BIR seizes 19 vehicles linked to P7.18 billion tax liabilities of contractors Curlee and Sarah Discaya

Key facts

• 19 vehicles seized by BIR under constructive distraint (15) and constructive seizure (4).
• Vehicles are part of 32 units previously held by the Bureau of Customs since 2025.
• Tax liabilities of contractors Curlee and Sarah Discaya amount to P7.18 billion.
• BIR is preparing a criminal complaint against the Discayas.
• BIR is assessing an additional P998 million in deficiency taxes from the couple's company.
• The seizure aims to preserve assets while investigation continues.

BIR takes custody of 19 vehicles from Discaya construction firm

The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) has taken custody of 19 vehicles linked to the P7.18 billion tax liabilities of contractors Curlee and Sarah Discaya. The vehicles were turned over to the BIR by the Bureau of Customs (BOC), which had previously seized them. Fifteen of the vehicles are under constructive distraint, while four are under constructive seizure. These measures are intended to preserve the assets while the investigation proceeds. The BIR is also preparing a criminal complaint against the Discayas.

Assets part of larger haul by Customs in 2025

The 19 vehicles are part of a larger group of 32 units that were originally seized by the Bureau of Customs in 2025. The BOC had held the vehicles before turning them over to the BIR as part of the tax collection effort against the Discayas' construction firm. The transfer marks a significant step in the government's attempt to recover the massive tax debt. The BIR's actions are part of a broader crackdown on tax evasion by large contractors.

Criminal complaint and additional tax assessment loom

The BIR is preparing a criminal complaint against Curlee and Sarah Discaya, signaling that the tax bureau views the case as potentially involving fraud or willful evasion. In addition to the P7.18 billion in liabilities already identified, the BIR is assessing an extra P998 million in deficiency taxes from the couple's company. This additional assessment suggests that the tax bureau believes the Discayas underreported income or claimed improper deductions. The total amount at stake now exceeds P8.17 billion.

Constructive distraint and seizure explained

Constructive distraint allows the BIR to take constructive possession of assets to secure tax claims, while constructive seizure is a more stringent measure that physically takes control of property. Both are legal tools used when the BIR believes there is a risk that assets may be dissipated or hidden. The 15 vehicles under constructive distraint remain in the owner's possession but cannot be sold or transferred without BIR approval. The four under constructive seizure are now in BIR custody. These measures ensure that the assets are available to satisfy the tax debt if the BIR prevails in court.

Background: Discaya construction firm under scrutiny

Curlee and Sarah Discaya operate a construction firm that has been under investigation for tax liabilities. The couple's business has been a focus of the BIR's enforcement efforts, which have intensified in recent years as the government seeks to boost revenue collection. The P7.18 billion tax liability is one of the largest ever pursued by the BIR against individual contractors. The case highlights the tax bureau's willingness to use asset seizures and criminal complaints to compel compliance.

What comes next: legal proceedings and asset recovery

The BIR will continue its investigation and pursue the criminal complaint against the Discayas. The couple may face charges of tax evasion, which carry penalties including imprisonment. The additional P998 million deficiency tax assessment will also be contested. The seized vehicles will remain under BIR control until the tax liabilities are resolved. If the Discayas fail to pay, the BIR may auction the assets to recover the debt. The case is likely to set a precedent for how the BIR handles large-scale tax evasion by contractors.

The bottom line

• The BIR has seized 19 vehicles from contractors Curlee and Sarah Discaya to secure P7.18 billion in tax liabilities.
• The vehicles were part of 32 units originally seized by the Bureau of Customs in 2025.
• A criminal complaint is being prepared against the Discayas, and an additional P998 million in deficiency taxes is being assessed.
• Constructive distraint and seizure are used to preserve assets during the investigation.
• The total potential tax recovery exceeds P8.17 billion, one of the largest cases against individual contractors.