Porsche 918 probe widens over possible import misdeclaration

The Land Transportation Office (LTO) and Bureau of Customs (BOC) are conducting an investigation into a Porsche 918 Spyder following the LTO’s probe into the vehicle’s alleged use of an unauthorized plate and information indicating a possible misdeclaration upon importation.

The LTO acted on a report involving the alleged use of an unauthorized plate. On 13 August 2026, the agency issued a show cause order as part of its investigation.

On 17 August, the vehicle was voluntarily surrendered to the LTO and impounded. The concerned driver also appeared before the agency, submitted a Verified Answer, and surrendered the corresponding driver’s license, which was placed under a 90-day preventive suspension. The vehicle and driver’s license were also placed under alarm status pending resolution of the LTO case.

As the investigation progressed, the LTO sought the assistance of the BOC to check the vehicle’s records which disclosed discrepancies in the entries of the vehicle importation.

The first entry filed in September 2021 declared the vehicle as a brand-new Porsche Boxster, while the Certificate of Payment and initial LTO registration identify it as a Porsche 918 Spyder under the same Customs entry.

The records also showed a significant difference in dutiable value—from approximately P3.26 million for the declared Porsche Boxster to approximately P48.02 million for the Porsche 918 Spyder.

BOC Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno said the findings case serves as a reminder of the importance of continuous system modernization and stronger safeguards against potential irregularities.

The BOC is further investigating the matter for possible violation of Section 1400 of Republic Act No. 10863, or the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA).

The LTO remains the lead agency in the investigation, while the BOC continues to provide records verification and appropriate Customs enforcement support. The vehicle remains under LTO custody while the agencies coordinate its formal turnover to the BOC for appropriate Customs proceedings.

The LTO and BOC reaffirmed their commitment to stronger inter-agency cooperation, effective enforcement, protection of government revenue, and the integrity of the country’s vehicle registration and importation processes.