TWENTY-TWO luxury vehicles that were confiscated by the Bureau of Customs (BOC) are still subject of ongoing litigation, said the BOC.
One brand-new McLaren, two brand-new 2017 Chevrolet Camaro, two 2017 Range Rover, one 2017 Land Rover Evoque, 12 Toyota Land Cruisers -- all consigned to Gamma Gray Marketing -- are undergoing legal proceedings, and the Manila International Container Port (MICP) Law Division is expected to resolve the dispute.
Supercars 2005 Ferrari F430 2006 and Lamborghini Murcielago consigned to Mary Joy Aguanta and Veronica Angeles, respectively, were declared forfeited in favor of the government by the MICP. However, the case is under appeal proceedings after the importers filed an appeal.
Also considered supercars, one Lamborghini Gallardo and one Rolls Royce, consigned to Allan Usman Garcia and Roy Garchitorena, respectively, are under examination and verification of import documents. A warrant of seizure and detention will be issued once the customs authorities find a probable cause to issue the same.
BOC Chief Isidro Lapeña said the Bureau will be steadfast in facilitating the disposition of the said cases.
"Resolving the instant cases necessitates that due process is observed by giving the parties involved the opportunity to present their case," said MICP District Collector lawyer Balmyrson Valdez.
On February 6, President Rodrigo Duterte led the condemnation of 20 smuggled luxury vehicles at the Port Area in Manila.
On the same day, 10 other smuggled vehicles were simultaneously destroyed at the ports of Davao and Cebu.
Lapeña also dispelled doubts and rumors from the public as to what happened to the supercars, such as McLaren and Lamborghini, and why they were not among those destroyed.
He assured that the cases involving all remaining luxury vehicles will be resolved speedily.
"There are still a few who do illicit activities at the Bureau of Customs. This has to stop. We will not allow smugglers to blatantly disregard our laws, rules, and regulations on importation. The Bureau of Customs will be drastic in its efforts to combat smuggling and all forms of corruption," Lapeña said.