BOC to seize supercar previously owned by Derek Ramsay over alleged misdeclaration, tax underpayment
The Bureau of Customs is looking to issue a warrant for seizure of a supercar voluntarily surrendered by actor Derek Ramsay over alleged misdeclaration and tax underpayment.
On Aug. 17, the LTO impounded the vehicle, a Porsche 918, after it was caught allegedly using an unauthorized license plate. The office learned that the one behind the wheel was businessman Anthony Violago, Ramsay's friend to whom he supposedly sold the car. The actor turned over the supercar to authorities a day after.
Amid the investigation into the vehicle’s records, it was found that the first entry filed in September 2021 declared the car as a brand-new Porsche Boxster, while the Certificate of Payment and initial LTO registration identify it as a Porsche 918 Spyder under the same Customs entry.
The documents also reflected a substantial gap in the vehicle’s declared dutiable value, with the Boxster listed at around P3.26 million compared to approximately P48.02 million for the 918 Spyder.
The BOC is now looking into a possible violation of Section 1400 of Republic Act No. 10863, or the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act. The provision criminalizes misdeclaration, misclassification, and undervaluation of imported goods, with penalties depending on the nature and extent of the discrepancy.
Nepomuceno emphasized that they remain committed to working closely with the LTO to ensure that "laws are properly enforced, government revenue is protected, and due process is observed."
The vehicle remains under LTO custody while the agencies coordinate its formal turnover to the BOC for appropriate Customs proceedings.
Ramsay has previously denied using fake plates following the LTO's announcement of its issuance of a show cause order for the supercar's owner and driver.
"[I've] seen the issue regarding the 918 Spyder on social media. I do not drive any cars with fake plates. All my vehicles have proper plates," he wrote in an Instagram story on his private account.
He reiterated his position in a separate statement on Aug. 22, stressing that he is "not a smuggler" nor did he import the vehicle into the country.
"I purchased this car four years ago from Jhon Lee of JWorks using my hard-earned money. At the time of purchase, I was informed that the vehicle was tax-paid. The vehicle was subsequently registered with the LTO, and the registration and plates were issued under my name," he explained.
"I have no idea why this issue is now happening. I want to reiterate that I purchased the vehicle in good faith and believed that everything was properly documented and legally registered," he added.
Ramsay assured that he is cooperating with the LTO and BOC regarding the matter, and that he will provide any necessary documents or information to establish the facts.
