Arroyo crush seized Porsches, Ferraris, BMWs

Crush the smugglers, not just the luxury cars

08/12/2007

MANILA, Philippines—Gleaming BMWs, Lambhorginis, Ferraris, Porsches and other very expensive luxury cars most Filipinos can only dream of owning will be destroyed to show the government is serious about stopping the smuggling of cars into the country.

Valenzuela City Rep. Magtanggol Gunigundo, meanwhile, said the smuggled luxury vehicles could fund government projects for the poor if President Arroyo decides to auction or sell them instead as stipulated in the terms of the tariff and customs code. The destroyed vehicles cost an estimated P10 million.

"I say, crush the smugglers, not just the luxury cars. Publicity stunts such as this will be forgotten in a few days' time. What would leave a lasting impression are actual arrests of smugglers and their protectors in government," said Roxas.

While the senator welcomed the destruction of the smuggled vehicles he noted that the 14 luxury vehicles that were originally announced for destruction were spared.

"However, reactions to the event were more critical than impressed, with the Mercedes Benzes reportedly even being replaced by cheaper makes and with the smuggled Lamborghini and Ferrari cars conspicuously missing," he said.

VIA

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