A painful sight

It was shocking to see the Bureau of Customs (BOC) destroy the smuggled luxury vehicles just two weeks ago. Some of the cars destroyed were brand-new and some, rare, high value classics like the early Porsche, one of my poster cars in my early years.

The destruction of vehicles was simultaneously done in the Port of Manila, with no less than President Duterte taking charge, and in the Port of Cebu and Davao. The means of destruction was by way of bulldozer which made it extra painful to watch.

I understand President Duterte’s stand and the need to stop smuggling in our country.  Smuggling after all deprives the government the needed revenues to support the much-needed government programs and projects.

We also have to consider the legitimate players in the automotive market. The manufacturers and the dealers who lose revenue too because of car smuggling. These industries generate jobs and pay the proper taxes.  

But surely, there must be a way to convert these highly valuable and highly sought-after cars to revenue for the government. To see these beautiful, high-ticket cars being reduced to almost worthless piles of mangled metal was unsettling. 

It’s a waste to see these vehicles destroyed when they could have been auctioned off.  Even if the smugglers get them back, at least they will now pay the right duties and taxes for it. Yes, auctions and such proceedings will lead to other avenues for corruption. But the way I see it, it should be the corruption that should be addressed and not the destruction of what I would say “money on hand”. Funds that could have gone a long way in helping the nation, perhaps against COVID.

But I’m sure the Government just wants to make a strong statement against illegal importation of cars. Probably for them, the complete destruction of the smuggled cars appears to be the more effective way to discourage these illegal acts.

So, for those of you who truly want to own that gem of a car, run through that tedious process of importing one and bite the bullet. For if you truly are a patriot, you will have to pay the appropriate taxes...

As for those who still are planning to bring in those illegally imported cars, the BOC’s next metal twisting sessions will include McLarens, Lamborghinis and Ferraris. So, I heard.  This again will be painful to watch.