Customs issues seizure warrant for Derek Ramsey's sports car

MANILA – The Bureau of Customs (BOC) on Tuesday issued a warrant of seizure and detention (WSD) against actor Derek Ramsay for the alleged misdeclaration and underpayment of taxes for a Porsche 918 Spyder, reportedly registered under his name.

BOC-Office of the Commissioner (OCOM) Deputy Chief of Staff Chris Noel Bendijo said Manila International Container Port (MICP) Collector Felipe Geoffrey De Vera IV issued the WSD.

“We would implement the warrant, we would serve it to the actor today,” he said at the Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon public briefing.

Upon receipt of the WSD, the BOC official added that the actor will have a little over two weeks to submit documents to prove that there was no discrepancy in the payment of duties and taxes.

“Once he receives the WSD, he would be given 15 days to submit documents that would refute our findings of discrepancy in the duties and taxes,” Bendijo said.

“If he fails to do this or submits insufficient documents, then we would issue a forfeiture order and, if made final, the car would be auctioned off, and the proceeds would be part of the government’s funds,” he added.

The Customs Deputy Chief of Staff noted that Ramsay already coordinated with their office and assured his cooperation in the investigation on Monday.

Based on records of the BOC, the vehicle that entered the country in 2021 was a Porsche 918 Spyder, but in the documents it was reportedly identified as a Porsche Boxster.

It was valued at approximately PHP48.02 million, but Customs records listed its declared value at only PHPP3.26 million. Likewise, there was supposedly a discrepancy in the taxes, with only PHP1.8 million being paid, when it should have been PHP32 million.

At the same time, Bendijo said they would also investigate the BOC personnel who processed the entry documents of the luxury vehicle and determine if they should be held liable for grave misconduct that would warrant dismissal from the service, and for possible criminal violation of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA).

Meanwhile, the BOC said that it remains committed to its strong partnership with the Philippine National Police (PNP), recognizing that mutual respect, trust, and close coordination are essential to the government’s fight against smuggling and illicit trade amid the recent incident in Bulacan.

“While the recent incident in Sta. Maria, Bulacan, involving BOC - Port of Subic personnel conducting a lawful condemnation activity and personnel of the PNP Highway Patrol Group (HPG) is considered isolated, Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno stands firmly in support of BOC personnel in the lawful performance of their duties. 

"The Commissioner emphasized that Customs personnel must be accorded due respect, professionalism, and proper treatment at all times, consistent with established inter-agency protocols,” it said in a statement.

“At the same time, the BOC appreciates the swift action taken by the PNP leadership to address the matter. The bureau does not intend for this isolated incident to overshadow the strong partnership between the two agencies,” the bureau added. (PNA)