Press Release
February 8, 2016

Pimentel files bill to exempt Ms. Universe from payment of taxes

Senator Aquilino "Koko" Pimentel III today sought tax exemption privileges for the reigning Miss Universe beauty pageant titlist Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach in recognition of the singular honor and prestige she has given the country and the Filipino people after some 40 years of drought in that highly competitive field of universal beauties.

Pimentel filed Senate Resolution No. 3220 last February 3 to seek exemption from payment of income tax, value-added tax and import duties on the winnings and prizes of the 26-year old beauty from Cagayan de Oro City.

He said Wurtzbach, who bested 70 other candidates from all over the world in the 64th Miss Universe contest on December 21 last year in last Vegas, Nevada, should be accorded the tax privileges on account of the tremendous honor and recognition she has brought to the country and all Filipinos.

The proposed measure would also exempt from donor's tax, any endowment or contribution made by Wurztbach from such winnings and/or prizes to religious, charitable, educational, or religious cultural or social welfare institution, accredited non-government organization, trust or philanthropic organization or research institution or organization.

Pimentel said this would hopefully encourage others to engage and be active in charity work and other altruistic causes.

As Miss Universe, Wurtzbach would be receiving a year-long salary, luxury accommodations in a New York City apartment for the duration of her reign, including living expenses, and designer evening wear, swimwear, and shoe wardrobe, all of which may be subject to income tax and import duties once brought back home by her.

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