'Reconciled': Pacquiao, BIR unite to champion tax compliance
Let bygones be bygones.
The once stormy waters between the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) and Manny Pacquiao have shifted, with the boxing icon now championing tax compliance among Filipinos.
The BIR has tapped Pacquiao as one of its famous personalities tasked with reminding taxpayers about the deadline for filing their 2023 annual income tax returns (ITRs).
In a brief 24-second video shared on the BIR's official Facebook page, Pacquiao encourages taxpayers to file and pay their 2023 ITRs before April 15, 2024.
“Napapakita ko ang aking pag mamahal sa bayan sa pamamagitan ng pag babayad ng wastong buwis,” Pacquiao stated. “Wag nating hintaying ang April 15, mag file at mag bayad ng 2023 annual income tax return.”
[I show my love for the country by paying the correct taxes. Let's not wait until April 15, file and pay the 2023 annual income tax return.]
He further explained that by meeting tax obligations promptly, the country's progress will be accelerated even further.
In the past, Pacquiao's relationship with the tax authorities was strained, culminating in a multi-billion peso tax case filed against the boxing legend and his wife, Jinkee Pacquiao by the BIR.
But after a long legal battle, the Pacquiaos won the case when the Court of Tax Appeals ruled in their favor.
Pacquiao, alongside other celebrities, is now urging taxpayers to complete and file their 2023 ITRs before the April 15 deadline.
Television personalities like Aga Muhlach, Bela Padilla, Kiray Celis, Cooky Chua, Joey de Leon, Boy Abunda, Sam YG, and Rico Robles are also actively participating in the BIR's tax campaign.
Moreover, social media influencers and athletes including Rosmar Tan, Christian Antolin, LA Tenorio, and Scottie Thompson are also playing a role in promoting tax compliance.