Rica Peralejo slams BIR registration seal requirement for content creators

Rica Peralejo expressed frustration over the Bureau of Internal Revenue’s (BIR) requirement for content creators and other digital earners to display a registration seal on their online platforms.

In a post on Threads, the actress said she has been paying taxes since she was 13 years old, questioning why she still needs to prove her tax compliance by displaying the BIR Registration Seal Badge.

“I have been paying taxes my whole life as an actress. Then one day, they say I need a seal, and apparently, the requirements for actors are different from those for content creators or social media personalities. We still have to provide proof,” Rica wrote.

(Buong buhay ko as artista ako ay nagbabayad ng buwis. Then isang araw sasabihin need ng seal at iba pa raw yung sa artista at sa content creator or social media. Kailangang may patunay pa.)

She added the requirement would have been acceptable if Filipinos were not being robbed by corrupt individuals.

“And all of this would have been okay if only we weren't being robbed. The thieves don't need to prove anything, but I, who have been paying taxes ever since I was 13 years old up to present, at 45, have until October 31 to display the seal on my platforms. It hurts to be a Filipino.”

(And all of this would have been ok if only hindi tayo ninanakawan. Yung mga magnanakaw walang need patunayan pero ako na nagbabayad ng buwis ever since I was 13 years of age to now, 45, hanggang October 31 ang deadline para sa seal na kailangang ipaskil sa aking platforms. Ang sakit maging Pilipino.)

Rica also described the requirement as insulting, especially amid allegations of corruption involving public officials.

“To me, the feeling is extremely insulting. While we're in the thick of being robbed… and then this. Like, seriously?”

(Para sa akin sobrang nakakainsulto yubg pakiramdam. In the thick of nanakawan tayo… tapos ganito. Like talaga ba?)

Rica questioned what had happened to the taxes she had paid, sarcastically asking whether taxpayers could receive a tax break for allegedly funding the overseas trips and luxury purchases of corrupt leaders.

In May, the BIR announced that online sellers and digital earners would be required to display their Registration Seal Badge on their online platforms as part of efforts to improve transparency and tax compliance in the digital economy.

The requirement covers online sellers, freelancers, professionals, vloggers, influencers, and other individuals earning income through digital platforms.

View on Threads

— Carby Basina/LA, GMA News