Authorities in the Philippines recently crushed a gorgeous Ferrari 360 Spider that was allegedly smuggled into the country.
President Rodrigo Duterte has made a name for himself in recent years broadcasting the demise of vehicles imported illegally. Local news outlet GMA News was on hand and filmed the Ferrari being crushed by a huge construction vehicle in a scene which is sure to upset not just car enthusiasts but anyone with even the slightest mechanical empathy.
According to Gulf News Asia, this Ferrari was supposed to be not a whole car but an assortment of different parts – which, clearly, wasn’t the case.
“The vehicle was wrongly declared as auto parts, to avoid payment of the right taxes,” local customs commissioner Rey Leonardo Guerrero said.
Also Watch: Philippines’ Duterte Crushes Another 68 Luxury Cars Including Lambos, Porsches, BMWs And A Skyline
In August last year, Duterte ordered 68 illegally imported and motorcycles to be crushed in a very public display. Among them were a Lamborghini Gallardo, a number of Porsche 911s, numerous BMWs, a Ford Mustang convertible, a Nissan Skyline and more. At the time it was estimated that these vehicles were valued at approximately $5.89 million.
While it’s clear that the president wants to send out a clear message to felons, it is strange that this is the course of action he takes in his attempt to stamp out the practice. For instance, the seized vehicles could easily be sold at auction and his government could pocket the proceeds. Rather, he chooses to make a big public display to scare off those thinking about breaking the law and try to avoid paying the appropriate taxes.