Derek Ramsay’s Sports Car Seized Amidst Tax Evasion Allegations 

Actor Derek Ramsay

Derek Ramsay’s Sports Car Seized Amidst Tax Evasion Allegations 

By Bing Jabadan – TheNATIONWEEK.com | August 24, 2026

MANILA, Philippines – The Bureau of Customs (BOC) has moved to seize a high-value sports car registered to actor Derek Ramsay, following an investigation that revealed alleged tax misdeclaration. The luxury vehicle, a Porsche 918 Spyder, was reportedly undervalued as a Porsche Boxster upon import, a maneuver that could have significantly reduced payable taxes and duties.

The discovery began with an alert from the Land Transportation Office (LTO), which identified the Porsche 918 Spyder operating with a suspicious license plate. This plate, though registered under Ramsay’s name, was for a vehicle that had already been sold, with its registration untransferred. This discrepancy triggered a joint inquiry between the BOC and LTO, scrutinizing the vehicle’s import documentation.

BOC Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno confirmed the agency’s intent to issue a warrant of seizure and detention, leading to the forfeiture and subsequent auction of the vehicle. “Once the warrant of seizure and detention and seizure proceedings are complete, and the vehicle is in government hands, we will auction it,” Nepomuceno stated.

According to BOC findings, the Porsche 918 Spyder, imported in 2021, was fraudulently declared as a Porsche Boxster – a model with a substantially lower market value. This alleged misdeclaration allowed for a drastically reduced tax payment; officials estimate that instead of a minimum of 35 million pesos, only 1.8 million pesos in taxes was paid.

The investigation is now broadening to determine culpability. Commissioner Nepomuceno indicated that the import broker, the consignee, and any BOC personnel involved in processing the transaction could face charges. Authorities are also investigating Ramsay’s potential involvement, noting he may have acquired the vehicle under the premise of good faith. “Many will be held accountable here. The responsibility is significant due to the sheer scale of the misdeclaration in its documents and the amount paid,” Nepomuceno emphasized.

Concurrently, the LTO is pursuing its own investigation into the vehicle’s registration documents and how such papers were obtained. LTO Chief Assistant Secretary Markus Lacanilao highlighted the agency’s capability to detect fraudulent documents, particularly for high-value vehicles. “Just because papers were issued doesn’t mean they are safe. This also applies to employees who issued the ORCR for this vehicle,” Lacanilao asserted. He added that the LTO has established mechanisms to swiftly identify questionable documents, particularly for luxury and sports cars, by monitoring plate series.

Ramsay has publicly maintained his innocence, asserting he purchased the supercar in “good faith” with all appropriate documentation. In a recent social media statement, the actor declared, “I am not a smuggler, nor did I import this vehicle into the country. I have never imported any vehicle into the Philippines.” He further explained, “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.”

The ongoing investigation seeks to unravel the full extent of the alleged misdeclaration and determine who bears responsibility for the substantial tax evasion claims.

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