, however, was not among those confiscated from the Discayas.
The BOC, meanwhile, encouraged the public to “participate in future auctions and to regularly check the agency’s official website and communication platforms for announcements and schedules of upcoming public auction activities.”
Still unsold
Eleven other cars that were up for auction on Tuesday remain unsold. These consist of a Toyota Alphard with a floor price of P2,672,236.55; a Lexus LX570 (P2,765,971.16); 2021 Land Rover Range Rover (P6,101,624.65); and a BMW XM (P7,890,248.16).
The other vehicles that remain on the auction block are a Mercedes Benz AMG GT (P9,653,833.87); 2023 Land Rover Range Rover (P11,069,376.62); Rolls-Royce Phantom (P38,315,637.02); Ferrari SF90 Stradale (P39,134,765.82); Ferrari SF90 Stradale “Mansory” (P43,434,480.94); Mercedes Benz G650 V12 Biturbo (P63,362,390.97) and a McLaren Senna (P102,042,250.95).
On the other hand, the four remaining vehicles confiscated from the Discayas will be up for negotiated sale or direct offer on April 30. These consist of a 2022 GMC XL Yukon Denali, 2021 Cadillac Escalade, 2022 Maserati Levante and 2022 GMC Yukon Denali.
The BOC earlier said that it would resort to a negotiated sale after two failed auction bids. It noted that under this procedure, offers will be taken from the general public unlike in an auction where the BOC determines the floor price for an item.
