8 of 12 luxury cars owned by Discayas have no entry records – BOC

Eight of the 12 luxury cars owned by contractors Sarah and Pacifico Discaya have no entry records to the country, the Bureau of Customs (BOC) said on Wednesday. 

According to Jun Veneracion’s report in “24 Oras”, the Discayas were given 10 days to show any proof that they paid the correct dues for their high-end vehicles. This was after all of the 12 cars covered by a search warrant were returned to the family’s compound, including the Rolls Royce and Bentley units. 

“The initial report that there is no record on eight out of 12…. We have to be responsible, make sure that the conclusions that we can derive from the investigation can stand in court kapag kinakailangan,” said Customs Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno. 

(The initial report said that there is no record on the eight out of 12 cars…. We have to be responsible, make sure that the conclusions that we can derive from the investigation can stand in court if needed.) 

The BOC is now aiming to secure a search warrant for other luxury cars of the Discayas, which Sarah claimed to be only 28 in total. 

However, Senate Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada said that records from the Land Transportation Office showed that the family actually owned 40 high-end cars. 

Meanwhile, the Philippine Contractors Accreditation Board (PCAB) revoked the licenses of the nine construction companies owned by Sarah Discaya. 

The PCAB said that Sarah’s ownership and control of nine firms which also participated in the same bidding process for government projects is in violation of licensing and procurement laws. 

“Kung ni-revoke ano kaya ang basehan? Kasi dapat may due process ‘yan…Hindi po pupwede na nakiki-ride on ka lang sa issue eh swift po yung action natin,” countered Cornelio Samaniego III, the spokesperson of the Discayas. 

(What was the basis for revoking them? There must be due process… It’s unacceptable that you suddenly act swiftly because you were riding on the issue.) 

The family’s lawyer added there will be no problem if an immigration lookout bulletin will be issued against the Discaya couple as they still remained in the country. 

Sarah’s husband is also ready to face the Congressional probes anytime, Samaniego also said. 

“Wala hong itinatago ang Pamilya Discaya…makakaasa po kayo dyan hindi po iyan tatakbo,” said Samaniego. 

(The Discaya family has nothing to hide…rest assured that they will not flee.) 

Aside from the Discayas and their vehicles, Customs will also look into the alleged yacht and helicopters of other personalities involved in the anomalous flood projects in the country, the report said. — Vince Angelo Ferreras/RF, GMA Integrated News