IN the run-up to April 15, the Bureau of Internal Revenue has asked boxing icon Manny Pacquiao to be the country?s model taxpayer by declaring his income and paying taxes from his earnings.
BIR Commissioner Guillermo Parayno, in a letter dated April 8, said that Pacquiao is considered by many as their idol and that he “would be an effective endorser of good citizenship.??
“We would like you to help us inspire our countrymen to be tax complaint and make tax collection more efficient. The examples you will set by declaring all your income, including wares, prizes, endorsements and other amounts you received, and your paying the corresponding tax due, if any, will be emulated by all of our countrymen,?? Parayno said
Pacquiao, hailed as the people?s champion, fought against Mexican boxer Eric Morales last March 19 in the first ever pay-per-view match by a Filipino. Despite a losing effort, he is still regarded as a great hero by its countrymen.
Pacquiao owes the US government income taxes for the March 19 fight and for previous matches held in the US. Pacquiao is also accountable to the Philippine government for taxes on whatever income he has earned in the country.
Parayno congratulated Pacquiao for bringing honor to the country and making Filipino proud. At the same time, Manny?s many successes and tremendous following, Parayno says, is the reason why he is now “much sought after as an endorser in commerce and in other fields.??
Parayno is confident that Pacquiao will support BIR?s endeavors, and that he “will continue to do the country proud.??
BIR has intensified its tax collection campaign approaching the April 15 deadline for income tax filling. The Bureau encourages Filipino taxpayers to “pay the correct taxes at the right time?? to avoid stiff penalties.
