A yellow Ferrari impounded by the Land Transportation Office (LTO) for multiple traffic violations was turned over by the agency to the Bureau of Customs (BOC) Thursday.
According to the LTO, the sports car was seized after stopping it on the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEx) Nov. 2 for lacking a front license plate. The officers also cited the driver for driving the car without a driver’s license.
LTO Chief Assistant Secretary Markus Lacanilao said that the driver’s stated reason for a missing front plate should not be used as an excuse.
‘They were saying that they were having a hard time mounting the plate number in the bumper, but it should not be an excuse. A license plate should be attached to the front. They don’t want the bumper to be drilled because the car is expensive, but they must abide by the rules,’ Lacanilao, speaking in Filipino, told reporters in an interview after the turnover ceremony.
Lacanilao also noted a prior report that the yellow Ferrari, which was being sold, had been transferred to a buyer without the owner’s consent.
‘This is the reason they asked the LTO for help. This car apprehended at the SCTEx is the same Ferrari, but we told them that everything will go through legal procedure,’ Lacanilao added.
Lacanilao also said that the driver who was apprehended claimed that they already owned the vehicle.
Consequently, he said that complaints have been filed regarding the ownership, but he added that the agency can’t resolve the case, as they have not received the documentation from the court.
Lacanilao then said that penalties for the violations have already been settled. However, LTO officials noted irregularities in the vehicle’s tax payments.
On behalf of the BOC, Manila International Container Port Chief Intelligence Officer Joel Pawin said that they will investigate the vehicle, which the LTO referred to them.
‘Once we prove that they lack payments, the BOC will seize [the car] and it will be subject to auction,’ Pawin said in the same interview.
Not related to Discayas
Lacanilao clarified that this vehicle is not owned by contractor couple Cezarah ‘Sarah’ and Pacifico ‘Curlee’ Discaya, who earlier admitted they owned over 20 luxury vehicles.
The LTO chief also said the seized Ferrari is not part of the seven luxury cars belonging to the Discayas that the BOC will auction Nov. 17, 2025. The BOC found these seven cars lacked import entry records or certificates of payment.