The Porsche 918 Spyder linked to Filipino actor Derek Ramsay. BOC
A Porsche 918 Spyder linked to Filipino actor Derek Ramsay is set to be seized and potentially auctioned by Philippine authorities after the Bureau of Customs (BOC) found an alleged misdeclaration in the vehicle’s import documents.
BOC Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno said on Monday (August 24) that the agency would issue a warrant of seizure and detention for the sports car after an investigation found that the vehicle had allegedly been declared as a Porsche Boxster when it was imported into the Philippines in 2021.
The two models have a significant difference in value. According to Nepomuceno, the Porsche 918 Spyder was worth about ₱75 million (Dh4.46 million) to ₱100 million (Dh5.95 million) at the time, while a Porsche Boxster was valued at about ₱6 million (Dh357,302) to ₱10 million (Dh595,503).
The lower declaration allegedly resulted in substantially lower taxes being paid.
Nepomuceno said the vehicle paid about ₱1.8 million (Dh107,000) in taxes, while authorities estimate that more than ₱30 million (Dh1.78 million) to ₱35 million (Dh2.08 million) should have been paid.
“Many people will be held accountable. There is significant liability because the error in the declaration, the documents and the amount paid was substantial. Imagine, only ₱1.8 million was paid when at least ₱35 million should have been paid,” he said in Filipino.
He said the vehicle would be auctioned if it is ultimately forfeited to the government following seizure proceedings. “Once the warrant of seizure and detention is issued and the seizure proceedings are completed, and the vehicle comes into the government’s possession, we will auction it,” Nepomuceno said.
The BOC said the import broker, consignee and customs personnel involved in the transaction could face liability. Authorities are still investigating whether Ramsay had any involvement in the alleged misdeclaration.
Ramsay says he bought the car in good faith
Ramsay has denied involvement in the vehicle’s importation and said he purchased it believing that all taxes and documents were in order.
“I am not a smuggler, nor did I import this vehicle into the country. I have never imported any vehicle into the Philippines,” Ramsay said in a statement posted on social media.
He said he purchased the car from JWorks about four years ago and was told it was tax-paid. “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 said.
Ramsay said he bought the vehicle “in good faith” and was prepared to cooperate with authorities. “I respectfully maintain that I had no involvement in the importation, taxation, or registration of this vehicle beyond purchasing it in good faith from JWorks,” he said.
The actor also said he had already cooperated with the Land Transportation Office (LTO) over a separate investigation involving an alleged fake licence plate.
The LTO said its investigation found that the Porsche had allegedly been sold to businessman Anthony Violago, who was reportedly driving it when the plate issue was discovered. However, the registration had not been transferred, leaving Ramsay as the registered owner in official records.
Ramsay and Violago surrendered their driving licences, while the Porsche was surrendered to the LTO on August 17.
LTO Assistant Secretary Markus Lacanilao said authorities are also examining how the vehicle’s registration documents were issued. “Having official papers does not automatically mean that they are safe from scrutiny. The employees who issued the vehicle’s official registration documents will also be investigated,” Lacanilao said in Filipino.
He said the LTO has systems to identify questionable documentation, particularly involving high-end vehicles. The investigation into the Porsche’s importation and registration remains ongoing. PGD/Expat Media
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