Solon seeks tax exemption for Pia
MISS UNIVERSE FACEBOOK PHOTO
A Mindanao solon is set to file a resolution exempting from tax the earnings and crown of the reigning Miss Universe 2015 Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach.
In an interview over the phone on Wednesday, Cagayan de Oro Rep. Rufus Rodriguez said the resolution would also seek to congratulate the beauty queen and bestow upon her the title Ambassador of Good Will.
“The bill would also exempt her earnings from taxes. She has given honor to the Philippines and our city,” Rodriguez said.
Wurtzbach, 26, is a Filipino-German beauty raised in Cagayan De Oro city.
Rodriguez said the resolution would also seek for tax exemption of Wurtzbach’s gem-studded crown.
The crown crafted in the Czech Republic costs $300,000 and comprises of diamonds, blue topaz, blue sapphire, crystal, and gold.
READ: What does Pia Wurtzbach get as Miss Universe?
“The more the crown should not be taxed! Since the (gems) are part of the crown that should be exempt to acknowledge and give honor to her,” Rodriguez said.
He added that he hoped tax chief Kim Henares would not go after the queen, saying Wurtzbach is a “small fish” who did not earn much from the beauty pageant.
Wurtzbach is the third Filipina to win the title, ending a title drought of 42 years for the Philippines.
The Philippines last took home the crown in 1973, courtesy of Margie Moran. It was a short wait after the victory of Gloria Diaz in 1969.
Wurtzbach won the most awkward Miss Universe in history after its host Steve Harvey wrongly crowned Miss Colombia Ariadna Gutierrez. Gutierrez had to be decrowned on live telecast to give way to the rightful queen.
Rodriguez said he would file the resolution on Jan. 4, 2015. The resolution would be read in the plenary on Jan. 18, and be conferred personally to Wurtzbach on Jan. 20, when she gets back to the Philippines.
