The Bureau of Customs (BOC) has launched an investigation into the reported 40 luxury vehicles owned by Sarah and Pacifico Discaya, the couple linked to firms that cornered billions of pesos worth of flood control projects.
The car collection, showcased in a viral video, raised questions about how the vehicles were brought into the country and whether the proper duties and taxes were paid. Customs Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno said the probe will determine if the vehicles were legitimately imported.
“Ang minimum doon magkakaroon ng seizure proceedings pero depende kasi sa lebel ng hindi niya pagbabayad. Titingnan natin ‘yan kasi kung puwedeng pagbayarin ng karagdagang tax,” Nepomuceno explained, stressing that the penalties will depend on the findings.
The case, however, presents unique challenges since the cars are reportedly housed inside the Discayas’ residence. “Bahay kasi yan, iba ang rules eh…. May proteksyon kasi ‘yung tahanan base sa ating Konstitusyon at sa mga batas,” Nepomuceno said, adding that while a letter of authority (LOA) could still be issued, the agency must proceed with caution.
The Discayas’ company, Alpha & Omega General Contractor and Development Corporation, was named by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. as among the top 15 firms that cornered about ₱100 billion—roughly 20 percent—of the country’s ₱545 billion flood control budget from 2022 to 2025.
The luxury car probe comes as the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee continues to investigate allegations of “ghost projects” and favoritism in the award of flood control contracts, further placing the Discaya family at the center of one of the country’s most controversial infrastructure scandals.
