THE Bureau of Customs (BoC) now has custody of 30 luxury vehicles owned by the Discaya family, Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno said on Tuesday.
In a statement on Tuesday, Mr. Nepomuceno said the number of vehicles in the possession of corruption-tied contractors, Cezarah Rowena “Sarah” Discaya and Pacifico “Curlee” Discaya II, has risen to 30, up from the initial 28 count on Sept. 4.
“We are establishing the corresponding tax liabilities to ensure that the Filipino people are not deprived of revenues rightfully due to the government. Those who may have violated anti-smuggling laws will also be held accountable,” he said.
The Discayas recently implicated officials of the Department of Public Works and Highways and lawmakers in anomalous flood control contracts in separate House and Senate probes.
The Omega & Alpha Construction and St. Timothy Construction, allegedly owned by the Discayas were among the top 15 flood-control contractors that cornered P100 billion worth of projects since 2022.
Meanwhile, the BoC has mandated all officials, employees, and personnel to submit affidavits disclosing any familial ties involved in the customs brokerage industry.
Under Memorandum No. 39-2025, Customs has ordered all personnel to file a verified affidavit declaring either the absence of any business or familial ties in the customs brokerage industry, or full disclosure of such interests where applicable.
The order, signed on Sept. 9, requires submissions to be made within 10 days from publication of the directive, upon assumption of office, transfer of ownership or equity in customs brokerage firms, marriage with a party engaged in customs brokerage, or other similar circumstances.
“This directive is meant to protect the integrity of our service and ensure that our officials and personnel remain free from any conflict of interest in the performance of their duties,” he said. — Aubrey Rose A. Inosante
