Actress Rica Peralejo has criticized the Bureau of Internal Revenue’s (BIR) registration badge requirement for digital earners, questioning why ordinary taxpayers face stricter compliance measures while allegations of corruption involving public funds remain unresolved.
In a post on Threads, Peralejo expressed frustration over the requirement for online sellers, content creators, and other digital income earners to display a BIR Registration Seal Badge on their online platforms.
The actress, who said she has been paying taxes since she was 13, questioned why compliant taxpayers must continually demonstrate their accountability while individuals accused of misusing public funds appear to escape similar scrutiny.
Peralejo emphasized that she was not defending tax evasion. Instead, she questioned what she viewed as unequal accountability between ordinary citizens and public officials accused of corruption.
“Hindi kailanman magiging tama ang magnakaw. Pero nakakatawa lang talaga na yung mga hindi nakarehistro at di nagbabayad ng buwis ay ginagawan ng paraan para hindi na sila makatakas,” she wrote. “Pero yung mga nagnanakaw sa kaban ng bayan di natin magawan ng paraan ano?”
She continued by questioning why authorities can implement measures against unregistered taxpayers while corruption remains a persistent public concern.
“Napaka-funny isipin na pwede sila magnakaw pero yung taong bayan hindi. One-sided? 🤪 also no, nakaw as a culture.”
Her remarks criticized what she perceived as a double standard in enforcing accountability, rather than the principle that digital earners should pay taxes.
In May 2026, the BIR announced a requirement for online sellers and digital income earners to display a Registration Seal Badge on their online platforms.
The measure covers online sellers, freelancers, professionals, vloggers, influencers, and others generating income through digital channels.
According to the BIR, the requirement is intended to strengthen tax compliance and transparency in the growing digital economy.
Peralejo’s criticism, however, highlights a separate concern: whether the government is demonstrating the same commitment to accountability in its handling of public funds. Peralejo’s statements reflect her frustration with the burden placed on taxpayers amid continuing public allegations of government corruption.
While the BIR’s registration requirement is designed to improve compliance, the actress argued that efforts to prevent tax evasion should be matched by effective measures against the misuse of taxpayers’ money. Her remarks did not identify specific public officials or establish wrongdoing by any particular individual.