Pia Wurtzbach still has to pay taxes from Miss Universe windfall —BIR

Miss Universe 2015 Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach will still have to pay her taxes for her winnings despite a House resolution to exempt her from paying them, according to Bureau of Internal Revenue Commissioner Kim Henares.

Henares made the clarification during a press conference at the Department of Justice in Manila, after the House of Representatives approved in the committee level last week House Bill 6367.

"A resolution is not a law.... In the law now, there is no exemption. So if you want to exempt somebody, you have to pass a law, and a law requires the vote of the lower house and the Senate," said Henares.

She said under the law, a tax exemption needs a three-fourths vote of both the House of Representatives and the Senate.

Henares said Wurtzbach will have to pay a bulk of her income tax to the United States, and only "1 to 2 percent" will go to the Philippines.

Henares advised Wurtzbach to compute how much taxes she paid in the US and attach it to the income tax return that she would be filing in the Philippines.

"So we will recognize the payment that you made to the US. For me, all of these are allowed under the law provided you follow the law. If you do not follow the law, then you cannot get the benefit of the law," said Henares.

"Pero kailangan hindi iyan sulat sa hangin. You should have proof- papers, documents- that show that you declared this and paid this tax overseas na certified true copy, consularized," she added.

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. -NB, GMA News