By El Amigo
MANILA – The Bureau of Customs (BOC) and Land Transportation Office (LTO) are investigating an impounded Porsche 918 Spyder over the alleged use of an unauthorized license plate and discrepancies in its importation records.
At the market level, a Porsche Spyder costs around US$1.9M–$2.2M, or roughly ₱108M–₱125M.
BOC Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno and LTO chief Assistant Secretary Markus Lacanilao inspected the luxury vehicle at the LTO office in Quezon City on Monday.
The LTO had earlier issued a Show Cause Order on Aug. 13 as part of its investigation into the vehicle. Four days later, on Aug. 17, the Porsche was voluntarily surrendered to the agency and subsequently impounded.
The driver also appeared before the LTO, submitted a verified answer and surrendered his driver’s license. The license was placed under a 90-day preventive suspension, while both the vehicle and license were placed under alarm status pending the resolution of the case.
During the investigation, the LTO requested the BOC to verify the vehicle’s Customs records. The review revealed discrepancies in the details declared when the vehicle was imported.
Records showed that the initial Customs entry filed in September 2021 identified the vehicle as a brand-new Porsche Boxster. However, its Certificate of Payment and initial LTO registration identified it as a Porsche 918 Spyder under the same Customs entry.
A major difference was also found in the vehicle’s declared dutiable value. The Porsche Boxster was listed at around PHP3.26 million, while the Porsche 918 Spyder was valued at approximately PHP48.02 million.
Nepomuceno said the case underscores the need for continued modernization of government systems and tighter coordination between agencies to prevent similar irregularities.
He noted that the alleged scheme took place under the old system, adding that the implementation of electronic Customs processes and closer coordination with the LTO are making such irregularities more difficult to carry out.
The BOC is also looking into possible violations of Section 1400 of Republic Act No. 10863, or the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act.
Nepomuceno thanked the LTO for its prompt action and cooperation in verifying the vehicle’s Customs records, saying the joint effort would help ensure proper enforcement of the law, protection of government revenues and observance of due process.
The LTO remains the lead agency in the investigation, while the BOC continues to assist through records verification and possible Customs enforcement proceedings.
The Porsche remains in LTO custody as both agencies coordinate its formal turnover to the BOC for the appropriate Customs proceedings.
ia/xf
