House panel OKs bill declaring Pia Wurtzbach's winnings tax-free

The House Ways and Means committee approved Tuesday a measure exempting the earnings and prizes of Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach from taxes and duties, ahead of her arrival in the Batasan Pambansa in Quezon City.

The committee unanimously passed House Bill 6367 filed by Reps. Rufus Rodriguez of Cagayan de Oro and Maximo Rodriguez Jr. of Abante Mindanao party-list after a brief discussion.

During the hearing, lawyer Nina Asuncion from the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) said there will be no double taxation on Wurtzbach's earnings from the pageant as long as she submits the necessary documents.

"The US may have already taxed Pia Wurtzbach on the prizes she received there. If she wants the tax she paid there credited in the Philippines, she has to submit the documents as proof of the same," she said.

The US and the Philippines have an existing tax treaty.

Wurtzbach is set to arrive at the House of Representatives before the plenary session starts at 4 p.m. to pay a courtesy call on Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr.

She will also receive the Congressional Medal of Distinction, the highest honor the House of Representatives gives to anyone who excels in a field unrelated to politics, during the plenary session.

Under HB 6367, the tax exemption for Wurtzbach will cover her prizes from the Miss Universe pageant, including: her year-long salary; accommodations in a New York apartment for the duration of her reign, including living expenses; one-year supply of haircare products and tools from CHI Haircare; one-year scholarship at the New York Film Academy College of Visual Performing Arts; the new custom diamond tiara and jewelry designed by D.I.C; a shoe wardrobe from Chinese Laundry; Swimwear by Yamamay; A year’s worth of skincare products from Image Skincare; Personal services including membership to Gravity Fitness at Le Parker Meridien Hotel and hair services from John Barrett Salon.

Also proposed to be exempt from taxes are the expenses incurred from her travel representing sponsors and charitable partners; access to various New York City events including casting opportunities, movie premiers, screenings, Broadway shows and launch parties; and personal appearance wardrobe and styling by the official Miss Universe Organization fashion stylist. — APG, GMA News