The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) recognized Vice Ganda, Kathryn Bernardo, Julia Barretto, and Kim Chiu as some of the top celebrity taxpayers for 2024 during the Tax Campaign Kickoff event in Quezon City on March 4, 2025.
Leading the list of celebrity taxpayers was Vice Ganda, who took the stage to emphasize the importance of fulfilling tax responsibilities while also holding the government accountable for its use of public funds.
“Obligado tayong magbayad ng buwis at dapat natin gawin ‘yon. At pagkatapos nating magbayad ng buwis, karapatan din nating obligahin ang mga hahawak ng buwis na binabayad natin,” the comedian-host stated in his speech.
He further stressed that taxes fund national development projects, adding: “Nasaan na po ‘yung quality of life? Nasaan na po ‘yung projects? Nasaan na po ‘yung tulay? Bakit po bumagsak ang tulay sa Isabela?”
Vice Ganda later took to social media to express his gratitude for the recognition, writing: “Maraming salamat sa pagkilala sa akin bilang TOP TAXPAYER in BIR Quezon City for 2024. Obligasyon nating magbayad ng buwis, at obligasyon din nating itanong kung saan napupunta ito.”
Julia Barretto was named the second-highest celebrity taxpayer, as confirmed by her management, Viva Artists Agency.
“Julia Barretto receives an award for being the second-highest taxpayer in Quezon City at the BIR Quezon City Tax Campaign Kickoff,” Viva Artists Agency announced on social media.
Meanwhile, Kathryn Bernardo, who was also recognized, sent a video message thanking the BIR as she was unable to attend in person.
Among the other top celebrity taxpayers honored at the event were: Kim Chiu, Darren Espanto, Daniel Padilla (represented by his mother Karla Estrada), Dingdong Dantes, Jennylyn Mercado and Dennis Trillo, Albert Martinez, Allen Dizon and Catriona Gray.
This marks the second consecutive year that Kathryn Bernardo and Daniel Padilla have been recognized by the BIR for their tax compliance.
Vice Ganda reiterated that paying taxes is an obligation, but at the same time, citizens have the right to demand transparency from the government.
“Kung obligasyon nating magbayad, karapatan din nating obligahin ang mga tatanggap at gagamit ng perang ibinabayad natin,” he emphasized.
His remarks resonated with many Filipinos, earning praise online for using his platform to advocate for financial responsibility and government accountability.
The BIR’s recognition of celebrity taxpayers aims to encourage Filipinos to fulfill their tax duties, as tax collections directly impact national development.
