MANILA, Philippines — The Bureau of Customs (BOC) is planning to auction off the limited-edition McLaren 620R super car that was confiscated on Monday at the Port of Manila, in a bid to raise funds for the government’s fight against the coronavirus pandemic.
BOC spokesman Vincent Philip Maronilla said they would hold a meeting to discuss the auction of the smuggled luxury car.
“Considering the need of the government for funds, we are looking at a public auction,” Maronilla said.
The car was reportedly misdeclared as Porsche Cayman to avoid payment of duties and taxes amounting to more than P16 million.
McLaren 620R is valued at P33 million.
The BOC believed that the vehicle was shipped from Europe or US and not Hong Kong.
Maronilla said charges of violation of the Customs Modernization Act would be filed against the consignee of the shipment and the Customs broker.
He denied reports that the car has been “settled under the table” and would be released to its owner.