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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Luxury car auction proves 'serious crackdown' on flood control corruption; P103M to go directly to national treasury—Palace

Luxury car auction proves 'serious crackdown' on flood control corruption; P103M to go directly to national treasury—Palace

Published Nov 20, 2025 01:03 pm
Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) Chairman Justice Andres Reyes Jr., Department of Finance Secretary Frederick Go, Bureau of Customs Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno, and Land Transportation Office Chief Markus Lakanilao lead the public bidding for seven high-end motor vehicles seized from the Discayas at Port Area, Manila, Nov. 20, 2025. (Mark Balmores)
Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) Chairman Justice Andres Reyes Jr., Department of Finance Secretary Frederick Go, Bureau of Customs Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno, and Land Transportation Office Chief Markus Lakanilao lead the public bidding for seven high-end motor vehicles seized from the Discayas at Port Area, Manila, Nov. 20, 2025. (Mark Balmores)
Malacañang said the government’s auction of seven luxury vehicles seized from the Discaya contractor couple is concrete proof that President Marcos’ anti-corruption campaign is already producing results, with proceeds expected to flow straight to the national treasury.
In a press briefing on Thursday, Nov. 20, Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Claire Castro said a total of P103 million is expected from the auction.
“Walang puwang sa pamahalaan ang iligal na mga gawain at uusigin ang sinumang lalabag sa batas (There is no room in government for illegal activities, and anyone who violates the law will be pursued),” she added.
Castro clarified that the amount will not be handled or used by the Bureau of Customs (BOC) but will be remitted in full to the national treasury, ensuring that the recovered funds benefit the public.
“Ang proceeds po na ito ay mapupunta sa forfeiture fund pero hindi po ito gagamitin nang diretso ng BOC… Gagamitin po ito para sa taumbayan (These proceeds will go to the forfeiture fund but will not be used directly by the BOC… They will be used for the people),” she said.

Three months in, early results of probe seen

Castro said the rapid auction underscores the administration’s “seryosong paghahabol” (serious pursuit) against corruption in flood control programs, just three months after the President ordered a wide-ranging probe.
“May nakikita nang resulta ang taumbayan (The public is already seeing results),” she said.
The BOC, led by Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno, has been tasked with accelerating asset forfeiture and recovery linked to the case.

More firms under scrutiny

The Palace Press Officer noted that the Discaya vehicles represent only the first batch of assets being recovered.
She said 14 more construction companies remain under monitoring as the administration widens its investigation into irregular flood-control contracts.
“Simula pa lamang ito sa mga hakbang ng pamahalaan upang maibalik ang pera ng taumbayan (This is only the beginning of government efforts to return the people’s money),” she said.

Use of auction funds to follow proper budgeting channels

Asked whether the recovered funds would be used to support flood control projects, Castro said allocations will depend on national budgeting processes.
She emphasized that once the proceeds reach the treasury, they become part of general government funds and may be programmed for essential public services.
“Hindi natin masasabi sa ngayon… Pero definitely, dapat magamit ito sa tama para sa serbisyo sa taumbayan (We cannot say for now … But definitely, this should be used properly for public service),” she said.
Castro reiterated that President Marcos personally ordered agencies to begin recovering funds lost to anomalous flood-control projects, many of which were first exposed by the President himself earlier this year.
She said Thursday’s auction is intended not only to return money to the public but also to send a clear message that corruption will be met with swift accountability.

Related Tags

President Marcos Bongbong Marcos Claire Castro AUCTION transparency Bureau of Customs
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