MANILA — The Bureau of Customs (BOC) has remitted PHP102.4 million to the government following the public auction of several high-end vehicles previously confiscated from a private couple.
In a turnover ceremony held Tuesday at the BOC headquarters in Port Area, Manila, Customs Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno formally handed over the auction proceeds to Bureau of the Treasury representative Jerekko Cadorna, who currently serves as officer-in-charge of the agency’s Complaints and Investigation Division.
According to Nepomuceno, the turnover highlights the agency’s commitment to enforcing customs laws while ensuring that recovered assets ultimately benefit the public.
“The successful auction and turnover of these proceeds demonstrate the Bureau of Customs’ determination to uphold the law and ensure that assets recovered by the government are used for the country’s development,” he said.
The luxury vehicles were part of 13 high-value units earlier seized from spouses Pacifico “Curlee” Discaya and Cezarah Rowena “Sarah” Discaya for alleged violations of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA). The couple has also been linked to reportedly anomalous flood control projects.
Among the confiscated vehicles were premium models from several international brands, including Toyota Tundra, Toyota Sequoia, Rolls‑Royce Cullinan, Mercedes‑Benz G63 AMG, Mercedes‑Benz G500 Brabus, Lincoln Navigator L, Bentley Bentayga, GMC Yukon Denali, Cadillac Escalade, and Maserati Levante Modena.
Records show that multiple auctions were conducted over the past few months. During the Nov. 20, 2025 bidding, a Mercedes-Benz G63 AMG sold for PHP15.61 million, while a Mercedes-Benz G500 Brabus fetched PHP15.5 million. A Lincoln Navigator L was also sold for PHP7.1 million, bringing the total for that auction to PHP38.21 million.
Another auction on Dec. 5, 2025 generated additional proceeds after a Toyota Tundra sold for PHP3.48 million and a Toyota Sequoia for PHP6 million.
The biggest single sale occurred during the Feb. 11, 2026 auction, when a Rolls-Royce Cullinan was purchased for PHP29.03 million.
Meanwhile, the latest auction held on Feb. 25, 2026 raised PHP25.75 million through the sale of a Lincoln Navigator for PHP6.95 million, a Cadillac Escalade ESV for PHP6.62 million, and a Bentley Bentayga for PHP12.18 million.
The BOC said four vehicles — a GMC Yukon Denali, Cadillac Escalade, Maserati Levante Modena, and GMC Yukon XL Denali — remain unsold and may be offered again in upcoming auctions.
Customs officials also disclosed plans to auction at least 25 additional luxury vehicles, most of which were seized from Philippine offshore gaming operators. Authorities estimate the next round of auctions could generate roughly PHP700 million in additional revenue for the government.
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