BUREAU of Customs (BOC) Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno called on couple Cezarah Rowena “Sarah” Discaya and Pacifico “Curlee” Discaya, the owners of at least 9 construction companies linked to the flood control projects controversy, to cooperate after a search of one of their properties in Pasig City yielded only four vehicles in the parking lot, a far cry from the 28 vehicles they reportedly owned.
Armed with a search warrant issued by Honorable Judge Carolina Icasiano-Sison, Branch 18, Manila Regional Trial Court, a government team led by the BOC, with the support from the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and the Land Transportation Office (LTO), went to the St. Gerard Construction Development Corporation building along F. Manalo St., Bgy. Bambang, Pasig City, this September 2. The company is one of the construction firms owned by the couple.
Where’s the rest?
The warrant is for 12 of the 28 vehicles the government initially identified as being owned by the Discayas. The operation intends to determine if the reported luxury vehicles of the couple were legitimately purchased.
“If verified, legitimate buyers in good faith may be afforded the protection of the law.
“However, if the investigation establishes that these vehicles were imported without payment of the correct duties and taxes, corresponding enforcement and legal actions will be pursued,” the BOC added.
Assistant Secretary Jek Casipit, Nepomuceno’s chief of staff for internal affairs, in a radio interview with Ted Failon, however said they only found 2 vehicles at the parking lot, one Toyota Land Cruiser 300 and one Maserati Levante Modena 2022 that are covered by the warrant.
A BOC statement said further search led to the discovery of one Jaguar F-Pace and a Bulletproof Cadillac Escalade, which, while not covered by the warrant, will be included in the ongoing investigation.
Casipit added they first tried to serve the warrant on the evening of September 1 but they were denied entry.
Comm. Nepomuceno said it would be best for the Discayas to simply cooperate, or expect a big “headache.”
“I believe that if they (Discayas) realized the situation they are in, they would have no choice but to cooperate or they’ll have a headache,” the customs chief told the media.
“We would be able to locate all of them (12 vehicles) even if we have to apply for a search warrant in all of their properties, we will do it.”
Comm. Nepomuceno also said the Discayas should also realize they cannot now use any of the identified vehicles as they would be flagged by the PNP.
He added they are taking the sudden disappearance of the vehicles covered by the warrant “with utmost seriousness.”
“We will ensure that these vehicles are located without delay, and if discrepancies are uncovered, all taxes and duties will be collected in full,” Comm. Nepomuceno said.
He also warned those who colluded with the Discayas to hide the vehicles would be punished accordingly.
“Let it be clear: those hiding or abetting the concealment of these cars will be punished to the fullest extent of the law,” Comm. Nepomuceno added.
‘Not 28, not 40, but more than 80 vehicles’—Jinggoy
At the Senate on the same day, Senate Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada in a brief manifestation, disclosed that the Discayas and their companies have 80 vehicles, half of them luxury vehicles.
“From LTO records, there are 63 vehicles – luxury and mainstream brands,” Estrada said.
His revelation thus far increased the Discayas’ known fleet of vehicles from 28 as first reported and then to 40 vehicles and now, to 80 vehicles.
“They include what Sarah Discaya narrated (in the hearing) yesterday: Rolls Royce Culinan, Bentley Bentayga, two GMC Yukon Denali, Cadillac Escalade, Mercedes Benz Wagon G63, Range Rover Evoque,” Estrada said.
The list provided by his office also showed motorcycles, utility and service vehicles and construction vehicles owned by the Discayas related to their construction business.
Estrada noted that during Monday’s hearing, Sarah Discaya also mentioned 3 vehicles not registered with the LTO, a Range Rover Defender, a Cadillac Escalade and a Mercedez Benz Maybach.
In a talk with the Senate media, Estrada said he is contemplating citing Discaya with contempt for her alleged repeated lies before the Senate.
“She’s a liar,” Estrada said. “She claims she has no ‘contact’ with the DPWH.”
He added he also plans to summon Discaya’s husband, ‘Curlee’ in the next hearing of the Bule Ribbons Committee investigating the flood control project mess.