Customs bidding of Discaya-owned vehicles generates PHP 38.2M

By now, you’ve likely seen or heard the heart attack-inducing reports on the flood control scam that has rocked the nation. Funds meant to protect communities from devastating floods were allegedly siphoned off by government officials, politicians, and their favored contractors. Among those implicated in the scandal are Curlee and Sarah Discaya, who are accused of amassing vast wealth through these questionable DPWH projects.

With all eyes on them, the Discayas’ wealth was under intense scrutiny, and for good reason. The Bureau of Customs (BOC) has then seized at least 12 of their imported luxury vehicles amid allegations that many were acquired with little to no taxes or duties paid.

_{2022 Mercedes-Benz G63 AMG}

BOC Bidding

With the luxury vehicles now in government custody, the next step is to convert these high-value assets into much-needed revenue for the country. Earlier today, the Bureau of Customs held a public bidding for seven of the Discaya-owned luxury vehicles. The units and their respective floor prices were as follows:

2022 Toyota Tundra – PHP 4,994,079.00

2023 Toyota Sequoia – PHP 7,258,800.36

2023 Rolls-Royce Cullinan – PHP 45,314,391.11

2022 Mercedes-Benz G63 AMG – PHP 14,104,768.00

2019 Mercedes-Benz G63 Brabus – PHP 7,843,239.43

2021 Lincoln Navigator – PHP 7,038,726.14

2022 Bentley Bentayga – PHP 17,311,121.93

Only 3 vehicles sold

Out of the seven luxury vehicles seized from the Discayas, only three drew enough interest to secure winning bids. Both G63 SUVs ended up with the same buyer—Simplex Industrial Corporation—which offered PHP 15,611,710.00 for the AMG and PHP 15,500,000.00 for the Brabus. Yes, it’s the same Simplex known for importing and distributing oil seals, rubber gaskets, hydraulic pumps, and other industrial parts since 1980.

The third unit that found a new owner was the 2021 Lincoln Navigator. It was won by Lesentrell Jewelries with a bid of PHP 7,100,000.00. These 3 luxury vehicles generated a total of PHP 38,211,710.00 for the government coffers, which the BOC said will be used to benefit the public.

_{2023 Rolls-Royce Cullinan}

“The funds collected from this will be turned over by the BOC to the appropriate government agency so they can be used for programs that benefit the public.”

The remaining vehicles, namely, the Tundra, Sequoia, Cullinan, and Bentayga, did not attract any bidders and were therefore declared as having failed bidding.