BOC: No takers for ‘hot’ cars

MANILA, Philippines — The Bureau of Customs has failed to raise up to P22 million for pandemic response from the auction of four luxury vehicles seized by the BOC from smugglers.

The BOC yesterday declared failed biddings for the smuggled cars put up for public auction since last year.

The Customs said there were no takers for a red 2006 Lamborghini priced at P10.38 million.

The BOC auctioned for the fourth time a 2008 model of a used Ferrari Scuderia 430 for P10.45 million, but to no avail.

The agency also failed to draw bidders for a 2001 model of a used Porsche Boxster for P809,082.

There were no buyers for a 2011 Mercedes E220 worth P783,049.

Last year, the BOC auctioned the Ferrari, Porsche and Mercedes at a higher price of P23.23 million, P1.8 million and P1.49 million, respectively.

Despite the failed bidding, Customs Deputy Commissioner Edward James Dy Buco said they would conduct another auction on June 15 to dispose of the smuggled cars and generate funds for the government’s pandemic response.

Meanwhile, the BOC on Monday destroyed more than P4.6 million worth of products such as unregistered food items, used UV lamps, counterfeit Chinese medicines and fake cigarettes.

The items were seized by Customs agents at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) for lack of health certification and import permits.

The goods were burned in Trece Martires, Cavite under the supervision of the BOC Auction and Cargo Disposal Division.

BOC-NAIA district collector Carmelita Talusan said it is important to destroy unregistered goods, especially medicines and food products, which pose health risks to the public. –  Rudy Santos, Robertzon Ramirez