Updated February 07, 2018 15:57:54

A fleet of luxury and sports cars worth an estimated $1.5 million has been crushed by a bulldozer as part of Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte's crackdown on smuggling.

Mr Duterte oversaw the destruction of 20 vehicles in Manila on Tuesday while similar demonstrations were held simultaneously on seven cars in Port of Davao and three cars in the Port of Cebu.

The ceremony came days after Mr Duterte promised the destruction of the vehicles illegally brought to the country, the Philippine Star reported.

"You're the only ones who know about the auction, you disrespect the Filipinos," Mr Duterte said on his Presidential Communications Facebook page.

"That's why you have many cars then after the auction, you are given papers legally and at a cheaper price.

"Watch what will happen with your money and all these imported luxury cars. I'll run them over with a tractor."

The cars were worth an estimated 61 million pesos ($1.5 million) and included a Corvette Stingray, a Jaguar S-Type and an Audi A6 Quattro.

Photo: Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte took office in June 2016. (AP: Wong Maye-e)

Mr Duterte has waged a ruthless war on drugs since taking office in June 2016.

Thousands of men, women and children have been killed and the violence has been criticised by much of the international community.

Political opponents of the President have been silenced or detained but Mr Duterte remains popular in the polls at home, with his approval ratings consistently above 80 per cent.

AP/ABC

Topics: crime, world-politics, drugs-and-substance-abuse, philippines

First posted February 07, 2018 13:46:09