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The Bureau of Customs on January 8 seized eight luxury vehicles worth P143 million following intelligence reports from the Independent Commission for Infrastructure
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The cars are allegedly linked to former Albay Representative Elizaldy “Zaldy” Co, wanted for graft and malversation in relation to an allegedly anomalous P289.5-million flood control project in Oriental Mindoro
The Bureau of Customs (BOC) on January 8 seized eight luxury vehicles, all allegedly linked to former Albay Representative Elizaldy “Zaldy” Co, worth P143 million following intelligence reports from the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI).
The operation was aimed at curbing smuggling and supporting government efforts to address anomalies tied to major infrastructure and flood control projects, with ICI being the lead government agency looking into the irregularities, BOC said in a statement.
Co is wanted for graft and malversation in relation to an allegedly anomalous P289.5-million flood control project in Oriental Mindoro. According to Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla, Co’s last known location was Portugal.
- one unit Lexus LX450d
- one unit of Toyota Sequoia
- one unit of Rolls Royce
- three units of Cadillac Escalade
- one unit of Lexus LX570
- one unit of Mercedes Benz V220d
The vehicles were registered under Sunwest Incorporated — a construction firm tied to Co — as well as Co’s spouse and several hotel companies, according to Criminal Investigation and Detection Group National Capital Region chief Col. John Guiagui in an interview over a local radio station.
Prior to entry, the search warrant was presented to and received by counsels representing the building, the property management office, and other entities, in the presence of the foregoing government officials. The implementing team of the BOC was equipped with body-worn cameras and other recording devices to fully document implementation of the search warrants against multiple companies for probable violation of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act, including non-registration and unpaid duties and taxes.
After completion of the inventory, the vehicles were transferred to the ICI Office in Bonifacio Global City for temporary safekeeping and are secured by PCG personnel, pending further legal proceedings, BOC said.
“This early-year enforcement action demonstrates the Bureau of Customs’ firm dedication to its mandate and its active role in supporting national efforts to address serious irregularities, including those linked to flood control projects,” said Customs commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno.
He recognized the contribution of partner agencies, particularly the ICI, saying, “We acknowledge the valuable coordination and support provided by the Independent Commission for Infrastructure, which helped ensure the orderly conduct of the operation and the secure handling of the seized vehicles.”
“We will continue to pursue coordinated actions against individuals, including those linked to the flood control scandal, to ensure accountability and protect the interests of the Filipino people,” the commissioner added.
