Maceda, 2 aides seek tax break for luxury cars

Former Ambassador to Washington Ernesto Maceda and two advisers allegedly tried to bring into the country four luxury vehicles from the United States tax-free, records show.

In a Dec. 7 memorandum to Malacañang, former Foreign Affairs Secretary Domingo Siazon Jr. sought approval for the request of Maceda that he and advisers Rolleo Ignacio and Patricia Porras be given tax-exemption for their personal and household effects and motor vehicles.

Maceda wanted to bring in a 2000 Mercedes Benz S500 and a 2000 Toyota sports utility vehicle, and Ignacio and Porras, a 2001 BMW MX5 each. The vehicles cost at least P3 million each.

Maceda’s request was tantamount to an exception to the Foreign Service Act of 1991 which allows tax- and duty-free entry of only one motor vehicle for diplomatic officials and personnel.

But a foreign affairs official, who requested anonymity, said the vehicles should have been used as service vehicles for at least six months, and that Maceda and his advisers should have served for at least two years, to avail themselves of the tax-free privilege.

Maceda and Ignacio assumed their posts on July 19, 1999, and Porras on Sept. 6, 1999 but was recalled on Sept. 30, 2000.