Derek Ramsay asserts amid misdeclared car allegation: ‘I’m not a smuggler’

Amid a Land Transportation Office (LTO) probe into its alleged fake license plate, Derek Ramsay’s luxury vehicle is now facing a separate issue with the Bureau of Customs (BOC) over alleged misdeclaration.

According to the BOC, Ramsay’s luxury car was listed as a different model in its import documents. The vehicle was reportedly declared as a Porsche Boxster instead of Porsche 918 Spyder, which is significantly more expensive. The agency noted that only around P2 million in import taxes was paid, instead of approximately P35 million due for the vehicle.

Ramsay addressed the matter via his Instagram Stories on Saturday, Aug. 22, clarifying that he did not import the luxury car into the country.

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“I am not a smuggler, nor did I import this vehicle into the country. I have never imported any vehicle into the Philippines,” he said.

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“I purchased this car four years ago from JHON LEE of JWORKS using my hard-earned money. 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 stated.

The actor reiterated that he purchased the luxury car “in good faith,” believing it was “properly documented and legally registered.”

“I have already cooperated with the LTO regarding the issue involving the plates, and I will also fully cooperate with the Bureau of Customs (BOC) regarding this new matter,” he said, stressing that he had no involvement in the importation, taxation, or registration of the vehicle.

“I am willing to provide any documents or information in my possession and cooperate with the authorities as necessary to establish the facts,” he added, also urging the automotive shop to provide an explanation on the matter.

Ramsay had already surrendered the luxury car to the LTO last Aug. 17. /ra