Businessman and former congressman Sam Verzosa has addressed allegations linking him to corruption after videos of his luxury cars and lavish home circulated online.
In an interview with select members of the media during the launch of Maserati’s 110th anniversary limited-edition line at the brand’s showroom along EDSA, San Juan City on Thursday, Verzosa firmly denied the claims, emphasizing that his wealth was earned long before he entered politics.
“I think everyone knows na we acquired the Ferrari and Maserati dealership even before I entered politics,” he said. “We have a multi-national brand, Frontrow, all over the world. And not just that, marami pa tayong ibang mga negosyo.”
Verzosa, who co-founded Frontrow International, said he has always been transparent about his businesses and assets.
“Buti na lang, nangyari lahat ‘yon bago ako nag-pulitika. So when they tried to associate it… because may interviews din ako na house tour, may mga ipinakita ako na sports cars, of course, yung mga tao, hindi naman basta-basta maniniwala, lalo na kung may mga resibo ka,” he added.
“That’s what I have. I have receipts. I have videos. I have you guys, you know my story.”
He also shared that many people defended him amid the controversy.
“Marami ang nagtanggol sa akin. Hanggang ngayon naman, ipinapakita ko.
“Sabi nila, bakit ang dami ko raw sports cars? Sabi ko, ‘Grabe kayo.’ Nagbigay na nga ako ng Ferrari sports car nung pandemic. Nagbigay ako ng brand new Maserati. Ipina-auction ko for Philippine General Hospital.”
Verzosa revealed that he auctioned off ten of his supercar collections to raise funds for charity, including hospitals and relief programs.
“I auctioned everything. For me, I always say this — the true purpose of wealth is to share it with people.”
The event, themed “Electrifying Heritage in Motion,” celebrated Maserati’s Italian legacy of design and performance while highlighting the brand’s future through electrification.
The spotlight was on the GranTurismo Folgore, Maserati’s first fully electric sports car — a fusion of art, engineering, and sustainability. Only 110 units were produced globally, with two allocated to the Philippines.
The celebration also featured an exclusive collaboration with Filipino artists Ramon Orlina and Jinggoy Buensuceso, whose works embodied Maserati’s innovative spirit.
“(Metal) sculptures on wheels,” described Willie Soong and Maserati Philippines president Sam Verzosa, referencing the synergy between automotive craftsmanship and fine art.
Verzosa expressed his pride in bringing Maserati’s vision of luxury and performance to the Philippine market.
“Maraming bumibili ng Maserati sa Pilipinas!” he said enthusiastically.
It was, indeed, an evening that merged art, elegance, and electrifying innovation — a fitting tribute to Maserati’s 110 years of power, prestige, and timeless Italian design.
