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Philippine Customs Remits Discasaya Auction Proceeds to Treasury Amid Ongoing Corruption Scandal Disputes
Bureau of Customs Remits 'Discasaya Vehicle' Auction Proceeds to Treasury
The Philippine Bureau of Customs (BOC) has successfully auctioned off nine luxury vehicles seized from the controversial flood control contractors, Sara and Curly Discasaya, generating over 100 million Philippine pesos. These proceeds have been remitted to the Department of Finance, with BOC Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno hailing it as a 'victory for the rule of law.' He explained that assets acquired through illicit activities are now being converted into public funds to support the nation's priority projects.
The BOC anticipates generating at least an additional 700 million pesos from four more Discasaya vehicles yet to be auctioned, as well as over 20 other luxury vehicles confiscated from other BOC operations, including those involving Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs). Commissioner Nepomuceno underscored the importance of such fundraising activities amidst the economic crisis caused by the Middle East conflict, referencing President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s plans to explore fuel tax reductions. He added that excise and value-added taxes on fuel account for 30-40% of BOC collections, and if these taxes are reduced, non-traditional funding sources will need to be found.
Senator Estrada Requests Travel Ban Lift; Former Military Personnel Sued for Perjury
Senator Jinggoy Estrada has requested the Sandiganbayan (anti-graft court) to lift the Precautionary Hold Departure Order (PHDO) against him, which is related to his alleged involvement in the flood mitigation corruption scandal. Estrada has adjusted his travel plans to Hong Kong, Macau, and Japan to align with Holy Week, from March 30 to April 5, and stated he would submit the necessary supporting documents to the court. Conversely, the prosecution opposed Estrada's request, citing the existence of a PHDO issued by the Manila Regional Trial Court in February.
Meanwhile, Liberal Party Rep. Leila de Lima and Father Flavie Villanueva, founder of Bahay Kalinga, have filed perjury complaints with the Department of Justice against 18 former military personnel. They allege that the camp of former President Rodrigo Duterte manipulated these individuals to implicate de Lima and former Senator Antonio Trillanes in the ICC (International Criminal Court) investigation. The former military personnel had claimed in their affidavits submitted in February that de Lima received bags of money and that meetings between ICC officials and families of Extrajudicial Killing (EJK) victims took place at Bahay Kalinga.
BuCor Director Files Counter-Charges for Cyber Libel and Perjury
Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) Director Gregorio Pio Catapang Jr. has filed counter-charges for cyber libel and perjury against Atty. Baligod and the 18 former marines regarding the accusations made against him. Director Catapang even filed a disbarment complaint against Atty. Baligod with the Supreme Court. In response to the former military personnel's claim in their affidavits that Catapang delivered eight travel bags to Zaldy Co, Director Catapang vehemently denied it, stating he does not possess such large sums of money, and that BuCor funds were used for construction projects and he was never involved in any irregular activities.
Atty. Baligod briefly stated that the complainants have the right to file a complaint and that he would submit his answer as directed by the National Prosecution Service. This incident highlights the intensifying legal battles and corruption allegations surrounding high-ranking public officials in the Philippines.
*Source: YouTube: ABS-CBN News (2026-03-10)*
