BOC considers private auctioneers, international bidders for Discaya luxury cars

The Bureau of Customs (BOC) is considering hiring private auctioneers to attract potential international bidders for luxury vehicles confiscated from contractors Curlee and Sarah Discaya, following two unsuccessful local auctions, BOC spokesperson Chris Bendijo said in a radio interview on Sunday.

“The possibility of hiring a private auctioneer in case there are international bidders is something we are currently exploring,” Bendijo said.

Due to the two failed biddings, Bendijo said the agency is also considering a negotiated sale or direct offers as alternative options.

“Since we have already had two failed biddings, we’re open to a negotiated sale or direct offer. We will wait for our committee’s recommendation,” he said.

Under the direct offer option, interested buyers can submit their own proposed prices, which the BOC will evaluate. Offers may then be challenged to establish a final value.

On Friday, BOC failed to secure buyers for the 2023 Rolls-Royce Cullinan and the 2022 Bentley Bentayga, which had been confiscated from the Discayas. Two other vehicles—the 2022 Toyota Tundra and Toyota Sequoia—were sold at auction. The Sequoia fetched P6 million, exceeding its floor price of P4,666,554.50, while the Tundra sold for P3.48 million, slightly above its floor price of P3,473,253.97.

During an earlier auction, three high-end vehicles—a 2019 Mercedes-Benz G500, 2022 Mercedes-Benz G63, and 2022 Lincoln Navigator—were sold, raising a total of P38,211,711.00 for the BOC’s forfeiture fund. Bendijo said the funds will be reverted to the Treasury.

Earlier reports indicated that if the luxury vehicles remained unsold, they could be destroyed. BOC continues to explore revenue-generation options for the vehicles.