Customs Demands Tax Proof from Luxury Car Suppliers Linked to Flood-Control Figures
MANILA – The Bureau of Customs (BOC) has officially launched an investigation into the luxury vehicle suppliers of Curlee and Sarah Discaya, prominent figures in flood-control projects, demanding concrete proof of tax and duty payments. This move follows the seizure of 28 luxury cars linked to the couple, raising questions about the legality of their acquisition.
The Discayas themselves identified three key suppliers: AutoArt, SpeedSeven, and Frebel Enterprises.
According to a source within the industry, who goes by the moniker “Babbler,” AutoArt is a major player in the luxury car import scene. The company is owned by businessman Harold Go, whose son, Harold Kendrick Go, recently stepped into the political arena as a Cebu City councilor. AutoArt operates discreetly with a low-profile showroom along Katipunan Avenue in Blue Ridge, catering to an exclusive clientele. Most of their inventory is strategically stored in warehouses across Cebu and other parts of the country.
SpeedSeven, the second supplier, runs a showroom and service center on Timog Avenue in Quezon City. Owned by Dodie Estrada and managed by his daughter, Elaine, SpeedSeven initially sourced its vehicles from AutoArt but now imports directly, marking a shift in their business operations.
The third supplier, Frebel Enterprises, is described as a notorious consignee-broker with the Bureau of Customs. “Babbler” notes that Frebel has been a go-to for many vehicle importers over the years, with its ownership shrouded in mystery, making it difficult to pinpoint.
Customs officials, armed with a search warrant issued by a Manila court, have secured all 28 luxury vehicles connected to the Discayas. The collection includes high-end models such as a 2023 Rolls-Royce Cullinan, Bentley Bentayga, Mercedes-Benz G-Class (Brabus G-Wagon), and several other top-tier SUVs and trucks.
The Discaya camp insists that the luxury vehicles were lawfully acquired through authorized dealers. Their lawyer, Cornelio Samaniego III, stated, “There is no prohibition against buying expensive vehicles. The Land Transportation Office will not register them if there are tax dues… The authorized car dealers take care of registering it.”
This ongoing investigation promises to reveal more about the intricate networks within the luxury car market and the extent of tax compliance among importers and buyers alike. The BOC’s actions signal a firm stance against tax evasion and a commitment to ensuring that all parties adhere to the country’s customs laws.
As the Bureau of Customs (BOC) intensifies its investigation into the luxury vehicles owned by Curlee and Sarah Discaya, their legal team insists that all acquisitions were above board. This declaration comes in the wake of a three-day operation that saw Customs officials seize 28 high-end cars linked to the couple.
According to Cornelio Samaniego III, the Discayas’ lawyer, there is no legal impediment to purchasing luxury vehicles. “Wala naman hong nagbabawal na bumili ka ng ganitong sasakyan na mamahalin. Wala po,” Samaniego stated, emphasizing that owning expensive cars is not against the law.
Samaniego further argued that the Land Transportation Office (LTO) would not register the vehicles if there were any outstanding tax obligations. “The Land Transportation Office will not register them if there are tax dues… The authorized car dealers, they’re the ones who take care of registering it. It’s like if you buy a car, your car dealer will register it. You are just going to wait; they’ll call you and say, ‘Get your car out. It’s registered.’” This suggests that the Discayas believe they have fulfilled all necessary requirements through the car dealers.
However, Customs officials, acting on a search warrant issued by a Manila court, painted a different picture as they rounded up an impressive collection of luxury vehicles. The seized cars include a 2023 Rolls-Royce Cullinan, Bentley Bentayga, Mercedes-Benz G-Class (Brabus G-Wagon), 2022 Mercedes-AMG G 63 SUV, 2022 Toyota Tundra, Toyota Sequoia, 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV, 2019 Mercedes-Benz G 500 SUV, 2022 GMC Yukon Denali (gas), and a 2024 Lincoln Navigator.
The seizure underscores the BOC’s determination to ensure compliance with tax and import regulations. While the Discayas maintain their innocence, the Customs investigation continues to probe the sources and tax payments related to these high-value vehicles. The outcome of this case could set a precedent for future investigations into luxury asset acquisitions and tax compliance.