Metro Manila (CNN Philippines) — Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach may be the “most beautiful woman in the universe,” but she’s not yet exempt from paying taxes.
The Bureau of International Revenue (BIR) reminded the Miss Universe 2015 title holder on Thursday (February 4) to declare her earnings truthfully.
A House of Representatives committee unanimously passed House Bill 6367 last January 26, exempting her earnings and prizes from taxes and duties.
But BIR Commissioner Kim Henares said it’s just a bill and not a law.
Henares explained both chambers of the Congress should pass a law clearing the way for Wurtzbach not to pay a single centavo in the country.
For now, she added the Filipina beauty queen is left with no choice but to follow the law.
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The BIR chief explained Wurtzbach will have to pay the bulk of her income in the U.S.
As part of her prize package, Wurtzbach will receive salary as Miss Universe for the duration of her reign.
“You just have to declare it. Compute Philippine tax, then show what you paid in the U.S., attach it to your ITR [income tax return]. So we will recognize the payment that you made to the U.S.,” Henares said.
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She added if there will be any tax payment in the country it will be just one to two percent.
Backlash
Netizens hit Henares for being strict in collecting taxes from Wurtzbach. Some noted that Wurtzbach’s crown is not hers, but passed from one Miss Universe to another. Other netizens said that the beauty queen brought glory to the country and therefore should not be taxed.
Henares responded by saying that it was not on top of her mind to collect taxes from Wurtzbach or any personality who has brought pride to the country.
“I’d like to clarify, sa totoo lang kapag may nananalo, hindi ko naman naiisip na bubuwisan ko agad,” she shared.
Despite the backlash and negative comments, Henares stood by the nature of her work, which is to collect proper taxes.
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“For as long as I’m doing what is right, you can never make people happy. And siguro, I’m happy to contribute to the conversation,” she added.
During the queen’s homecoming press conference, Wurtzbach said that she has been responsible in paying her taxes, even when she was still in the entertainment industry.
Related: Metro Manila celebrates Miss Universe Pia Wurtzbach’s homecoming
CNN Philippines correspondent Anjo Alimario contributed to this report.
