The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) says the government could earn more than ₱100 million from auctioning luxury vehicles seized from contractors Curlee and Sarah Discaya, who are linked to irregularities in flood-control projects.
Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon said the move is part of the government’s intensified effort to recover public funds allegedly stolen through anomalous infrastructure projects, following President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s order to return all misused money and hold involved officials and contractors accountable.
Dizon inspected seven of the 30 seized vehicles and said their sale alone could exceed ₱100 million. He added that this is “only the beginning” of recovering more stolen assets.
The Bureau of Customs has already raised ₱38.21 million from auctioning three high-end units surrendered by the Discayas through voluntary forfeiture on October 23. Two Mercedes-Benz models were purchased by Simplex Industrial Corp., while a Lincoln Navigator was bought by Lesentrell Jewelries.
If all seven vehicles had been sold, the auction would have reached ₱103.87 million. Customs officials also said six more luxury vehicles under their custody are being verified and may bring in another ₱120 million if auctioned.
Dizon said arrest warrants for those involved in the alleged anomalies will follow, stressing that the government intends to recover more assets and return them to the public coffers.
