Boxing superstar Manny Pacquiao and Revenue Commissioner Kim Henares. INQUIRER NORTHERN LUZON and INQUIRER FILE PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines – Internal Revenue Commissioner Kim Jacinto-Henares did not mean to spoil boxing icon Manny Pacquiao’s triumph over the weekend by reminding him about his tax liabilities, Malacañang said Monday.
“Perhaps it was just a reminder. At this point, I don’t think that she meant to be a spoiler to his victory,” deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said in a televised press conference.
She pointed out that the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) was already working with the Sarangani congressman on how to settle the issue.
“Sinabi nga ni Commissioner Henares kanina nakikipag-usap naman siya sa kampo ni [Pacquiao] kung ano pa ang pwedeng gawin dahil dun sa mga hinaharap nyang liabilities. They don’t mean to make it hard for Congressman Pacquiao,” Valte explained.
(Commissioner Henares said a while ago that they are already talking to the camp of [Pacquiao] on what they can do because of the liabilities he is facing. They don’t mean to make it difficult for Congressman Pacquiao.)
Media reports said Henares reminded the new World Boxing Organization (WBO) welterweight champion of his tax liabilities in 2008 and 2009 right after his win against Timothy Bradley.
“Perhaps in the spirit of fun. We know how we can find humor in every situation and perhaps, you know, this is an example of that,” Valte said, pertaining to netizens pitting Henares against Pacquiao.
Since Pacquiao’s stunning performance at the MGM Grand Garen Arena in Las Vegas last Sunday (Philippine time), memes on his tax liability case and Henares’ imaginary reaction to his prize money have been circulating online.
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