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Advocates Philippines
Bureau Of Customs Cracks Down On Smuggled Vehicles; Reports Over P71M In Unpaid Taxes
Photo credit: BOC
Manila, Philippines—The Bureau of Customs (BOC) has provided a public update on its investigation into 30 motor vehicles allegedly linked to the Discayas. The announcement, made by Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno at a recent press conference, underscores the agency’s intensified campaign against irregularities in the importation of high-value goods.
The investigation has uncovered several key findings. Eight of the vehicles were found to have no corresponding import entries, a clear indicator of smuggling. These have now been issued Warrants of Seizure and Detention. An additional seven vehicles, while having import entries, were found to lack Certificates of Payment and showed significant deficiencies in duties and taxes. These are now undergoing a thorough transaction audit by the Post Clearance Audit Group (PCAG). The remaining 14 vehicles with filed entries and Certificates of Payment will also be verified by the PCAG, while one additional vehicle is still under review.
The probe has also identified key ports of entry in Batangas, Cebu, Manila, and the Manila International Container Port. Furthermore, certain BOC officials and personnel have been flagged as persons of interest and are under further scrutiny.
Records show that the duties and taxes collected for vehicles with filed entries amounted to just over P33 million. However, based on the findings, the BOC estimates that the total duties and taxes that should have been collected amount to over P104 million. This leaves a massive deficit of more than P71 million in unpaid government revenue.
Commissioner Nepomuceno reiterated the BOC’s firm stance on the matter. "The BOC will not allow any attempt to evade the payment of lawful duties and taxes," he stated. "The deliberate evasion of customs laws, particularly involving high-value goods, undermines government revenue and erodes public trust." He stressed that the law will be applied fairly and consistently, and that accountability will extend to anyone involved, whether from within or outside the agency. "Under my leadership, no one is exempt from the rule of law, and no one will be shielded from accountability," he added.
The BOC reaffirmed its commitment to good governance, strict enforcement of customs laws, and ensuring accountability to protect government revenues and uphold public trust.
The investigation has uncovered several key findings. Eight of the vehicles were found to have no corresponding import entries, a clear indicator of smuggling. These have now been issued Warrants of Seizure and Detention. An additional seven vehicles, while having import entries, were found to lack Certificates of Payment and showed significant deficiencies in duties and taxes. These are now undergoing a thorough transaction audit by the Post Clearance Audit Group (PCAG). The remaining 14 vehicles with filed entries and Certificates of Payment will also be verified by the PCAG, while one additional vehicle is still under review.
The probe has also identified key ports of entry in Batangas, Cebu, Manila, and the Manila International Container Port. Furthermore, certain BOC officials and personnel have been flagged as persons of interest and are under further scrutiny.
Records show that the duties and taxes collected for vehicles with filed entries amounted to just over P33 million. However, based on the findings, the BOC estimates that the total duties and taxes that should have been collected amount to over P104 million. This leaves a massive deficit of more than P71 million in unpaid government revenue.
Commissioner Nepomuceno reiterated the BOC’s firm stance on the matter. "The BOC will not allow any attempt to evade the payment of lawful duties and taxes," he stated. "The deliberate evasion of customs laws, particularly involving high-value goods, undermines government revenue and erodes public trust." He stressed that the law will be applied fairly and consistently, and that accountability will extend to anyone involved, whether from within or outside the agency. "Under my leadership, no one is exempt from the rule of law, and no one will be shielded from accountability," he added.
The BOC reaffirmed its commitment to good governance, strict enforcement of customs laws, and ensuring accountability to protect government revenues and uphold public trust.
Sep 11, 2025
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