Featured image above: BOC Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno (2nd, right) shakes hands with LTO Chief Assistant Secretary Markus V. Lacanilao as they seal their agencies’ joint fight against smuggling, etc. With them are Atty. Martin Ontog, LTO, and Atty. Jek Casipit, BOC. (Photo: SDN)
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QUEZON CITY, October 21, 2025 (SDN) — The flood control projects scandal has unwittingly uncovered the presence of many luxurious vehicles that were apparently smuggled, or spuriously imported and registered owned by some government officials and contractors.
In fact, the Bureau of Customs (BOC) and the Land Transportation Office (LTO) had already acted, seizing many of the luxurious vehicles from those involved in the flood control projects.
To formalize and strengthen the two government offices’ strategic partnership, BOC Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno and LTO Chief Assistant Secretary Markus V. Lacanilao signed today, Tuesday, a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) here at the latter’s Main Office.
Their MOA signals the launch of their strategic partnership aimed at “tightening controls on the registration of imported vehicles and combat smuggling” of luxurious vehicles and others.
Nepomuceno cited the MOA’s significance and relevance, saying the accord between the two government agencies demonstrates their collaborative effort as they jointly promote transparency and coordinated enforcement of relevant laws and regulations.
“This mutual cooperation with the LTO reinforces our shared goal of ensuring transparency, efficiency, and strict compliance with customs laws and other government regulations,” the Customs chief emphasizes.
“By working together, we want to make sure that every vehicle import and registration process is handled with the highest standards of integrity.”
Lacanilao shared the BOC sentiments in a separate statement, vowing to ensure correct taxes are paid by importers of cars.
“I will make sure that every imported vehicle will pay the right taxes. I will make sure that registered vehicles under the Land Transportation Office (LTO) are road-worthy,” the LTO chief promised.
Further, the BOC and LTO tandem’s initiative is reflective of the former’s commitment under the agency’s new leadership as it upholds President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.’s directive towards stronger and more unified action against smuggling in all its forms, ensuring that government revenues are properly collected.
The two government agencies’ agreement covers their improving data sharing for key documents such as Certificates of Payment (CPs), Certificates of Registration (CRs), and Official Receipts (ORs).
BOC and LTO will also create a joint task force to lead enforcement operations in the hunt for unlawfully imported vehicles, as well as those misclassified or misdeclared that violate the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA), and other associated violations.
Also in a statement provided to members of the news media is the intent of the MOA “to safeguard the public by helping deter fraudulent practices, curbing unfair competition, and protecting government revenues vital to national development.
One more thing, the BOC and the LTO will be establishing a Joint Technical Working Group (JTWG) inside 30 days of the signing of the MOA which the two partners did on October 21.
The JTWG will be clothed with the task of developing and implementing the necessary rules and guidelines for the agreement’s effective implementation.
“This initiative highlights the BOC’s commitment under Commissioner Nepomuceno’s leadership to modernize operations, strengthen integrity, and ensure that government services remain accountable, transparent, and responsive to the public’s call for a more credible and reliable governance,” the Customs bureau emphasized in the statement.
A highlight of the MOA signing was the turnover by the LTO to BOC of a prized unit of Lamborghini Urus which was seized in the Bonifacio Global City (BGC), Taguig City, Metro Manila.
An LTO official told SDN – SciTech & Digital News the luxurious car colored violet was owned by Korean. He added the Lamborghini Urus has no proper documents. It will undergo appropriate Customs processes.
Observers expect the collaboration of the BOC and LTO to bear fruits for the government. (©)