Used Luxury Vehicles Seized by BOC-NAIA

The Bureau of Customs seized on Thursday two (2) units second-hand motor vehicles estimated to be worth P28 million at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Pasay City.

BOC-NAIA district collector Carmelita Talusan issued on Wednesday the warrant of seizure and detention against the two (2) units motor vehicles consigned to Don Bosco Technical Institute of Makati, Inc. which have been sitting at the port since interception on August 05, 2017.

“The seized one (1) unit used Porsche Boxster S and one (1) unit used Porsche Panamera 4S has an estimated street value of P10-million and P18-million, respectively,” said Commissioner Isidro Lapeña.

The subject motor vehicles were imported allegedly for educational and training purposes.

In a letter dated July 9, 2018, lawyer Sonia S. Tapales, Chief of Import Regulations Division of Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) said that the two used Porsche cars violated the Executive Order No. 156 which prohibits the importation of used motor vehicles.

Moreover, it was found that the consignee has no authority to import used motor vehicles which are still required even if the intention is for training purpose of any school.

“Only special purpose vehicles can have exemptions like fire trucks, ambulances, funeral hearses, crane lorries, boom trucks, tanker trucks, reefers, street sweepers, mixers, garbage compactors and special purpose trucks/vehicles,” said Lapeña.

The Bureau, in view of the DTI ruling, issued the warrant of seizure and detention (WSD) against the subject motor vehicles for violation of sections 117 (Regulated Importation) and 1113 (Property Subject to Forfeiture) of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA) in relation to the Executive Order No. 156.

“The seizure was the result of the strong leadership of Commissioner Isidro S. Lapeña and his directive to the ports to look carefully into revenue leakages and to ensure compliance with the agency’s rules and regulations,” said Talusan. (BOC)