Despite Cagayan De Oro’s Representative proposed tax exemption on Pia Wurtzbach’s winnings, the Bureau of Internal Revenue or BIR is apparently firm in taxing our Miss Universe 2015’s prizes.
Her Czech Republic-made crown is reportedly costs $300,000 and composed of diamonds, blue topaz, expensive crystals, gold, and blue sapphire.
According to Manila Bulletin’s online report, BIR mentioned yesterday that the cash prize and other awards Pia received for winning the Miss Universe title are subject to income tax. In fact, top revenue officials reiterated that as a Filipino citizen, Pia’s earnings from within and outside the Philippines must be taxable and subject to the maximum rate of 32 percent.
After 42 years of waiting, finally, the Miss Universe 2015 title was bagged by a Filipina beauty queen, Pia Wurtzbach.
As further explained in the article, the only way to exempt her from being taxed is if Congress creates a special legislation.
Significantly, CDO Rep. Rufus Rodriguez said that exempting Pia’s earnings from tax is  our way of showing gratefulness to the honor she brought to our country.  Those were the exact thoughts of other veteran lawmakers, when they granted tax exemption privileges to Gemma Cruz-Araneta.
Source:Â www.missosology.info
She won the Miss International title in 1964, in recognition for being the first Filipino and Asian to receive the prestigious award.
What did Pia earn from winning Miss Universe?
Pia gets a year-long salary (as Miss Universe) and luxurious accommodations with living expenses in a New York apartment during her reign.
Apart from that, she will also receive the following:
- 1-year scholarship from the New York Film Academy College of Visual Performing Arts
- modeling portfolio by the official photographer of the pageant, Fadil Berisha
- Dermatology and skin care services
- Dental services
- Health and nutrition consultation
- Personal services that include membership to Gravity Fitness at Le Parker Meridien Hotel
- Hair services from John Barrett Salon
- One year supply of haircare products and tools from CHI Haircare
- Skincare products from Image Skincare
- Shoe wardrobe by Chinese Laundry Shoes
- Swimwear from Yamamay
According to Tax Code Under Section 32, the prizes are exempted if the awards are accomplished by:
- Recognition of religious
- Charitable
- Scientific
- Artistic
- Educational and Literary Achievement
Meanwhile, Pia’s hometown, Cagayan De Oro and the whole Philippines are waiting for her homecoming on the 23rd of January 2016.
If you remember, most of our athletes, including our Filipino boxing icon Manny Pacquiao was not exempted and was allegedly criticized for not paying the taxes correctly.
What are your thoughts about this? Share them in the comment section below!
