Just a week after the discovery of P1.4 billion worth of luxury cars, the Bureau of Customs has once again uncovered another batch of posh cars worth P366 million, including brands such as Ferrari, Porsche, and McLaren, from a warehouse in Makati City.
According to a report from the Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service at the Manila International Container Port (CIIS-MICP), the seller was identified as ACH High-End Motor Service Center, located at No. 489 J.P. Rizal St., Makati City.
CIIS Director Verne Enciso confirmed that the CIIS MICP team, together with the Philippine Coast Guard’s Task Force Aduana, visited the location to serve a Letter of Authority to the shop owner or representative. This was necessary to verify the legitimacy of the vehicles' importation and ensure that the correct duties and taxes had been paid.
“I can confirm that our intelligence agents conducted an operation after receiving information regarding this showroom in Makati. We discovered several high-end luxury cars and are currently verifying the importation documents for these vehicles,” the director stated.
Based on the initial inventory, the report revealed a variety of luxury cars and vehicles, including a Ferrari 488 Spider, Ferrari 812 Superfast, Porsche Targa, Mercedes-Benz G63 AMG, BMW M4, Lexus LC500, Porsche Cayenne, Bentley Bentayga, Land Rover Defender, Audi RS Q8, McLaren 720S, Ford Explorer, Li Xiang L7 SUV, Abarth 595 Competizione, MV Agusta Brutale 1000RR motorcycle, and two luxury vans - Toyota Alphard.
The team has temporarily padlocked and sealed the showroom and storage facility. A proper inventory will be conducted by the assigned Customs examiners in the presence of CIIS, Enforcement and Security Service, barangay officials, and storage representatives.
Deputy Commissioner for the Intelligence Group Juvymax Uy underscored the need for increased vigilance as smugglers become more brazen in their attempts to circumvent the country’s customs and importation laws, skipping proper duties and taxes to the detriment of the economy.
Moreover, the owners, lessees, lessors, occupants, representatives, or any parties responsible for the warehouse and vehicles found therein have 15 days from the receipt of the LOAs to submit the necessary documents proving that all duties and taxes have been paid correctly.
If they fail to provide valid documentation, they will face charges under Sections 1400 and 1401, in accordance with Section 1113 of Republic Act 10863, also known as the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act.