The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) Region No. 7A-Quezon City recognized its top tax-paying celebrities.
Photo: Kim Chiu/Instagram, Vice Ganda, and Dingdong Dantes (via Romeo Lumagui on Facebook)
In a Facebook post by BIR commissioner Romeo “Jun” Lumagui Jr., several Filipino celebrities were awarded during the BIR Tax Campaign Kick-Off ceremony, which was held on March 4, 2025.
“Sa ilalim ng pamumuno ni Regional Director Rodel Buenaobra ay naging matagumpay ang kickoff, nilubos po natin ang pagkakataon na pasalamatan ang mga revenuers at taxpayer ng RR No. 7A. Naging malaking bahagi ito ng ating makasaysayang pagkamit ng 2024 collection target (Under the leadership of Regional Director Rodel Buenaobra, the kickoff was a success. We took the opportunity to express our gratitude to the revenuers and taxpayers of RR No. 7A. Their contributions played a significant role in our historic achievement of the 2024 collection target),” he wrote.
Vice Ganda, has been named the top taxpayer in Quezon City for 2024. On the other hand, Viva Artists Agency announced that Julia Barretto was the second-highest taxpayer.
Following this recognition, the It’s Showtime host emphasized the role of taxes in nation-building, as well as the importance of paying them.
“Pagkatapos natin magbayad ng buwis, karapatan din natin obligahin ang mga hahawak ng mga buwis na ibinabayad natin (After we pay our taxes, we also have the right to hold those managing our tax payments accountable),” he said.
“Karapatan natin mag-kuwestiyon at magsalita at bumoses dahil pera po natin ang ginamit do’n kaya lahat po tayo obligasyon natin magbayad ng buwis dahil tayo rin naman ang makikinabang diyan (We have the right to question, speak up, and make our voices heard because our money was used for that. It is also our obligation to pay taxes since we are the ones who will benefit from them),” he added.
Vice Ganda and Julia Barretto were joined by fellow top celebrity taxpayers such as Catriona Gray, Dingdong Dantes, Dennis Trillo, Jennylyn Mercado, Kim Chiu, Darren Espanto, Jason Dy, Allen Dizon, Richard Reynosa, and Albert Martinez.
In an Instagram post, Kim expressed her gratitude for being awarded as one of the top celebrity taxpayers in the entertainment industry.
View this post on Instagram
“As responsible citizens, it’s important to understand our tax obligations and how they contribute to nation-building. Thank you, BIR, for this recognition—let’s continue to support a stronger economy together!” she wrote. “May this award inspire more individuals and businesses to uphold integrity and responsibility in tax compliance.”
She added: “Together, let’s continue working toward a stronger and more prosperous nation. Thank you, and mabuhay ang lahat ng mga Pilipino!”
Meanwhile, Daniel Padilla, who was also one of the top celebrity taxpayers, was represented by his mother Carla Estrada.
Furthermore, Kathryn Bernardo, Bea Alonzo, Piolo Pascual, Vic Sotto, and Joey de Leon were also recognized as top tax-paying celebrities. Unfortunately, they weren’t able to attend the event.
In 2022, local celebrities were awarded as top tax-paying celebrities. This includes Anne Curtis, Sarah Geronimo, Judy Ann Santos-Agoncillo, and Coco Martin, among others.
